Initiatives to support carers

The following initiatives have been introduced to support carers in their caring role:

• the Carer (Recognition) Act 2008 (Qld) recognises the valuable contribution carers make to the people they care for and the social and economic benefit carers provide to the community. The Act sets out requirements for public authorities to recognise and support carers through services to carers and the people they care for, and also for employees of public authorities who undertake a caring role, specifically through:
  • the Queensland Carers Charter (PDF, 157 KB) Queensland Carers Charter (DOCX, 483 KB), which contains 13 principles recognising the significant contribution carers make to the community
  • the Queensland Carers Advisory Council which advises the Minister on matters relating to carers and works to advance carers' interests. The Council has 12 members: four carers, one of whom must be a grandparent carer; three carer association representatives; one member who represents grandparent carers; and four public servants.
• The Carer Business Discount Card is a concession card that provides eligible carers with discounts on goods and services from participating businesses. This scheme is a partnership between the state government and businesses across Queensland.
• The Companion Card promotes fair ticketing for people with a disability who need significant assistance from a companion to attend activities and venues in their community. This card will enable people with a disability to have the same opportunities for participation and recreation as other community members.
• Disability, Seniors and Carers is Queensland's main government contact point for carers' issues. They actively engage with other government departments, non-government organisations and the community to raise awareness about carers and embed Carers Charter principles in government and community activity. It also provides secretariat support to the Queensland Carers Advisory Council.