National Carer Strategy

Whats new

The Australian Government is developing a new National Carer Strategy (the Strategy), and as part of that work we want to hear from carers across the country about what is important to them and how we can ensure they have the supports and services they need to participate fully in society and fulfil their caring role.

Carers are invited to contribute to the development of the Strategy by making a submission.

Don’t have time to complete a full submission but want to contribute to the development of the Strategy?

Here is a collection of free form questions you may like to answer. You can answer all, or just those most relevant and important to you.

Your responses will help us better understand the challenges and impacts you experience in your caring role and will inform areas for priority in the Strategy.

You can submit online, or if you prefer, print, complete and email to us at NationalCarerStrategy@dss.gov.au.

In October 2023, the Minister for Social Services, the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP, announced the development of a National Carer Strategy (the Strategy), to deliver a national agenda to support Australia’s carers.

The Strategy will recognise the immense contribution of Australia’s unpaid carers to the community and provide a framework for coordination of carer policy across Commonwealth portfolios including aged care, disability, veterans’ affairs and mental health.

It will be developed in consultation with carers across Australia to ensure it reflects the diversity of carers and the challenges they face and appropriately supports carers’ wellbeing and their economic and social participation.

Overview of the National Carers Strategy

Unpaid carers in Australia, comprising family members, friends, or community members, provide essential care to individuals within existing relationships. This form of caregiving extends to 3.0 million Australians (ABS, 2022) who support those with disabilities, mental health, medical and age-related conditions. Their role is integral to sustaining the viability of the care and support economy.

The Government understands the economic implications of unpaid caregiving, particularly, potential lost productivity and workforce participation among caregivers. While the Government provides some support for caregivers through existing initiatives, these benefits may not adequately compensate for the full value of caregiving labour. Supporting caregivers is essential for safeguarding the health and wellbeing of both caregivers and care recipients.

In October 2023, the Honourable Amanda Rishworth MP, Minister for Social Services, announced the inception of a National Carer Strategy with an investment of $3.8 million through to 2025-26, marking a pivotal step towards establishing a unified framework to champion Australia’s dedicated carers.

Read more about the National Carer Strategy.

About the Consultation process of the National Carers Strategy

The Department of Social Services engaged Deloitte to facilitate meaningful and representative community consultation across Australia to inform and co-develop the National Carer Strategy, with those it is designed to reach.

We warmly invite the carer community across Australia to actively engage with us, sharing their valuable knowledge and insights. Your input is instrumental in helping us gain a deeper understanding of the needs and challenges faced by the carer community. Together, let’s shape the development of the National Carer Strategy by identifying the solutions you would like to see.

As a token of appreciation for your participation, you will be provided with a $30 gift card as a thank you gesture. Your contribution is invaluable, and we want to acknowledge your time and effort.

In limited circumstances, there may be provisions for transport and accommodation expenses.

Who is eligible to participate?

Any current or former unpaid carers in Australia, comprising family members, friends, or community members, who provide essential care without financial compensation to individuals are eligible to participate.

This includes:

• Young carers
• Older carers
• Carers not engaged in paid employment
• Carers residing in regional and remote areas
• First Nations carers
• Carers from diverse backgrounds.

How can you participate?

Carers can attend and share their views during one of the 20 in-person consultation sessions in communities across Australia.

Please view remaining in-person consultations in the schedule below

Important consultation information

• Consultation format: consultations will be approximately three hours in duration and involve roundtable discussions with 8-12 participants, facilitated by Deloitte.
  • For in-person consultations a 30-minute designated break will be provided to foster connections and create a sense of community among carers. Refreshments will be provided.
  • All sessions cover the same content, so we kindly ask that you register for just one.
• Important deadlines: don’t miss the opportunity to share your valuable insights and contribute to the development of the National Carer Strategy.
  • For in-person consultations, registration will close 5 business days prior to the scheduled session to ensure accessibility and catering to your needs. For virtual consultations, registration will close 24 hours before the session.
  • If a session has reached capacity, Please join the waitlist to be notified of nay cancellations or additional spots. Online submissions for feedback will close on 5 September 2024.
• Consultation briefing: one week before the scheduled consultation you will receive a comprehensive consultation briefing document via email. This document will provide an overview of the National Carer Strategy, the session agenda, and details of discussion topics and activities.
• Supportive presence: to ensure a safe and supportive environment, a qualified social worker will be present throughout the consultations. They will be available to provide assistance or support, should you need it.
• If you are unable to attend these consultations, the Department of Social Services encourages you to respond to the discussion paper or questionnaire on the National Carer Strategy, located at the top of this page.

Confidentiality and privacy

Only other carers and members of the Deloitte team will present during the consultation and a maximum of two representatives from the Department of Social services will be present during the consultation. Please be assured that any personal information and input you provide will be de-identified and treated confidentially, in line with privacy regulations including the Privacy Act 1988. Analysis of input provided in consultations will be reported thematically in aggregate form and solely be used to inform the development of The National Carer Strategy.

Questions and support

If you have any further questions about this request or the consultation process, please contact Deloitte via email at carerconsultation@deloitte.com.au.

If you have questions about the National Carer Strategy more generally, please contact the Department of Social Services at NationalCarerStrategy@dss.gov.au.