Prime Minister Announces Funding Support for Lifeline

Release date: 03 Sep 2007

Prime Minister John Howard has today announced that the Australian Government will provide additional funding to Lifeline Australia for the operation of its 24-hour telephone counselling line – 13 11 14. 

Lifeline Australia CEO, Dawn O’Neil, has expressed her gratitude on behalf of the Lifeline network, noting that the Prime Minister’s support is testament to the value of services that Lifeline provides to the Australian community.

“The Australian Government’s support is a great acknowledgement of the essential role of Lifeline in today’s mental health landscape, and the continuing need for services that provide emotional support such as 24-hour telephone counselling.”

“With government funding in combination with the generous support we receive from volunteers, corporate partners and the community, Australians can be assured that they will continue to have access to a range of vital services provided by Lifeline.”

Lifeline has worked hard to improve access to its 24-hour telephone counselling service with the introduction of a new national call flow system. This system enables Lifeline to answer more calls with shorter wait times. The new system will also allow for future improvements, including the possibility of introducing new services such as SMS and online counselling.

“One of the challenges as a not-for-profit organisation providing counselling services, is to ensure that the technology we use is current and sufficient to meet the needs of the community. This funding means we can continue to improve our services to the Australian community. ” said Ms. O’Neil.

“At Lifeline we believe that everyone should be able to access appropriate care when they need it. We are always working to improve our existing services and to introduce new ways in which people can access support. Funding from the government and from our many generous business and community supporters makes this possible.”

Lifeline Australia has received a commitment from the Australian Government for a continued annual funding contribution to the Lifeline 24-hour telephone counselling line, until the year 2011.

Media Contact: Enita Hampton (ph: 02 6215 9406 or 0415 937 290 )