Greens caring for carers

The Greens are the only party who want to see appropriate government funding for a statewide regional carers support network. Other parties continue to pay lip service to this vital area but the Greens are taking action now.

“As a starting point to achieving the full implementation of the Statewide support network the Greens have sought a meeting with Gippsland Carers Association next week to discuss a fully funded pilot project in Gippsland of a Carer Support Network. We believe that such a pilot would clearly demonstrate the need for State-wide Carers Networks, and a pilot would set up a model that could be applied by all Carer Groups across the State who run future Networks,” said Samantha Dunn, Greens candidate for Eastern Victoria.

“Carers Networks have traditionally been expected to run without adequate resources and funding and this needs to change, if we’re to make headway on this critical issue.

“By supporting the demonstration model we will have a clear basis to argue for ongoing resources and funding that enable them to meet the needs of carers and families,” continued Samantha Dunn.

“Carers already shoulder an enormous burden and having to also take on unpaid roles in peer support is unsustainable," said Belinda Rogers, candidate for Narracan. "Having local access to a fully funded Community Support Network will make a significant difference in carers lives."

“The Greens will be seeking support in parliament to back this project which would provide a model to use across the state. It is a priority for us in the next term of government,” concluded Samantha.

Further information: Samantha Dunn Upper House Candidate, 0429 29 29 04 or samantha.dunn@vic.greens.org.au
Or Belinda Rogers Candidate for Narracan: 0427 924 013