Carers Queensland knows from experience that failure to understand and promote the needs of carers can mean that they remain hidden in the workplace, increasing the likelihood that they will be unsupported and may be forced to make a choice between work and care. Employers need to support carers and the message from Carers Queensland is that it makes good business sense to do so.

Not only is there a compelling business case for supporting carers in your workforce but the Carers Recognition Act 2008 states that the Act should “recognise the valuable contribution by carers to the people they care for and to recognise the benefit, including the social and economic benefit, provided by carers to the community”

The Queensland Carers Charter also says that “the State recognises the effort and dedication of carers in our community and that carers provide a vital service and that carers deserve the respect of our community and should be supported within their community by all levels of government, institutions and organisations”.

The Carers Queensland test will help you assess how your organisation is supporting carers.

There are four sections to complete, with 5 questions in each section:

• Carer Awareness and Culture
• Making Carers Count and Identification
• Workplace Policies
• Practical Organisational Support

You will get a score of one point for each section with practical advice after each section.

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