Queenslanders who care for the aged, people with an illness and people with a disability are set to benefit from a cross-government action plan to improve services and enhance support for carers.

The Minister for Communities, Disability Services, Seniors and Youth, Warren Pitt, today launched the Carer Action Plan which outlines a range of Queensland Government initiatives to support the vital role that carers perform.

“Carers do great work and provide high quality support and assistance, yet frequently their efforts are not adequately recognised,” Mr Pitt said.

“The Carer Action Plan aims to change that. The initiatives contained within the plan will help to provide carers with the support they need and will reaffirm the government’s commitment to recognising the valuable role carers perform in our communities.

“The Queensland Government is committed to working with communities to foster a better understanding of the role of carers, and to generate more practical support for them.”

The Carer Action Plan has been developed jointly across a number of Queensland Government departments to provide a more cohesive approach to recognising and valuing carers. Initiatives within the plan include:

• $6 million over four years for the introduction of two cards to support carers and the people for whom they care:
• a Carer Card to provide discounts for carers at participating businesses
• an Access Card for people with a disability to enable their carer to accompany them to participating venues free of charge or at discounted admission prices 
• $5 million over three years for succession planning to help families map out future care needs for relatives
•  $8.3 million over two years for respite for ageing carers
• increased support of young carers in education or training.

Media contact: Joe Begley 3235 4280