THE BARNETT GOVERNMENT DECISION TO CUT FUNDING FOR FINANCIAL
COUNSELLING SERVICES IS A BLOW TO STRUGGLING ARMADALE
RESIDENTS.

Financial counselling services were told on the afternoon of Friday 5 June that all
funding for counsellors across the metropolitan region would be cut by September
30.

Staff at financial counselling services are currently inundated with calls for
assistance by people struggling with utility bills, rent, or have simply fallen on hard
times. Financial counsellors are absolutely vital to the community and are needed
now, more than ever.

“Approximately 61 counsellors will lose their jobs and there are no other financial or
information services for them to refer their clients to,” Dr Buti said.
“The financial counsellors will now be required to implement exit strategies prior to
the September 30 cut-off date.”

Dr Buti said, “This is a devastating blow for the people in Armadale who are currently
clients of the local financial counsellors.”

“The reality is there are a lot of people struggling with finances because they have
fallen on hard times and counsellors are vital to getting them back on their feet.” Dr
Buti said.

“Demand for counselling services will only increase as unemployment increases and
the rise in Government services costs bite harder.”

“The timing of these cuts could not have come at a worse time,” Dr Buti said.

“Once again the Barnett Government is attempting to balance their atrocious budget
off the back of the most vulnerable people in society.”

Media contact: Tony Buti 0415662747