Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton welcomes today’s news that the Albanese Government has reconsidered its position and has now decided to provide the full budgeted funding to charity Fortem Australia, which provides mental health and well-being services to Australia’s first responders.
This will allow Fortem to continue their program expansion to assist more emergency personnel at a time when much of New South Wales continues to experience devastating floods. This expansion is set to include services in towns such as Dubbo within the Parkes electorate.
The Coalition budgeted funding of $10 million over two years to Fortem Australia back in March after recognising a critical need. This need has only become more evident as flooding has worsened across regional New South Wales in recent months.
“This support is crucial for the brave men and women who come to the aid of our communities during natural disasters,” Mr Coulton said.
“Any support which can be provided to our first responders is also helping their families and those they serve. It better equips them to cope with the stress involved in dealing with the situations they are called to and the unique challenges they face.
“I am very pleased to see the government has responded in this way to our calls to reinstate this funding and has recognised the importance of supporting our emergency personnel.”
Today’s decision will be a welcome relief for our first responders.