CARERS in NSW have been urged to have their say on a new 10-year strategy that aims to support them.
NSW Families, Communities and Disability Services Minister Gareth Ward put out the call as National Carers Week kicked off to recognise the contribution of carers across the country.
"Carers provide about 1.9 billion hours of essential care to loved ones across Australia each year," Mr Ward said.
Carers provide unpaid help to someone who needs support due to a disability, mental illness, dementia, frail age or chronic illness.
Mr Ward said business played a major role in supporting carers in the workplace through the Carers + Employers program.
"One in eight employees is an unpaid carer," he said.
"Flexible, carer-friendly workplaces help staff balance the caring responsibilities with paid employment and that's absolutely critical to ensure long-term support."
Complete the carers' survey and view the current Carers' Strategy HERE
- READ MORE: Carers cry for time out
- READ MORE: Aged care system relying more on family to look after the elderly
