TASMANIAN CARER ACTION PLAN 2017 - 2020 - Department of ...
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TASMANIAN CARER ACTION PLAN 2017 – 2020
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
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.
Tasmanian Carer Action Plan 2017 – 2020 3
4 Tasmanian Carer Action Plan 2017 – 2020
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.
Tasmanian Carer Action Plan 2017 – 2020 5
6 Tasmanian Carer Action Plan 2017 – 2020
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.
Tasmanian Carer Action Plan 2017 – 2020 7
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
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 9Objective 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 – 2020MHADD 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 11Actions:
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 – 2020Tasmanian 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 – 2020Actions:
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 1516 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 17WORKING 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 – 2020It 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 19CONSULTATION
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 – 2020comfortable 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 21REFERENCES
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 – 2020Department 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
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