Where are we now? Taskforce on care costs interim report

Most Australians will be carers at some stage in their lives. Research by Juliet Bourke clearly demonstrates that the financial cost of care affects carers’ employment decisions. In particular, when the cost is perceived to be 'too high' carers are forced to leave the paid workforce, rather than balancing paid work and care. Reforms to ameliorate the cost of care (particularly for workers managing multiple caring responsibilities) have the potential to enhance workforce participation rates, stimulate an increase in the availability of caring arrangements, and improve outcomes for carers.