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.
More information about the NewAccess for Small Business Owners program is available by calling 1300 945 301 or on the Beyond Blue website.
Small business owners can contact the Small Business Debt Helpline by calling 1800 413 828 or via the Small Business Debt Helpline website.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Small Business, Julie Collins MP:
“Our Government’s Small Business Statement in the Budget outlined more than $640 million in targeted support for small businesses, and these measures are a critical part.
“Participants in the NewAccess program have described the ability to access support for free as ‘incredible’ so we know how important this program is.
“It was great to discuss this important support with Beyond Blue in North Strathfield today.
“Our Government will continue to deliver a better deal for small businesses and last week’s Budget demonstrated this commitment again.”
Quotes attributable to CEO of Beyond Blue, Georgie Harman:
“NewAccess for Small Business Owners delivers positive outcomes. Seven in ten people who use the service recover from early symptoms of anxiety and depression.
“Beyond Blue looks forward to continuing this vital service providing earlier, easier access to free, evidence‑based mental health support to small business owners.”