Media Release Wednesday 22 October 2014

With more than 45,000 carers in the ACT, Shadow Minister for Family and Community Services Nicole Lawder is pushing for an increased awareness of the work carers do in our community.

"October 12th to 18th was Carers’ Week and it’s important to acknowledge the commitment given by the carers in our community but also to the organisations out there that assist carers in this vital role. These roles are emotionally, financially and physically very draining," Ms Lawder said today.

"It has been estimated that carers provide 1.32 billion hours of care each year in Australia and I will move a motion in the Legislative Assembly today recognising their work.

"There are many people in the community who care for someone and would not even consider themselves a carer. These people commit countless hours to helping those in need, whether it is a family member, a friend or a neighbour," Ms Lawder concluded.