A new ten-year National Carer Strategy has been released by the government to better support Australia’s three million unpaid carers.
Launched on Tuesday by Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth, the National Carer Strategy 2024-2034 provides direction for Commonwealth efforts to improve the lives of Australia’s unpaid carers, including to support their health and wellbeing and to remain connected to economic and social opportunities. It also aims to increase awareness of the role of unpaid caregiving.
Most unpaid carers are women, and can be any age as they provide support to someone for various reasons like having a disability, a medical condition, mental illness or frailty in older age.
The actions announced by the government today include increasing the number of phone counselling sessions through Carer Gateway by a further 10,000 sessions per year– supporting more than 1,600 additional carers each year.
The strategy will also extend the hours for the Carer Gateway support service so carers can seek support at times that are more flexible to their needs. There will also be expanded access to peer support services and training.
“Today’s launch of the Strategy marks a pivotal step towards better supporting Australia’s carers, who provide vital support to those they care for every day,” Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said.
“We know caring is not a one size fits all experience, and that carers are a diverse group of people with a variety of needs and experiences.”
“That’s why it was so important for us that the Strategy was built with carers, and I want to thank everyone who took the time to participate in our consultation process and shape a Strategy that will drive real and needed improvements in the lives of all Australia’s carers.”
The National Carer Strategy was developed in consultation with carers, the National Carer Strategy Advisory Committee and the care sector, including Carers Australia and its hundreds of carers and 28 stakeholders in every state and territory across 55 activities that involved diverse cohorts (young carers, elderly carers, carers with disability, LGBTQIA+ carers, First Nations carers and remote/Outback carers).
The last Commonwealth carer strategy was launched by the Gillard government in 2011, but there has been no strategy since 2015.
Minister Rishworth said actions announced as part of the Action Plan would bring the National Carer Strategy to life, complementing the $907 million provided by the Albanese Government over 4 years to 2027-28 for carer support services.
“Importantly, by working to expand Carer Gateway hours and ensuring carers have greater access to counselling and peer support will provide carers with the appropriate support at the right time, so they can lead rich and fulfilling lives while performing their caring role,” Rishworth said.
Welcoming the National Carer Strategy, the National Carers Network has thanked Rishworth and the government for its development.
“The Strategy identifies the issues and challenges that carers grapple with every day and provides a blueprint for the future,” said Carers Australia Chairperson David Quilty. “The crucial next step is to build on this important work with concrete actions that make a meaningful difference in the lives of carers.”
Along with this welcome government action, the National Carers Network notes that there’s an urgent need for further action, including top-up funding for the Young Carer Bursary so young carers are not denied this lifeline in 2025.
The 2024 National Survey of Carers found nearly 60 per cent of carers experience financial stress. This is understandable as they lose on average $567,000 in earnings and superannuation over their lifetimes.
Ahead of the 2025 Federal election, Carers Australia CEO Annabel Reid has said the organisation “asks every politician to commit to tangible actions that will make a meaningful difference for carers.”
“Our Election Asks align with and build on the National Carer Strategy,” said Ms Reid. “We are committed to working with the Albanese Government and all political parties to enhance the financial security, health, wellbeing, and services and support for carers.”