Page 510 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 23 February 2010
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Ongoing engagement of carers, community groups and government agencies is critical to understanding the changing needs of carers. The work of carers is complex and challenging. The ACT government knows that whilst we cannot solve all of the problems, we can work together to share some of the responsibilities which carers carry. In this term of government we have committed to build on these foundations and continue to consult with carers and to work to provide effective support to make the roles of carers easier.
The ACT government is committed to improving the lives of carers and providing a level of support that will enable them to participate in the wider community. Carers will continue to be a high priority for us and we will maintain our commitment to acknowledge and support carers in the ACT and value the significant contribution they make to our community. Our government introduced Australia’s first Human Rights Act 2004 to foster a culture of equality, tolerance and human rights in the ACT.
This government intends to build on this culture and introduce the ACT’s first charter of rights for carers. It will build on a similar charter developed in Western Australia, and adopted elsewhere, which enshrines a set of standards for agencies dealing with carers. The charter will require that carers are consulted and involved in decision making during the development of policies, programs and strategies related to care. This government and I will work with carers and key stakeholders such as Carers ACT and the Human Rights Commission to develop this charter. We will formally recognise the rights of carers.
Mr Doszpot made a comment about providing housing to support young people with a disability. I would like to say that construction of a purpose-built household in Narrabundah for four young people—people aged under 50 years of age—with complex and special care needs is anticipated to be operational by May of this year.
We are also constructing a house at Ainslie for young women who are part of the Stepping Stones for Life group. That, again, is expected to be completed in March, with occupancy not long after that. Also, Disability ACT is undertaking a feasibility study to map the current and projected 10-year demand for adapted special designed properties outside general public housing and will consider that report when it comes through. I think you have highlighted that the demand is there. There is no denying that we need to look at this.
I have worked across the health and community sector for many years. That involved working alongside carers through this time. As minister, I have met many carers. I acknowledge the work that they do and I acknowledge those that they care for. I also recognise that the work they do is often to the benefit not just of those that they care for but of us as a society as a whole.
Each week I am sure that Mr Doszpot, Ms Hunter and Ms Bresnan have carers coming to them. Without a doubt, with 25,000 known carers, they are a significant part of our community. We should be recognising and helping them meet the challenges that they face. I will commit to working through my department to support these people.
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