- New Carers Action Plan released to better support carers and ensure they can access available services
- More than 642,000 Queenslanders provide long-term, unpaid care to people with disability, seniors and people with long-term health conditions
- The plan outlines four priority areas identified by the Queensland Carers Advisory Council
Queensland carers will receive greater recognition under the latest Carers Action Plan 2024–26 launched today.
Minister for Child Safety, Minister for Seniors and Disability Services and Minister for Multicultural Affairs Charis Mullen released the plan, which was developed with valuable input and advice from the Queensland Carers Advisory Council (QCAC).
More than 642,000 Queenslanders provide long-term, unpaid care for someone with disability, a long-term health condition or an older person.
Carers come from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds and make significant contributions to the people they care for and to their community.
Initiatives in the action plan reflect feedback and input from carers to the Queensland Government, focus groups and surveys and through QCAC advice.
QCAC identified four priority areas:
- Advising on and advocating for systemic change for carers
- Advising on and advocating for recognition for carers
- Advising on and advocating for services for carers
- Maximising the impact and effectiveness of QCAC.
QCAC has also recommended the Carers (Recognition) Act 2008 (Qld) be reviewed and Minister Mullen has committed to this review.
The government will also provide input into the development and implementation of the Australian Government's National Carer Strategy and listen to advice from QCAC to ensure the role and needs of carers are reflected in key disability reforms at a state and national level.
QCAC advises many carers are unaware of existing services and young carers experience a range of difficulties, including significant impacts on education and health.
The council will work to identify gaps in the recognition of carers, such as young carers, people in the LGBTQIA+ community and carers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, with the aim of ensuring they can access equal economic and social opportunities.
A range of existing initiatives will continue, including the Care is Everywhere campaign and promotion of the Carer Business Discount Card, which provides benefits to about 17,000 carers, helping to ease cost-of-living pressures.
The two-year action plan will be backed by government funding of $300,000 to support QCAC activities and initiatives.
As stated by Minister for Seniors and Disability Services Charis Mullen:
"Carers make an extraordinary contribution to the lives of people they care for, and to communities across our state.
"Every day, more than 642,000 carers provide long-term, unpaid support for a child with additional needs, or someone with disability or a health condition, or a senior.
"Their social and economic contribution is enormous; however, it often comes with challenges.
"Carers make significant sacrifices in their own lives, and today's action plan will support QCAC to build on a range of existing initiatives designed to assist them.
"All carers deserve assistance, and we will work to ensure they are recognised, valued and supported."
