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TASMANIAN CARER ACTION PLAN 2017 - 2020 - Department of ...
TASMANIAN
CARER
ACTION PLAN
2017 – 2020
TASMANIAN CARER ACTION PLAN 2017 - 2020 - Department of ...
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acronyms                                                                          2
Introduction                                                                      3
Acknowledgements                                                                  3
Definition of Carer                                                               5
Actions                                                                           7
    Objective 1: Increase the level of recognition of carers.                     8
    Objective 2: Improve the level of support and services to carers.            10
    Objective 3: Involve carers in the development and evaluation of policies,
                  programs and services that affect them and their caring role.		 14
Implementation                                                                   17
Working Together                                                                 18
Consultation Summary                                                             20
References                                                                       22

ACRONYMS

CIRG		             Carer Issues Reference Group
DHHS		             Department of Health and Human Services
DoE		              Department of Education
DPAC		             Department of Premier and Cabinet
DSS		              Department of Social Services (Australian Government)
MHADD              Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Directorate within DHHS
MHCTas		           Mental Health Carers Tasmania
MP		               Member of Parliament
NDIA		             National Disability Insurance Agency
NDIS		             National Disability Insurance Scheme
SASS		             Sexual Assault Support Services

2              Tasmanian Carer Action Plan 2017 – 2020
TASMANIAN CARER ACTION PLAN 2017 - 2020 - Department of ...
INTRODUCTION

The Tasmanian Carer Policy 2016 (Carer Policy) recognises the commitment of unpaid Tasmanian carers and supports them in
their caring role, and their active participation in economic, social and community life for themselves and the people for whom
they care. The Tasmanian Carer Action Plan (Action Plan) has been developed to implement the Carer Policy.
The Action Plan includes actions the Tasmanian Government is already taking to recognise and support carers in their
community and work settings, and through the way it is delivering services. The Action Plan takes account of consultations
that included an online community survey, written submissions, face-to-face forums conducted by Carers Tasmania, and
Government department consultations.
The Actions in the Action Plan respond to issues identified during consultations and cover existing, ongoing and new actions.
They fall under the three objectives of the Carer Policy.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Government acknowledges the extensive work of Carers Tasmania in consulting a diverse range of carers across the State.
The Sexual Assault Support Service and Mental Health Carers Tasmania (MHCTas) in consultation with its members, also
provided written feedback.

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DEFINITION OF CARER

The Carer Policy defines a carer as:
1. A person who provides, in a non-contractual and unpaid capacity, ongoing care or assistance to another person
   who, because of disability, ageing conditions such as frailty, mental illness, chronic illness or pain, requires assistance
   with everyday tasks.

2. A grandparent who is a carer of his or her grandchild if:
   a) the child lives with the grandparent; and
   b) the grandparent is the primary caregiver and decision maker for the child.
   However, if a child’s parent or parents remain the primary caregivers and decision makers for the child,
   the child’s grandparent is not the child’s carer only because:
   a) the grandparent cares for the child while the child’s parent or parents are working; or
   b) the child, together with the child’s parents, lives with the grandparent.

3. For the purpose of this Policy, a person is not a carer:
   a) simply because they are the spouse, parent, guardian or relative of a person who requires care; or
   b) if the person provides care or assistance as a volunteer for a voluntary organisation.

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OBJECTIVES

ONE – INCREASE THE                                                           TWO – IMPROVE THE LEVEL                                     THREE – INVOLVE CARERS
LEVEL OF RECOGNITION OF                                                      OF SUPPORT AND SERVICES                                     IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND
CARERS                                                                       TO CARERS                                                   EVALUATION OF POLICIES,
                                                                                                                                         PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
While rewarding, caring for others                                           In a long term study of the Australian
                                                                                                                                         THAT AFFECT THEM AND
can be a demanding and difficult role                                        Unity wellbeing index, the low levels
                                                                                                                                         THEIR CARING ROLE
that has many challenges. Research                                           of wellbeing among carers is noted as
shows that carers have higher levels of                                      a significant concern2. To care safely                      It can be difficult for carers to
depression, financial strain and social                                      and maintain their own physical and                         contribute to the development and
isolation than the average Australian1.                                      mental health and wellbeing, carers                         evaluation of policies, programs
                                                                             need information, support, respect and                      and services that affect them and
Carers make a significant contribution                                       recognition from the professionals with                     their caring role. Their busy caring
to the health and wellbeing of                                               whom they are in contact. Receiving                         responsibilities can make it difficult to
Tasmanians in need of support and                                            information, support, respect and                           attend forums or take part in surveys
assistance. They deserve recognition                                         recognition within their work and social                    that seek to hear their opinions and
for what they do in our communities                                          settings can be equally important.                          ideas. These responsibilities can also
and the value they have in our society.                                                                                                  make it difficult for them to keep pace
                                                                             Carers need support to balance their
Carers are usually friends or family of                                                                                                  with and respond to the changing
                                                                             work and caring roles or to return to
the person in need and are often their                                                                                                   nature of how services and programs
                                                                             work if they have lost employment
main care-givers. They may not be                                                                                                        are provided to them as carers and to
                                                                             due to caring. After their caring
easily identifiable, and therefore may                                                                                                   the person for whom they care.
                                                                             responsibilities have ended, carers
not be known to carer agencies and                                           may need help to rebuild a life of                          In client-centred service delivery,
services, or receive support for their                                       their own and reconnect with other                          decisions about the support provided
caring role.                                                                 family members, education, work or                          to the client can affect their carer, and
Children and young people who are                                            a social life.                                              often require the carer’s support and
carers can be at particular risk of                                                                                                      cooperation. The involvement of the
                                                                             Demographic trends and modelling
not being recognised and treated as                                                                                                      carer can benefit the service provider,
                                                                             show the demand for informal care
people who are providing care.                                                                                                           as carers have a unique insight and
                                                                             is increasing at a faster rate than
                                                                                                                                         first-hand knowledge of the needs
                                                                             its supply3. Being responsive to the
                                                                                                                                         and requirements of the person
                                                                             needs of carers and care recipients
                                                                                                                                         receiving care. In turn, the person
                                                                             alike will be important to help
                                                                                                                                         receiving services can benefit from
                                                                             address this, including offering greater
                                                                                                                                         having their carer as part of a strong,
                                                                             flexibility in working arrangements
                                                                                                                                         trusting and well-informed care team.
                                                                             to accommodate workers’ caring
                                                                                                                                         This outcome is at its best when the
                                                                             responsibilities and employment
                                                                                                                                         individual needs and circumstances
                                                                             preferences, and encouraging use and
                                                                                                                                         of both the client and the carer are
                                                                             awareness of carer support services
                                                                                                                                         respected and taken into account.
                                                                             that alleviate the impact of caring4.
1 Ranmuthugala 2009, cited in Deloitte Access Economics, 2015, p27.
2 Australian Unity, p18.
3 Deloitte Access Economics, p28.
4 See also The Statement for Australia’s Carers, containing ten key principles that set out how carers should be treated and
   considered in policy, program and delivery settings. The Statement forms part of the Carer Recognition Act 2010.
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Objective One

                                                 INCREASE THE LEVEL
                                                 OF RECOGNITION OF
                                                 CARERS

What the consultation                            mental illness and build their capacity       As the employer of one of the largest
                                                 to participate and advocate. This             workforces in the state, the Tasmanian
told us:                                         Government funding also supports              State Service’s Diversity and Inclusion
• Carers want greater awareness                  MHCTas’ systemic advocacy roles,              Policy and Framework applies to all
  and recognition of who they are                including engaging family/carer               Tasmanian State Service employees
  and what they do, the reality of               representatives in mental health              and officers. The Framework provides
  the caring role, and the diversity             initiatives and committees. The Mental        contemporary resources and support
  of caring roles and requirements:              Health, Alcohol and Drug Directorate          for employees and officers who are
    o across government                          (MHADD) in DHHS promotes carer                carers, and those who work with
      (departments and Members                   organisations to its staff, and to clinical   and supervise them. This work is
      of Parliament (MP));                       services within its areas of responsibility   undertaken by DPAC’s State Service
                                                 (Mental Health Services, Alcohol and          Management Office (SSMO).
    o in the community;                          Drug Services, Forensic Mental Health
    o in the community sector;                                                                 Government departments that
                                                 Services and Correctional Primary
                                                                                               work directly with carer clients
    o by employers of carers;                    Health). This is done through the
                                                                                               undertake activities to promote
    o in hospitals and health services;          Senior Consumer and Carer Liaison
                                                                                               carer awareness and recognition.
      and                                        Consultant role, and by family/carer
                                                                                               The Department of Education (DoE)
                                                 representatives engaged within services.
    o in schools.                                                                              helps to raise awareness within its
                                                 Government departments actively               organisation and the community of
• Some carers are concerned the
                                                 promote support available to carers           the needs and priorities of student
  definition of carer in the current
                                                 to their staff. This includes induction       carers. It produces brochures and
  Carer Policy is worded in a way
                                                 packages, staff newsletters, and              website material containing relevant
  that is confusing and leaves them
                                                 management training to ensure that            information such as contact details
  feeling excluded and unrecognised.
                                                 managers and colleagues are aware of          for support organisations. Following
                                                 their rights as carers, responsibilities of   the implementation of the Education
What we are currently                            employees with caring responsibilities        Act 2016, DoE has developed an
                                                 and where to find resources to                Attendance Policy and Process that
doing:                                           support them.                                 directs schools to contact parents and/
Through the Department of Premier                                                              or independent students following a
                                                 Several departments take part in
and Cabinet (DPAC), the Government                                                             student’s unexplained absence from
                                                 Carers Week to promote carer
funds Carers Tasmania to promote                                                               school. This may identify that caring
                                                 awareness and recognition, and are
awareness and recognition of carers,                                                           responsibilities are the reason for
                                                 proactive in expanding the scope and
and to provide support services                                                                the absence, and allow the school to
                                                 nature of these activities. For example,
for carers.                                                                                    provide appropriate supports for the
                                                 DHHS is developing case studies of
                                                                                               student to minimise absences and
Through the Department of Health                 employees and clients with caring
                                                                                               enable regular attendance at school.
and Human Services (DHHS), the                   responsibilities to raise awareness of
Government funds MHCTas to provide               the role of carers and the support
information to carers of people with             available to them in the workplace.

8             Tasmanian Carer Action Plan 2017 – 2020
TASMANIAN CARER ACTION PLAN 2017 - 2020 - Department of ...
Caring is an isolating
                                                                                       role, you lose track
                                                                                        of family, friends,
                                                                                       and the rest of the
                                                                                           community.
                                                                                           – attendee at National Carers
                                                                                           Week 2016 Forum, Tasmania

Actions:
No.    Action                                                     Agency
1.1    Support Carers Tasmania and MHCTas to raise                DPAC and
       community awareness of carers, including the valuable      DHHS
       contribution they make and the challenges they face.
1.2    Organise annual Department sponsored events                DHHS
       during Carers Week to recognise employees who
       have caring responsibilities and celebrate the carers in
       the community.
1.3    Promote Carers Week on the DPAC website and                DPAC
       encourage other departments to also promote
       Carers Week.
1.4    Implement the DoE Attendance Policy and Process to         DoE
       help schools identify when caring responsibilities are
       the reason for a student’s unexplained absence from
       school.
1.5    Review the definition of carer in the Carer Policy,        DPAC
       in consultation with key agencies and community
       organisations, so all carers affected by the Carer
       Policy see themselves and their role in the definition.
1.6    As part of the Diversity and Inclusion Policy and          DPAC
       Framework, monitor activities that promote
       awareness of caring responsibilities Tasmanian State
       Service employees and officers may have.
1.7    Work with frontline Government services that               DPAC
       engage with carers to explore how they can embed
       awareness of carer needs, and how these differ across
       diverse groups of carers.

                                                                             Tasmanian Carer Action Plan 2017 – 2020       9
Objective Two

                                                 IMPROVE THE LEVEL
                                                 OF SUPPORT AND
                                                 SERVICES TO CARERS

What the consultation                            may be able to negotiate flexible          activities has increased steadily over the
                                                 work arrangements. A State Service         past five years from – 180 new cards
told us:                                         employee who is providing support          in 2012-13 to 290 new cards in 2016-17.
Carers expressed a need for more                 to a person who is a member of             Much of the increase can be attributed
specific support services, independent           the employee’s immediate family or         to improved awareness of the program
of those for whom they care. In                  household and who is, or has been,         and the introduction of the National
particular, carers said they would like          experiencing family violence, may also     Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS),
more information about and access                be granted personal leave.                 which has increased funding to enable
to respite and opportunities to spend                                                       more participation in community
                                                 The State Service has an Employee
time with other carers.                                                                     events by people with lifelong disability.
                                                 Assistance Program that offers
Carers also felt that mainstream                 confidential counselling sessions for      In addition to its work promoting carer
services they engage with could better           employees and officers regarding           awareness and recognition, MHADD in
understand and be more responsive                personal, family or work related issues.   DHHS continues to deliver a number
to their needs by considering them,              This work is led by DPAC’s SSMO.           of initiatives to strengthen and improve
offering them support, information,                                                         the delivery of carer supports and
                                                 DPAC administers the Tasmanian
and referral to services.                                                                   services, including:
                                                 Companion Card Program, which
                                                 entitles eligible people with life-        • providing overarching policy and
                                                 long disability who need a carer to          training to public mental health
What we are currently                            participate in community activities to a     services to work effectively with
doing:                                           free ticket for their companion carer        carers of people with a mental
                                                 to participating venues and events.          illness (implementation of A
In acknowledging that many of the key
                                                 Government cultural events and               Practical Guide for Working with
payments and services provided to
                                                 venues, like the Tasmanian Museum            Carers of People with a Mental
carers are delivered by the Australian
                                                 and Art Gallery and events held by           Illness 2016);
Government and the community
                                                 Arts Tasmania and Screen Tasmania
sector, the Tasmanian Government                                                            • supporting clinical services to
                                                 also encourage and support the use of
will continue to work collaboratively                                                         work in partnership with family
                                                 the Companion Card. The Companion
to improve outcomes for Tasmanian                                                             members and carers in clinical
                                                 Card program is increasingly doing
carers and those for whom they care.                                                          practice, policy, planning and
                                                 on-site assessments, providing a more
                                                                                              evaluation; and
As an employer, the Tasmanian                    accessible face-to-face approach for
State Service is committed to                    applicants seeking acceptance to           • providing ongoing funding to the
having a diverse workforce and to                the program, particularly regional           National Mental Health Consumer
building inclusive workplaces where              applicants.                                  and Carer Forum to provide state
all employees feel welcomed, safe                                                             representation from a mental
                                                 The number of new Companion Cards
and supported. Tasmanian State                                                                health carer lived experience into
                                                 issued to Tasmanians with lifelong
Service employees have access                                                                 national systemic advocacy and
                                                 disability who require a companion
to leave provisions to assist with                                                            policy development
                                                 carer to participate in community
caring responsibilities. Employees                                                            (www.nmhccf.org.au).

10            Tasmanian Carer Action Plan 2017 – 2020
MHADD supported the 2017                    Tasmanian Home and Community                 • DoE uses data to identify possible
International Initiative on Mental Health   Care (HACC) work with carer peak               student disengagement early and
Leadership (IIMHL) Exchange, with           bodies to identify gaps in services;           to initiate prompt restorative
the Directorate’s Senior Consumer           plan services and programs; and fund           action through successful re-
and Carer Liaison Consultant hosting        services that:                                 engagement programs and flexible
an international leadership exchange                                                       learning opportunities.
                                            • provide information and
in Launceston. Delegates explored
                                              counselling                                Through the Government’s policy for
the concept of Family and Carer
                                              to carers;                                 training and workforce development,
Leadership in Mental Health and
                                                                                         Investing in Skills for Growth, the
presented a synopsis of the exchange        • provide respite for carers; and
                                                                                         Department of State Growth works
to the IIMHL Conference in Sydney.
                                            • enable carers to escort family             with vulnerable Tasmanians to
The Disability and Community                  members using HACC community               participate in the workforce and build
Services Branch in DHHS continues             transport.                                 their employability skills. This includes
to fund services that support                                                            offering work readiness programs
grandparents (or relative carers)           DoE recognises the impact that               that target skills development to
who are the primary carers for their        wellbeing has on the success of              real needs of workplaces and create
grandchildren. These services are           Tasmania’s children and young people         pathways through to qualifications for
provided via funding agreements with        as learners. While support staff,            Tasmanians facing barriers to training
community partners Baptcare and             targeted programs and flexible learning      and employment.
Mission Australia.                          opportunities can benefit all students,
                                            they provide valuable support to             The Training and Work Pathways
Activities related to this program          student carers:                              Program funds innovative projects
include:                                                                                 that enhance vocational education and
                                            • DoE has established the Child              training and employment options for
• brief intervention or short term            and Student Wellbeing Unit and             disadvantaged Tasmanians, and expand
  support to assist adjusting to the          has allocated $1.6 million over            and sustain learning opportunities.
  role of being a primary carer;              four years to improve wellbeing            These projects can include training,
                                              and educational outcomes for               research related to vocational
• providing information, advice
                                              children and young people in               pathways, and brokering partnerships
  and referral, especially during the
                                              Tasmanian Government schools.              between community organisations,
  initial period during which they
                                              As a priority it will deliver a Child      industry, employers and training
  have taken on the role of primary
                                              and Student Wellbeing Strategy             organisations to meet the needs
  carer;
                                              to identify actions to address             of Tasmanians facing barriers.
• providing access to family support          gaps and improve wellbeing
  services, where required, to                through primary prevention, early          Tasmanians with caring responsibilities
  enable brief intervention and               intervention and targeted support.         are an identified target group within
  episodic support to address family                                                     this program.
                                            • In Tasmanian Government schools,
  conflict and other interpersonal
                                              support staff include support
  tensions;
                                              teachers, school psychologists,
• managing brokerage funds that               speech and language pathologists,
  grandparent or relative carers are          and social workers who can
  able to access to cover the cost            help to identify and support
  of essential items and support              specific needs (e.g. emotional and
  activities; and                             developmental) and may also refer
                                              students to other professional
• providing a range of group based
                                              supports if required.
  activities or information sessions.

                                                                                Tasmanian Carer Action Plan 2017 – 2020        11
Actions:
                                              No.    Action                                                   Agency
    The paradox of                            2.1    On an annual basis, continue to work with Carers         DPAC and
                                                     Tasmania and other key carer support organisations       DHHS
   being: when you                                   to find ways to ensure carers know about available
                                                     supports and services.
     most need to
                                              2.2    Ensure Tasmanian State Service employees/officers        DPAC
engage with external                                 with caring responsibilities and their colleagues have
                                                     access to contemporary and relevant resources that
  support, you have                                  support flexible workplaces.
   the least internal                         2.3    Develop a Carers’ Toolkit for Tasmanian State Service    DPAC
                                                     employees, officers and managers that provides
 resources to do so.                                 guidance about work arrangements and support.
                                              2.4    Work with the CIRG to identify gaps and avenues for      DPAC
     – mental health carer
                                                     better promotion of supports that are available to
                                                     carers.
                                              2.5    Continue to administer and expand the Companion          DPAC
                                                     Card program.
                                              2.6    Develop a Child and Student Wellbeing Strategy for       DoE
                                                     release in 2018.
                                              2.7    Provide additional professional support staff (14.8      DoE
                                                     additional Full Time Equivalents over four years) to
                                                     support the health, wellbeing and learning needs of
                                                     Tasmanian students, including student carers.
                                                     This includes $6.9 million over four years for
                                                     additional speech and language pathologists, school
                                                     psychologists, and social workers in Tasmanian
                                                     Government schools.
                                              2.8    Build and extend successful student re-engagement        DoE
                                                     programs delivered by DoE.
                                                     $5 million is allocated over four years.
                                              2.9    Seek advice from the CIRG on how information that        DPAC
                                                     is timely, simple and free of jargon can reach carers.
                                              2.10   Through Tasmania’s Active Ageing Plan 2017-2022          DPAC
                                                     fund the Council on the Ageing Tasmania to deliver
                                                     initiatives to improve digital inclusion for older
                                                     Tasmanians.
                                              2.11   Continue to recognise carers as a target group within    State
                                                     the Training and Work Pathways Program, which            Growth
                                                     aims to expand and sustain learning opportunities and
                                                     employment options for disadvantaged Tasmanians.

12        Tasmanian Carer Action Plan 2017 – 2020
Tasmanian Carer Action Plan 2017 – 2020   13
Objective Three
                                                 INVOLVE CARERS IN THE
                                                 DEVELOPMENT AND
                                                 EVALUATION OF POLICIES,
                                                 PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
                                                 THAT AFFECT THEM AND
                                                 THEIR CARING ROLE
What the consultation                            The Tasmanian Government actively          Health Services and Correctional
                                                 consults carers and carer support          Primary Health about working in
told us:                                         organisations on specific projects, and    partnership with carers.
Throughout the community                         seeks their representation on working
                                                                                            The Australian Government delivers
consultations, carers expressed                  groups and committees. For example,
                                                                                            many programs and services to carers.
a desire to engage more with                     MHADD has consulted with Carers
                                                                                            It is leading the implementation of
government departments and decision              Tasmania and MHCTas to implement
                                                                                            national reforms that affect carers,
makers. Carers wanted engagement                 the Rethink Mental Health Strategy,
                                                                                            including the NDIS, My Aged Care
to be meaningful, genuine, flexible and          a long-term plan for better mental
                                                                                            and changes to the delivery of carer
accessible. Carers also wanted to have           health in Tasmania. It has also convened
                                                                                            support services. Therefore, it is
their voices heard in their own right,           the Autism Advisory Panel, which
                                                                                            important the Tasmanian Government
not just in regards to the person they           includes carer representatives. The
                                                                                            understands how these reforms impact
care for.                                        Panel provides recommendations to
                                                                                            Tasmania carers.
                                                 the Minister for Human Services on a
                                                 long term strategy for Autism to give      Through the CIRG established
What we are currently                            consideration to awareness, education      in August 2017, the Tasmanian
                                                 and practical help                         Government has committed to
doing:                                           for carers.                                collaborating and sharing information
The Government engages with carers                                                          with Australian Government
                                                 Carer representatives sit on the
through a number of mechanisms.                                                             departments responsible for
                                                 Premier’s Disability Advisory Council
The Government supports Carers                                                              supporting carers, the National
                                                 (PDAC) and the Minister’s Disability
Tasmania and MHCTas to represent                                                            Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA)
                                                 Advisory Council (MDAC), and present
the views of carers on an ongoing                                                           as well as Carers Tasmania and
                                                 their views and perspectives on issues
basis. A key component of the funding                                                       MHCTas which represent the views
                                                 affecting people with disability for
provided to these organisations is                                                          of carers. DHHS, through Disability
                                                 whom they care.
to consult with carers and inform                                                           and Community Services, also engages
government on how services are                   The Government also acknowledges           closely with the NDIA over transition
provided and policies are developed              the value of lived experience,             to the NDIS, and its impact on people
and implemented. These organisations             with MHADD employing a Senior              with disability and their carers.
are building the capacity of carers to           Consumer and Carer Liaison
engage directly with government and              Consultant with lived experience to
service providers. They are assisting            provide ongoing support and advice to
government to communicate with                   public Mental Health Services, Alcohol
people who can provide input into                and Drugs Services, Forensic Mental
relevant policy, project and service
development.

14            Tasmanian Carer Action Plan 2017 – 2020
Actions:
No.    Action                                                    Agency
3.1    Continue to fund and work with community sector
       organisations to build carer capacity and opportunities
                                                                 DPAC
                                                                 and
                                                                                       To feel important
       for carers to engage with government (departments         DHHS                    enough to be
       and Ministers/MPs).
3.2    Coordinate the CIRG to ensure that the Tasmanian          DPAC
                                                                                     listened to with the
       and Australian Governments, and key carer support                                wisdom we have
       and advocacy bodies, can share information and
       respond collaboratively to key issues affecting                              learnt over the years
       Tasmanian carers.
3.3    Audit how government engages with carers, to              DPAC
                                                                                         being a Carer
       identify opportunities to better promote the                                          – mental health carer
       accessibility of existing engagement mechanisms, and
       highlight areas that require more engagement.
3.4    Coordinate the PDAC and the MDAC with ongoing             DPAC
       membership from carer representatives.                    and
                                                                 DHHS

                                                                          Tasmanian Carer Action Plan 2017 – 2020    15
16   Tasmanian Carer Action Plan 2017 – 2020
IMPLEMENTATION

Governance:                                Implementation and                              Monitoring and
The Premier, as Minister with              reporting:                                      evaluation:
responsibility for the carers portfolio,
oversees the Carer Policy and the
                                           The Action Plan is a living document.           During the implementation of
Action Plan. DPAC will coordinate          The Tasmanian Government will take              the Action Plan, the Tasmanian
and monitor implementation of this         a flexible and contemporary approach            Government will continue to consult
Action Plan.                               to implementing actions over time               with Carers Tasmania, MHCTas and
                                           to ensure that they respond to the              the sector to understand how it is
The Tasmanian Government
recognises the key role of the
                                           best available evidence, particularly in        contributing to positive outcomes
Australian Government in delivering        a time of rapid change for the social           for Tasmanian carers.
carer support services and leading         services sector, at state and Australian
the implementation of key national         Government levels.
reforms affecting carers.
                                           The CIRG will help inform responses
The CIRG will provide the platform         to emerging issues and opportunities
to communicate and collaborate             affecting the Action Plan’s objectives.
with Australian Government
representatives throughout the             DPAC will prepare an annual
implementation of the Action Plan.         implementation/progress report to
                                           the Premier, outlining achievements
                                           and identifying next steps.
                                           DPAC will publish this report on its
                                           website and promote it through
                                           the CIRG.

                                                                                  Tasmanian Carer Action Plan 2017 – 2020   17
WORKING TOGETHER

Many unpaid carers are caring                    Department of Social                      • flexible respite and support
within a service framework such as                                                           options for carers of people with
disability support services and aged             Services                                    severe mental illness/psychiatric
care. However, much of the informal              The Australian Government’s                 disability and carers of people with
caring happens in the community and              Department of Social Services (DSS)         an intellectual disability; and
is underpinned by informal support               works to improve the independence         • specialist information, advice and
networks. While it is important                  and participation of carers in              assistance for carers.
that the formal or organisational                community and economic life by
care system responds to the needs                providing targeted supports and           A number of DSS programs will
of carers and those they care for,               services for people with disability and   transition to the NDIS as it rolls out
it is equally important to build and             carers. Almost 2.7 million Australians    across Australia.
maintain communities and informal                care for someone with disability, a
networks of care that are also                   medical condition, mental illness or      Department of Health
responsive as well as resilient and              someone who is frail due to age.
sustainable. When both the formal                                                          The Australian Government’s
                                                 The Australian Government
and informal systems recognise the                                                         Department of Health has a diverse
                                                 helps carers to be engaged in
role carers have and their value to                                                        set of responsibilities, but throughout
                                                 the community, participate in the
the community, they can help carers                                                        there is a common purpose, which
                                                 workforce and stay healthy while
under stress, provide support early                                                         is reflected in the Department’s vision
                                                 continuing their caring role.
before vulnerability leads to isolation                                                    statement: Better health and wellbeing
or loss of support, help carers to find          A new Integrated Plan for Carer           for all Australians, now and for future
balance in their lives, and be resilient         Support Services is being developed       generations.
against crisis situations.                       to better recognise, support and
                                                                                           The Department aims to achieve
                                                 sustain the vital work of unpaid
While the State Government has a                                                           this vision through strengthening
                                                 carers. The first stage of this plan
role to play in providing support to                                                       evidence-based policy advice,
                                                 was the establishment of Carer
carers, the Australian Government                                                          improving program management,
                                                 Gateway, a new national website and
provides all carer payments and                                                            research, regulation and partnerships
                                                 phone service to help carers access
allowances, and either directly                                                            with other government departments,
                                                 information and support.
delivers or funds the delivery of a                                                        consumers and stakeholders.
wide range of carer support services.            DSS offers a number of programs
                                                                                           The Department provides
The community sector also supports               specifically for carers including:
                                                                                           information, tools and resources
carers through services and advocacy.            • respite and information services         to support the aged care sector
                                                   for young carers up to 25 years of      through evidence-based policy,
                                                   age;                                    well targeted programs, and best
                                                                                           practice regulation.
                                                 • immediate and short term respite
                                                   for carers of young people with a
                                                   severe or profound disability;

18            Tasmanian Carer Action Plan 2017 – 2020
It manages My Aged Care (www.                Mental Health Carers                          National Disability
myagedcare.gov.au), which is the main
entry point to the aged care system in       Tasmania                                      Insurance Agency
Australia. My Aged Care aims to make         MHCTas promotes and improves the              The NDIS is ensuring that people with
it easier for older people, their families   wellbeing of carers of people affected        disability are given every opportunity
and carers to access information on          by mental ill health by providing             to make their own decisions and
ageing and aged care, have their needs       support, advocacy and education.              exercise choice and control.
assessed and be supported to find and
access services.                             MHCTas provides systemic advocacy             The NDIA recognises that the role of
                                             from a carer/family perspective               families and carers is often essential
Carers Tasmania                              drawing upon lived experience and             in supporting people with disability to
Carers Tasmania is dedicated to              champions the needs and aspirations           realise their goals and is including them
improving the quality of life of the         of mental health carers.                      in discussions about supports.
estimated 84,000 family carers living        MHCTas provides input into state and          The NDIS is providing information,
in Tasmania.                                 national research, policy review and          referral and linkage to ensure families
Carers Tasmania provides a statewide         development with the aim of improving         and carers are able to access supports
service to carers in Tasmania through        mental health services and the well-          in the community to assist them in
a freecall information and advisory          being of carers. MHCTas represents            their role.
telephone line, as well as counselling       the views and experience of mental
                                                                                           Families and carers are partners in the
services, therapeutic groups and             health carers to state mental health
                                                                                           support for people with disability and
education and training to assist carers      services, including at the policy level.
                                                                                           provide help and support that cannot
in their caring role.                        MHCTas also provides links to                 be provided by formal services or paid
As part of a national network of             organisations which provide support           support workers. One of the core
Carer Associations, Carers Tasmania          and services for carers of people             aims of the NDIS is to better support
works to raise awareness and                 affected by mental ill health: advocacy,      families and carers in their caring role.
understanding of carer needs and             counselling, clinical care, education
issues with both decision makers and         and training, outreach service, peer
the general public – with carers being       support, suicide bereavement,
at the forefront of everything they do.      recreational programs, and residential
                                             care and respite.

                                                                                  Tasmanian Carer Action Plan 2017 – 2020       19
CONSULTATION
                                                  SUMMARY

Carers Tasmania Face to                           providing care in the community          members do not feel comfortable
                                                  and to some of Tasmania’s most           identifying as a carer. Reasons cited
Face Consultations                                vulnerable people.                       included stigma, mistrust of service
A consistent theme through                                                                 providers, and not wanting the person
                                                  Carers know there can be challenges
conversations and consultations                                                            they care for to feel uncomfortable or
                                                  in this, particularly when the person
held with carers across Tasmania                                                           ashamed of their need for their care.
                                                  they care for feels a strong need for
is that carers feel that the general                                                       One carer explained that separating
                                                  privacy; does not acknowledge or
community, and those in decision                                                           people into the carer and person
                                                  understand the significant role the
making roles, have limited                                                                 being cared for suggests an unequal
                                                  carer is performing; and does not
understanding of a carer’s day to                                                          relationship.
                                                  give consent for their involvement
day experience and how hard this                  when asked. While having full respect    While understanding in the
can be. Feedback suggests a carer’s               and understanding for the challenges     community was definitely seen as
experience needs to be heard in a                 this can pose, carers would still like   a need, most carers thought that
carer’s own words. Suggestions for                mechanisms for working together          increasing understanding within
the best ways to achieve this were                with Government services for the         Government was a good first
diverse and ranged from those in                  benefit of the person who they           goal, and that this would flow onto
decision making roles having face to              care for. Carers would like respect      the community. Carers saw an
face contact with carers, through                 and understanding for their role         opportunity for Government to
to carer participation at all levels of           regardless, and an understanding of      lead by example, by ensuring routine
government service provision.                     the consequences providing such care     and consistent procedures across
Discussions with carers considered                can have on the carer.                   Government departments for
the meaning of ‘awareness’ and                                                             identifying and supporting carers.
                                                  Carers reported that their needs and
‘recognition’. Carers understood                  those of the person they care for are    Throughout the consultation
‘awareness’ to be that the majority               inextricably linked. Often a carer’s     carers generally expressed a strong
of the community would have a                     first thought when asked about their     desire to connect and be heard
general understanding about what                  needs, is that if the person they care   by Government. They felt that
 it meant to be an unpaid carer.                  for was well supported, their needs      information and opportunities for
Most carers felt that ‘recognition’               would be minimal. That said, carers      input were limited.
was not a matter of wanting a ‘pat                indicated they would ideally like
on the back’, because that is not a                                                        Carers would like to contribute
                                                  Government departments to respond
carer’s motivation in providing care.                                                      to decision making in all areas of
                                                  to a carer’s needs separate from the
Carers saw ‘recognition’ as meaning                                                        Government that affect them, and
                                                  needs of the person they care for in
that the community and Government                                                          would like carer involvement to be
                                                  order to sustain them in their roles.
departments would routinely                                                                mandated on representative bodies,
                                                  The need for more respite services
identify them. Once identified, carers                                                     groups or committees that are
                                                  was mentioned in every consultation.
then want acknowledgement for                                                              convened on matters impacting on
the role they play, and inclusion as              There were some comments                 carers. Many carers who attended said
an important member of a team                     from carers that many community          they would be interested, willing and

20             Tasmanian Carer Action Plan 2017 – 2020
comfortable to participate on working    in Government departments and                  Sexual Assault Support Service
groups, with the caveat that they face   services for how to engage with, treat
transport and respite barriers that      and involve carers in decision making.         The SASS submission focused
may require Government support.          MHCTas reported that mental health             primarily on the needs of
                                         carers wanted to see engagement and            grandparents who are the primary
Written Submissions                                                                     carers for their grandchildren, as the
                                         service approaches that were flexible,
Submissions were received, from          not ‘one size fits all’ models; and that       group of carers with whom SASS has
MHCTas, and SASS.                        many people want to talk face to face          most interaction. SASS highlighted
                                         with staff if they need assistance. They       that grandchildren in the care of
Mental Health Carers Tasmania                                                           their grandparents can often be in
                                         felt staff needed to be easily accessible
MHCTas undertook consultations           and able to respond to any issue with          their care due to a range of complex
with members and presented a             experience, sensitivity, confidentially,       factors including parental drug or
submission outlining the challenges      and when they didn’t have the                  alcohol issues, child neglect, sexual
facing mental health carers and          answers – make the time to find out.           abuse, parent’s mental illness and
recommending government action                                                          family violence – which can lead to
                                         MHCTas recommends that                         trauma issues for the children.
to address the issues identified
                                         Government give consideration to
during consultations.                                                                   SASS recommended that grandparent
                                         ensuring that adequate resources
Mental health carers wanted to see an    are allocated to carer organisations           carers need help, support and
increase in awareness of mental health   and broader government service                 resources to identify and manage
and mental health carers in schools,     systems that carers frequently access.         the signs of trauma, and resultant
hospitals and the broader community.     It also recommended that more                  problematic behaviour. The
They felt that a cultural change is      resources be provided to address               submission also highlighted that
needed in Government around the          needs frequently identified in the             grandparent carers are now facing
value of carers and what they can        mental health carer community, such            challenges associated with online
bring to the table in contributing to    as education and training, capacity            safety and technology abuse, and may
better outcomes for the people who       building for carers to engage with             need additional and tailored support
receive their care. They suggested       government, and support for carers             and education in how to engage with
that formal protocols be put in place    to gain employment.                            technology and social media.

                                                                               Tasmanian Carer Action Plan 2017 – 2020      21
REFERENCES

                                        1. Australian Unity and Deakin University, 2015. What makes us happy? 3rd ed.
                                           Australian Unity. Available at: www.australianunity.com.au/~/media/corporate/
                                           documents/other/what%20makes%20us%20happy%202015.ashx
                                           [Accessed 6 November 2017].
                                        2. Carer Recognition Act 2010. Available at: www.legislation.gov.au/Details/
                                           C2010A00123 [Accessed 6 November 2017].
                                        3. Deloitte Access Economics, 2015. The economic value of informal care in
                                           Australia in 2015, Carers Australia. Available at: www.carersaustralia.com.au/
                                           storage/Access%20Economics%20Report.pdf [Accessed 6 November 2017].

22   Tasmanian Carer Action Plan 2017 – 2020
Department of Premier and Cabinet
Communities, Sport and Recreation
15 Murray St
HOBART TAS 7000
Phone: 1300 135 513
Email: csr@dpac.tas.gov.au
Visit: www.dpac.tas.gov.au
If you are deaf, hearing impaired or speech impaired,
you can contact us through the National Relay Service
TTY users phone 133 677
then ask for 03 6232 7133
Speak and Listen users phone 1300 555 727
then ask for 03 6232 7133
Internet relay users connect to the NRS
www.relayservice.com.au then ask for 03 6232 7133
Published December 2017
ISBN 978 0 7246 5737 1
Copyright State of Tasmania 2017
                                                        170842
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