A full time pension is $271 per week and the recipient can earn up to $64 per week without penalty. It costs more for disabled or sick people to live as they often are on medications, can't use normal transport.

If you get really sick, say cancer or a heart attack you can't get a disability pension because your condition hasn't stablised. The 42 yoer old fella in our office who had just seperated and become a contractor wasn't able to work for 6 weeks then returned to work for 3 hours per day initially. It took 6 months to return to full time work - with no income whatsoever.

Lose the tax cuts and improve the social safety net, Kevin.

Voters who thought that Labor was going to save them from the ‘ravages’ of the previous government are going to find that many things about the Rudd Government will prove to be “outrageous”.

Very soon, Labor voters will be looking back with longing at what they had for three decades

The one good thing that has come out of all of this, is that the community at large has been made aware of how poorly our nation has been treating carers. Now is a good time to lobby our new and allegedly compassionate government to do something real, instead of just talking about it. The opposition, under Brendan Nelson should also be encouraged to keep tightening the screws until carers of their own disabled children at home get the same allowances as foster carers do.

David

This whole thing is an extraordinary media beatup. There is not so much as a shred of evidence that the Government intends, or intended, to reduce the amount of money provided to carers.

Woops?

http://petermartin.blogspot.com/2008/03/tuesday-column-hypocrisy-over-carers.html

Many years ago I wrote a journal entry which I called "WHen care in the community becomes despair in the community"
Since 1995 I have been involved with mental health advocacy and awareness raising. It is now 2008 and Australia has regressed in terms of social responsibility. The social and economic divide is increasing exponentially as those with social and economic advantage access the best services and support available to them through the private sector. A carer who can afford a cleaner and other domestic support, who has family infrastructure to facilitate holidays, companionship, still lives with the anguish of caring for their loved one. Programmes such as early intervention, (for autism for example), which are not subsidised by governments, are more readily available to those who can afford a suitably trained private individual providing one on one early intervention.
Others sacrifice their all, emotionally, financially, to provide for their children. Or the child and the carer slip through the cracks of inadequate and non existent services. Across the social and economic divide, carers are suffering. I urge that government and community support should be universally available to all carers regardless of financial means.The Rudd Government urgently need to recognise the needs of carers and to improve, not dismantle support.

"Very soon, Labor voters will be looking back with longing at what they had for three decades"
Posted by Mr. Right, Wednesday, 12 March 2008 9:18:12 AM

It only felt like three decades.

CITIZENSHIP, TRUST and RESPONSIBILITY is required.

We need to HELP make the appropriate reforms so ALL in the Health-Care sectors get the provisional packages, that each require.

Alma Ata, Alma Ata, Alma Ata.

If Australia looses grip in these opportune times, I warn you, it would (should it happen) be very ugly.

As ADVOCATES, we need to be strong and sensible. To cry wolf means we loose our voices and loose the credibility we worked hard to regain.

While the information (no doubt) in this article is correct, it is because of this minded sobriety, we called to necessitate BALANCE.

To forewarn the government, given the LEAK, was strategic.

However; to allow ourselves to be stirred-up so completely (as if we believed it) by such prankishness is utterly irresponsible. Especially, as it only serves as a drama spectacle acted-out by members of the tattered, untrustworthy Liberal Party.

As tax-payers we are paying for this dis-empowering time-waste.

I remind you of the information we, as a disadvantaged sector aired on Tony Delroy, Australia Talks, Life Matters, as well as other programs on the eve of the 2007 election. This was as a genuine public - empowered.

I remind you of the people who need the 'care' and how unhealthy 'scare-mongering-dirt-campaigns' are on those people who need our equity most. It is the authenticity that counts IF we each seek to benefit.

I felt it was interesting to see Brendan Nelson rehearse his stand in parliament yesterday. But that is all it was, a figurative rehearsal.

As for Tony Abbott, I can not imagine why anyone voted this man back. I can not remember one thing this MP has ever said, that spells truth, except his loyality to Howard.

My fear is that after only nine weeks in office, the government would be unable to present the right package if this kind of distractive, media driven, highly scandalous satire continues.

Wake Up Australia.

I congratulate Kevin Rudds party for standing firm.

With our help, I know this federal government will do their best to take care, to get it right.

http://www.miacat.com/
.

It is yet to be determined whether the Labor government is trustworthy, or even competent. None of the new ministers showed any ability to set the world on fire in opposition, so I don't expect much change in government.

He that expecteth little will not be disappointed.

David

So why are we not hearing carers saying well done Kev. You delivered on your promises.

Where are the carers saying thanks for the utilities allowance? Which will lob in their bank account next week.

Where are the journalists applauding this increase in payments?

But the real issue is when are we going to revamp the whole disability/carer support system?

Is someone with a disabilty an adult at 16,18,21,25? Depends on which bucket you happen to be thrown in.

To means test and at what level? Should a carer of an adult get more than the person with the disability?

Should we revisit the definition of disabled? A person with say bowel cancer does not qualify because hopefully they will stabilise within 2 years - they get the dole with no mutual obligation (a much lower payment).

The good thing is that Jenny Macklin is a policy guru, if anyone can sort out the mess she can. But the hysteria and petty point scoring of the last week have made her job much harder.

Jean Tops is one of a series of articles stemming apparently from baseless media claims. And the source of these media claims?

Look again at Ms Tops' introduction:

"Reports out of Canberra in the past week make the extra-ordinary announcement that the Rudd Government may axe the carer bonuses in the razor gang list of cuts to curb government spending to combat inflation."

"reports out of Canberra" - "Canberra" is diverse city/metaphor/ and "reports" (notice the plural - makes it seem more credible) usually means rumours, conjecture, speculation, guesses, wishful thinking or whatever you want really, especially political mischief.

"the extra-ordinary announcement" - What announcement"? Made by whom? With what authority?

"may axe" - Equally may not axe.

On that flimsy basis, we have frenzy and hysteria.

I can just see OLO running an article tomorrow which begins:

"Reports out of Washington in the past month make the extra-ordinary announcement that President Bush may withdraw American troops out of Iraq." That would have legs, wouldn't it?

Or try this:

"Reports out of Melbourne in the past two days make the extra-ordinary announcement that the Brumby government may tell Bernie Eggelstone where to put his Grand Pricks Race."

Now there's a good rumour. Can everyone please pass it on to all your friends. It'll be true within the week.

Kevin Rudd is making John Howard seem like a weak kneed lefty socialist.We have a trillion dollar GDP and ordinary workers are worse off now than in the 1980's.Is globalisation extracting all our wealth?

For those who question the author's motives or the merits of her case have the intenstinal fortitude to do as she has and use your real name not hide behind a nickname or comment for the 877th time for the sake of letting your belly rumble. Then reflect on one other thing, would you have the guts to Walk A Mile In Her Shoes? How about for 30, 40 or 50 years?
No...didn't think so!

Jean

Thank you for this moving and eloquent article.

Our society should be judged on how we treat those less fortunate,including the cared for and those who care for them.

The kite flying by Labor (it may have been in fact a deliberate leak by someone within Cabinet opposed to the move) shows that Rudd's number one priority - the fight against inflation - will have as its target those who are the most weak and vulnerable in our society. The logic of running the economy will impose such measures on the HowRuddistas. That is after all what economic conservatives do.

Is there an alternative? The obscene tax cuts - much of which go to those earning over $100,000 a year - could be redirected to helping carers, pensioners, paying nurses and teachers more, revitalising schools and hospitals. We give through the tax system $60 bn a year to the well off and business. Take that away and use the money to properly fund carer facilities, low cost housing, better public schools and public hospitals. All Rudd needs is the political will to tax the rich rather than pander to them. He won't do anything to upset them because he rules for them.

We can build a caring and compassionate system. Unfortunately the current kefuffle about carers and pensioners shows that we will have to fight to force Rudd to look after the most vulnerable and their helpers in our society.

I believe that Mr rudd is feeling the pulse of the Australian people, and so he should. Don't stab a man, for when one has stepped into a new job. If you cant see what I have said, then there's no hope for you in the world of politics.

I wonder how many of you remember your first day on the job.

Give him a chance!

Isn't it interesting that commentary so far is almost all about the politics! Precious little concern about the injustice or distruction of normal life, and I am curious.. are any of you walking in my shoes?

Have you even considered that the outcry by the carers (actually doing all the accommodating and caring) is about raising the issue of exploitation, discrimination and slave labour, alive and well in Australia today?
There is actually legislation in Australia, forbidding farmers from expoiting their own children as unpaid labour, but it's perfectly ok (it would seem) for children to be exploited as unpaid carers and for hundreds of thousands of Mr Rudds families ditto.

Anyone who thinks that there was no truth in the leaked information should ask this question; why didn't Mr Rudd come straight out and say "it is all a lie?' He had 5 days to say 'its all a lie' but he did not. His Minister could have taken many media opportunities to say ' its all untrue, why didn't she do that?
Yes the bonus was once-off for 4 years, yes there are better ways, so
Read the guts of the issues I have raised and then tell me I am wrong to ask for public outrage that family carers are so maligned.
Jean Tops

As i said before this was a great article.

I think discussing the politics is inevitable if we want to recognise the magnificent contribution carers make and pensioners have made to our society. That in no way detracts from the poignancy of the piece; I think it adds to it.

I think the outrage should also be that $1600 is such a pittance. I don't just want carers to be the same as under Howard. I want them to be much better off. Isn't that why we elected Rudd?

Instead of $1600, why not $16,000 for all carers? And why not increase the pension by $100 a week for starters?

Pay for this out of the $31 bn tax cuts for the well off and their $60 bn in tax exemptions.

Lolita

I am thoroughly attuned to the needs of carers having been one myself on two occasions for long periods. And having worked professionally in the area.

My comment may have sounded unsympathetic to you; but it was intended to alert readers to the fact that pushing public panic buttons is a regular part of Canberra mischief-making in the lead up to a budget.

You are dead right to raise the issue of exploitation, discrimination and slave labour. But it seems to me that there are strategic ways of getting the message across and there are ways that simply get up the noses of decision makers. Insulting Rudd may make people feel good for a short while, but I would have thought that flattery, lobbying or rational argument might be more effective in achieving your goals.

The Howard strategy of one-off bonuses was an ad hoc way of giving help to carers; but given that it was never guaranteed to be a permanent payment - strenuously urging the Rudd government to look at something more substantial and longer-term than an iffy annual budget bonus subject to razor gang cuts.

As to the question; why didn't Mr Rudd or his Minister come straight out and say "it is all a lie' in the five days available, it is possible he genuinely tried to stick to the policy of not making comments on budget matters prior to the budget being settled.

I won't tell you that you are "wrong to ask for public outrage that family carers are so maligned" because I don't believe carers are maligned. Under-valued yes, under-funded yes, over-worked yes; but maligned, no. Not by those who understand. The task then is to increase people's understanding - especially politicians.

If Rudd has concerns about the one-off bonus arrangement, why don't the lobbyists recommend to him smarter ways of giving carers support? It might actually produce a fairer and more reasonable system.

Another fine article, Jean. After years of neglect and buck-passing,we look to this new government for some social justice in the area of disability. That it could even consider ditching the carers bonus beggars belief. Lifelong carers of the disabled are the most disadvantaged, exploited and abandoned group in our society. In other developed countries, carers of Jean's age have a chance to put their feet up and enjoy a well-earned spot of retirement. Carers my age (57)are looking forward to it. This is because governments assume responsibility for the care of disabled adults after a certain age. The state of play in Victoria is revealed today in the Auditor General's report on disability accommodation. The Department of Human Services is unable to help 1370 people or 30% of those requesting support while the demand is growing by 5% annually. Here in NSW we look to Victoria as comparatively well-serviced. Successive governments have turned their backs on this sector and left caring families to struggle largely unsupported. It would seem that despite a lot of election promises, nothing is going to change any time soon.

Flattery, lobbying and rational argument should be effective methods for achieving goals but experience over many years using these techniques with politicians and governments of all persuasions has proven fruitless - mostly because carers are almost voiceless. It is hard to spend time lobbying when you are occupied 24/7.
A small band of intrepid campaigners contested senate seats in the last federal election because flattery, lobbying and rational argument has failed time and again. Carers come from all cultures, creeds, races, economic demographics and political persuasions. Mostly they don't give a fig about politics but they are forced to do so because experience has shown there is no other way.
Mrs Tops' excellent dissertation points out many of the reasons why carers need any (and every) help they can get, like the bonus, and hang onto it for dear life because experience has shown its nigh impossible to extract any assistance from any government, so they give up nothing.
Many people understand the carers' plight and are sympathetic but in many cases an increase in people's understanding is necessary, this is absolutely correct and this is especially so for politicians. However, the problem is not that politicians need help to gain this understanding, the problem is that one must first get them to take notice and listen, then they will understand. How do you get them to listen?
Well...They might be now!

I provide 24 Hour care to a person with a disability (PWD.) I am not on a carers pennsion I am on a carers allowance of $50 a week. I get 2 hours of respite care through my local council and they send me the bill. I would not need respite if I did not have a PWD. Any other care has to be paid for ny me. $50! Its a joke. I broke my back in 3 places and could not get out of bed. I could not get respite for my PWD. I was stuck in bed giving commands from the bed. My PWD went without food for two days and was unable to bathe. I tried to organise extra support though the duty worker and I was unable to get help. It was Christmas and I had the PWD for 5 days straight with no help. I was on Morphine. Respite is impossible to get and it is just disgraceful that any Leader would deny a once off bonus. I believe there should be an entitlement to repsity as in aged care and I should be entitled to 69 days a year as in aged care. Steffy

So carers aren’t maligned? As the fulltime sole parent carer for my two adult children with multiple disabilities for over 30 years, I could regale you with any number of occasions that as a carer I have been maligned, bullied by bureaucracy and my views and opinions discounted. Maligning of carers alive and well. Following the announcement of continuance of the Carer bonuses for this year by the Prime Minister yesterday ABC News reported the following:
Inflation Concern
But a leading economist says the Federal Government’s task of reining in inflation has been made much harder by its backdown over the carer’s bonuses
Last year the overall lump-sum payment cost $1.7billion
Chris Richardson from Access Economics told The World Today that someone has to to feel the pain from Government budget cuts or interest rates will rise again
“inflation is rising because times are very good in Australia” he said
“we need to wind that back and either the government takes hard decisions somewhere, or the Reserve Bank makes those hard decisions for them”

This could be viewed as a somewhat mischievous statement with the implication being that carers are the ones responsible for inflation and that carers are the most deserving of feeling financial pain. I find his statements to be extraordinary given that it was Access Economics that identified the cost savings – now $36billion annually- that the unpaid labour of family carers generates for the Australian economy. I wonder if similar comments were passed by the plantation owners in America’s south when slavery was abolished!
Felicity Maddison

Again Jean Tops spreads more light than heat. She is even-handed in her criticism of the policy shortcomings of both sides of politics with respect to carers and the people with disability. She has walked the walk and she has all the credibility to talk the talk.

Exhortations to be flattering and positive towards politicians are simply patronising and insulting. To borrow from the Homer Simpson Book of Political Commentary --- derrrrr,--- be nice to the pollies in case they throw us some crumbs from the table of plenty? --- been there - done that - ain't gonna happen. Surprisingly carers are highly educated, highly intelligent but worn out by the effort of care particularly when unsupported while raising a young family. Utterly enervated by the effort to survive the busyness of family life as well as caring for a disabled family member, child or relative they can rarely effectively engage in the political process,(let's face it everything is politics; many times these are single parents doing it on their own because marriage/relationship breakdown is about 20% above the national average. This leaves little time to contribute to blogs, read the papers, write letters to the editor. prepare submissions, sit on boards (parent-carers are too emotional), or to challenge the prevailing "we know best/better' brigade.

Only when their other children are older do they have some opportunity to raise their head and take a good look around at exactly what is lacking for the people with disability for whom they care and at their own life situation.Look out for the new breed of carers who don't "do" "gratitude" very well but who do "do" "ferocity" quite nicely.

Jean Tops is an inspiring carer-activist who can hold her own in any political company and her input into the public debate is unfailingly powerful and enlightening. Her exclusion from the policy-making table for decades is a loss to the body politic of Australia and her continued exclusion will show that no-one in power intends to make the lot of people with disability and their carers any different or any better.

Carer's,disability & other pensions.

According to Political correspondent Laurie Oakes - the past week with all it's mindless kafuffle, was deliberated choreographed by a few " chaser " Parliamentary Journalist who - bored with the Daily sittings, decided to raise heckles, create bedlam and put some life into a otherwise ennui proceedings by a thoroughly discredited beatup of " carer's pensions, bonus's & other welfare benefits ". A Canberra insider for yonks, he readily conceded it was all a whimsical hoax, even though it ran the media gamut for eight whole days, Nationwide !

As if it mattered much to Tracey Grimshaw, or enigmatic Anna Coran who dragged in all those bleeding hearts with all their pitiful stories of woe and despair into the studio limelight ! All told, the fiasco succeeded.

New boy on the block Kevin Rudd, to his credit deftly handled the media scuffle, despite the rapturous baying of effeminate comedians Abbot and Turnbull. It's about time they lifted their game and gave viewers less-of-the-same.

Parliament is blissfully descending into a chaotic fish market ! What a sorry spectacle Mr Hocking !

Given the plight of Carer's and their wards, mealy-mouth Govt handouts don't provide real sustenance let alone basic comforts afforded other welfare recipients. Parliamentarians have never been noted for their largess except for the Remuneration Tribunal Inquiries ! Short term, the much mooted razor gang for all it's vitriolic, is but a toothless harridan !

Careful, read my lips.

My understanding of the $1600 bonus was that it was a piece of pork-barreling, designed as nothing more than a vote-catcher. Of course it wasn't going to work - carers had been ignored far too long prior to that. Silly of Mr Howard to overlook this small fact. What I find interesting however is that the most recent wage-rise for parliamentarians, past and present, amounted to far more than $1600. If everybody needs to 'tighten the belt' shouldn't it have been suggested to those same parliamentarians, past and present, that they forgo their wage-rise allowing it to be written in as a permanent rise for carers? It is unlikely they would suffer a loss of life-style due to its surrender. Of course, even this measly amount is nowhere near enough for carers, or indeed, any pensioner, to meet basic needs. A complete overhaul is needed, with a look at the real cost-of-living factored in. I believe a number of agencies have done so already, and given their figures to the Governments, past and present, and been dutifully ignored. This lady's article is one voice to add to the gross social injustice being inflicted on the politically powerless, but it seems, I am glad to say, to be gaining force. Well done.

The carer bonus facts for those interested are these: They were paid by the Howard government for the past 4 years, rather extended election pork barrel wasn't it? The aged pensioners only received their bonus in the last year (perhaps vote buying). So why did they not buy the votes of the 712,000 disability pensioners as well?

I wonder if the questioners on the virtue of paying wealthy aged persons a bonus'stopped to think that the aged pension is 'means tested' and I'd like therefore to see the politicians poor enough to get a pension, much less a former Prime Minister, come on folks, you can do better than that!

Middle Class welfare is everywhere,from 30% private health insurance rebates, to 50% child care rebates for working families, to tax breaks for the wealthy and well off through negative gearing etc, etc etc...

Read my lips: Unpaid family caregivers contribute over $36Billion a year to the economy. They have a right to expect a better deal. A wage for work performed would be a good start. In the absence of your demands for such justice, any bonus is a veritable pot of gold to those of us who are treated the same as slave labour.

Those who think disability advocates are standing in our corner should know that their views and the views of caring families are poles apart. Family advocacy for disability caring families is non existent.... just another discrimination against those who give most.

How about making fair carer pay and disability family advocacy funding the priority of your 2020 submission and give Mr Rudd the message that family caring matters to every Auatralian. There but for the grace of God go you and you and you!
Jean Tops

It was all rubbish.