Media Release by The Hon Mal Brough MP

Carers to Receive $394 million Budget Bonus

The Howard Government will provide $394.3 million for one-off lump sum payments, to recognise the invaluable work of carers of people with disability or who are frail aged.

Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Mal Brough, said the payments would provide additional assistance to people who care for relatives or friends and recognise their commitment and dedication to this important role.

“A payment of $1,000 will be provided to carers who receive Carer Payment, which is an income support payment for people who are unable to participate in the workforce full-time as a result of their caring responsibilities.

“Recipients of the income supplement, Carer Allowance, which provides assistance to people who provide daily care and attention at home to a person who has a disability or severe medical condition, will receive a lump sum payment of $600.

“Generally, people receiving Carer Payment would also be receiving Carer Allowance and so will receive a total of $1,600.

“In addition, recipients of Carer Allowance receiving the $600 payment and who also receive Wife Pension or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Partner Service Pension will receive a payment of $1,000.

“The Howard Government respects that carers are faced with a range of care needs, differing care situations and long-term care commitments. This is just another way the Howard Government is supporting the extraordinary efforts of Australia’s carers,” Mr Brough said

Carer bonus

Why is this important?

  • The one-off Carer Bonus recognises the extraordinary effort of carers.
  • The Government recognises the demands faced by carers and acknowledges the range of care needs, differing care situations and often long-term commitment of carers.
  • This bonus will provide carers with additional assistance when providing care for their relatives and friends who have a disability or are frail aged.

Who will benefit?

  • The Government will provide a one-off lump sum payment to eligible carers as follows:
    • A payment of $1,000 will be made to carers who receive Carer Payment.
    • Recipients of Carer Allowance will receive a payment of $600 for each eligible care receiver.
    • In addition to the $600 Carer Allowance bonus, recipients of Carer Allowance who also receive Wife Pension or the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA) Partner Service Pension will receive a payment of $1,000.

What funding is the Government committing to the initiative?

  • $394.3 million

What have we done in the past?

  • The 2004-05, 2005-06 & 2006-07 Budgets provided similar one-off lump sum bonuses to eligible carers who were in receipt of Carer Payment and/or Carer Allowance on the respective Budget nights.

When will the initiative conclude?

  • Subject to the passage of legislation, the payment will be automatically made to the majority of eligible carers by 30 June 2007.