Prime Minister Overturns Decision, Ensuring Vital Support for Bereaved Families Continues
Red Nose Australia is thrilled to announce that the Prime Minister has stepped up to reverse a decision to cut funding for vital bereavement services. This decision, made today by Prime Minister Albanese, ensures that vital support will continue uninterrupted for families impacted by the loss of a pregnancy, a stillbirth or the death of a baby or child.
Following a week of liaison with Government, this morning Red Nose were forced to announce a devastating $6 million funding cut (over 3 years) that threatened the closure of the 24/7 Support Line, drastic increases in wait times for counselling, and significant reductions in expert bereavement care. However, following an outpouring of public support, the Prime Minister, was quick to overturn this decision and reinstate the funding.
“This is incredible recognition of the pain of bereaved families across Australia,” said Red Nose CEO Amy Cooper. “We are immensely grateful to the Prime Minister for listening to the voices of our community and recognising the critical importance of Red Nose’s bereavement services. This decision means that families will continue to receive the immediate and specialised support they desperately need during the most devastating time in their lives.”
The Prime Minister called through to Ben Fordham’s program on 2GB this morning to affirm the critical importance of Red Nose’s services.
“Red Nose is a unique charity… it provides a very different service from something like Lifeline. On my watch, the funding will absolutely continue. This is a $2 million a year for three years ask, and it will be delivered. The bureaucracy gets somethings from time to time, they got it wrong.”
The Prime Minister went on to thank CEO Amy Cooper and the Red Nose team for its vital work.
“Thank you for what you and your organisation does… many volunteers as well as staff,” Prime Minister Albanese said.
The reinstatement of funding means:
• The Red Nose 24/7 Support Line will remain fully operational: Families will continue to have access to immediate support around the clock.
• Wait times for counselling will remain at current levels: Families will receive timely access to one-on-one counselling services, with active efforts to further reduce wait times.
• Expert care and specialised bereavement support will continue: Red Nose will maintain its full range of services, ensuring compassionate care for bereaved families.
Red Nose remains the only organisation in Australia providing these specialised bereavement support services for families impacted by the loss of a pregnancy, a stillbirth or the death of a baby or child. There is no alternative for grieving parents and families.
If you need support Red Nose’s 24/7 Support Line is available on 1300 308 307 or visit our Grief and Loss Support Library.