The opposition spokesman on disability services, Andrew Constance, and upper house spokesman for St George-Illawarra, John Ajaka, met with carers to discuss the legislation, which will be introduced into Parliament as a private member's bill and will needs government support to pass.

A spokesman for Health Minister Carmel Tebbutt said the government was waiting to see the details of the bill.

The legislation aims to establish a carers' charter and ministerial advisory council, to be co-chaired by relevant ministers. Carers will make up a majority of members.

Mr Constance said it would recognise the role of more than 750,000 carers in saving NSW taxpayers an estimated $10 billion annually. He urged people to support an online petition at www.caringforcarers.com.au.

The legislation has the backing of Carers NSW, the peak organisation for relatives and friends caring for people with a disability, mental illness, drug and alcohol dependencies, chronic condition, terminal illness or who are frail.

Carers NSW president, Laraine Toms, said it had worked closely with the opposition. "This bill is an important step forward,'' she said.

"NSW has no carer legislation, unlike Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, ACT and the Northern Territory.

"If passed, this bill will bring NSW into line with other states and territories.

"Most importantly, it will recognise carers as individuals in their own right with a right to assessment of their own needs.''