Nic Street,Minister for Community Services and Development
The Tasmanian Liberal Government acknowledges the vital role and significant contribution of unpaid carers to the health, wellbeing and security of their family members and friends who are in need of support and assistance.
At the forefront of our Supporting Tasmanian Carers: Tasmanian Carer Action Plan 2021-2024 is the introduction of Carer Recognition legislation, which will formally acknowledge the thousands of carers in our community and promote and value the importance of care relationships.
We are now seeking feedback from carers and key community groups on our draft Carer Recognition Bill, which delivers on our election commitment, and includes enacting a Carers Charter, as well as setting out the obligations of Tasmanian Government agencies to monitor and report on the Carers Charter and the Action Plan.
Feedback from consultations held across the State from July to December last year informed the development of this draft Bill, including feedback from the Carer Issues Reference Group, online community consultation (via survey), and regional face-to-face workshops.
We are grateful to Carers Tasmania for their assistance in ensuring carers had the opportunity to provide input.
Carers deserve recognition for what they do in our communities and are recognised and respected as individuals as well as key partners in the broader care support network. Our new legislation is in addition to our Carers Small Grants Program, which provides up to $2 500 for projects that support the health and wellbeing of carers, and up to $500 for events to celebrate National Carers Week.
To view the draft Carer Recognition Bill and for information on how to have your say at: https://www.communities.tas.gov.au/csr/policy/Policy_Work/carer_policy_and_action_plan/carer-recognition-legislation-consultation
Consultation on the draft Carer Recognition Bill will close at 12 noon on Tuesday 26 April 2022.
