As the new Chief Executive Officer of Carers Tasmania, I acknowledge the outstanding work of my predecessor, David Brennan. During 2022/23, David, together with Executive Policy Officer, Julie Ryan, worked to ensure carer views were heard by the Tasmanian Government, particularly in the development of the Carer Recognition Act 2023. The inaugural meeting of the Minister’s Carer Advisory Council in April 2023 provided an opportunity for conversations directly between five Tasmanian carers, Carers Tasmania, senior government agency staff and the Minister for Community Services and Development. This is a powerful forum, which will see the voice of carers heard in the development of Tasmanian policies and programs.

David and Julie advocated for Tasmanian carers in both Tasmanian and Australian Government policy and program reviews and inquiries, working tirelessly to achieve the purpose of the Board of Carers Tasmania, in making life better for carers and ensuring caring is a shared responsibility.

Samantha Fox