Today, Wednesday 15 June 2022, it was announced by the Australian Fair Work Commission that “the minimum wage will be lifted $1.05 an hour from its $20.33 base from July 1, an increase of 5.2 per cent, to $21.38 an hour;” that’s $812.44 for a 38 hour week, $1624.88 a fortnight!

Those on Carer’s Allowance still continue to receive as little as 41 cents an hour to look after an elderly, infirm, or incapacitated person 2/7/365!

That’s a lousy $68.25 for a 168 hour week, $136.50 a fortnight, or a piddly 8.40% of the Minimum Weekly Wage!

Sure, paid support workers will get an increase, but care givers get nothing.

Carers continue to be undervalued and exploited worse than slave labour and sweatshops which are against human rights!

Over the decades no government has faced the reality of the sacrifices and price we pay as carers head on, but they’re happy to have us quietly working away in the background for next to nothing, saving them billions of dollars in unpaid care whilst we suffer physically, mentally and financially.

If you haven’t already, please share this national petition calling on the Prime Minister and the Federal government to recognise and care for carers, especially those only in receipt of a Carer’s Allowance who need immediate, realistic and proper financial recognition.