Carers Recognition Act 2021 will formally be introduced on the 2nd of June by Suzanne Orr MLA.
The Carers Recognition Act 2021 is legislation that will better recognise, promote and value the role carers have within our community. The Act will put in place measures requiring entities and organisations to consider and adapt business practices to support the care relationship that exists between carers and the people they care for.
The ACT is currently the only jurisdiction in Australia to not have an Act recognising carers and their contribution to society.
The introduction follows public and community consultation which commenced in January 2021.
The consultation and community feedback period afforded key stakeholders, community organisations and people directly impacted by this Act, an opportunity to voice their opinions and any concerns.
Having this period for community consultation ensured that the Act could incorporate the feedback received to help make it as inclusive and supportive to carers as possible.
Ms Orr was very proud of the number of community organisations and carers who reached out to provide feedback.
“The feedback I have received has not only come from formal care organisations, but from everyday people who provide care to a friend or loved one who wanted to help ensure this Act was inclusive for all care relationships”.
The Act has elements of other Australian State’s, Territorie’s and the Commonwealth Carers Recognition Acts . The precedent of other Acts interstate provided many examples to draw upon.
“I never understood why the ACT was the only state or territory that lacked this important piece of legislation. This has particular importance to me as growing up my parents were foster parents to many kids.”
The Act will benefit over 48,000 carers in the ACT who currently are in a care relationship.
“I am so proud of this Act and after the community feedback, I am confident that it will benefit all carers within the ACT.It is an important step in better recognising the hard work that carers do”.
The Carers Recognition Act 2021 delivers on an ACT Labor Election Commitment to introduce legislation to recognise carers and is part of the Parliamentary Agreement under Appendix 3: ACT Labor Policy Platform for the 10th Assembly item 17.5.
For immediate release
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