Only 39% of Australia’s unpaid carers report healthy wellbeing

High psychological distress amongst carers rose to 42.7% in 2025.

Only about four in ten (38.9%) of Australia's unpaid carers report healthy wellbeing levels, compared with 66% of the general adult population.

The 2025 Carer Wellbeing Survey, cited in the country’s National Carer Strategy, reported high psychological distress amongst carers rose to 42.7% in 2025, up from 28% in 2024.

Additionally, 64.3% of carers report their household financial situation has worsened since taking on caring responsibilities, up from 59.1% in 2024.

Separately, 71% say they have been unable to accept employment opportunities because of their caring role, up from 55.9% the previous year.

Moreover, 42.7% of carers report feeling lonely often or always, whilst 58% say there is a lack of available respite services in their area.

Further, more than 70% of carers say they do not feel recognised by the government. Almost one-third took more than a year to identify themselves as a carer.

Even after identification, 46% report they were not given information about available support.

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing says the National Carer Strategy Action Plan 2024-2027 will prioritise mental health supports, respite access, and peer support to address the decline.

Three projects — led by Nous Group and KPMG — are currently reviewing counselling, mental health and respite services, with outcomes expected to inform the 2026 annual report.