Wednesday, 8 March 2017

Harriet Shing, Labor Member for Eastern Victoria Region, has today encouraged carers and their families to have their say about how the Andrews Labor Government can best support and recognise carers.

Carers played a vital role in our community and it was important that their voice was better heard.

There are more than 773,000 Victorians who give their time, effort and love into caring for a family member or friend who needs them. They can be older and they can be very young – and many may not identify as a carer.

Carers make a substantial contribution to our community, with the OECD putting the cost of replacing carers in Victoria at more than $15 billion annually.

To develop the Statement, Carers Victoria will gather the views of people responsible for providing valuable support, understanding that being in a care relationship can have a profound impact on their lives and the opportunities available to them.

Carers Victoria will be hosting a number of consultations for carers and organisations that support carers to find out what works best in existing services and supports and what could be improved.

Carers can also have their say by completing an online or paper survey.

Visit the Carers Victoria website at www.carersvictoria.org.au to complete the survey or find out more.

Quotes attributable to Labor Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing:

“Carers play a huge role within their families and communities all over Gippsland, and these contributions can take a toll.”

“Consultations to ensure we properly understand the role and challenges of carers will ensure we can better respond to their needs.”

“We want to hear from as many carers as possible, whether they care for a person living with a disability and/or mental illness or an older person.”

Quotes attributable to Carers Victoria CEO Caroline Mulcahy:

“I’m thrilled the Victorian Government has engaged Carers Victoria to work in partnership to develop a Victorian Carer Statement.”

“It is imperative carers are not forgotten as the Government reforms the aged, mental health and disability sectors.”