The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, has slammed the Allan Labor Government’s decision to close Parentline, Victoria’s only dedicated parenting helpline, calling it a “short sighted and devastating” blow to families across the state.
Parentline has been providing free, confidential and vital support to Victorian parents and carers for over 25 years, handling around 18,000 calls annually. The service connects families with trained counsellors who assist with challenges such as education, bullying, behavioural issues, and the day-to-day stresses of raising children.
Ms Benham said the decision to cut funding for Parentline leaves Victoria as the only
state or territory in Australia without a dedicated parenting support line.
“Closing Parentline is another slap in the face to Victorian families, especially those in regional areas, who are already struggling under the weight of rising living costs,” Ms Benham said.
“This service has been a lifeline for parents, especially in rural Victoria, who often have nowhere to turn late at night when a child is in crisis or when urgent advice is needed. Taking it away will leave families feeling isolated and unsupported.
“The annual $1.3 million cost of running Parentline is a modest investment for a service that delivers real, practical support. Yet Labor’s decision will see 15 specialist counsellors lose their jobs and thousands of Victorian parents and carers lose a trusted source of help.
“This is yet another example of the Labor Government cutting critical services in an attempt to manage its out-of-control spending,” Ms Benham said. “Families deserve support when they need it most, and regional communities are paying the price for the government’s poor financial management.”
Ms Benham said The Nationals are committed to reinstating funding for Parentline if elected in 2026, ensuring Victorian families, particularly in regional areas, where access to parenting support services is already limited, can continue to receive the counselling and guidance they rely on.
“Labor can’t manage money, and regional Victorian families are paying the price.”
