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Melina Bath highlights increasing demand for financial counsellors as cost of living pressures worsen for Gippslanders

As the cost of living rises, demand for financial counsellors increases, with many families struggling to cope. The Nationals call on the government to address growing financial stress, especially in regional Victoria.

By news@gippsland - 21st November 2024 - Back to News

Demand for financial counsellors continues to increase as the cost of living spirals with more families reporting they're in financial stress. Speaking in state parliament, The Nationals Melina Bath said financial counsellors are in high demand as state taxes, increased utility bills, interest rates and rental unaffordability create a huge burden on vulnerable Victorians.

Melina Bath emphasised the need for more financial counsellors, as ongoing financial strain leads to housing instability, mental health issues, and rising homelessness in the community

Regional cost crisis

Ms Bath said, "The Allan government is failing to address the deepening crisis despite one-third of households reporting they are experiencing food insecurity and mortgage stress. After ten years of Labor and a slew of newly imposed state taxes, people from all walks of life are telling me they are worse off than they were a decade ago. Many local families and individuals are struggling to pay their household bills and keep food on the table."

Regional Victorians are worse off than their city counterparts, with households charged 21 per cent more for water and up to 30 per cent more for electricity. Ms Bath said Latrobe Community Health counsellors report the financial pressures across the community are not temporary.

Support regional families

Ms Bath added, "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. There is an ever-growing issue around homelessness with more people sleeping rough, while our emergency food banks are struggling to keep up with demand."

"We need more counsellors to assist financially stretched Victorians who are becoming reliant on credit cards and other low lines of credit to manage their weekly expenses. The Nationals are calling on the Allan government to fund the delivery of targeted programs to ease cost of living pressure in regional Victoria and invest in a sustainable workforce to help manage the financial stress that so many are facing. Labor cannot manage money, and Victorians are paying the price," said Ms Bath.

Pictures from Melina Bath MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com