The Allan Labor Government is supporting Victorians affected by cancer by providing greater access to financial counselling.
Minister for Consumer Affairs Nick Staikos met with Cancer Council Victoria financial counsellors and staff this week after the Labor Government awarded a $935,000 grant to allow the organisation to expand their financial counselling service.
The service gives people affected by cancer practical advice and guidance to help manage the costs associated with accessing treatment.
The Cancer Council’s financial counselling program has helped thousands of Victorians find information about healthcare options, out-of-pocket costs, government benefits, superannuation and insurance, during difficult times in their lives.
The latest grant will allow Cancer Council Victoria to increase its financial counselling services by 20 per cent over the next two years. The organisation will also pilot the use of artificial intelligence to provide more real-time support to more Victorians.
The Labor Government announced in January that 16 organisations across the state would share $15 million in funding to expand and support the services offered to thousands of Victorians who are experiencing financial hardship, particularly mortgage or rental stress.
This is in addition to the more than $16 million the Government is already providing this financial year for generalist and specialist family violence and disaster response financial counselling services across the state.
People affected by cancer can access the financial counselling program by calling 13 11 20.