The Productivity Commission will look into unpaid leave allocations for carers of older relatives and friends, amid a study of aged care employment models.
The formal inquiry will examine amending the Fair Work Act 2009 to include a minimum amount of unpaid carers’ leave for all employees who are caring for seniors living at home.
According to Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt and Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services Senator Richard Colbeck, the enquiry – as well as a study on the impact of different employment models on quality of care – is part of the Federal Government’s Royal Commission response.
“Informal carers are a critical element of the care system for older people. Partners, children and other relatives not only provide care but help seniors maintain their social and community connections.
“While Carer Payment and Carer Allowance are available to people who spend a considerable amount of time providing informal care, carers may be forced to choose between their caring role and their jobs or careers,” the Ministers said.
The study into employment models will be delivered by September of this year, while the carers’ leave inquiry will deliver a report by early 2023.
The terms of reference are available at the Productivity Commission’s website.
