Today, in recognition of Carers Week 2020, Abigail passed a motion recognising the unpaid work of the 2.65 million carers across Australia and the need to meaningfully support people in these roles.
Ms ABIGAIL BOYD (10:04:27): I move:
(1)That this House notes that 11 to 17 October 2020 is Carers Week.
(2)That this House notes that:
(a)there are over 2.65 million carers across Australia providing care to family members, friends and other members of their community;
(b)seven out of 10 primary carers are women;
(c)the rate of the Carer Payment provided to eligible carers by the Federal Government is below the poverty line; and
(d)people on the Carer Payment did not receive an increase to income support payments in March 2020 under the Coronavirus Supplement which was provided to people on JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, the Parenting Payment and six other payments.
(3)That this House affirms that:
(a) carers make an enormous contribution to our communities;
(b) caring is work; and
(c) the work that carers do in supporting others is undervalued, overlooked and not adequately compensated.
Motion agreed to.