Dorinda Cox (WA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I would like to firstly acknowledge the Minister for Social Services for her own commitment and her team's work to supporting all Australians, especially in my home state, Western Australia. Labor is investing $150 million each year over the next five years through financial wellbeing and capability activity grants. These will provide free and confidential services, information, advice and advocacy to support vulnerable Australians and their loved ones to manage financial crisis, stress and hardship and to improve long-term financial wellbeing.

In my state, there were 25 organisations that were awarded these grants. These services provide meals, accommodation and other daily needs and essentials. We know that these grants have been awarded to organisations to support Western Australians that are doing it tough. Emergency relief is the last resort for many of them. It supports Australians to get back on their feet. No-one wants to have to ask for help, but these organisations allow people to do that with dignity through wraparound support—sometimes just to have a cup of tea and an understanding ear right there available.

I've heard firsthand from some of my constituents that having a safe and non-judgemental place to go helps lessen the shame they sometimes feel. The next round, in 2025-26, will provide further support for people, from pre-crisis and early intervention to financial response, recovery and resilience. It is, again, the Albanese Labor government's commitment to continue supporting these organisations through these wonderful grants and providing vital services to our most vulnerable Australians. I thank the minister and her staff—her office—for supporting my electorate in Western Australia.