Carer support and recognition

• Carer Action Plan 2006-10
  • Message from the Minister
  • Who carers are
  • Key initiatives
  • Carers and government
  • Monitoring and evaluation
• Companion Card
• Carer Business Discount Card
• Carer Recognition Policy
• Contacts for carers

Key initiatives

• Carers as partners in care
• Ageing carers
• Young carers
• Work / life balance
• Information for carers

The Queensland Government is committed to working in partnership with carers to help them to meet their caring responsibilities.

This action plan outlines a range of initiatives to support carers in their roles including:

• $6 million over four years for the introduction of two cards:
  • the Carer Card to provide discounts for carers at participating businesses
  • an access card for people with a disability to enable their carer to accompany them to participating venues free of charge or at discounted admission prices
• $5 million over three years for a succession planning project to help families map out the future care needs of relatives with a disability, and $8.3 million over two years for respite for ageing carers
• implementation of a range of state-wide strategies to assist carers and consumers within the mental health system, supported by funding of $500,000
• increased awareness, understanding and support of young carers in schools
• flexible training through the TAFE system to support young carers to continue their education
• a community education strategy on work/life balance and self-assessment measures for businesses to evaluate work/life balance policies
• programs to assist parents and carers who have been out of paid employment to update their skills and re-enter the workforce
• improved information and resources to support carers in their role.