What’s happening?
National carer advocate George Helon, backed by nearly 26,000 petition supporters, has launched a bold push to place carers’ rights at the forefront of the 2025 federal election. With 3 million unpaid carers across Australia, Helon says it’s time for real political accountability.
“This election, it’s time for real change,” Helon declared. “We carers are 3 million strong, with thousands in every electorate. We can influence this election.”
Helon’s “Time to Recognise and Care for Unpaid Carers!” campaign outlines six urgent policy priorities and calls on carers to take these to their local candidates and media.
Why it matters
Unpaid carers provide essential support in aged care, disability, and health—yet receive minimal recognition. Many live below the poverty line, with only 600,000 carers receiving federal financial assistance.
“Carers are the mainstay of aged care, health and disability sectors,” Helon said. “We save the government between $77.9 and $126.2 billion each year—yet get treated like monkeys thrown a handful of peanuts for our sacrifices.”
Helon condemned both major parties and carer peak bodies for years of inaction. “They’ve had ample time and failed miserably,” he said.
Local Impact
In Toowoomba and surrounding regions, thousands of carers face rising living costs with stagnant support. Carer allowance sits at just $159.30 a fortnight, barely enough to cover car fuel—up from $75.60 in 1999, despite decades of inflation.
This campaign gives local residents a chance to demand better conditions, legal rights, and recognition for unpaid carers supporting loved ones in their homes.
By the numbers
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3 million unpaid carers across Australia provide vital home care support
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Government saves $77.9 to $126.2 billion annually through their unpaid labour
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Only 600,000 carers receive any form of federal assistance
Pictured with national carer advocate George Helon is Suzie Holt signing the Charter of Commitments to Carers.
Zoom In
The Election 2025: Charter of Commitments to Carers outlines six demands:
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Amend the Carers Recognition Act 2010 to clearly define unpaid carers and penalise false representation.
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Lift carer allowance to 25% of the age pension partnered rate.
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Introduce a transition benefit to support carers during critical change periods.
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Enshrine legal recognition of carers including tax and income-test free superannuation access.
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Audit peak carer bodies to assess whether they effectively serve the carer community.
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Table the national petition in Parliament, bringing carers’ needs before the public and lawmakers.
“Let’s give all incumbent politicians and aspirants a big kick in the what’s-its-names,” Helon said. “It’s time we elected people who care.”
Zoom Out
Australia’s unpaid carers have reached a breaking point. With the rising cost of living and no federal budget acknowledgment, carers now demand what Helon calls “immediate and tangible change.”
Channelling Gough Whitlam’s iconic 1972 slogan, Helon echoed: “It’s time!”
What to look for next?
Carers, families, and community allies are urged to share the petition and circulate the Charter widely. The next step is lobbying local candidates and ensuring these priorities gain traction before voting begins.
📄 Read the full Charter:
https://www.georgehelon.com/files/Australian_Carers_Charter_2025.pdf
📢 Support the petition:
https://www.change.org/p/time-to-recognise-and-care-for-unpaid-carers/u/33414538
1 Comment
What many forget is that primary carers are the mainstay of the aged care, health and disability sectors. Without all that we do, the systems would crash and burn. Thanks for enlightening your readers to the truth.