EP#88: Making Australia’s workplaces carer-inclusive

Across Australia, there are 2.65 million people who dedicate their lives to caring for family members or friends with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or age-related conditions. These unpaid carers, often unsung heroes, face financial hardship due to limited income opportunities, paired with the significant cost of care. Whilst caring can greatly expand someone’s skill set, carers also shoulder immense emotional pressures as they navigate the demanding and complex landscape of care provision for their loved ones.

In this episode of Work with Purpose, our host Caroline Walsh, CEO of IPAA ACT, has a meaningful conversation about carers and how workplaces can support them with our guests, some of whom also share their own personal experience as carers. Joining us are Robyn Shannon, Acting Deputy Secretary of the Department of Social Services, Lisa Kelly, CEO of Carers ACT, and Alex Allars, Executive Branch Manager, Whole of Government Industrial Relations & Public Sector Employment, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate, ACT Government. This episode examines the public support mechanisms for carers at both the federal and ACT levels, and explores how these systems may need to evolve in the future.

Discussed in this episode:

The impact of caring responsibilities and the differing needs of carer cohorts
Government initiatives like the Carer Gateway, payments, and the planned National Carers Strategy
The ACT government efforts to support carers in workplaces and the effects on productivity and engagement
Advocacy and engagement with carers in policymaking
Visions for an ideal carer-supportive Australia.

Guests

Lisa Kelly

Lisa Kelly, a passionate advocate for quality support and recognition of carers, currently serves as the CEO of Carers ACT. She has worked extensively in the community sector and holds degrees in psychology and community development. Prior to joining Carers ACT, Lisa worked primarily in the mental health and youth sectors for agencies such as Lifeline, Headspace, Richmond Fellowship and the Australian Childhood Foundation. She has spent a large part of her career implementing innovative and award-winning services and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Carers
ACT. Lisa has a long history of supporting and advocating for carers stretching back to being appointed to the Ministerial National Family Carers Voice in 2004.

Robyn Shannon

Robyn Shannon, with over 20 years of service in the Australian Public Service, is currently the Acting Deputy Secretary for the Department of Social Services. Prior to this, she held pivotal roles at the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, managing procurement, program, and contract management functions during COVID-19, and contributed significantly to the implementation of Workforce Australia. Her experience spans across various policy, program, and corporate roles.

Alex Allars

Alex Allars is currently serving as the Executive Branch Manager for Whole of Government Industrial Relations & Public Sector Employment within the Treasury and Economic Development Directorate of the ACT Government. Prior to this, she showcased her leadership skills as the executive branch manager of People and Performance at the ACT Government Education Directorate. In addition to being a proud Canberran and public servant, Alex is mum to three teenagers and the legal guardian of one of her younger siblings who has complex, debilitating and persistent psychological and psychosocial needs.

Show notes

Carers can contact the Carer Gateway by calling 1800 422 737 or visiting the Carer Gateway website to see what services and supports are available to help in their caring role.

For anyone who would like to know more about payment assistance including eligibility and how to apply they can contact Services Australia by calling 132 717 or on the Services Australia website.

A transcript of this episode can be found here.