Thursday, 29 May 2025

 John BERGER (Southern Metropolitan) (22:04): (1692) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Carers and Volunteers, Minister Spence. Minister, there are more than 62,400 young carers in Victoria. Young carers are people up to 25 years old who provide unpaid care and support to family members or friends who have a disability, mental illness, chronic condition or an alcohol or drug issue or are frail and aged. The person they care for may be a parent, partner, sibling, their own child, relative or friend. When inadequately supported, a young carer’s health, mental health or wellbeing can be seriously affected. That is why I am thrilled with Australia’s leading young carers organisation Little Dreamers Australia’s successful application for the Future Ready program. I am proud that our government is boosting organisations like these so young people can reach their full potential. The action I seek is that the minister arrange a time to visit the organisation with me to congratulate them formally as well as see the incredible work that they are doing in person.