Published Sunday, 20 July, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
2,500 Queensland businesses say ‘I do’… and growing: Minister
Communities and Disability Services Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr today announced the statewide roll out of the new Queensland Carer Business Discount Card – believed to be an Australian first – which will save an estimated 87,000 care givers between 5-10 % off retail products and services.
“Already 2,500 businesses across the State have signed up and I want to congratulate them for supporting the program which recognises the important role carers play in our communities and it gives them tangible benefits,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“This is great news for carers who are the backbone of our communities, selflessly caring for family members and loved ones, with discounts available on holidays, food and household items,” she said.
“It’s estimated that some 87,000 carers are eligible for the new card, and applications are open.”
The Carer Business Discount Card program is available to Queenslanders who receive the Centrelink Carer Payment or the Carer Allowance.
“It’s exciting to have such a caring business sector in Queensland and I know Victoria, News South Wales and Western Australia are considering similar schemes and will no doubt be watching ours with great interest,” said the Minister.
The Northern Territory currently has a Pensioner and Carer Card which offers subsidies and concessions similar to Queensland’s Seniors Card which already offers generous rebates for water, gas and electricity.
Among the first businesses to sign-up to the Queensland Carer Business Discount Card are All Shelving & Storage Solutions, American Book Store, Andersens Carpets, Avis Australia, Clive Peeters, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Dendy Cinemas, Golden Chain Motor Inn, Greyhound Australia, Kookaburra River Queens, Novus Australia, Shoe City, Solver Paints Tyrepower and Walk on Wheels Newmarket.
Businesses interested in registering discounts for carers can contact Card Services on 3224 8747 or online at www.qld.gov.au/carercard
Discounts are listed on the website and in eight regional Business Discount Directories which will be posted to cardholders later this year.
Ms Nelson-Carr said the Carer Business Discount Card formed part of the Queensland Government’s Carer Recognition Policy and Carer Action Plan.
Carers can now apply for a card online at www.qld.gov.au/carercard or over-the-phone on 131304.
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280
“Already 2,500 businesses across the State have signed up and I want to congratulate them for supporting the program which recognises the important role carers play in our communities and it gives them tangible benefits,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“This is great news for carers who are the backbone of our communities, selflessly caring for family members and loved ones, with discounts available on holidays, food and household items,” she said.
“It’s estimated that some 87,000 carers are eligible for the new card, and applications are open.”
The Carer Business Discount Card program is available to Queenslanders who receive the Centrelink Carer Payment or the Carer Allowance.
“It’s exciting to have such a caring business sector in Queensland and I know Victoria, News South Wales and Western Australia are considering similar schemes and will no doubt be watching ours with great interest,” said the Minister.
The Northern Territory currently has a Pensioner and Carer Card which offers subsidies and concessions similar to Queensland’s Seniors Card which already offers generous rebates for water, gas and electricity.
Among the first businesses to sign-up to the Queensland Carer Business Discount Card are All Shelving & Storage Solutions, American Book Store, Andersens Carpets, Avis Australia, Clive Peeters, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Dendy Cinemas, Golden Chain Motor Inn, Greyhound Australia, Kookaburra River Queens, Novus Australia, Shoe City, Solver Paints Tyrepower and Walk on Wheels Newmarket.
Businesses interested in registering discounts for carers can contact Card Services on 3224 8747 or online at www.qld.gov.au/carercard
Discounts are listed on the website and in eight regional Business Discount Directories which will be posted to cardholders later this year.
Ms Nelson-Carr said the Carer Business Discount Card formed part of the Queensland Government’s Carer Recognition Policy and Carer Action Plan.
Carers can now apply for a card online at www.qld.gov.au/carercard or over-the-phone on 131304.
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280