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The Carers Recognition Act
Reporting against the Carers Recognition Act 2005
Carers are defined under the Carers Recognition Act 2005 (the Act) as the family and friends who provide ongoing care or assistance to someone who has a disability or a chronic illness, including a mental illness, or is frail and requires assistance carrying out everyday tasks.
Carers include members of the South Australian community who are the department’s customers, as well as employees of the department who are carers.
The department is required to report compliance with section 6 of the Act, which requires portfolios to ensure:
- all officers, staff and agents have an awareness and understanding of South Australia’s Carers Charter
- the principles of the Carers Charter are reflected in agency practices
- appropriate consultation with carers, or persons or bodies that represent carers, in policy and program development and strategic operational planning.
Awareness and understanding of the Carers Charter
The department recognises and supports the vital role that carers play and acknowledges their needs and rights. The principles of the Carers Charter are incorporated into the department’s strategic human resource framework, online training and corporate induction programs. Operating procedures set out the responsibilities of managers to assist employees to meet their caring responsibilities and provide a range of options to employees, including family carers’ leave, flexible hours, flexible leave arrangements and access to special leave.
The one-stop contact point for government information, products and services, sa.gov.au, provides information and help to the South Australian community, including department staff and organisations that represent carers.
The department also provides specific public transport information for carers via adelaidemetro.com.au, as well as the Adelaide Metro InfoLine and InfoCentres.
South Australians with severe and permanent disabilities which limit their capacity to use public transport independently are able to apply for transport assistance such as the Plus One Free Companion card and the South Australian Transport Subsidy Scheme. The Plus One Free Companion card provides assistance to people who cannot travel independently due to mobility, cognitive, sensory or communication impairments. Companion/carers accompanying Plus One Free Companion card holders, travel on all Adelaide Metro bus, train and tram services free of charge.
Carers Charter principles in agency practices
The principles of the Carers Charter are incorporated into the department’s strategic human resource framework through operating procedures, online training and corporate induction programs. The department’s human resource policy framework and underpinning operational procedures outline the responsibilities of managers to assist employees with carer responsibilities. Information and policies such as access to flexible work arrangements, flexible application of leave and establishment of family rooms are examples of the department’s policies that support carers and are available to employees through the department’s intranet.
Consultation with carers and carer representatives
The department convenes the department’s Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC), which meets regularly with representatives from South Australian peak groups for people with disability, their advocates and carers. AAC consults on matters relating to the implementation, operation and evaluation of services, facilities and infrastructure initiatives in the broadest context. Advice and input from members address a wide range of matters, including:
- consideration of policy initiatives that comprehensively address the accessibility and mobility needs of people with disabilities
- policy review or creation
- input to the development and review of the department’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan
- strategic planning for transport service and access provisions.
Representation includes the Disability Complaints and Advocacy Service and Cara, which works in partnership with people living with disability, families and the community to create a better life. The involvement of peak disability agencies in AAC is greatly valued and provides input to inform and enable the department to reflect the principles of the Carers Charter.