Perth Voice Interactive

WITH an election looming, Carers WA has called for a new state strategy, saying WA is falling behind the rest of the country.

Carers WA recently put out its election wish list, which also includes the introduction of a carer card, recurring funding for carers, better support and recognition, and an easier way to navigate the maze of services they deal with.

Carers WA CEO Richard Newman said the organisation was asking all political candidates about their commitments to the sector, while its website has a handy button allowing carers to email their local MP.

“Everyone likely knows at least one of, or is one of, the 320,000 people who are in an unpaid carer role in WA,” Mr Newman said.

“WA Carers urges, not only carers, but the wider community across WA, to share their endorsement of what matters to them, with their local member of Parliament, to ensure the needs of carers are prioritised at the 2025 WA state election.”

In its pitch for a new strategy, Carers says WA’s current framework was created in 2016 before the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Carer Gateway and is not achieving outcomes in its four priority areas.

“The demographics of carers, those they care for, and the health conditions involved in this care, have shifted,” it said in a discussion paper.

“This has resulted in an increased demand for carer support, as well as a shift in the type of supports needed.”

It says there was extensive consultation at a federal level which led to the social services department’s National Carer Strategy but WA was lagging behind in using it to create a modern platform.

“Carer strategies and action plans in nearly every state and territory in Australia are either more recent and contemporary that WA’s 2016 Carer’s Strategy, or are presently under development and review.”

Carers WA also wants $400,000 set aside each year to help its members cope with the financial impact that taking up the role entails, including lost income and additional bills.

“Some carers face unmet basic needs, including food shortages, unsafe housing, lack of affordable healthcare, unreliable internet and transport access,” it said.

The organisation says a Carers Card would help holders be identified, as they can be excluded from processes that have an impact on them and those they care for.

“Recognition has a significant direct impact on a carer’s wellbeing.

“The more recognised and valued a carer feels, the higher their level of wellbeing becomes.