Financial Counselling Victoria (FCVic) has provided a formal submission in response to Melbourne Water’s Draft Price Submission 2026, drawing on insights from financial counsellors who support clients experiencing payment difficulty. The submission raises significant concerns about affordability, transparency, and the equity of proposed price increases—particularly during a cost-of-living crisis. FCVic argues that even small increases to essential services like water can disproportionately impact low-income households and calls for stronger justification of price rises above inflation.

The submission recommends key reforms, including greater transparency around infrastructure investment, a fully funded water efficiency retrofit program targeting low-income housing, and strengthened protections for customers in hardship. FCVic also urges the inclusion of consumer advocates and financial counsellors in ongoing consultations, to ensure vulnerable communities are not left behind.