FAQs

The first review of the Act was undertaken in 2011 and a report for that review was tabled in the South Australian Parliament in November 2012. The review broadly found that:

• Carers reported better recognition and support than before the Act started.
• There was some inconsistency by some organisations in meeting their obligations.
• Several factors prevented carers from fully benefitting from the Act.
• Some changes to the Act may be useful.

Some key reforms in the proposed Amendment Bill are to:

• Broaden and clarify the definition of ‘carer’ with a focus on defining ‘care relationships’ which aligns with the National Strategy and was said to be more inclusive of the diversity of caring roles and makes it easier for carers to self-identify. 
• Remove the requirement for care to be 'ongoing' from the definition of carer and recognise other instances of when care is being provided for clarity.
• Expand the scope of the Act beyond the current seven government agencies to apply across the Government of South Australia. 
• Include a requirement for the Act to be reviewed every five years, so that its impact and usefulness is constantly considered.  
• Propose a contemporary Carers Charter drafted in line with recommendations from the State and Commonwealth Reports and in alignment with the National Carers Strategy.

The proposed legislative amendments will aim to:

• Increase the ability of South Australian carers to identify as carers, through a simplified, broader, and more inclusive definition.
• Improve carers' ability to interact with South Australian Government services by increasing public sector staff awareness of carers and the Carers Charter. 
• Supporting carers who are public sector staff, by increasing awareness of carers and ensuring HR policies reflect the principles of the Carers Charter. 
• Increase public sector agency’s transparency and accountability to carers through public reporting of how those agencies are fulfilling their obligations under the Carers Recognition Act.

No, the State Report found that any question of statutory rights should be considered as part of the development and implementation of a South Australian Human Rights Act rather than the Carers Recognition Act 2005. 

The Commonwealth Report has a similar view and recommends the Commonwealth Government seek legal advice to determine how best to establish rights for carers.

You can contact the Social Inclusion Policy and Partnerships team at Department of Human Services by email at: CarersActReview@sa.gov.au.