LIFELINE will receive a $33.8m boost from the Federal Government to significantly increase its telephone crisis service and help those with mental health issues in Barker.
Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the funding would allow the charity to move closer to answering 100pc of calls made to the service.
“Funding will also support the coaching and development of crisis supporters, equipping them with more skills to deal with the complex range of issues which can be brought up during a call,” he said.
“We know how important Lifeline’s 24-hour service will the community, including in Barker, and we will continue to support this vital organisation.”
More than one million Australians reach out to Lifeline each year and it receives the largest call volume of any crisis support service.
Since 2011/12, the Federal Government has contributed more than $57m to Lifeline’s 131 114 telephone service.
More than $4.2b will be invested into mental health services this year as the Coalition Government focuses on mental health as a national priority.
