COVID-19 has had significant impacts on all NSW residents since the first case in NSW was confirmed in January 2020. However, many older people, people with disability and carers in NSW have experienced exacerbated and additional impacts as a result of their increased susceptibility and exposure to the virus, and their higher than average reliance on services and support networks that were disrupted by protective measures.

This background paper reviews key published evidence regarding the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on older people, people with disability and carers in NSW, in light of their increased risks of adverse outcomes. It examines the varied and common experiences of each target group, highlighting key outstanding issues that need to be addressed at present, and identifying opportunities to improve planning for future pandemics. It also reviews the key learnings and positive policy changes made in response to COVID-19, including reflecting on ongoing benefits to older people, people with disability, and carers in NSW.