THE Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability has released its research on the Economic Cost of Violence, Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation of People with Disability.
This research estimates that maltreatment of people with disability due to lack of inclusive homes and communities costs $4.7b per year.
Carers too are financially impacted by this maltreatment.
Where people with disability lack sufficient access to housing, transport and community infrastructure, carers often take on the time and material costs of this maltreatment in order to support the family member or friend they are caring for.
This restricts carers' opportunities to achieve greater economic wellbeing and long-term financial sustainability.
The contribution Australia's 2.65m unpaid carers make can already come at a great cost - whether that is measured in terms of their employment opportunities, education prospects, income and physical and mental health.
The 'Caring Costs Us: The economic impact on lifetime income and retirement savings of informal carers' report found that in 2021 on average a person who becomes a primary carer will lose $567,500 in lifetime earnings and superannuation at age 67.
Further, income support through the Carer Payment is less than 30% of the average weekly earnings.
"These figures show the stark reality that carers are bearing the brunt alongside people with disability," said Carers Australia CEO, Alison Brook.
"We urge the government to be proactive and invest in initiatives that will recognise and support carers and those people living with disability," Brook concluded.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 24 Feb 23
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