Australian carers to work more flexible hours and keep their payments

Australian carers will be able to work more flexible hours while keeping their carer payments under changes to be announced in the budget. The changes mean more than two and a half million carers could structure their work or study commitments around their care role. Under the current system, a carer’s payments can be cancelled if they exceed the 25-hour-per-week limit. The changes will cost taxpayers an estimated $18.6 million over five years.  The government says people caring for those with episodic care needs will be better provided for under the new regulations.