[Greens-Media] Tas Greens_Carers Week Call For Acknowledgement_C O'Connor MP

[greens at parliament.tas.gov.au]

MORE SUPPORT NEEDED FOR CARERS

Cassy O'Connor MP
Greens Shadow Health Spokesperson

Tuesday, 21 October 2008
Contact: State Parliamentary Offices of the Tasmanian Greens, (03) 6233
8300

www.tas.greens.org.au


The Tasmanian Greens today acknowledged National Carers Week and called
on the Bartlett Labor Government to acknowledge that family carers are
among the most socially excluded of all Tasmanians, and that more
assistance is needed for the 69,500 family carers living in the state. 

Greens Shadow Health spokesperson Cassy O'Connor MP said carers have the
lowest level of health and wellbeing of any group studied in Australia
and desperately require more help from governments at all levels. 

"The services provided by carers are conservatively estimated to be
worth $847.9 million per annum to the Tasmanian economy yet carers still
receive very little recognition, and even less financial assistance."[1]

"Tasmanian carers specifically require greater investment in regional
and rural areas, and long-term, sustainable services based on identified
carer needs - the best acknowledgement the Bartlett Government could
give is to increase investment in the sector and begin addressing
carer's needs," Ms O'Connor said. 


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[1] "Better Support For Carers," Carers Tasmania, A Submission to the
House of Representatives Standing Committee on Family, Housing and Youth
- Inquiry into Better Support for Carers, July 2008, Page 1


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NOTICE OF MOTION - Cassy O'Connor MP

21 October 2008

That this House:

1.       Respectfully notes that today is Carers Day, and this week, is
Carers' Week in recognition of the enormous contribution carers make to
society and to our economy, but most importantly to the lives of the
individuals for whom they provide care;

2.       Further notes that according to the organisation Carers'
Tasmania there are an estimated 69 500 family carers living in Tasmania,
and that these are among the most socially excluded of citizens; 

3.       Expresses its concern over research indicating that carers have
the lowest level of health and wellbeing than any other group of
Australians previously studied;

4.       Supports the call for a Primary Health Care Program to be
established nationally to encourage better preventative health outcomes
for carers;

5.       Calls on the Bartlett Government to acknowledge it needs to do
more to improve the lives of carers, including the need for greater
investment in regional and rural areas in Tasmania, and to provide
long-term, sustainable services based on identified carer need; and

6.       Further calls on the Bartlett Government to support a Charter
of Rights for Care based in legislation to ensure carers' rights are
respected and embedded in law.




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