Australia's Caregiving Legislation

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International Caregiving Legislation

	Australia

Population: 19.6 million Caregiving demographics: 2.3 million Australians are providing care, representing one in five households or about 8.5% of the total population of 19.6 million. These figures are based on the 1998 National Ageing, Disability and Carers Survey and will be updated after the 2003 Ageing, Disability and Carers Survey is undertaken. In the 1998 study, a carer[1]is defined as a person, such as a family member, friend or neighbour who provides regular and sustained care and assistance, without payment other than government income support, to a person with a disability or who is ageing Using the 1998 survey data: Nearly 20% (450,900) of all people providing care and assistance are primary carers (defined as carers providing the most informal assistance to a person with a disability with personal activities including self-care, mobility and communication) 70% of primary carers are female 79% of primary carers care for a person in the same household Primary carers care mostly for a partner (43%), child (25%) or parent (21%) 78% of primary carers are of workforce age (aged between 18 to 64 years) 5% of primary carers are young people under 18 years of age 10% of all 15 to 25 year olds have been identified as carers 69% of primary carers receive government income support 40% of primary carers have been providing care for a decade or more and 68% for more than five years. [1] Carers Australia, a non-profit organization focused on improving the lives of carers in Australia, defines carers more broadly as usually family members, but may be friends who provide support to children or adults who have a disability, mental illness, chronic condition or who are frail aged.
Australia’s Caregiving Legislation [To view details of each bill, click the titles below.]
· National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP) · Carer Payment · Carer Allowance · Home and Community Care Act
Note: Other national programs also benefit carers but are not specifically targeted to them such as: Community Aged Care Packages for people with complex needs, Extended Care at Home for people with high level care needs and the Continence Aids Assistance Scheme. For more information on these programs, visit Carers Australia. Unmet needs/future legislative initiatives: Carers Australia has identified key priority areas to be addressed nationally which could lead to new legislation, particularly in Income Support, Community Care and the recognition of Carer Rights. Additional information may be obtained from http://www.carersaustralia.com.au, which is updated regularly.
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International Caregiving Legislation