Consultations have kicked off today for the Andrews Labor Government’s Carers Statement which will outline how we can best support and recognise carers.

Parliamentary Secretary for Carers and Volunteers, Gabrielle Williams, will lead the development of the statement in partnership with Carers Victoria. Ms Williams said carers play a vital role in our community and it is important that their voice is heard.

There are more than 773,000 unpaid carers in Victoria – Victorians who give their time, effort and love into caring for a family member or friend who needs them. They can be older and they can be very young – and many may not identify as a carer.

Carers make a substantial contribution to our community, with the OECD putting the cost of replacing carers in Victoria at more than $15 billion annually.

To develop the Statement, Carers Victoria will gather the views of people responsible for providing valuable support, understanding that being in a care relationship can have a profound impact on their lives and the opportunities available to them.

Carers Victoria will be hosting a number of consultations for carers and organisations that support carers to find out what works best in existing services and supports and what could be improved.

Carers can also have their say by completing an online or paper survey.

Visit the Carers Victoria website at www.carersvictoria.org.au to complete the survey or find out more.