Carers Association of SA - Representation

There is a Carers Association in each state. Through our affiliation with the Carers Australia, Carers in South Australia are able to advocate at a federal level for changes to Commonwealth policy, particularly income support and funding for respite.

There is a growing international network of Carers and Carer organisations. This provides Carers with information on changes happening in other parts of the world.

We encourage Carers to become members of the Association. This gives a stronger voice to Carers and thereby gain greater recognition, support and services.

Knowing that you are not alone is one of the benefits of being a member.

Please click here to download the Carer Participation Position Statement.

To ensure that Carers SA effectively represents Carers' views and needs, a number of feedback mechanisms have been put in place:

Membership
Membership provides South Australian Carers with a voice through Carers SA. Membership also provides Carers and organisations with up to date information about what is happening in this area and invitations to forums, focus groups and surveys.

Forums and Focus Groups
Carer members are invited to attend forums and focus groups to offer their views on specific issues.

Issues and Advocacy
Carers can register a issue or concern they have about a service, government department or an experience that they have had. Issues can be submitted via the email, telephone or by filling in a comments, complaints and suggestions brochure or by sending a letter detailing the issue. With permission, these issues are followed up and in many cases a positive outcome is achieved.

The issue minus any identifying details form a audit that becomes a lobbying tool for Carers SA.

Legislation and Reports

Surveys or Questionnaires
Surveys and questionnaires are regularly developed and directed to members to gain feedback on specific issues.

Telephone or Written Contact
Carers are encouraged to make contact with Carers SA to alert us to any current issues or changes in policy made by service providers or government departments.

Policy Development
Carers SA monitors and reviews major policy areas in relation to Carers. The Association's policy priorities for the year 2002 include;

Children as Carers
Carers as a Public Health Issue
General Practitioners and Carers
Mental Health
Establishing a State Carer Legislation

Research
Carers SA recognises the importance of undertaking and collecting research. Wherever possible the Association collaborates with other organisations and tertiary institutions to undertake research projects. Research is also undertaken in-house to define issues and needs, and to expand existing research results.

See publications order form for details on how to purchase reports.

For further information or information on current report and policy statements released by Carers SA contact us on FreeCall 1800 815 549.

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This Page Last Updated: 2nd August 2006 By: webmaster

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The information contained on this site is provided for the purpose of disseminating information about the functions and activities of the Carers Association of SA Inc.

To the extent permitted by law, the Carers Association shall not be liable in relation to any loss or damage incurred by the use/or reliance upon information contained on this site.

Mention made of any service or product on this site is for information and does not constitute a recommendation either implied or expressed by the Carers Association of SA Inc.