How The Federal Budget is Leaving Carers Behind
The 2025 federal budget has left Australia disappointed in its lack of support targeting carers, as an aging population and a cost of living crisis has created an urgent need for carers support.
While the budget announced last month has included several broader measures which may benefit carers; it has very few commitments specifically supporting them.
3 million Australians are carers supporting family and friends with disability, chronic illness, mental health conditions, or fragility due to aging. This care is necessary to many Australians and reduces pressure on government health systems.
The cost of caring is extremely high! Many carers are locked out of the workplace due to their commitments, or live in financial distress due to the burden of caring for an individual without being paid.
How Carers Australia is Changing This
Carers Australia (the national body which represents Australia’s unpaid carers) has outlined 5 small asks for politicians to commit to this upcoming federal election. Including, easy to follow actions you may take to help.
Carers Australia is asking all political candidates to publicly support a modest investment in 2025 which will include:
- cost-of-living support for carers.
- superannuation for carers.
- an expansion of the young carer bursary.
- carer-inclusive workplaces.
- Carer recognition from the beginning of care.
However, they need support from the public to show candidates that it is a voter issue.
What You Can Do to Help
Carers Australia has provided several resources which you may use to help support carers across Australia. Including, an email template to contact your MP.
If you wish to support Carers Australia, or wish to find more on the proposed investment, click here.
Accreditation
Citizens Advice Bureau Western Australia proudly supports carers and is an accredited carer-friendly workplace under the Carers+Employers Accreditation Program.
