27/05/2026
Yesterday, carers from across Australia took their chance to tell MPs and Senators about the realities of combining paid work with caring responsibilities.
At Australia’s Parliament House, their conversations focused on the practical impacts policy decisions have on everyday life. How those decisions eventually land at carers kitchen tables, on Australians trying to balance work, care, finances and family responsibilities.
Carers shared both the barriers they face in participating in the workforce and the supports that make a meaningful difference, including flexible work arrangements, accessible services and policies that recognise the value of unpaid care.
With carers contributing more than $78 billion worth of unpaid care each year, these discussions are critical to shaping a workforce and economy that better supports carers to participate fully in paid employment, should they be able to do so.
Thank you to the carers who contributed their time, insights and lived experience to these important conversations.
Carers Victoria Carers NT Carers Tasmania Carers NSW Carers SA Carers ACT Carers Queensland Carers WA