Carer leave

Issues paper release and call for submissions The Commission released an issues paper on 15 July 2022 to guide people in preparing a submission. It set out some of the issues and questions the Commission identified as relevant at the early stage of the inquiry. Participants should have provided evidence to support their views, including data and specific examples where possible. Initial submissions were due by 26 August 2022.

Position paper release The paper — A case for an extended unpaid carer leave entitlement? — looks at the potential economic and social impacts of adding an entitlement to extended unpaid leave to the National Employment Standards. The paper finds that such an entitlement would benefit some carers and improve the quality of care provided to some older people, however it would impose costs on employers. Extended unpaid leave is also not the highest priority for the majority of carers. Other policies — especially better access to flexible work — would make a bigger difference for more carers. The Commission seeks further information and feedback. Submissions were due by 28 March 2023.

Final report to Government and release The final inquiry report looks at the potential economic and social impacts of adding an entitlement to extended unpaid carer leave to the National Employment Standards. The report was handed to the Australian Government on 31 May 2023 and publicly released on 15 September 2023.