Released 12/10/2017
Minister for Community Services and Social Inclusion Rachel Stephen-Smith this morning kicked off the Carers Voice Panel, a deliberative process through which members of the Canberra community will work together towards developing an ACT Carers Strategy.
The panel will meet over two days to develop a strategy to improve support for carers and acknowledge the difference they make in people’s lives.
The Strategy will be developed using a deliberative process to complement the broad community consultation Carers ACT has conducted over the past few months through polling, surveys and focus groups.
Around 46,000 Canberrans provide unpaid care to family members, friends or neighbours who are living with a disability, a physical or mental health condition, or are frail aged. Carers also provide care for children and young people who are unable to live with their families.
Participants in the Carers Voice Panel will be asked to consider what would make Canberra a carer friendly city, what outcomes we want to see for carers and what should be the community’s shared priorities.
Many Canberrans expressed an interest in participating in the deliberative process to develop the Strategy. The panel consists of approximately 55 members, including both carers and people who are not currently carers.
The Minister welcomed the strong interest from the community in participating in the development of the Strategy, saying:
“I thank panel members for giving their time to make a significant contribution through this deliberative process over the two days – today and 19 October – and in the intervening week.
“The Government is pleased to be working with Carers ACT and democracyCo to develop the new ACT Carers Strategy using this deliberative approach.
“It’s about fully engaging Canberrans in the development of the Strategy while also testing out new consultation methods and building capacity across the ACT Public Service and community sector.”
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases
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