Carers Alliance

Media Release: Dear Minister Brough - please explain!

Dear Minister Brough - please explain!

Scene 1

Centre Stage - An elderly parent suffers a catastrophic stroke and a daughter leaves her own home and business to care for her mother. Two years later she is still providing 24 hour care/support to her mother in her mother’s home in line with your government’s policy of care in the community.

Stage right - Enter Centrelink. The daughter’s home is now no longer regarded as her principal place of residence. It is now an asset for deeming (forget the mortgage) for the purpose of reducing the carer payment – you do remember the Carer Payment don’t you? It is that pittance you pay carers (168hrs/week @ $1.61 per hour) to provide care 24/7/365.

Stage Left – Spokesman from Minister Brough’s office in response to queries from affected carer.

  • “The policy already existed when we came into government;
  • If it has not been reviewed by now then it was not considered important;
  • Carers are supported by taxpayers and two years is long enough to get their (carers) finances in order;
  • Carers only receive carer payments when they have nothing;
  • Taxpayers work for their money.”

Curtain hurriedly closed due to brickbats and catcalls. No encore. Very shoddy performance all round.

Well, well, well! Is this the Coalition policy on Carers that we have been waiting with bated breath for?

It is nice to know how well we are regarded and how much you appreciate what it is we do. It is nice to know that you care. Just what will you do when we decide not to?

Felicity Maddison

Contact: Robert Gow QLD Campaign Manager 0417 732967
QLD Senate Candidate 0409 599131

Important notice: The Carers Alliance invite you to visit their website which details the party’s aims and objectives, issue statements, news updates and information on how to volunteer. Go to

Felicity Maddison, Senate Candidate - Carers Alliance Qld