Legal rights for carers
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It’s important to know your legal rights as a carer. The rights of Australia’s carers are recognised by national, state and territory laws and policies.
Legal rights for carers
If you are a carer, you have the right to:
- be treated with respect and considered as a partner with other care providers
- work and be supported by employers
- use public spaces and businesses without discrimination – the Australian Human Rights Commission has a guide to anti-discrimination in Australia
- complain about services
- appeal against decisions
- privacy and confidentiality
In general, you also have the right to information about the health of the person you care for. Health professionals are allowed to share information with patients and carers so that all can work together.
Carer laws and policies
The Australian Carer Recognition Act 2010 has 10 principles about how carers should be treated and how services should be delivered to carers and the people they care for.
States and territories also have carer laws and policies. These are:
- Australian Capital Territory – ACT Carers Strategy
- New South Wales – Carers (Recognition) Act 2010
- Northern Territory – Carers Recognition Act 2006
- Queensland – Carers (Recognition) Act 2008
- South Australia – Carers Recognition Act 2005
- Tasmania – Tasmanian Carer Policy 2016
- Victoria – Carers Recognition Act 2012
- Western Australia – Carers Recognition Act 2004
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