90 SECOND STATEMENT – NATIONAL CARERS WEEK

Today I rise to reflect on the enormous contribution Australia’s informal carers make to our nation. I’d also like to inform the House on how Bonner will be celebrating its local carers this National Carer’s Week.

National Carer’s Week is a time to celebrate and honour our unpaid carers. More importantly, it’s a time to raise awareness of the work carers do and the huge difference they make. There are over 2.8 million unpaid carers in Australia. The unpaid work they put in represents close to 2 billion hours a year.

Carers deserve our appreciation and support. That’s why I’m pleased to have partnered with FSG Australia to host a Carers Morning Tea in Wynnum this Friday. Carers from the Wynnum-Manly community are invited to attend. This will be a great opportunity for local carers to learn more about the support services available to them.

As one of my constituents Gillian has put it to me, it’s important to let carers know they’re not alone and that there’s help out there for them. Gillian had to give up full-time work to care for her father for five years, while also caring for her multiple handicapped son. She tells me people often struggle to understand just how difficult it is for carers in her position. 

This is why I continue to be a proud supporter of National Carers Week. The amazing contribution our unpaid carers make can’t be stated enough. I thank FSG for giving me the chance to personally acknowledge local carers and the vital role they play in our society.