Member for McPherson, Karen Andrews, said unpaid carers on the southern Gold Coast would benefit from $85.6 million in additional funding for support services.
Mrs Andrews said the new support services were in recognition of the important contribution unpaid carers were providing to their families, the southern Gold Coast community, and the nation.
“The Turnbull Government will provide a range of new services, including peer support, coaching, targeted financial support and crisis support, to target early-intervention and build carers’ skills,” Mrs Andrews said.
“Getting help early can make a big difference to a carer’s life. It can help to reduce emotional or physical strain, assist carers to stay in work or study, take breaks from caring responsibilities, and help plan for the future.
“We owe a big thanks to our unpaid carers, who make significant sacrifices to support the most vulnerable in our community.” Mrs Andrews said.
From October 2018, carers will be able to access new services through the Federal Government’s Carer Gateway website, including peer support, counselling, coaching, and educational resources.
From September 2019, the Government will establish a network of Regional Delivery Partners to help carers access a range of local services such as needs assessments, targeted financial support, information and advice, tailored counselling and coaching, and crisis support where required.
The new services will be funded by a $250,000 family income test threshold to the Carer Allowance payment.
Minister for Social Services Dan Tehan said around 99 per cent of Carer Allowance recipients would have no change to their payment under the threshold.