The FCVic State Budget Submission for 2026–27 calls for a bold, long-term investment to address Victoria’s deepening cost-of-living crisis. With increasing numbers of Victorians living in significant economic disadvantage, financial counselling is a proven early intervention that prevents homelessness, mitigates family violence, and reduces demand on health, housing, and justice systems. Yet, with only 300 practising financial counsellors statewide, it would take 32 years to meet current need. Incremental funding cannot solve this problem.

Our State Budget Submission outlines a 10-year plan to quadruple investment in financial counselling, grow the workforce by 300%, and embed services within the Victorian Government’s Early Intervention Investment Framework. This strategy would expand access to generalist and specialist supports, including family violence, small business, disaster recovery, gambling harm, and prisons, while delivering measurable returns of $3.70–$5.30 for every dollar invested. By committing $921.7 million over the next decade, the Victorian Government can unlock up to $4.88 billion in economic and social benefits, protect families, and strengthen community resilience.