Jeremy Rockliff,Minister for Community Services and Development
The Tasmanian Liberal Government values our carers, who make a significant contribution to the health and wellbeing of Tasmanians in need of support and assistance.
This week is National Carers Week 2021, and I encourage all Tasmanians to take the time to consider this year's theme, Millions of reasons to care, and acknowledge the estimated 80,000+ unpaid carers in Tasmania.
A number of events will be hosted by Carers Tasmania across the State during the week, and it was great to join Carers Tasmania and other organisations and individuals who support carers with a morning tea, and to hear their insights and experiences.
Our Supporting Tasmanian Carers: Tasmanian Carer Action Plan 2021-2024 (Supporting Tasmanian Carers) builds on our Tasmanian Carer Action Plan 2017-20 and our Tasmanian Carer Policy 2016, and includes the establishment of a Carers Small Grants Program ($60 000 over three years).
These grants have now been finalised, funding projects that support the health and wellbeing of carers, as well as events that celebrate National Carers Week.
The next step at the forefront of our new Action Plan is the introduction of Carer Recognition legislation, and I look forward to progressing this in coming days.
On behalf of the Tasmanian Government, I thank and commend Tasmania's hardworking and dedicated carers, and the staff and volunteers of Carers Tasmania and Mental Health Carers Tasmania, as well as all organisations supporting carers, who work hard to improve the lives of Tasmanians.
The Carers Week Program is available the Carers Tasmania website at https://www.carerstas.org/events/
