National Carers Week 2023, themed “Millions of Reasons to Care,” highlights the often-unseen dedication of the 2.65 million unpaid carers in Australia. However, behind the applause lies a stark gender imbalance and constant financial and often personal struggle for these caregivers.

In Australia, one in three carers serves as a “primary carer,” shouldering the primary responsibility for an individual’s care. One in three primary carers cares for their partners, while just over one in four cares for their children (including adult children) and parents. These statistics underscore a gender disparity, with women aged 55 to 64 being the most likely to have a caring role. Women, in general, are more likely to be carers than men, especially in the role of primary carers.