Greens call for a Carer Card
Sunday, 28 January 2007
You've got to hand it to them: Greens call for a Carer Card
Greens MP Lee Rhiannon today called on the Iemma government to develop a Carer Card, based on the NSW Seniors Card model, to reduce financial stress for carers and promote recognition for the important role they perform.
"Carers shoulder an enormous burden. They suffer financial stress, sleep deprivation and difficulty maintaining a job. Many crave increased recognition for the relentless and difficult work they do," Ms Rhiannon said.
"A Carer Card would be a low cost but useful way of demonstrating the Iemma government's commitment to these forgotten people who contribute so much while saving public money.
"There are an estimated 750,000 people in NSW caring for the elderly, people with a disability, mental illness or chronic health problem. 150,000 of these are primary carers who provide the majority of informal support to a family member.
"A Carer Card could offer transport concessions, discounted goods and services, special rates to galleries, clubs and holiday venues and cut-price legal and insurance services.
"Eligible carers would be sent an annual Discount Directory outlining a range of discounts on goods and services.
"Carers NSW has prepared a detailed proposal which the Iemma government should study. A Companion Card already exists in Victoria and there are useful models in the UK which could help guide the development of the card.
"The proposal suggests offering the card to those receiving a Carer Payment and/or the Carer Allowance who are under 60 years old (carers over 60 receive a Seniors Card).
"It is estimated 80,000 carers would be eligible for a card, costing the government a fraction of the Seniors Card. Like the Seniors Card, the Carer Card would be administered by the Department of Ageing Disability and Home Care.
"The NSW government provides very little for carers. The NSW Carers Program has seen no increased funding since it began in 2003. The program attracts $5.1 million a year representing $5 per carer a year, or $34 for every primary carer.
"A Carer Card is a small but important offering, with a minimal drain on the public purse, that Premier Iemma should have the generosity to provide," Ms Rhiannon said.
