Carer Leave

What we’ve been asked to look at

This inquiry will examine the economic and social impacts of allowing informal carers to take extended unpaid leave from their work to care for older people who are frail and living at home.

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 has 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.

Read the issues paper

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.

Read the position paper

Final report to Government and release

The final inquiry report is to be handed to the Australian Government in May 2023.

The release of the final report by the Government is the final step in the process.

Under the Productivity Commission Act 1998, the Government is required to table the report in each House of the Parliament within 25 sitting days of receipt.