After years of advocacy, the Albanese Labor Government is changing the game for community organisations so they can spend more time helping kids and families who need it most.
The Government is announcing today proposed major reforms to the way that key community organisations are funded.
Every year, the Government invests over $300 million to over 240 organisations to build parenting skills and provide prevention and early intervention services for children and their families. These programs are all about helping children and young people thrive, supporting families and communities and making sure vulnerable Australians can take part in community life.
But we know that more Australian families are doing it tough. Sadly, rates of developmental vulnerability in children are increasing and too many children are entering out-of-home care.
That's why we are proposing a new streamlined initiative to get better results for families and cut red tape for community organisations that deliver these programs. Currently, around a third of these organisations receive funding across multiple programs, each with different reporting requirements.
The Government is proposing a single new national program will replace the following programs:
- Child and Parenting Support;
- Communities for Children - Facilitating Partners;
- Family and Relationship Services;
- Specialised Family Violence Services; and
- Family Mental Health Support Services
To ensure that no family falls through the cracks during the reform, current funding arrangements under the five grant programs will be extended until 31 January 2027. Feedback received during the consultation will inform the shape of the new grant guidelines, to be released in 2026.
Funding to support families will not decrease as a result of these changes.
Everyone is invited to have their say on the proposed changes. Consultation will open in coming weeks, with online submissions set to close on 5 December 2025. You can also register to attend an online roundtable to have your say.
