Australia's carers have been formally recognised for their contribution to society with the passing of the Carer Recognition Bill 2010 through the Federal Parliament.

The legislation, which is part of a broader National Carer Recognition Framework announced by Jenny Macklin, Minister of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, in October 2009, outlines a Statement for Australia's Carers consisting of ten principles that reflect how carers should be treated and considered.

The bill defines a carer as an individual who provides personal care, support and assistance to individuals who need support due to disability, a medical condition, including a terminal or chronic illness, mental illness for fragility due to age.

Under the proposed framework, the government has committed to the establishment of national goals, a national carers strategy and three year action plans with the aim of improving policy and service delivery to better support carers.

"The Carers Recognition Bill will help to improve community attitudes to the role and responsibilities of carers and the physical, emotional and financial toll this can have on the community," said Dr Ursula Stephens, Senator for New South Wales.

"It means that government workers who have carer responsibilities will have these responsibilities acknowledged in their workplaces. As well, Agencies with policies and programs directed to carers or the people they care for, need to consult with carers and report annually on action undertaken," she said.

Carers Australia welcomes the passing of the Carer Recognition bill through the Senate yesterday. The Carer Recognition Bill establishes a legislative framework to increase recognition and awareness of Australia's 2.9 million carers.

"While the bill does not establish carers' rights, it is a significant step forward in ensuring that carers have the same opportunities to enjoy optimum health and well being and social and economic participation as do other Australians" said Carers Australia chief executive Joan Hughes.

"Carers Australia looks forward to working with the government to implement the future legislation and support framework to deliver real improvements for carers across Australia," she said.