Tax breaks, better access to respite and prioritised wellbeing are among the recommendations found in an inquiry into the recognition of unpaid carers.
It was brought to federal parliament on Wednesday, March 27 by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs, which looked at the the challenges faced by unpaid carers and options for reforming the Carer Recognition Act 2010.
The report's release follows news about how unpaid carers are burnt out and the financial burden they're placed under.
Addressing the financial disadvantages carers experience over their lifetime was an issue raised. Among the solutions proposed included supporting flexible work arrangements, introducing an income tax credit for carers returning to the paid workforce, and finding ways to offset the financial impacts of caring through the income tax and superannuation systems.
Better access to support, for example respite options and counselling through the Carer Gateway was also suggested.
Carers' health and wellbeing also needs to be prioritised, plus give targeted support for First Nations and culturally and linguistically diverse carers, through the new National Carer Strategy.
Government departments aren't off the hook; there was also a call for stronger obligations to be made on public service agencies to "reflect the principles of the Act".
A total of 22 recommendations were made.
Committee chair Ms Susan Templeman MP, said: "despite the best of intentions, the Act has not encouraged a cultural change in how public service agencies and their associated providers interact with and support carers. This is because the Act is unenforceable, contains weak and vague statements without clear calls to action, and relies on a voluntary and inconsistent reporting system with little oversight or accountability."
"It is critical that carers have the right to be acknowledged as partners in care, to be involved in planning and policy development, to be provided with information regarding the person they care for in order to provide care, and to be able to access flexible work arrangements."
The full report can be found at aph.gov.au and search for "Recognising, valuing and supporting unpaid carers".
