Abstract:

Like other comparable English speaking countries, Australia is looking increasingly to the market as the means of meeting human needs. This raises questions about the responsibility of providing care for those, who, by virtue of their age or other characteristics, are excluded from the labour market and are unable to provide for or care for themselves. Following a brief comparative review of the history of aged care and child care in Australia, this paper considers the options and implications of shifting the balance between the various potential sources of support. These include care provided by unpaid family carers, voluntary community based agencies, market based care provisions and care provisions supported by the state. Attention is drawn to the implications of the changing character of aged care as well as the links between labour force participation and the ability of family caregivers, especially women, to provide care, and the impact of different forms of provision on equity between and across generations.