2024 National Carer Survey highlights financial stress and lack of recognition
The 2024 National Carer Survey, for which full results were released by Carers NSW on 17 April 2025, highlights the escalating challenges faced by Australia’s 3 million family and friend carers.
The Survey, which received over 10,000 responses, reveals troubling trends in financial stress and a significant gap in recognition and support for carers.
Carers across Australia are facing unprecedented financial hardship and a lack of recognition for the vital roles they play in supporting their loved ones, according to the findings of the 2024 National Carer Survey.
The Survey offers detailed insights into the lived experiences of Australian carers and the results paint a concerning picture of rising financial strain and a continued gap in critical recognition and support.
Financial stress soars amid rising costs
Conducted during a challenging economic period marked by inflation, rising interest rates, and ongoing cost-of-living pressures, the Survey results reveal that over half of the respondents are experiencing some form of financial stress. This is a significant increase from previous years.
Alarmingly, nearly one in three carers reported not always having enough food, while fewer than half could reliably access affordable health services.
Carers NSW CEO, Elena Katrakis said, “These findings from the 2024 National Carer Survey highlight that many carers are doing it tough, often going without basic essentials like food and healthcare, while shouldering the immense responsibility of looking after their loved ones.”
Lack of recognition: a continued struggle
In addition to financial challenges, the Survey reveals a widespread lack of recognition for the essential contributions made by carers in our communities. Despite their critical role in the care economy, many carers feel undervalued , with nearly half reporting that they do not feel recognised by their community.
Only 44.1% of carers feel valued by service providers, and many are left out of key decision-making processes regarding the care they provide.
"Carers continue to be overlooked, despite playing a critical role in supporting some of the most vulnerable members of our community," said Ms Katrakis. "Recognition isn’t just about acknowledgement, it’s about being heard, included, and supported. When carers are left out of decisions and their own needs ignored, it has a real impact on their wellbeing.”
Key findings:
- Financial stress: 19.5% of carers are experiencing four or more types of financial stress, a significant increase from previous years.
- Basic needs: 36% of carers are spending more than they earn.
- Food security: 30% of carers report not always having enough food.
- Health care: 42.1% struggle to reliably access affordable health services.
- Recognition: Nearly half of carers feel unrecognised by their community, and only 44.1% feel valued by service providers.
For more information and to access the full 2024 National Carer Survey Report, visit www.nationalcarersurvey.com.au.