GRANDPARENTS, the most called on baby-sitters in the Ipswich district, may soon get some help.
The state government has just announced it will fund an almost $1m “Time for Grandparents” scheme.
Seniors Minister Craig Crawford said one in every nine Queenslanders were unpaid carers.
“Grandparents dominate the world of unpaid child care,” he said.
“One in every four carers is aged over 65, many providing informal childcare and some are primary carers of their grandchildren.
“Many do it out of good will and the love in their hearts. But it can also come at a personal cost of lower wellbeing, higher psychological distress and poorer physical health.’’
Mr Crawford said the “Time for Grandparents” scheme was on top of more than $725m in 2022-23 provided by the Palaszczuk government for concessions and rebates for seniors and other Queenslanders to help ease costs of living.
“Grandparents – mostly baby boomers – are the heart and soul of our communities,’’ he said.
“They are the unsung heroes who provide significant emotional support for family members, some also provide financial and practical assistance.
We know that being a carer is not an easy job.
“And that’s why in recognition of the contribution carers make, the Palaszczuk government is investing $961,084 in 2022–23 in the Time for Grandparents Program.”
Time for Grandparents co-ordinator Rhett Chapman said the program would provide advice and support to unpaid carers who have primary responsibility for raising their grandchildren.
