The Western Australian Government committed $10 million for its 'Caring for Carers' Initiatives. This included developing legislation to recognise the State's estimated 200,000 carers. The Carers Recognition Act 2004 was passed by the Western Australian Parliament in 2004 and came into effect on 1 January 2005.

The Act is aimed at changing the culture of service providers so that the impact on family carers is considered when services are planned, delivered and reviewed.

The Carers Recognition Act is available on the State Law Publisher website