Greens condemn careless cut to Carers

"Cutting support to Australia's carers is mean, tight-fisted and short-sighted," said Senator Rachel Siewert today.

Carers save Australian taxpayers in excess of $32 Billion, and are as a result one of the most disadvantaged groups with the lowest quality of life in the country.

"If our carer's are forced to stop caring as a result of the increasing costs and stresses of living, the state will have to pick up the tab for their loved one's care and we will all be the poorer," said Senator Siewert.

"The Rudd government should be directing resources to where they are most needed – reducing the amount handed out through inflationary tax-cuts and targeting assistance to carers instead."

"I believe it would be more caring and responsible to double the carer's payment and get rid of those dangerous and unnecessary tax cuts," she concluded.