The Albanese Labor Government is easing the pressure on small businesses with last week’s Budget committing more than $10 million in mental health and financial counselling support.
The Government is investing $7.7 million over two years from 2024-25 to continue providing mental health support through the NewAccess for Small Business Owners program.
We are also committing $3.1 million over two years from 2024-25 to extend support available through the Small Business Debt Helpline.
These measures were included in the Government’s Small Business Statement in the Budget which outlined more than $640 million in targeted support for small businesses.
The NewAccess for Small Business Owners program is a free, confidential one‑on‑one mental health coaching program delivered by Beyond Blue.
The program provides small business owners with up to six structured sessions via telehealth with a trained mental health coach.
Coaches have a small business background, allowing them to better understand the challenges small business owners may face. No GP referral or mental health treatment plan is required.
The Small Business Debt Helpline is a dedicated small business financial counselling service delivered by Financial Counselling Australia.
It provides free, independent, confidential and impartial phone‑based support to small business owners nationally regardless of the cause of their financial hardship.
