Carers Victoria calls for more support as 1 million carers expected in state

There will be more than 1 million unpaid carers in just three years, triggering a push for urgent investment and support.

The number of unpaid carers in the state is expected to surge from 700,000 today to more 1 million in just three years, with a peak body calling for urgent investment and support.

Carers Victoria will on Wednesday put out their state election wishlist calling for the at-times forgotten industry to be better addressed.

Chief executive Judith Abbott said securing longer term funded services and support was critical, with those in the system often hit with economic pain.

“Carers’ unpaid work already saves the Victorian economy over $19 billion a year and those savings will grow as more of us become carers over the next few years,” Ms Abbott said.

“But carers often pay a substantial individual cost for their efforts, with many accumulating a lifetime loss of income and superannuation of more than half a million dollars.

“Caring is a shared responsibility between us all so let’s not overlook the needs of carers who play such a vital role in our community.”

Ms Abbott said carers experienced social isolation and loneliness at 2.5 time the rate of others and needed help to stay healthy.

She said it was expected there would be about 1 million unpaid carers in Victoria by 2025.

“The population is ageing, we’re seeing people live longer with chronic disease and there are changing demographics,” Ms Abbott said.

Former AFLW footballer and now full-time carer, Moana Hope with her sister Vinny. Moana has been an ambassador for Carers Victoria. Picture: Ian Currie

“We also think that's what is happening is more people are becoming familiar with the fact you can identify as a carer.

“We’re all going to need or know one. They will represent one in seven in Victorians which means in any workplace there will be lots of people who are carers.”

Ms Abbott said this meant there needed to more effort to help carers into work and help them continue their jobs.

“Funded access to breaks from their caring role, or respite, is important,” she said.

“They also need to be able to access services that help them maintain their wellbeing and definitely need some help to how they can address their financial disadvantage.

“We want to work with Victorian workplaces to help make them carer-friendly workplaces.

“At the moment, they often feel like they (carers) have to fight to get in those conversations.”

Group counselling and government support programs to help carers into paid work have been flagged as key interventions the state could make.

“We really want to see all candidates committing to support these people,” Ms Abbott said.

“Sadly, recent government reforms resulted in the net loss of carer services in Melbourne so the first step is to restore that funding and then expand it to meet the predicted growth in carer numbers across the state.”

“It’s very clear that there will be increased demands on government services if we don’t sensibly and appropriately fund support services to ensure the wellbeing of carers.”