Hi Trevor,
Hope all is well with your wife.
Without a doubt carers are the unsung heros of our community. Its a real shame neither the previous government or current are doing more than they can with the financial side of carers. In fact its an absolute farce.
If the loved ones are placed into public care, imagine the cost blowout over time? Yet carers are paid a pittance, they have no superannuation, annual leave, sick leave yet they take on the burden for their love ones.
Many carers have given up full time jobs, careers and self sacrifices and we should appreciate their efforts.
One day we could all be faced with the predicament of looking after a loved one and realise the challenges they face.
check the below link and consider the below over the major parties.
http://www.carers.org.au/?page=whoweare
Norm