National Carer Survey 

The National Carer Survey is conducted every two years in partnership with the carer organisations in each state and territory and led by Carers NSW. The Survey is open to all carers across Australia who are aged 16 years or older. Those who are no longer providing care can also complete the Survey. The survey findings help Carers Victoria advocate for carers, influence policy development and improve service delivery for carers into the future; results have been used in policy submissions, government reports and Parliamentary hearings to raise awareness and advocate for carers. See the National Carer Survey Impact Statement.

The National Carer Survey is an initiative of Carers NSW in partnership with the other State and Territory Carer Organisations. The Survey is proudly funded by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ).

2022 National Carer Survey

The 2022 National Carer Survey was conducted from June to July 2022, and Victorian carers accounted for 20% of the total number of respondents. Key findings were:

1. Victorian carers were much more likely to be at risk of mental illness and had much lower wellbeing compared to other Australians.
2. High levels of financial stress and social isolation were common.
3. Organising services for the care recipient took too much time and energy.
4. Access to services for the care recipient was reduced or interrupted due to COVID-19.

Carers are at significantly higher risk of poorer mental health and wellbeing than the general population. They report social isolation and loneliness at 2–3 times the rates of the general population.

Download the fact sheet here.

Carers Victoria surveyed carers in December 2021 to understand the impact of the pandemic on their caring role.

Download an Overview of Findings from the survey here.

Download a copy of the key themes here.

For more information about how these responses have shaped Carers Victoria’s policy platform, click here.

Carers tell us that it is complex and confusing trying to find the help they need – a state-based advisory service is essential to fill current system gaps.

Download the fact sheet here.

Carers Victoria has conducted modelling that brings together ABS data and other datasets. Our (conservative) estimate is that by the end of 2025, over 1 million Victorians will be unpaid carers.

Download the fact sheet here.

People in care relationships are more vulnerable during a crisis because both have higher-level health needs and services often don’t recognise care relationships.

Download the fact sheet here.