More West Australians doing it tough will have access to free financial support, after the Cook Government committed $3 million to financial counselling services in the 2025 to 2026 State Budget.
The new funding will help 17 community organisations continue providing advice and assistance to people in financial distress.
It follows a $1.4 million increase in the 2024 to 2025 Mid-Year Review and is part of the Government’s broader plan to ease cost-of-living pressures.
Nearly 10,800 people accesses financial counselling services across the state in the past financial year. These services help people stay connected to utilities, avoid eviction, manage debts and access emergency assistance payments.
Premier Roger Cook said the funding would make a real difference.
“We know that every dollar counts for people facing cost of living pressures,” he said.
“This will help more Western Australians sort out their household bills and plan for their future, at no cost to them.
Community Services Minister Matthew Swinbourn said the uplift would allow services to continue changing lives.
“This $3 million uplift will give these services additional support over the next two financial years,” he said. “This is just one of many ways that the State Government is providing cost-of-living relief for Western Australians facing hardship.”
