CARERS RECOGNITION WEEK

The Hon. L.R. BREUER (Giles) (14:50): My question is to the Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion. Can the minister advise the house on how the government is promoting the welfare of carers in our community?

The Hon. A. PICCOLO (Light—Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (14:50): I thank the honourable member for her important question. Carers provide ongoing support to family members or friends who live with a disability, mental illness or a chronic condition or who have some sort of terminal illness or who are aged and frail. It is estimated that around 220,000 people in South Australia provide some sort of care to family or friends on a daily basis.

Caring can be emotionally taxing and physically draining. Carers have the lowest wellbeing of any large group measured by the Australian Unity Wellbeing Index. Carers often ignore their own health and are 40 per cent more likely to suffer from a chronic health condition themselves. Health problems such as back pain, anxiety and depression can also be directly linked to their caring role.

In many cases, carers miss out on important life opportunities, particularly for paid work, a career or educational advancement. It is important to reflect, however, that, despite these challenges, carers act out of love for a family member or friend and would not have their life any other way.

In upholding their dedication, hardworking organisations such as Northern Carers Network and Carers' Link Barossa & Districts (both in my region) and numerous other service providers provide counselling and support to ensure that the wellbeing of carers is kept strong, with the peak organisation Carers SA providing overall advocacy support, amongst other things. As a community, we have a responsibility to rally around carers, where possible, and recognise the invaluable work they do.

This week across Australia is Carers Recognition Week. I was fortunate enough to spend some time with a group of carers this morning, before the sitting of parliament, to discuss their stories. I have also had the opportunity in the last few months to meet with young carers, who, through Carers SA, meet on a regular basis to discuss ways on how to overcome the common challenges of growing up with such big responsibilities. I am also aware that a young carers group has started in my own town of Gawler; I look forward to working with them as well.

To help carers in their role, the South Australian government provides an approximate amount of $2.9 million in annual funding for support services for carers under the age of 65, and we do that in conjunction with Carers SA. The Department for Communities and Social Inclusion also facilitates a high level carers' roundtable, and I was fortunate enough to attend one of their recent meetings. This forum provided me with valuable feedback on the many issues facing carers, especially how they can connect with the NDIS and what it would mean for them in the long term.

The introduction of the NDIS will change not only the life of people living with disability but also those who provide their care and support. At some point in our life, almost all of us will rely on the care of a loved one or friend, particularly in our old age. I strongly encourage all members to consider how they can assist carers in their community. For further information on carers week and carers in general, people can visit www.carers.sa.asn.au or call the Carers Counselling and Advisory Service on 1800 242 636.