The National Carer Strategy
Over the past six months, the Australian Government has been hearing from carers across the country about what is important to them, including what supports and services they need to participate fully in society and fulfil their caring roles.
We now invite feedback from carers, the people they care for, relevant organisations and members of the Australian public who wish to comment on key elements of the draft National Carer Strategy.
You can make a submission through an online Questionnaire or by emailing your written submission to NationalCarerStrategy@dss.gov.au.
Next steps
Once we have considered your feedback, the Strategy will be finalised. A suite of initial actions, informed by the views, perspectives, expert advice and evidence collected during the development of the Strategy, will be implemented in the first 2 years.
Consultation summaries and the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) Rapid Scoping Review that informed the development of the draft National Carer Strategy are available
Full consultation reports will accompany the final Strategy once released.
Overview of the National Carer 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 challenges, medical and age-related conditions. Their role is integral to sustaining the viability of the care and support economy.
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 support Australia’s dedicated 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 is being 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.
Confidentiality and privacy
Please be assured that any personal information and input you provide will be treated in line with privacy regulations including the Privacy Act 1988. Analysis of input provided 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 consultation process, or about the National Carer Strategy more generally, please contact the Department of Social Services at NationalCarerStrategy@dss.gov.au.