Response to the Productivity Commission Inquiry Examining the Impacts of Extended Unpaid Leave Entitlements for Carers of Older Australians

The Australian Psychological Society (APS) welcomed the opportunity to provide a submission to the Productivity Commission inquiry examining the economic and social costs and benefits of extended unpaid leave entitlements for carers of older Australians.

The APS commended the broadened scope of the inquiry to also consider the impacts of extending unpaid leave entitlements for carers other than carers of older people and alternative policies to support informal carers.

The submission highlighted that informal carers provide substantial support to older people, people with a disability and people with physical and mental ill-health that would otherwise cost the Government and community billions of dollars for replacement paid care. Yet, there are high levels of unmet support needs for informal carers.

The APS recommended an integrated and streamlined social and economic policy approach that incorporates extended unpaid leave provisions plus a suite of other respite, training and evidenced-based psychological support services is needed to support all Australian informal carers and ensure a viable care sector now and into the future.

View submission