The Minister for Seniors and Volunteering has legislative responsibility for the Carers Recognition Act 2004. This Act seeks to recognise the role of carers in the community and provide a mechanism for involving carers in the provision of services that affect carers and their role.
Caring for seniors and people with disabilities is one of the most significant forms of unpaid work in the community. Family members and friends provide the bulk of this care, and the majority of carers are female. Caring can be equal to a full-time job, with many carers providing over 40 hours of care each week.
The Carers Advisory Council, which is established under the Act and supported by the Department for Communities, measures compliance with the Carers Recognition Act 2004 and provides advice to the Minister for Seniors and Volunteering.
The Act also establishes the Western Australian Carers Charter. The Carers Charter provides clear guidance as to how carers are to be treated and involved in the planning and delivery of services by organisations which come within the scope of the Act. Click on the link to the right to download a poster of the Carers Charter.
The Department for Communities is committed to promoting improved outcomes and opportunities for Western Australia’s estimated 310 000 carers. Partnerships are central to how Communities is moving forward with a range of initiatives for carers. In our Carers Focus 2012-2013 you can read about the various ways the department supports increased recognition of carers and carers’ involvement in the planning and delivery of services that affect them and their role.
Women’s Work? Who Cares?
The Department for Communities - Women’s Interests; Carers - invites you to an exclusive event with Australia’s Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick: Women’s Work? Who Cares?
Reflecting on the latest research, Commissioner Broderick will examine the impact of unpaid caring responsibilities on women’s economic participation, wages and retirement income. She will identify options for economic, workplace and social reform.
This event is free but places are strictly limited so you are encouraged to book early.
RSVP details are in the attached invitation.