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Melina Bath criticises Allan government over lack of funding for Kids Helpline mental health supportMelina Bath has criticised the Allan government for not funding Kids Helpline, despite strong Victorian demand, urging greater mental health support for vulnerable young people, particularly in regional areas. By news@gippsland - 30th June 2026 - Back to News The latest Kids Helpline Impact Report reveals the telephone support service responded to 128,998 contacts in 2025, an average of 353 calls for help every day. Despite this overwhelming demand and with a quarter of Australia’s calls coming from Victoria the Allan Labor government provides no formal funding, despite an urgent plea from Kids Helpline. 
Kids Helpline answered 128,998 contacts in 2025, yet the Allan government provides no formal funding despite a quarter of calls coming from Victoria Mental health failuresThe Nationals’ Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath said Labor’s appalling track record on mental health reform is failing vulnerable young Victorians. "Despite the Mental Health Royal Commission recommending that the state government partner with helpline services to better connect Victorians with the support they need, the Allan government has turned its back," Ms Bath said. "Rural and regional young people are overrepresented in crisis, with higher rates of severe distress and suicidal ideation, this support service helps to bridge the support gap. The further young people are from services, the greater the risk - and the fewer support options available. It is deeply concerning that as the mental health crisis escalates, Labor continues to deny funding to an accessible frontline service that delivers immediate and life changing support," she said. Ms Bath said for regional kids, Kids Helpline is not just a backup service, it’s often the only safe, accessible and private support option they have access to. "Victoria’s young people are increasingly reaching out in crisis, and too many aren’t getting through. The Nationals are committed to ensuring Victoria’s mental health system delivers - we’re focused on restoring effective mental health reform and ensuring Victorians regardless of age or postcode can access frontline support services," said Ms Bath. Pictures from Kids Helpline Official Facebook page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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