FCVic has released its 2027-28 State Budget Submission, calling on the Victorian Government to invest $224 million over four years to strengthen the state’s financial counselling system. The investment would double the financial counselling workforce and enable an additional 119,000 Victorians to access support before financial problems escalate into homelessness, family violence, poor health outcomes, or long-term unemployment.

The submission is backed by an Open Letter signed by financial counselling agencies, community health services, legal centres, and community organisations across Victoria. Research cited in the submission shows financial counselling delivers an economic and social return of between $3.70 and $5.30 for every dollar invested. As FCVic puts it, the choice facing government is simple: invest in prevention, or pay for crisis.