The Albanese Labor Government is strengthening the support available for Australians experiencing financial crisis with the announcement today of an additional $14.4 million in 2023-24 in funding for Emergency Relief and Food Relief across Australia.
The added funding will be distributed between 192 Commonwealth-funded Emergency Relief providers and all three Commonwealth-funded Food Relief providers across Australia to help them meet the increased demand for their services.
It will help respond to Australians in need, particularly after natural disasters like the severe floods in South East Queensland and Cyclone Jasper.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said the funding will provide a much-needed boost to frontline support services and enable them to help more Australians.
“It is essential we have a strong system of relief to help Australians through the hard times,” Minister Rishworth said.
“We are taking action to ensure the rising number of Australian households reaching out for aid, can access support as they contend with rising cost of living pressures.
“Emergency Relief and Food Relief providers can be a lifeline to people in crisis, and this funding will enable them to extend their critical support to more Australians when and where they need it.”
Emergency and Food Relief providers can support people experiencing financial hardship with their immediate needs, such as food, transport, pharmaceuticals and clothing.
Providers offer additional support to those in need with referrals to financial counselling, mental health support and other services to set them up for better financial wellbeing in the future.
This investment is in addition to and complements the $114.8 million of additional and ongoing funding for the Financial Wellbeing and Capability program announced earlier this year to support Australians experiencing acute financial crisis due to the rising cost of living and natural disasters.
Further information on Emergency Relief and Food Relief, including how to find a provider, is available on the Department of Social Services website.