Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (A&TSI) carers play a crucial role in caring, but very limited research has been undertaken which specifically analyses their needs. This paper explores caring responsibilities and social inclusion (SI) in Indigenous communities, identifies theoretical frameworks indicators for SI, and policy lessons. The literature review found that A&TSI people take on the role of the carer for many reasons including: cultural responsibilities; and by default from the view that others have that they have and are able to be a carer. A&TSI carers play numerous roles including: providing care and support for people in their family; and taking broader advocacy and support roles in the wider community. The capacity of A&TSI carers to offer care and support is affected by numerous things including: socio-economic disadvantages, the carers' own health problems, family breakdown or social dysfunction, and racism and intolerant attitudes of some service providers. This paper argues that any attempt to establish indicators of SI for A&TSI carers must be based on the views and needs of carers. As a starting point, some of these indicators could include: recognition as a carer, health and wellbeing of the carer, and access to culture and heritage.

Margaret Raven is a Research Fellow at the Indigenous Policy and Dialogue Research Unit, University of New South Wales.