Ministerial Statement

Carers Week

The Hon. Z.L. BETTISON (Ramsay—Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (14:55): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

This week, communities across our nation are celebrating the outstanding contribution of unpaid carers as part of the annual National Carers Week. I am in full admiration of the work of carers, particularly young carers looking after parents, grandparents, siblings and other vulnerable people within our community. I am inspired by their resilience and unwavering support for those in need. Caring for someone can be a rewarding experience. It can also be challenging, both emotionally and physically. Carer Support Network SA is a recognised voice, providing support programs to carers across metropolitan Adelaide, Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, Fleurieu Peninsula and Yorke Peninsula.

The SPEAKER: How do you spell Yorke Peninsula?

The Hon. Z.L. BETTISON: If there is a mistake, I will take it on notice and correct it. Over the last 30 years, Carer Support Network SA has developed a unique model to support carers, centred on face-to-face service with 18 locations, including Clare, Mount Gambier and Kangaroo Island. It assists carers in a personal manner, meeting their diverse needs and empowering them to continue their contribution to the community. I note that the commonwealth government is changing the way carer support services operate at the national and local levels, through the commonwealth integrated carer support service model. During this time of national transition, the state government wants to guarantee certainty for carer support organisations in South Australia.

I am pleased to announce that I have approved the continuation of the South Australian carer specific funding until 30 June 2020. The state government will commit $6.2 million over the next two fiscal years to allow future planning of the provision of carer-specific services in South Australia. The South Australian government cares about carers. They are everyday people who put aside their needs for others. I thank the 245,000 South Australian carers working to improve the lives of those who need them the most.