Albanese government promises to support Griefline helpline after funding cut

Another day, another Albanese government back-pedal. Griefline was told it would no longer be receiving funding, only for the government to be forced to intervene again.

The Albanese government has sensationally backflipped again after yet another charity had its funding cut.

Health Minister Mark Butler has been forced to intervene after a nearly 40-year-old charity helpline supporting Australians going through grief was forced to shut down after a shock funding cut from the federal government.

Griefline revealed it would be ending its services after it became the second charity to be dealt the devastating blow by the Health Department.

This is despite the helpline facing a 112 per cent increase in demand in the last financial year.

This week, the Telegraph revealed child and pregnancy loss support charity Red Nose would have to end its helpline and wind back its services after $6m in funding over three years were denied.

mental health failing generic

The spate of decisions — that Anthony Albanese labelled “bureaucratic errors” — are down to an overhaul of the grants funding process accessed by several charities.

After the Telegraph revealed Red Nose’s plight, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promised to reverse the decision saying it would never happen on his watch.

But Griefline chief executive Kate Cahill said Red Nose was not the only charity left behind by the department.

“Our volunteers donate over 15,000 hours each year to hold space for grieving individuals, ensuring that no one feels alone in their loss,” she said.

“The closure of the Helpline is heartbreaking, not only for the 2,000 callers each month who will need to find alternative free telephone and online support, but also for our dedicated team of seven staff and 150 active volunteers, who have provided an essential service with passion and care.”

Liberal Senator Hollie Hughes put Griefline’s concerns to Indigenous Affairs Minister Malarndirri McCarthy during a Senate Estimates here.

Ms McCarthy said Health Minister Mark Butler had reached out to Griefline and support would be guaranteed.

“I know the health minister has also reached out to Griefline and there will be support for Griefline as well. They will get the support that is required to keep going,” she said.