[Greens-Media] Recognition and Rights of Carers still a long way to go

[Cate Faehrmann]

Media Release  18 May 2010
Recognition and Rights of Carers still a long way to go
 
The recently passed Carer's Recognition Bill, while acknowledging the
importance of the 750,000 carers in NSW fell short of giving carers the
necessary rights to service they require to enhance their quality of
life, the NSW Greens told a summit for carers held this week at NSW
Parliament House.
 
“The Government’s Bill was a small first step for NSW to recognise
carers, but must be followed up by a scheme such as a National
Disability Insurance Scheme,” said Ian Cohen, Greens MLC today.
 
“The Carers Recognition Bill, which passed Parliament last week
highlighted the fact that carers deliver massive savings to our economy
and society - to the tune of $10 billion each year.
 
“However we are still confronted with the fact there are a significant
number of people caring for parents and other family members who are
losing their right to a normal life and shouldering tremendous
responsibilities all at little or no cost to the taxpayers of NSW.
 
“If the people for whom family-carers provide support received timely
and appropriate services it follows that the stress and distress of
family-carers would be greatly diminished.

”For decades leadership on the issues of family-carers and the people
for whom they care has created a very large problem only because it was
not addressed when it was a small one.
 
“Sadly, it is not uncommon for children to be carers for a relative,
often having to take time off school to deal with family issues. 
 
“It is unacceptable that young people in our society are foregoing
their normal childhood to act as carers. The role of young people as
carers must be addressed to enable them to remain with their family and
to access a normal, healthy childhood.
 
“Other issues raised at today’s conference included the problems
experienced by carers from culturally and linguistically diverse
communities, carers who do not recognise themselves as carers, carers
with mental and physical problems and widows and single mothers caring
for disabled children.
 
“We also need to promote the concept of voluntary caring where people
have the right to put up their hands and say they are not capable of
further voluntary caring. Carers are suffering physically debilitating
conditions during a lifetime of care effort.
 
“A National Disability Insurance Scheme would see great advancements
for people with disabilities and carers alike, allowing them to achieve
a more fulfilling life. We also must allow for other members of the
community to share the responsibility to care for the most vulnerable in
our society,” said Mr Cohen.
 
Further Information: Cate Faehrmann 0412 207 043
 
 
Cate Faehrmann
Adviser
Greens MLC Ian Cohen
NSW Parliament
Macquarie St
SYDNEY NSW 2000
p +61 2 9230 3305 m +61 412 207 043