The
House of Representatives Standing Committee on Family, Community, Housing and Youth will conduct an inquiry into how to better support the needs of
carers who look after those with disability, severe medical condition or frailty. To gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by carers the committee will inquire into and report on:
- the role and contribution of carers in society and how this should be recognised
- the barriers to social and economic participation for carers, with a particular focus on helping carers to find and/or retain employment
- the practical measures required to better support carers, including key priorities for action, and
- strategies to assist carers access the same range of opportunities and choices as the wider community, including strategies to increase the capacity for carers to make choices within their caring roles, transition into and out of caring, and effectively plan for their future.
The inquiry will report in early 2009 and submissions to the inquiry addressing the terms of reference are due on 4 July 2008.