The 2016-17 budget will invest an additional $50,000 per year, for three years, to continue to support hardworking Tasmanian Carers, parliamentary secretary Guy Barnett said. 

“The funding commitment will help ensure that Tasmania’s carers continue to be supported and the important work of the Carers Advisory Council continues,” Mr Barnett said. 

This Advisory Council was established in 2013 to help implement the Tasmanian Action Plan which aims to improve the quality of life for carers.

Tasmania has more carers per capita than any Australian state or territory. 

Around 74,000 Tasmanians provide care and support to family members and friends who are unable to care for themselves. 

“The Tasmanian government acknowledges and thanks these dedicated individuals for their self-sacrificing and community-building service,” Mr Barnett said. 

Carers Tasmania chief executive Janine Arnold said this funding allows them to continue to be the voice of carers in Tasmania. 

“Carers do so much for the most vulnerable in our community, they care for people with mental illness, chronic condition, aged [and] frail,” Ms Arnold said. 

“In a challenging environment when the need for carers and care in the home is so critical...to receive the funding ongoing is amazing.” 

Carers Tasmania is a statewide service that provides support to carers across Tasmania.