FEDERAL election candidates for the seat of Barker will face a test next month when questioned by voters at an upcoming Carers SA forum.
The forum will provide candidates with an opportunity to address issues and concerns of Limestone Coast carers as well as ensure political aspirants are informed of the needs and struggles of carers.
Carers SA regional team leader Sandi Seymour said the forum, which follows the organisation’s successful State Election candidate debate in 2018, would provide an opportunity for carers to talk to political hopefuls directly.
“Carers are not often taken into consideration in elections and only the Greens have a dedicated policy on caring for carers,” she said.
“There are 6500 carers in the region which is a significant number.
“Carers provide so much for the community and need to have their voices heard on the issues that affect them.”
Ms Seymour flagged workforce shortages and a loss of services as significant issues facing Limestone Coast carers.
She said the new Integrated Carer Support Service Model, a two-phase program which includes new digital services and establishing a new Carer Gateway service area, was of particular concern.
Ms Seymour likened the new model to the My Aged Care and National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) roll out, saying carers were “quite nervous” about the change.
“Carers have been affected by the My Aged Care and NDIS roll out, both of which have had significant problems,” she said.
“The model will move from more than 100 carers organisations to 16 around Australia, which will see two based in South Australia.
“There will also be a move to online services and carers will now be assessed on entry into the service.
“I can see carers not using the program because they are faced with difficulties.”
Long-time carer Anne Bawden said strong representation in the region was a necessity in order to ensure carers received the support they need.
“Carers save the government a lot of money and it is important we are supported because there are only going to be more of us in the future,” she said.
“Australia has an ageing population and people are living longer, but becoming a carer can happen to anyone at any time.
“We need local politicians who support us because we save the government a lot of money by caring for family members.”
The forum will be held at Thyme at the Lakes on May 15 at 7pm.
