What changed
The Australian Government has announced nearly $40 million – up to $10 million a year – for financial counselling and gambling harm support services. It roughly doubles annual funding for gambling-specific financial counselling, and the number of people helped each year is expected to double too, from about 5,000 to 10,000.
Who is affected
People dealing with the financial fallout of gambling, along with their families.
What it means in practice
Announced 20 October 2026 the funding will go towards:
- Wider access to free, confidential financial counselling, helping people manage debts, negotiate hardship arrangements and rebuild their finances.
- More specialist financial counsellors on the front line, with funding for counselling organisations to attract and train them
- Expanded gambling harm support in regional and remote communities, with Financial Wellbeing Hubs providing extra, targeted help where need is greatest
- More financial literacy education, workshops and information, so people can make informed decisions about their money and recognise the signs of gambling harm earlier
Minister for Social Services Tanya Plibersek said the financial impact of gambling harm can be devastating, leaving people struggling to pay the rent or mortgage, keep on top of bills or recover from serious debt. With some of the biggest online gambling reforms being delivered this year, she said the funding would make sure these services stay available to anyone who needs them, now and in the future.
Need help now? The National Debt Helpline offers free, confidential financial counselling on 1800 007 007.
Read More: ACT introduces legislation to reshape poker machine rules
General information only, not legal advice. Check the official source before acting.
Source: Department of Social Services. Licence: CC BY 4.0.
