The Nationals’ Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe, has said that the Allan Labor Government’s decision to close Parentline, the state’s only dedicated parenting helpline is a “shock” to Victorian workers, parents and carers.
Parentline has provided annonymous, accessible and critical support for Victorian parents and carers for over 25 years, handling around 18,000 calls every year. The service connects families with trained counsellors who assist with challenges such as education, bullying, behavioural issues, and the day-to-day stresses of raising children.
Ms O’Keefe said the Allan Labor Government’s decision to close Parentline, leaves Victoria as the only state or territory in Australia without a dedicated parenting support line.
“Closing Parentline is another slap in the face to Victorian families who are already under cost-of-living pressures.
“This service has been a lifeline for parents, especially in rural and regional Victoria, who often have nowhere to go late at night when a child is in crisis or when they need urgent advice”, Ms O’Keeffe said.
The annual $1.3 million running cost of Parentline is a fraction of government spending, but Labor’s decision to close Parentline altogether will see 15 specialist counsellors lose their jobs and thousands of Victorian parents and carers lose a trusted, safe and proven source of help.
“At a time when families need stability, reassurance and practical and professional support more than ever before, Labor is taking away one of the few safety nets that they need.
“Families deserve to have support when they need it most. This short-sighted decision by the Allan Labor Government has completely disregarded the significant value and need by cutting funding for this critical community service.
“The Liberals and Nationals will hold the government to account to ensure that this critical service is reinstated, so that Victorian parents and carers never feel alone when raising a child.
“Labor can’t manage money and regional Victorian families are paying the price.”
