The Victorian government has announced a $15 million expansion of financial counselling services aimed at helping residents facing mortgage and rental stress.
The funding, allocated over three years, will support 16 organisations and create 37 new frontline positions across the state.
The expansion also includes specialised services for First Nations communities and targeted support for primary producers and small businesses in Western and Northern Victoria.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nick Staikos emphasised that the initiative is designed to assist families under cost-of-living pressures.
“As Victorian families continue to face cost of living pressures our financial counselling services are there to help people to get their financial situation back on track,” Staikos said.
“We’re investing in our financial counselling services and workforce so organisations can offer free help to thousands more Victorians.”
Financial Counselling Victoria will receive an additional $700,000 this year to boost its professional development and advocacy efforts, while the Consumer Action Law Centre will use its funding to offer specialist support services and training.
The government’s financial counselling program, run through Consumer Affairs Victoria, helped over 23,000 Victorians in 2023-24, including 4,100 affected by family violence.
Services include assistance with payment plans and negotiations with creditors.
Source: Premier of Victoria, Beat.
