The Albanese Labor Government is strengthening support to protect Australians from gambling harms with around $40 million of investment into critical services that help people rebuild their financial security and recover from the impacts of gambling.
Gambling harm can have devastating consequences, affecting not only individuals but also families, children and communities. Financial stress caused by gambling can lead to mounting debts, housing insecurity, relationship breakdown and long-term financial hardship.
This funding will expand access to financial counselling and support services, ensuring more Australians can get practical help to regain control of their finances and work towards recovery.
This investment of up to $10 million annually is expected to double the reach of these services, increasing support from around 5,000 people each year up to 10,000.
This new annual funding will see:
- greater access to free and confidential financial counselling for gambling services, helping more people manage debts, negotiate hardship arrangements and rebuild their financial wellbeing.
- more financial counsellors on the front line, with investments to financial counselling organisations to attract and train more specialist counsellors to assist more people.
- expanded gambling harm support in regional and remote communities, with Financial Wellbeing Hubs providing additional targeted assistance where need is greatest.
- more financial literacy education, workshops and information helping Australians make informed decisions about their finances and recognise the signs of gambling harm earlier.
- expanded services in areas of need, enabling existing providers to grow their reach and establish support in new communities.
This investment will ensure that more Australians can access financial counselling support when they need it, while strengthening the ability of the sector to respond to gambling harm. It complements the Albanese Labor Government’s broader work to reduce gambling harm and support individuals and families experiencing financial hardship.
