By Alex Mitchell

Many young Australians are caring for people with long-term health conditions and could be hurting their educational prospects as a result.

Australian National University research found one-in-six people aged 16 or 17 are acting in a caring role for someone with a chronic illness or long-term health issues.

Half of those people are providing more than two hours care a week, while around six per cent give more than 10 hours each week.

Indigenous Australians are over-represented in the data.

The study found 42 per cent of indigenous teenagers aged 16 or 17 are carers, compared to just 16 per cent of the wider population.

Lead author Ben Edwards said 70 per cent of young carers aspired to complete a form of higher education and could be hurting their chances of doing that.

“Previous research has reported that because of their caring responsibilities, young carers educational outcomes are compromised, so we felt this part of the survey was significant,” he said.

“The majority – 60 per cent – want to study at university, while one-in-10 want to go to TAFE or complete an apprenticeship… it’s important for us to consider how many of them are able to realise these goals, and what support they might need to do so.”

Carers Australia chief executive Annabel Reid agreed and said it was on the nation’s leaders to ensure their contributions did not sacrifice their futures.

“Recognising and supporting young carers is not only a matter of fairness but a necessity,” she said.

“We must ensure they receive the resources, recognition, and support they need to thrive, both in their caring roles and in their own lives.”

The research also found one-in-five young adults living with a disability also reported being a carer.

The author’s noted 51 per cent of young carers were male, compared with the adult population where women make-up around three-quarters of all carers.