If you’re a carer seeking to comprehend the potential impacts of the recent state and federal budgets on your situation, we’ve assembled comprehensive reports detailing the main repercussions.
2024-25 WA State Budget:
The latest WA State Budget was revealed by Treasurer Hon Rita Saffioti MLA, featuring:
- A surplus of $3.2 billion.
- A focus on cost-of-living assistance, housing supply, key service investments, and economic diversification.
Carers WA acknowledges the budget’s enhanced carer support, which includes:
- Transport and Perth Zoo entry concessions.
- Initiatives for cost-of-living, housing, and health.
- Significant potential impacts on carer, especially in regional areas where housing shortages contribute to high carer burnout and reduced wellbeing.
Despite these positive steps, Carers WA emphasises the necessity for:
- Additional targeted carer support as recommended in its pre-budget submission.
- Continued dialogue with the government to implement these measures.
The full report can be accessed here.
2024-25 Federal Budget:
Carers Australia expressed its disappointment with the federal budget, which contained only one specific amendment for carers.
The budget included:
- Measures to stabilise prescription drug costs.
- Support for Medicare.
- Increased funding for home care packages.
- Broad tax relief.
However, these measures provide limited immediate assistance to the nation’s 2.7 million carers.
Carers Australia is now focusing on:
- Ensuring the National Carers Strategy reflects the actual experiences and needs of carers.
- Advocating for a superannuation contribution on the Carer Payment, aligning it with the paid parental leave policy.
- Looking forward to a more comprehensive recognition and support for carers in the 2025 Federal Budget.
Carers Australia commends the Women’s Budget, suggesting a similar statement should be made available for carers if a Women’s Budget Statement can be issued.
The full report can be accessed here.
