Minister Launches Carers Australia Photo Exhibition

The 'Face of Care' - Minister Launches Carers Australia Photo Exhibition

Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot marked Carers Week today by launching the Carers Australia, 'Face of Care' photographic exhibition at Old Parliament House in Canberra.

Carers Week runs from 18 to 24 October. This year's theme 'Anyone Anytime across Australia' highlights that there are no stereotypes or social determinants that lead people to becoming carers, carers come from every part of society. The week was officially launched by Her Excellency, Quentin Bryce AC.

Almost 2.6 million Australians provide care for family members or friends with a disability, mental illness, chronic condition or the frail aged. Of these about 500,000 are primary carers the people who provide the most care.

Minister Elliot said: "The statistics don't show the human face behind the figures.

"The powerful images in this exhibition portray dedication, trust and a sense of unconditional love.

"The exhibition allows us a brief insight into their lives to give us a glimpse of what it means to be a carer. They are just some of the millions of stories of courageous individuals providing care each and every day.

"Carers play an important role in our society. They dedicate so much to improve the quality of others lives.

"The Rudd Government recognises this and is proud to be providing more than $20 million to Carers Australia over three years," Minister Elliot said.

The Rudd Government has taken concrete steps to support Australian carers by:
* Increasing the Carer Payment;
* Providing more than $384 million over two years to the National Respite Carers Program which provides, respite, counselling and support for carers; and
* Providing more than $2.2 billion a year for community care packages.

Media contact: Kathryn Conroy 0448 249 447

SOURCE: Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot