Carers slam Budget

Carers Australia said the Budget had largely ignored the organisation’s proposed measures designed to improve the lives of Australia’s 2.6 million family carers.

Ben Chodziesner, the president of Carers Australia, said it was “particularly disappointing given the huge surplus that more could not have been done for some of Australia’s most deserving citizens”.

“We were expecting a Budget that would be family friendly. We thought that we would hear announcements that would look to the future. There is nothing for family carers in this regard.

“How will the announced changes to superannuation benefit the carers who currently don’t even have access to a super scheme? What will they retire on? Where is the rebate for employed family carers who need to pay for children with disabilities and/or ageing parents?

“We made recommendations in both of these areas but were ignored”, Mr.Chodziesner said.