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Carers inquiry holds hearing in Perth
The House Family and Community Committee will be holding a roundtable discussion with carers as part of its public hearing in Perth on Wednesday 23 July for the committee’s inquiry into better support for carers. Carers are those who look after others, usually family members and friends with a chronic illness, disability or frailty. Recent figures from an Australian Bureau of Statistics survey found there were over 2.5 million carers in Australia, including more than 470,000 primary carers – people who provide the most care to a person needing support. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare anticipates there will be more than 600,000 primary carers by 2013, with 70 per cent likely to be women. Committee Chair Annette Ellis said that the demands placed on carers often means that they are exhausted, socially isolated and under extreme financial pressure, particularly as they are unable to access mainstream employment opportunities. The strain on carers has certainly been borne out in the over 1200 submissions the committee has received for the inquiry so far. The round table discussion will allow the committee to hear first hand from these carers, the challenges they face and what further support they need to make their work easier. At the same hearing, the committee will also hear from Carers WA, the Developmental Disability Council (WA) and the Red Cross among others. The day’s program is as follows:
Wednesday 23 July 2008 9.00am to 2.00pm Meeting Room 2 (Level 1), Legislative Assembly Committee Office, Parliament House, 11 Harvest Terrace, West Perth 9.00am Carers WA 9.30am ARAFMI - Mental Health Carers and Friends Association (WA) 10.15am Developmental Disability Council (WA) 10.45am Carers roundtable discussion 12.30pm Red Cross 1.00pm Committed About Securing Accommodation for People with Disabilities (CASA) 1.30pm Ethnic Disability Advocacy Centre 2.00pm Close All are welcome to observe proceedings.
For all other inquiries please contact the Inquiry Secretary by phone on (02) 6277 4566 or by email fchy.reps@aph.gov.au or visit the Committee's website: www.aph.gov.au/fchy
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