Bass Liberal MHR Bridget Archer has raised with federal ministers the concerns of carers in Tasmania during the coronavirus crisis in an attempt to see what additional support can be provided.
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Carers Tasmania has found that carers have lost in-home supports and are foregoing medical appointments with no capacity to leave their homes, while also not receiving any additional financial assistance from the government.
Ms Archer said she was aware of the concerns of carers in the community.
"All levels of government have been working hard to deal with the needs of communities across Australia during this unprecedented crisis," she said.
"I respect the concerns of carers in our community and have raised the issue with federal ministers."
Ms Archer said respite days were available for carers and care-receivers who were separated due to coronavirus, or who were self-isolating, and bulk-billed Telehealth was available for those with chronic conditions - an initiative noted and supported by Carers Tasmania.
Carers Tasmania joined calls from Australia's peak carers body for the Carer Payment, Disability Support Pension and Age Pension to be raised in line with the increase in other government support payments. They will be eligible for the two $750 payments, but not the ongoing $550 Coronavirus Supplement payment at this stage.
Legislation for the supplement was passed last week for Newstart recipients.
MORE ON CORONAVIRUS IN TASMANIA:
Tasmanian Labor senator Helen Polley said the government had the option of applying the supplement to other payments too.
"Labor secured amendments to the stimulus legislation that give the minister the power to increase payment for people on the Age Pension, DSP and Carer Payment," she said.
"The government needs to use this power to better support people who are impacted by the coronavirus economic downturn.
"It's not fair that people who are desperate are missing out because of the type of payment they are receiving. Governments must step up in these extraordinary times."
Carers have also reported difficulties in obtaining essential products, such as masks and hand sanitisers, making it even more dangerous for them to go outside given the care-receivers are more likely to be at risk of serious harm from coronavirus.
Greens senator and disability spokesperson Jordon Steele-John said the costs for people with disabilities were increasing as a result of the pandemic and the payments should be increased.
"Disabled people and carers are also having to factor in higher costs for transport, medical supplies and support workers, as well as unplanned costs for personal protective equipment to stay safe when venturing out into the community," he said.
"To be quite honest, I'm shocked that people receiving the Disability Support Pension and Carer Payment have been left out of such a massive stimulus package.
"Everyone on the DSP and the Carer Payment needs to be able to access the $550 supplement to help them get through this crisis."