Carer Payment (Child) Report

The Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs , Jenny Macklin, today released a report by the Carer Payment (child) Review Taskforce, which examines the effectiveness of support to carers of children with a severe disability or medical condition.

Ms Macklin said the independent Taskforce considered the eligibility criteria for Carer Payment (child) and the challenges for carers of children with a disability.

The Taskforce recommended:

• a new assessment process to recognise the level of care required by the child and provided by the carer;
• improved service delivery for carers through more accessible information and easier application processes, and;
• increased support for carers to participate in the workforce.

Ms Macklin thanked the head of the Taskforce, Tony Blunn AO, and the parents, carers and members of the community who made submissions to the Taskforce.

The Taskforce received around 4,000 submissions from a wide range of individuals and organisations.

“As a result of the overwhelming response to the review, we will be releasing a booklet profiling 19 carers and their stories,” Ms Macklin said.

“Carers of children with a severe disability or medical condition face huge challenges in the day to day care of these children.

“The Government supports their efforts and dedication and will carefully examine the report’s 32 recommendations, which propose fundamental changes to a complex area of social security and Government service delivery.”

The report and the booklet are available on the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) website. Copies can also be ordered by calling 1800 739 456 or by email from Carer Review (carerreview@fahcsia.gov.au).