Community Services Minister Robyn McSweeney today announced the appointment of Ellen Walker to chair the Carers Advisory Council.

The council was established after the introduction of the Carers Recognition Act 2004.

Mrs Walker’s appointment follows the expiry of current chair Lois Gatley’s term and takes effect next month. It promotes her from deputy chair of the council, in which she has played a significant role since its 2005 creation.

“I am delighted to announce the appointment of Mrs Walker to chair of the Carers Advisory Council, where she has already made key contributions to promote the interest of carers in this State,” Mrs McSweeney said.

“I thank Ms Gatley for her commitment and dedication to the council over the past few years and welcome the extensive professional and personal experience Mrs Walker will bring to her new role.

“The advisory council plays an important role in recognising the extraordinary efforts that carers in this State perform and plays a lead role in ensuring that organisations servicing people with disabilities and chronic health issues are accountable for their quality of care.

“Legislation currently directs the Department of Health, public hospitals and the Disability Services Commission to report to the Carers Advisory Council on how they are complying with the both the Act itself and the Carers Charter and this is one of the true measures of how we are servicing the needs of our most vulnerable.”

The Minister said the primary functions of the Carers Advisory Council were to advance the interests of carers in Western Australia and promote and encourage compliance by organisations against the Carers Charter, and to provide advice relating to current and future carer issues.