Premier’s message

Carers play a vital role in the Tasmanian community. The Tasmanian Government is committed to supporting Tasmanian carers through the implementation of the Tasmanian Carer Policy and the Government’s support for Carers Tasmania, the peak body for carers in Tasmania.

This Policy was originally released in 2013, and with its Action Plan, has formed the framework for how the Government responds to and engages with carer issues.

Since the inception of the Policy and Action Plan, Tasmanian Government agencies have made significant progress in promoting carer awareness, supporting employees with caring responsibilities, and engaging carers in the development of relevant policies, programs and services.

In this period, we have also seen social services sector reforms such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme, My Aged Care and changes in the mental health sector, that have changed the landscape for Tasmania’s carers and those for whom they provide care.

I am pleased to release this refreshed Policy, which reflects the current policy environment and contemporary issues and challenges facing Tasmanian carers.

In 2017, we will work with carers, Tasmanian Government agencies and the community sector to develop a new Action Plan that outlines the actions we will take to implement this Policy.

I acknowledge the work and commitment of the Tasmanian Carers Advisory Council in supporting agencies to implement the Policy and Action Plan and increasing awareness of carers and carer issues.

I look forward to continuing to work with Carers Tasmania and the broader carer community to improve the lives of Tasmanian Carers.

Will Hodgman MP

Premier