The Nationals have pledged to reinstate funding for Parentline if elected in 2026, a vital counselling service for Victorian families, after the Allan Labor Government controversially axed its funding in a short-sighted cost-cutting move.
The Nationals’ Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath, slammed the decision as “outrageous.”
“Parentline has a proven track record and is deeply valued by families and educators alike.
“For 25 years, it has provided free, immediate, and confidential counselling and emotional support to Victorian parents.
“The program costs just $1.3 million a year to operate – a modest investment for a service that delivers real, practical support.
“Cutting it will do nothing to fix Labor’s spiralling debt or address its financial mismanagement and waste.
“It’s unfathomable that Labor believes it’s acceptable to scrap a proven and in demand family counselling service.”
Parentline, which operates through the Department of Education, will cease on 31 October 2025 when its current funding expires.
The service has been delivering accessible early intervention services to help parents navigate family conflict, separation, child development, and learning challenges.
Ms Bath said regional families would be hit hardest by the loss of the telephone-based counselling service.
“Access to support services outside Melbourne is already limited due to distance, state government underinvestment, and long waitlists.
“Families in regional Victoria deserve the same level of support as those in the city, and Labor’s decision widens the gap between country and metropolitan communities.
“The Allan Government is out of touch – Parentline makes a world of difference and must be funded.
“The Nationals are committed to saving this essential service and will restore Parentline funding if elected to government in 2026.”
