The increasing need for carers
The demographics of caring has changed significantly over the last 20 years and this trend is expected to continue. The demand for carers will increase and is likely to affect each of us at some stage, either as a carer or as somebody requiring care.
The ABS 2003 Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers indicates that in South Australia, 53% of carers aged 15 and over were employed, with 34% of these working fulltime. As more people become carers it can be expected there will be an increasing proportion of carers in the workforce. Flexible working conditions will become necessary to manage the demands of work and caring.
The role of the Office for Carers
The Office for Carers was established in the Department for Families and Communities (DFC) in October 2006. The Office administers the SA Carers Recognition Act 2005 and works with other government departments to improve the focus and response of government to the issues of carers. Much of the focus of the Office to date has been to increase awareness and understanding of the Act, the Carers Policy (PDF 558KB) (Word 2.6MB) and the Carers Charter (PDF 196KB) (Word 666KB).
Our governance structure
Have a look at our governance structure (PDF 37KB) (Word 50KB) to find out how we work within State Government and with our partners.
Newsletters
Download the Office for Carers quarterly newsletter below:
OFC Newsletter - Summer edition - 2009 (PDF 1MB) (Word 5MB)
OFC Newsletter - Spring edition - 2009 (PDF 470KB) (Word 2.9MB)
OFC Newsletter - Winter edition - 2009 (PDF 454KB) (Word 3.2MB)
OFC Newsletter - Autumn edition - 2009 (PDF 285KB) (Word 2MB)
OFC Newsletter - Summer edition - 2008 (PDF 2.6MB) (Word 2.4MB)
OFC Newsletter - Winter edition - 2008 (PDF 338 KB) (Word 2.3MB)
The Carers Recognition Act 2005
The important role of carers in our families and communities has long been overlooked and taken for granted. The SA Carers Recognition Act 2005 (the Act) and the Carers Charter(PDF 196kB) aim to bring about changes in South Australia to improve the recognition and support of carers.
The Act acknowledges carers as individuals and as partners in providing care and acknowledges the enormous contribution carers make.
The Carers Charter, comprising seven principles, is enshrined in the legislation and provides South Australian Government departments and agencies with a framework to recognise carers and address the issues they face.
The Act also requires annual reporting by Government departments on the actions taken to reflect compliance with the Act and with the principles of the Carers Charter. Those Departments that report are:
- Department of Education and Children’s Services
- Department for Families and Communities
- Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology
- Department of Health
- Department of Justice
- Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure.
The Office for Carers works alongside other Government departments and divisions within the Department for Families and Communities to implement the Carers Recognition Act.
SA Carers Reference Group
The group advises the Office for Carers about the implementation of the Carers Policy, Carers Charter and Carers Recognition Act and provides advice on other issues relating to carers. The group comprises carers and representatives from carer organisations and key Government departments.
Publications and research
Visit our publications and research page for the latest on the subject of caring.
Contact us
Office for Carers
Level 4 NW Riverside Centre
North Tce
Adelaide SA 5000
Ph: 8207 0424
Fax: 8415 4255
Postal Address
GPO Box 292
Adelaide SA 5001