National Carer Strategy – Carer Consultation – Katherine

The Australian Government is developing a National Carer Strategy and have engaged Deloitte to consult with carers nationwide to inform its development.

Consultation will occur primarily in workshop format to ensure meaningful engagement and representation of carers from various backgrounds, to ensure ideas are tested and shaped by those impacted by the National Carer Strategy.

As a token of appreciation for your participation, you will be provided with a $30 Gift Card. We greatly value your time and contribution to this work. The incentive payment is a token of our appreciation and in no way an indication of our valuation of your time. Voluntary public consultation is not routinely compensated by the government, however in this instance a decision has been made by the Department to provide an incentive payment to show thanks for your contribution.

Who is eligible to participate?

Any current or former carers in Australia are eligible to participate. 'Carers' are people who provide unpaid care and support to family members and friends who have a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness, an alcohol or drug issue or who are frail aged.

Important Consultation Information

• Consultation Format: Consultations will be approximately three hours in duration and involve both large and small group discussions, facilitated by Deloitte. All sessions cover the same content, so we kindly ask that you register for just one.
• Consultation Briefing: One week before the scheduled consultation, you will receive a comprehensive consultation briefing document via email. This document will provide an overview of the National Carer Strategy, the session agenda, and details of discussion topics and activities.
• Supportive Presence: To ensure a safe and supportive environment, a qualified social worker will be present throughout the consultations. They will be available to provide assistance or support, should you need it.

We will provide morning tea, afternoon tea, or lunch as an opportunity for carers to connect with one another and foster a sense of community.

If you are unable to attend an in-person session, we have alternative ways for you to be involved:

1. Virtual Sessions: We will be conducting virtual sessions where you can actively participate and contribute. Please find the link to register here.

2. Department of Social Services (DSS) Engagement: The DSS will be releasing a discussion paper and a survey in the coming weeks on the National Carer Strategy | engage.dss.gov.au.

Confidentiality and Privacy

Only other carers, members of the Deloitte team and some representatives from the Department of Social Services will present during the consultation. Please be assured that any personal information and input you provide will be deidentified and treated confidentially, in line with privacy regulations including the Privacy Act 1988. Analysis of input provided in consultations will be reported thematically in aggregate form and solely be used to inform the development of The National Carer Strategy.

Questions and Support

If you have any further questions please contact Deloitte via email at carerconsultation@deloitte.com.au.