Carer Rights

It is vital for the needs of the caring community to be clearly understood by those individuals and organisations sanctioned to support carers. Carers have a right to complain if they are concerned about the delivery of a service to their family or the person they support.

The Western Australian Carers Recognition Act 2004 (the Act) recognises the role of carers in the community and includes the Western Australian Carers Charter, which outlines how carers are to be treated and how they are to be involved in delivering services that affect them and their caring role. The four principles of the Western Australian Carers Charter are:

1. Carers must be treated with respect and dignity.
2. The role of carers must be recognised by including carers in the assessment, planning, delivery and review of services that impact on them and the role of carers.
3. The views and needs of carers must be taken into account along with the views, needs and best interests of people receiving care when decisions are made that impact on carers and the role of carers.
4. Complaints made by carers in relation to services that impact on them and the role of carers must be given due attention and consideration.

All services have a complaints procedure. Legally, a service cannot hold it against you if you complain. View Carers WA’s Complaints Policy.

If you have a complaint about a service or organisation, contact them or visit their website to find out their complaints procedure.  There may be a specific person you need to contact or a form you need to complete.

If you have tried complaining to a person or organisation and do not feel that you have received a suitable response, there are a number of organisations who can help you to follow up your concerns.