Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea, will further express his strong support for carers when speaking in favour of the Carers Recognition Bill, which was introduced to NSW Parliament today by Shadow Disability Services Minister Andrew Constance.
“Carers often sacrifice their own desires in order to devote themselves to helping another execute basic, everyday tasks, able-bodied people take for granted, “ Mr O’Dea said.
Australian Bureau of Statistics figures (2004) show NSW has approximately 750,000 carers, including almost 150,000 who are the primary carer of an individual.
Access Economics estimated that in 2005 informal carers provided a total of 1.2 billion hours of care Australia wide and calculated that if volunteers were replaced with paid help it would cost $30.5 billion. Additionally, it was estimated the income foregone due to caring to be almost $5 billion.
“The figures help to highlight the enormous contribution carers make but by themselves don’t account for the emotional, physical and mental cost, often paid by those who care,” Mr O’Dea said.
“Australian Unity and the Australian Centre on Quality of Life at Deakin University found carers have the lowest collective wellbeing of any group yet discovered, often experiencing depression, musculoskeletal injuries, fatigue and other problems.
“Additionally, carers often find their role thrust upon them, sometimes suddenly, by circumstances outside their control, including disease, accidents and old age.
“For these and other reasons, the NSW Liberals & Nationals have constructively introduced legislation to better support carers in NSW,” Mr O’Dea said.
“Governments at all levels must back words with action to ensure carers receive the appropriate level of financial, physical and emotional support needed to carry out their valuable role.
“Consideration must also be given to supporting carers after their important work is finished, as they come to terms with their changing circumstances and once again adjust the focus of their life,” Mr O’Dea concluded.
