Source: The Melbourne Age

Carers say tonight's federal budget will be a test of how serious the Rudd government is about helping them.

They say a Four Corners report, which revealed serious systematic deficiencies in government support for carers, is just the tip of an ever-growing iceberg".

The report - aired on ABC-TV on Monday night - showed how carers suffered from federal-state buck-passing and inflexible service delivery.

"Sadly what we saw last night is not uncommon," Carers Australia chief executive Joan Hughes said.

"More and more we are hearing similar stories of carers who are exhausted from battling with bureaucracy and who are struggling to cope.

"Tonight the new government has a chance to establish its credentials in carer support - carers and their families will be watching closely."

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd already has announced $100 million in new funding to build supported accommodation for up to 210 people, a move welcomed by carers.

But Ms Hughes says more is needed including a national action plan and a top-up of the carer's support payment.

"The prime minister likes to talk about supporting working families, well, carers do work, (but) they just aren't paid for it."

"Where is the vision for them? We need a national carer action plan now."

Mr Hughes said a public backlash against the government's delayed assurance about the carers bonus should have sent a clear message.

But the government never considered cutting the $1,600 bonus, Families Minister Jenny Macklin told Four Corners.