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Parliamentary Friends of Foster Carers and Children in Foster Care launching today
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Freya Lucas
Nov 18, 2024
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Families Australia and the National Foster Care Sustainability Group will join Federal Members of Parliament and Senators from 'across the political divide' to launch the Parliamentary Friends of Foster Carers and Children in Foster Care in Canberra later today.
The Parliamentary Friendship group co-convenors include Susan Templeman MP, Jenny Ware MP and Kate Chaney MP and will highlight the challenges faced by 45,000 children and young people in out-of-home care across Australia.In addition to the co-convenors, the following Members of Parliament form the Parliamentary Friendship Group:
o Shadow Minister, Pat Conaghan MP, Member for Cowpero Peter Khalil MP, Member for Willso Senator Helen Polley, Senator for Tasmaniao Dr Anne Webster MP, Member for Malleeo Dr Michael Freelander MP, Member for Macarthuro Senator Jana Stewart, Senator for Victoriao Senator Tony Sheldon, Senator for NSWo Sally Sitou MP, Member for Reido Dr Gordon Reid MP, Member for Robertson
“Across Australia, the number of children entering care has remained steady, while at the same time, there has been a steep decline in the number of new and active foster carers,” Families Australia CEO Jamie Crosby said, welcoming the formation of the group, and thanking the founding members for their support.
“Caring for Australia's children is a shared responsibility. We must act now to improve access to healthcare, reduce the financial strain on foster carers, and ensure equitable workplace entitlements.”
Families Australia and the National Foster Care Sustainability Group are advocating for three critical reforms:
- Prioritised access to Medical and Therapeutic Support
The introduction of a card system—similar to the Veterans' Health Card—that would ensure all children in care have better access and financial supports to essential medical, therapeutic, and developmental services.
- Reducing Financial Pressure on Foster Carers
Raise the ATO tax-free threshold for foster carers which would ease financial pressures and enable higher carer allowances without tax burdens.
- More equitable Leave for Foster Carers
Adjust the National Employment Standards to help foster carers in paid employment to start or continue fostering. Foster carers fulfil a parenting-type role but are not currently afforded the same supports. Extending these benefits to foster carers ensures an equitable home experience for children.
Should these reforms be implemented, they would have approximately $1.2 billion in long-term financial benefits, including improved health outcomes, increased placement stability, and greater economic participation.
The proposed changes would also generate significant savings for governments through reduced future service provision costs.
“Without implementing these necessary federal changes, the number of foster carers across the country will continue to decline, leaving more vulnerable children without a home-based environment to care for them,” Mr Crosby added.
“These reforms are a smart investment in the future of Australia’s children. It’s time to give foster carers and children in foster care the fair go they deserve.”
Families Australia will join Federal MPs and Senators who will meet with foster carers and young people with an experience of foster care in the Enid Lyons Alcove, Parliament House for the official launch of Parliamentary Friends of Foster Carers and Children in Foster Care at 11 am today.
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