A group of unpaid carers took to the streets of Toowoomba in October to draw attention to their struggles.
Create a free account to read this article
or signup to continue reading
Carting a trolley load of shoes, the Darling Downs Warrior Carers Support Group members were challenging the public to walk in their shoes.
The group is calling on the federal government for more recognition of the role of unpaid carers and better remuneration as the cost of living pushes many into severe poverty.
"It's time the unrequited efforts of Australia's 2.65 million caregivers who provide care and support for a family member or friend were recognised," said founder Sue Waters. "It's been calculated that unpaid caregivers save the Australian taxpayer $77.9 billion a year."
Carer advocate and group member George Helon, 59, cares for his mother Elizabeth, 80, who has Lewy body dementia, osteoporosis and arthritis.
Suffering from an inoperable brain tumour and other medical conditions, Mr Helon is on a disability support pension and gets an extra $144.80 per fortnight carer allowance - $10.34 a day for being his mother's 24/7 carer.
Other carers who give up paid work may be eligible for a carer payment, currently $1096 per fortnight, but are then not eligible for a carer allowance.
Mr Helon has a petition on Change.org calling for a better deal for unpaid carers.
"Millions of unpaid carers like me make personal, financial and family sacrifices for the wellbeing of our loved ones, often at the expense of our own health, career, and financial stability," he said. "Yet, our government remains indifferent, leaving us to shoulder the immense burden of care with little to no support.
"Unpaid carers are the backbone of Australia's aged care, health, and disability sectors yet many of us receive a meagre carer allowance that amounts to as little as 43 cents an hour for working 24/7, 365 days a year."
A report by Carers Australia said at 2021 subsidy settings, on average a primary carer will lose $392,500 in lifetime earnings and $175,000 in superannuation to age 67.
"This is not just an injustice, it's an insult to our intelligence, dedication and commitment; the spiralling cost of living is crushing us," Mr Helon said.
The petition calls for the carer allowance to be raised to 50 per cent of the carer payment/pension rate and be in addition to any Centrelink income support payment; no income tests; payment of the superannuation guarantee; and no service gap fees charged by aged care and disability services.
Click here to sign the petition.
Our journalists work hard to provide up-to-date news for seniors across Australia. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.thesenior.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our free Weekender, news, travel and health newsletters
- Follow us on Facebook