Carers play a valuable role in the community, often at great personal cost. The Government is committed to providing greater support for carers in recognition of the important economic and social role they play.
Recognising and rewarding carers
The Government is providing greater recognition and support for carers.
The Government has extended eligibility for the Utilities Allowance to Carer Payment and Disability Support Pension recipients, and increased the Telephone Allowance from $88 to $132 per year for those with an Internet connection. This will provide some extra help for carers and people with disabilities in meeting their household costs.
In recognition of their contribution in caring for people with disabilities and the frail aged, the Government will pay lump sum bonuses of $1,000 to recipients of Carer Payment and $600 to recipients of Carer Allowance at a cost of $427 million. Recipients of Carer Payment and Carer Allowance will be eligible for both payments. This is in addition to the annual $1,000 payment to recipients of the Carer Allowance for each child cared for under the age of 16.
An inquiry will be established to consider ways to provide more secure long‑term support for carers, including a National Action Plan for carers and the introduction of federal carer recognition legislation.
