❓ Mr. Hatton asks about support for grandcarers. The Minister outlines a government scheme providing financial assistance and respite care, highlighting its uniqueness in Australia and future budget commitments.
AnsweredQoN 289Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
GRANDCARERS — SUPPORT
289. Mr C.D. HATTON to the Minister for
Community Services:
Can the minister advise the house on
the support given to grandcarers who for various reasons look after their
grandchildren full time?
289. Mr C.D. HATTON to the Minister for
Community Services:
Can the minister advise the house on
the support given to grandcarers who for various reasons look after their
grandchildren full time?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for the question
and his input for grandcarers. Earlier this year, I informed the house that the
Liberal–National government supports grandparents in our community. We
estimate that 2 500 grandparents are the prime carers for their grandchildren
for whatever reasons. The scheme announced is the only one in Australia that
recognises grandcarers. We have had 542 grandparents apply for this money.
There is $400 for the first child and $250 for the second child under the age
of 16 years. This is a small contribution to recognise the grandcarers in our
community who are doing a fantastic job. Whatever reasons they have ended up as
the primary carer for the grandchildren, they are taking on that responsibility
at a time in their lives when they should be hooking up the caravan, driving
around Australia and getting out to enjoy their retirement.
In this Thursday's budget we
have a commitment for another $500 000 over the next three years to help with
respite for grandcarers. Grandparents who have taken on the responsibility of
being grandcarers can access through Wanslea Family Services—the
not-for-profit organisation that is running this scheme—the opportunity
to have some time away, whether that is to take the grandkids away or actually
get away themselves. This is a great opportunity to recognise grandcarers. The
government's election commitment of $600 000 over four years and the
grandcarers payments is our tick for grandparents and grandcarers. It is part
of our commitment to them.
and his input for grandcarers. Earlier this year, I informed the house that the
Liberal–National government supports grandparents in our community. We
estimate that 2 500 grandparents are the prime carers for their grandchildren
for whatever reasons. The scheme announced is the only one in Australia that
recognises grandcarers. We have had 542 grandparents apply for this money.
There is $400 for the first child and $250 for the second child under the age
of 16 years. This is a small contribution to recognise the grandcarers in our
community who are doing a fantastic job. Whatever reasons they have ended up as
the primary carer for the grandchildren, they are taking on that responsibility
at a time in their lives when they should be hooking up the caravan, driving
around Australia and getting out to enjoy their retirement.
In this Thursday's budget we
have a commitment for another $500 000 over the next three years to help with
respite for grandcarers. Grandparents who have taken on the responsibility of
being grandcarers can access through Wanslea Family Services—the
not-for-profit organisation that is running this scheme—the opportunity
to have some time away, whether that is to take the grandkids away or actually
get away themselves. This is a great opportunity to recognise grandcarers. The
government's election commitment of $600 000 over four years and the
grandcarers payments is our tick for grandparents and grandcarers. It is part
of our commitment to them.
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