What is the Carers Recognition Act?
On 1 January 2005, Western Australia became the first jurisdiction in Australia to extend legal recognition to carers with the introduction of the Carers Recognition Act 2004 (the Act). The Act recognises the role of carers in the community and includes the Carers Charter, which outlines how carers are to be treated and how they are to be involved in delivering services that affect them and their caring role.
The Act requires prescribed Western Australian Government agencies and non-government service providers that are funded by prescribed agencies, to comply with the Carers Charter. These agencies include the Department of Health and its service providers, and the Disability Services Commission.
Western Australian Carers Charter
The Carer Charter outlines how carers are to be treated and involved in delivering some services which impact on them as a carer.
- Carers must be treated with respect and dignity.
- The role of carers must be recognised by including carers in the assessment, planning, delivery and review of services that impact on them and the role of carers.
- The views and needs of carers must be taken into account along with the views, needs and best interests of people receiving care when decisions are made that impact on carers and the role of carers.
- Complaints made by carers in relation to services that impact on them and the role of carers must be given due attention and consideration.
What does the Act mean for service providers?
The Act requires Department of Health, public hospitals and the Disability Services Commission, and non-government services funded by these agencies, to comply with the Carers Charter. The Department of Health, public hospitals and the Disability Services Commission are also required to involve carers or their representatives in developing policies or programs and in strategic or operational planning that might affect carers and their caring roles.
These state government agencies must provide annual compliance reports to the Carers Advisory Council. The Council's report is tabled in State Parliament by the Minister for Community Services and can then be downloaded from the Department of Communities' website.
The Act requires carers or their representatives to be involved in developing policies or programs and in strategic or operational planning that might affect carers and their caring role.
Carer Friendly Workplaces
All organisations have a role to play in supporting carers and creating inclusive and supporting workplaces for their employees.
One way that organisations can promote themselves as an employer of choice can be by seeking accreditation as a Carer Friendly Workplace.
For further information on this initiative visit Carers WA.
