A LIBERAL government will triple the grandcarers support scheme to recognise the invaluable role of grandcarers in supporting their grandkids, and keeping them out of foster care, according to WA Liberal leader Libby Mettam and opposition Community Services spokeswoman Donna Faragher.

“Grandcarers do amazing work, often taking on the role of a parent to keep their grandchildren out of foster care,” Ms Mettam said.

“Unfortunately, they may not be financially prepared to be a full-time carer, which can lead to poverty and financial hardship – a problem that has only worsened under Labor’s cost-of-living crisis.

“That why a Mettam Liberal government will triple the payment grandcarers receive from $1000 per year to $3000 per year for each eligible grandchild in their care.

Opposition Community Services spokeswoman Donna Faragher said in addition to increasing the payment available through the scheme, additional funding will also be given to Wanslea to support their grandcare program to dedicate a fulltime position in the Department of Communities to work with Wanslea and Grandcarers WA on enquiries from their client base.

“Wanslea is WA’s only government-funded provider of a dedicated support service for grandcarers who provide full-time, primary care for their grandchildren,” Mrs Faragher said.

“In addition to the increased payment to grandcarers, we will contribute another $300,000 per annum.”