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Who carers are

Two men and a woman standing

Carers can be friends, neighbours and family members. Carers sometimes live with the person they care for, but not always. They are not paid for their work.

Carers are defined by the Queensland Government Carer Recognition Policy as:

…a person of any age who, without being paid, cares for another person who needs ongoing support because of a long-term medical condition, a mental illness, a disability, frailty or the need for palliative care. A carer may or may not be a family member and may or may not live with the person. Volunteers under the auspices of a voluntary organisation are not included.

In 2003 the Queensland Government launched the Queensland Government Carer Recognition Policy to declare the Government’s commitment to recognising and supporting the role of carers in the community, in particular, to respect carers as individuals and as partners in care.

Principles of the Queensland Government's Carer Recognition Policy:

  1. acknowledge, respect and support the valuable contribution made by Queensland carers to those they care for and to the community
  2. accept the significance of the role of carers, along with those receiving care and with service providers
  3. ensure information is provided to carers on their rights when dealing with Government agencies
  4. acknowledge carers as individuals with their own needs within and beyond the caring situation
  5. value the expertise and skills of carers in relation to their caring role
  6. acknowledge and identify the diversity of carers' individual needs, taking into consideration differences, age, disability, religion, socioeconomic status, gender identification and where people live in Queensland
  7. ensure programs and services for carers are responsive, timely, coordinated, innovative, flexible and appropriate
  8. ensure the appropriate sharing of information and decisions on care with carers in matters that affect them or the care they provide.

The Queensland Government Carer Action Plan follows on from the Carer Recognition Policy . It announces the practical steps the Government will take to implement the policy.

Last updated June 2008