Carers Recognition Act Review

Share your ideas about how we can better recognise, celebrate and thank carers in South Australia

What's being decided?

We are reviewing the Carers Recognition Act 2005 to ensure it better recognises unpaid carers in their role in the community.

The review will consider how well the Act achieves its purpose, especially for those organisations it applies to.

The final report on the review, including the proposed recommendations can now be found on this page.

Background

Carers matter and play an important role in our community. We strive to celebrate and raise awareness of the South Australians who provide care and support to a family member or friend.

The Department for Human Services (DHS) are responsible for the South Australian Carers Recognition Act 2005 and is currently reviewing it. This legislation relates to unpaid carers – i.e. those who provide care, but not as their occupation.

Your feedback will assist us to better understand the needs and preference of the South Australian carers community.

What are the next steps?

The Commonwealth recently released a report about its Carers Recognition Act 2010.

Both South Australian and Commonwealth reports talk about expanding the definition of carer. They also mention having the same definition of "carer" across Australia.

We will now wait until we know what the Commonwealth Government plans to do or until they update their own Act. This will help create a clearer definition of "carer" across the country.

We will ask you for your opinions on any changes to our Act through YourSAy. We will also reach out to people and groups with a special interest in this issue.