wilk1149 inspired me to start this topic. wilk1149 teased out the community's volunteer army and well done to those that do volunteer their time or lend support in other ways.
Australia is often depicted as a red-neck, racist, uncaring, grasping, greedy and xenophobic society without a heart. Here are some stats on carers:
2.7 million unpaid carers in Australia
More than 770,000 carers are primary carers
300,000 carers are under the age of 24
150,000 carers are under the age of 18
Over 1.5 million carers are of working age
31,600 indigenous carers are over the age of 15
620,000 carers were born outside Australia
366,700 carers were born in non-English speaking countries
520,000 carers are over 65 years of age
The estimated annual replacement value of care provided in 2012 is over A$40.9 billion
It is estimated that carers provided 1.32 billion hours of unpaid care in 2010 with productivity loss estimated at A$6.5 billion
On average carers spend approx 40 hours per week providing care. It is estimated that carers of someone with a mental illness spend on average 104 hours per week in the caring role.
Source: ABS (2012) Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers
ABS (2008) Summary of Findings: ABS Census of Population and Housing, Health and Welfare of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
ABS (2003) Migrants, Disability, Ageing and Carers
ABS (2009) Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers
Access Economics (2010) The Economic Value of Informal Care in 2010days
Not a bad effort for an uncaring society. I am sometimes stopped at Central Station (Chalmer Street entrance) by back packers raising funds for some o'seas cause. I remind them that we have enough causes in Australia to worry about.
