Carers Victoria Media Release 14 May 2008 'Carers Victoria CEO, Maria Bohan says that the Federal Budget will make very little difference to the lives of carers and their families.
"Kevin Rudd promised that carers would not be $1 dollar worse off after the budget" Ms Bohan said. "We now understand that carers are unlikely to be $1 better off."
"We are pleased that more families will now be eligible for the Carer Payment (child), but if we learned anything from the media frenzy surrounding the Carer Bonus, it was that carers are among the most disadvantaged in our community and current payments are grossly inadequate."...
"Remember that carers who rely on government pensions or allowances are already living at around $200 per week below the federal minimum wage." ...'
Carers Victoria is taking action following this media release and is encouraging carers to take action too. You can let Carers Victoria know what you think of the Budget by emailing them at cav@carersvic.org.au and/or writing to the Prime Minister, the Hon Jenny Macklin or your local member, or contacting the media whenever you hear or read about the budget. For information on federal members go to www.aph.gov.au/house/members/index.htm. Carers Victoria website is www.carersvic.org.au.
