Carers Victoria is asking all Victorians to consider the Victorian Government Carer Strategy in this year's election and asking all parties in the state election to make a commitment to Victorian carers.
Leading the way in this endeavour, the Andrews Labor Government launched the first whole of government Victorian Carer Strategy 2018-22 to better recognise and support Victoria's carers. Carers Victoria played a pivotal consultancy role in the development of the Strategy which aims to improve carer recognition by health professionals and others and improve carer supports. This intention made by the Government is a positive step in supporting a community of empowered carers and it is imperative all parties follow suit.
In the lead up to the State Election, Carers Victoria has launched the #CarersCountToo campaign with a focus on representing the voice of all carers and lobbying for bipartisan support of the Victorian Government Carer Strategy. With the caring role easily becoming a part of anyone's life, people of all walks of life are encouraged to get involved and get active to ensure carers are heard and recognised at the Victorian State Election.
Carers Victoria chief executive Scott Walker stated by launching its whole-of-government Victorian carer strategy, the Victorian Government are recognising carers' rights as citizens and have begun to strategically address the needs of both young and older carers.
"The carer community is a large and diverse group who have specific needs. We as an organisation are glad to finally see these being acknowledged and addressed and implore all citizens to consider election commitments made to Victorian carers prior to voting. You are not only shaping other's lives but also possibly your future."
Carers Victoria goal is to lobby on behalf of hardworking carers for bipartisan support for the Victorian Government Carer Strategy and to influence all parties in the Victorian election to make a similar commitment to Victorian carers. Investing in early intervention and building carers' capacity will improve longer-term outcomes and wellbeing for carers, and better support people receiving care.
When heading to the polls this November Victorian's should keep carers in mind and consider how election promises can affect your future. Becoming a carer can happen to anyone at any time. In Victoria alone, there are more than 736,000, that's 12% of Victorians providing essential unpaid care and support to a family member or friend with a disability, mental illness, chronic condition or an older person with care needs. Although not at the forefront of most people's minds, there is a high possibility of anyone becoming a carer at any time or has a friend of family member in the role of carer.
