Carers NSW Australia

This paper was developed by Carers NSW Policy and Research team on behalf of, and with extensive input from, members of the Carer Respite Alliance (CRA), a working group formed in 2017 in response to increasing numbers of carers and other stakeholders in NSW expressing concerns about the state of the respite sector in NSW.

A number of recent studies have highlighted the challenges facing young people as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like their peers, young people aged 16 to 25 who are caring for a family member or friend have experienced significant change and instability during this unprecedented period.

Carers NSW has been closely monitoring COVID-19 developments in NSW, the ongoing government response and the wide ranging impacts the virus and associated social distancing requirements have had on carers. Carers have experienced a variety of impacts, both in relation to the people they care for and in relation to their own health and overall wellbeing. Many carers provide care and support to people who are in higher risk categories, and many are in higher risk categories themselves due to age or an existing health condition.

As the peak non-government organisation for carers in NSW, Carers NSW has been closely monitoring related policy developments that may directly impact carers and the people they care for, and has been in continual contact with carers across the state to understand and respond to their changing support needs. This position statement draws on ongoing policy and media analysis, more than 50 carer case studies, and 5 consultations held with 30 carers and other stakeholders.

The NSW Carers Strategy 2014-2019 outlines the NSW Government’s vision and commitment to improving the lives of carers over the five-year period.

The NSW Carers Strategy is a five year plan to improve the position of carers in NSW. The Department of Family and Community Services (FACS) led development of the NSW Carers Strategy with assistance from carers, the Ministry for Health and Carers NSW.

Carers NSW supports the vision, the five focus areas and the actions and commitments in the NSW Carers Strategy 2014-2019. 

The Strategy's vision is that: