The Albanese Labor Government is boosting emergency relief support in Tasmania, with an additional $1.33 million investment in the Salvation Army Phone Assessment Line, connecting more people to services they need most.
When people are doing it tough, the Salvation Army’s Phone Assessment Line (PAL) is often their first call for support, answering nearly 1000 calls nationally each day. Each call connects people to vital supports, including food and fuel as well as referrals to services like financial counselling and mental health support.
Assistant Minister Kearney visited one of Tasmania’s Salvation Army PAL Centres in Hobart to see firsthand how valuable this support is to Tasmanian communities.
Assistant Minister Kearney heard directly from response teams about the difference PAL makes, including recently helping a community member who, after relocating to Tasmania, found themself without work due to an injury and facing homelessness without a support network.
The PAL was able to connect the community member with emergency financial assistance, to ensure they could purchase food, medication and connected them to a case worker for more support including homelessness outreach and medical care.
The impact of the PAL can be life changing for community members experiencing some of the toughest moments in life. It makes accessing relief accessible for people who cannot travel to a physical provider due to injury, illness, disability or living in a regional or remote area.
This additional funding boost follows a recent $2.47 million injection into the Phone Assessment Line in South Australia, bringing the total investment into this critical service to $3.8 million to ensure the PAL’s important work continues.
Since October last year, the Salvation Army has supported more than 3,700 Tasmanians in need.
More information on emergency relief and financial counselling, including how to find a provider, is available on the Department of Social Services website.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek:
“Anyone who needs assistance should be able to get it, which is why the Salvation Army Phone Assessment Line is vital for people who can’t travel to an emergency relief site.
“The Salvation Army are often the first place people turn when they need help, so it’s important that that help is there when people need it.
“This funding boost means that Tasmanians will be able to get the support they need when they need, no matter where they live.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister, Ged Kearney:
“When someone is in crisis, getting help shouldn’t depend on where they live or how easily accessible it is. The Phone Assessment Line connects people with practical support when they need it most, from food and medication to longer-term assistance.
“Nobody expects to need emergency relief, and seeking support can take enormous courage. The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring every person is met with dignity, compassion and practical support, no matter their circumstances.
“Since October, more than 3,700 Tasmanians have turned to the Salvation Army for support during difficult times. This investment from the Albanese Government will see the Salvation Army continue their vital work and reach more Tasmanians across the state.”
Quotes attributable to Senator for Tasmania, Senator Carol Brown:
“Not everyone finds it easy to walk through the door and ask for help. A phone line can make that first step easier, especially for people who are unwell, isolated, caring for kids, or simply overwhelmed.”
“When Tasmanians are having a tough time, they deserve support that is simple to reach, respectful and focused on helping them through.”
Quotes attributable to The Salvation Army Doorways Manager TAS, Stacey Milbourne:
“The impacts of the work we do through PAL is so important. It allows us to respond quickly when someone is in crisis and then work with them to understand what else we can do to help.”
“This additional funding will allow The Salvation Army to support more individuals and families experiencing hardship, while also strengthening referral pathways into case work and other services. This gives our teams more capacity to walk alongside people and support them toward greater stability.”