Australia Today
The Australian Government has announced an additional $4.7 million for emergency relief and financial counselling services. The funding will strengthen organisations providing food, clothing, essential goods and free advice to people facing financial strain and cost-of-living pressures.
According to the government’s official announcement on 11 October, $2 million will be distributed among OzHarvest, Good360, Foodbank and SecondBite. These organisations provide food and other essential goods to people in need across Australia.
Seventy emergency relief providers in some rural and remote areas will also receive a 15 per cent increase in their annual funding.
The government has also allocated an additional $1.1 million to the National Debt Helpline, which provides free, confidential counselling to people facing debt and financial pressures.
Awareness of these services can be important for migrant and refugee families struggling with food costs, bills, debt or other basic needs. People seeking help can obtain information about available emergency relief providers and financial counselling services through the Department of Social Services.
However, the announcement is not a new Centrelink payment. It does not mean the $4.7 million will be distributed directly or automatically to individuals or Centrelink recipients.
The funding is intended to strengthen organisations and services that assist people experiencing financial difficulties. Those who need help should therefore contact the relevant service providers and check the conditions for receiving assistance.
The government said the additional funding would help frontline organisations respond to increased demand ahead of the holiday season and a period of heightened risk of severe weather events.
Source
Department of Social Services Ministers — official Australian Government announcement, 11 October 2026.
