Financial counsellors
Melina BATH (Eastern Victoria) (10:20): Labor is failing to address the cost-of-living crisis, leaving the state with an ever increasing workload for financial counsellors in Victoria. Approximately 300 financial counsellors are at the coalface supporting those Victorians in hardship. Taxes and charges, increased utility bills, increased rates and rental unaffordability are creating a huge impost on vulnerable Victorians. Approximately one-third of Victorian households are experiencing food insecurity and mortgage stress, leading to an ever increasing reliance on credit cards and other low lines of credit to manage their daily expenses. Latrobe Community Health counsellors report the pressures are not temporary; they are a fundamental shift in the financial vulnerability of our people. The cascading effects of financial crises such as housing instability, mental health deterioration and family breakdown underscore the need for more financial counsellors at the grassroots level. The Nationals certainly understand the need for targeted programs and for a sustainable workforce in this area. Labor cannot manage money, and Victorians are paying the price.