Family carers need real support this election
13 August 2010
The Continence Foundation of Australia is part of the voice calling on political parties and leaders to commit to better support for carers this election by supporting Don't Wait - Our Future is Now!, the election campaign of Carers Australia.*
Over the years, successive governments have not fully addressed the crucial need to provide support to meet the needs of the diversity of family carers. Carers are tired of rhetoric and promises.
Don't Wait - Our Future is Now! outlines realistic and achievable actions across three key areas:
- supporting family carers now and into the future
- supporting family carers' long-term financial security, and
- supporting young carers.
"The Continence Foundation of Australia is proud to support this election campaign and its actions. It is essential that every candidate in the Federal Election clearly states their stance on supporting carers and the actions they will take on carer issues," said Continence Foundation of Australia CEO, Barry Cahill.
"Carers Australia's election campaign provides candidates with a clear direction on how to better support carers and we would encourage politicians to take account of it."
Carers are a vital part of our aged, community care, health and mental health sectors and the support they provide is essential to the people they care for and our communities.
2.6 million family carers will take their views to the polls and that can mean the difference between winning or losing a seat in many electorates. Candidates need their votes.
* Carers Australia is the national peak body representing the diversity of Australia's unpaid family carers. More information about their campaign Don't Wait -Our Future is Now is available at www.carersaustraliaelection2010.com.au
