The Carers Advisory Council Annual Compliance Report is developed by the Carers Advisory Council and outlines initiatives and progress by the Department of Health, Disability Services Commission, public hospitals and the Mental Health Commission to recognise carers in their organisations – externally and internally.
The report is provided to the Minister for Community Services to detail compliance of reporting organisations named in the Carers Recognition Act 2004 with the Act and their obligations under the Carers Charter.
Carers provide unpaid care to someone who needs help with their day-to-day living due to disability, impairment, mental illness, chronic health condition, terminal illness, an alcohol or drug issue or who is frail and aged.
Carers Advisory Council Chair, Esme Bowen, describes carers as unsung heroes of our community and says 2024 marks a significant milestone.
“This year we commemorate 20 years of carer’s rights being enshrined in law – noting Western Australia was the first State to bring in legislation to support carers. The Compliance Report reflects the ongoing dedication of reporting organisations towards complying with the Western Australian Carers Charter, while supporting carers and the patients they care for,” she said.
The Act recognises the role of carers in the community and includes the Western Australian Carers Charter that outlines how carers are to be treated and how they are to be involved in delivering services that affect them and their role as carers.
Key actions by reporting organisations in the past year include:
- the implementation of consumer and carer engagement strategies which provide a crucial framework for building partnerships with carers and carer representative bodies
- an increased number of initiatives developed which are more reflective of the diverse needs and experiences of carers
- continued increased recognition and support of the valuable role played by carers in society. In 2022-23, this also included increased recognition and support of organisational staff and volunteers who are unpaid carers themselves.
The Carers Advisory Council provides advice to the Minister for Community Services on issues affecting carers and works with the Department of Communities and reporting organisations to promote carer wellbeing and support.
For more information visit the Carers and Grandcarers page.
Image: Communities Director General, Mike Rowe and Carers Advisory Council Chair, Esme Bowen.
