Financial counsellors welcome funding boost for frontline services

Financial counsellors have welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement of more than two million dollars in funding to support financial wellbeing and financial counselling services in disaster areas.

The Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek, has announced $2.24M towards Financial Wellbeing Hubs in the NT, Queensland and WA and financial counselling services in North-Western Victoria and Bundaberg, Queensland.

$8.5 million will also be distributed amongst 196 Commonwealth-funded Emergency Relief providers across the country.

Financial Counselling Australia (FCA) said the funding will strengthen frontline financial counselling services so that people in vulnerable and disaster-affected regions can access free, independent support.

“This investment recognises the critical role of both Financial Wellbeing Hubs and financial counsellors in helping people navigate financial hardship,” said Dr Domenique Meyrick, the CEO of FCA.

Financial counsellors are seeing rising demand from people struggling with debt, housing stress and the increasing cost of essentials, particularly in regions impacted by disasters and isolation.

“Targeted funding like this is vital, but ongoing investment will be needed to ensure services can continue to meet growing demand and support community recovery and resilience,” Dr Meyrick said.

Media contact: Maura Angle 0418 334 121.