One in six young Australians in carer role

More than 16 per cent of young adults in Australia are acting in a caring role for someone with a long-term health condition or chronic illness, according to a new survey from The Australian National University (ANU).

The survey asked 16–17-year-olds from across the country about their caring responsibilities.

Lead author Professor Ben Edwards said unlike in the adult population, where females are far more likely to be in a caring role, just over half (51 per cent) of young carers are male.

“A significant percentage of those surveyed who identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander also reported being a young carer. While around 32 per cent of young carers also identified as having a disability,” Professor Edwards said.

According to the survey, most young carers are providing between two to five hours of care per week. 

Professor Edwards and his team also asked the cohort of young carers about their future career and study aspirations.  

“Previous research has reported that because of their caring responsibilities, young carers educational outcomes are compromised, so we felt this part of the survey was significant,” he said.

“71 per cent of young carers aspire to complete at least one type of higher education.

“The majority – 60 per cent – want to study at university. While one in 10 want to go to TAFE or complete an apprenticeship.

“It’s important for us to consider how many of them are able to realise these goals, and what support they might need to do so.”

Carers Australia’s CEO Annabel Reid said young carers face unique challenges that often go unseen, balancing the demands of caring for a loved one with their own education, work, and personal development.

“Their contributions are invaluable, yet they often sacrifice their own opportunities and wellbeing,” she said.

“Recognising and supporting young carers is not only a matter of fairness but a necessity. We must ensure they receive the resources, recognition, and support they need to thrive, both in their caring roles and in their own lives.”

The survey is part of Wave 2 of the GENERATION study, which follows the journey of more than 26,000 young Australians as they transition to life beyond school. Further details are available at the GENERATION website: About – What Young Australia Thinks (generationsurvey.org.au).