Unpaid carers to get more support under 10-year plan

More than three million Australians caring for loved ones living with a disability or illness will have immediate access to 10,000 additional phone counselling sessions as part of the first national carer strategy since 2015.

The 10 year strategy recognises that, as Australia’s population ages, the number of people providing unpaid care is expected to increase dramatically. Picture: News Regional Media

More than three million Australians caring for loved ones living with a disability or illness will be given more support under the first national carer strategy since 2015, which will immediately extend the hours of support services and increase the number of phone counselling sessions available each year.

The 10 year strategy recognises that, as Australia’s population ages, the number of people providing unpaid care is expected to increase dramatically, raising the need for a clear approach to supporting the cohort which is currently sitting at about three million.

Immediate actions announced by the government include boosting phone counselling sessions offered through the “carer gateway” by an extra 10,000 sessions per year, which is expected to help more than 1,600 additional carers.

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said the strategy delivered on an important election commitment. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The hours of the gateway will be extended to carers, while peer support and training will also be expanded.

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth said the strategy delivered on an important election commitment to drive positive change and ensure unpaid carers were supported in all aspects of their lives.

“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,” she 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 announcement of the strategy follows $907m provided over four years to 2027-28 for carer support services.