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Carers’ Recognition Act 2005 (DHW 2024-25 Annual Report)
The Department is an applicable organisation for the purposes of the Carers Recognition Act 2025. Under Section 6 of the Act, the department is to ensure all SA Health employees have an awareness and understanding of the principles of the Carers Charter, which promotes consultation with carers in policy, program development, strategic and/or promotional planning.
SA Health’s commitment to partnering with Carers is demonstrated through the Partnering with Carers Policy which sets out the mandatory requirements to enable and support Carers role in the healthcare system, and activities undertaken to support compliance with Section 6 of the Act.
The Department’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Access All Areas Resource Group was established in April 2024. The Reference Group is employee led with voluntary membership of passionate employees and enables a consultative forum and supportive network to discuss disability, accessibility and employees with caring roles in our workplace. It also enables discussion on the progression of the Department’s DEI 2024-2026 Strategy, which includes providing insights and input into the development and implementation of initiatives, policies, and strategies aimed at promoting diversity, inclusion, and belonging within our organisation.
In April 2025, the Department Executive Committee approved the pursuit of the Carer-Inclusive Workplace Initiative for the Department. This is a national program designed to foster supportive and inclusive work environments for the nation's approximately 3 million unpaid carers. There are currently no known SA public sector agencies pursuing the initiative which presents the opportunity for the Department to become an early adopter in this area of inclusion.
On 1 October 2024, SA Health participated as an exhibitor at the Carers Expo with staff representatives from the Department’s Safety and Quality Unit in collaboration with a record number of SA Health teams at the expo in Adelaide’s South. The Department’s Aboriginal Health also provided merchandise to raise awareness for expo attendees and support Aboriginal Carers. The teams and their expertise were invaluable, providing guidance, direction and information to support Carers whilst caring for their loved ones in our health services from SA Dental, Lived Experience - Office of Chief Psychiatrist, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) Collaborative, BreastScreen SA and Palliative Care Connect. Carer resources were updated and available at the Carers Expo, and on the SA Health webpage at www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/carers
National Carers Week in October 2024 is a time to recognise the many employees who balance caregiving responsibilities alongside their professional roles. This year we highlighted inspiring stories shared by Ana, Leanne, and Sarah from the Department.
Two morning tea events were held on 17 October 2024 and hosted by the Department’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Access All Areas Employee Resource Group at Citi Centre and Australian Bragg Centre to acknowledge, recognise the importance of carers and to celebrate employees with caring responsibilities. Main foyer displays in both centres provided staff with Carer information and resources.
In May 2025, the Department’s Safety and Quality collaborated with Carers SA and Central Adelaide Local Health Network to present Partnering with Carers. The presentation included a Carer’s story, national and state agenda, context on legislation and policy, key priorities, about Carers SA, National Carer Strategy and Survey, partnership between Central Adelaide LHN and opportunities for LHNs to partner with Carers SA. Over 45 participants attended the online forum including consumers, Carers, consumer engagement leads, and governing board members. The presentation was well received, and following the presentation several LHNs have reached out to collaborate directly with Carers SA in their local areas.