Federal Government Clarifies Carer Allowance for Type 1 Diabetes

Federal Government Clarifies Carer Allowance for Type 1 Diabetes

Diabetes Australia – Vic congratulated the federal government and Minister Jenny Macklin on clarifying and simplifying arrangements for the carer allowance for carers of children with type 1 diabetes up to the age of sixteen.

'There has been great concern from many families across Australia regarding new administrative processes recently introduced that threatened or reduced access to the carer allowance," said Greg Johnson, CEO of Diabetes Australia – Vic.

'Type 1 diabetes is a serious and complex condition that places very significant financial burden on families."

'We are pleased that the federal government has confirmed the carer allowance will be automatically granted, rather than being subject to confusing and difficult applications and processes."

'Carers of kids with type 1 diabetes have enough to worry about already, without having to fight their way through perplexing paperwork," he said.

Young people living with type 1 diabetes require considerable support from their families including assistance with remembering regular blood glucose testing, administering insulin and looking after their dietary needs.

There are over 7,000 children with type 1 diabetes under 16 years of age in Australia and the incidence of type 1 diabetes is increasing.

Mairi-Anne Macartney, mother of Tess aged 14 who has type 1 diabetes said, 'We are absolutely elated with the announcement today. We have been working with the government to help them understand what it is like to care for a young person with type 1 diabetes and this decision is such a positive outcome."

'This will now mean that Tess will not have to choose between buying insulin or paying her mobile phone bill. The next step for us is to ensure that she has appropriate financial care for the rest of her life."

Since 1953 Diabetes Australia – Vic has been the peak consumer body and leading charity representing all people affected by diabetes and those at risk. Our purpose is to minimise the impact of diabetes in the community, to help all people affected by diabetes and to contribute to the search for a cure. Our work covers type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes, as well as programs for people at risk.