Support for carers 2015 Budget Carers currently access services through various pathways across disability, community mental The Australian Government delivers a range health, and aged care sectors. of programmes to support carers to assist Existing gateways such as My Aged Care and the them in their caring role. National Disability Insurance Scheme provide some information for carers, but the focus is typically on the person being cared for. What was announced in Under the IPCSS the new Carer Gateway will the 2015 Budget? provide a carer specific entry point for all carers, regardless of the need or the age of the person The 2015-16 Budget includes a measure to they care for. simplify and streamline support for carers of people with disability, a medical condition, mental This simplified access will help carers in their role illness or someone who is aged. and increase opportunities for them to maintain and enhance their social and economic The Government recognises the contribution participation. carers make to our society and wants to improve the support they receive. Key facts Integrated Plan for Carer Support There are almost 2.7 million carers in Australia. Services (IPCSS) In 2014-15 more than 307,412 carers accessed funded support services such as The Integrated Plan for Carer Support Services respite, counselling, peer support and (IPCSS) will streamline support and services advocacy through the Department of Social specifically for carers. Services. The National Carer Gateway is budgeted to The IPCSS acknowledges that carers deserve cost $10.9 million in 2015-16 and a total of support in their own right and require easier $33.7 million by 2018-19. access to information and services. The National Carer Gateway will commence National Carer Gateway from December 2015. From December 2015, the National Carer Gateway will provide - a dedicated and fully More information accessible place for all carers to go to for information, support and referral to services.
Support for carers 2015 Budget The Australian Government delivers a range of programmes to support carers to assist them in their caring role. What was announced in the 2015 Budget? The 2015-16 Budget includes a measure to simplify and streamline support for carers of people with disability, a medical condition, mental illness or someone who is aged. The Government recognises the contribution carers make to our society and wants to improve the support they receive. Integrated Plan for Carer Support Services (IPCSS) The Integrated Plan for Carer Support Services (IPCSS) will streamline support and services specifically for carers. The IPCSS acknowledges that carers deserve support in their own right and require easier access to information and services. National Carer Gateway From December 2015, the National Carer Gateway will provide - a dedicated and fully accessible place for all carers to go to for information, support and referral to services. Carers currently access services through various pathways across disability, community mental health, and aged care sectors. Existing gateways such as My Aged Care and the National Disability Insurance Scheme provide some information for carers, but the focus is typically on the person being cared for. Under the IPCSS the new Carer Gateway will provide a carer specific entry point for all carers, regardless of the need or the age of the person they care for. This simplified access will help carers in their role and increase opportunities for them to maintain and enhance their social and economic participation. Key facts There are almost 2.7 million carers in Australia. In 2014-15 more than 307,412 carers accessed funded support services such as respite, counselling, peer support and advocacy through the Department of Social Services. The National Carer Gateway is budgeted to cost $10.9 million in 2015-16 and a total of $33.7 million by 2018-19. The National Carer Gateway will commence from December 2015. More information
2015_budget_fact_sheet_-_support_for_carers.docx