Gippsland Carers Association Forum (Recorded Nov 3, 2010, WIN)

"How we look after those who are the most vulnerable in our society is a real reflection of the values and the fairness of our community."
With those words, Independent Member for Gippsland East, Craig Ingram, reinforced his commitment to Gippsland carers and people with a disability at the annual general meeting of the Gippsland Carers Association on November 3.
A Candidates Panel for the state election attracted nine participants at the Gippsland Carers Association's 13th AGM and Carers Forum. Mr Ingram was the only representative from Gippsland East, with the National, Liberal and Labor candidates for the seat failing to attend and support the Association.
The association briefed the candidates on the issues of most importance to family carers in the lead up to the elections. Greatest of these was the establishment of eight, region based family Carer Support Networks that will provide grass roots peer support, information and advocacy to caring families to their homes and where they live.
President Jean Tops told the Candidates that the networks are a vital 'gap service' to support carers who are overworked, stressed, frail and often at breaking point under the burden of unmet caring needs.
Gippsland Carers are supported by Carers Victoria in their call for regional carer support networks to provide needed grass roots support and advocacy to the door of the Carers.
Mrs Tops said 'that 750,000 caring families contribute more than $10 billion to the state budget bottom line, but they are refused a funded voice or advocacy network of their own' for the cost of a mere $4 million a year.
"This clearly exposes the lie and oft repeated rhetoric of governments 'that we value Carers' when we cannot even have our basic communication and support needs met," Ms Tops said.

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News & Politics

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