McCurdy condemns Labor’s closure of Parentline after 25 years

The Nationals' Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, has slammed the Allan Labor Government’s decision to close Parentline, Victoria’s only dedicated parenting helpline, on October 31.

Parentline has provided anonymous, accessible and professional support for Victorian parents and carers for 25 years, handling around 18,000 calls every year. The service connects families with trained counsellors who assist with challenges such as education, bullying, behavioural issues, and the day-to-day stresses of raising children.

Mr McCurdy said the closure leaves Victoria as the only state or territory in Australia without a dedicated parenting support line.

“Shutting down Parentline is another cruel blow to Victorian families who are already under enormous cost-of-living pressures,” Mr McCurdy said.

“This modestly funded service has been a lifeline for parents, particularly in regional and rural areas, who often have nowhere else to turn late at night when a child is in crisis or when they need urgent advice.”

The $1.3 million annual running cost of Parentline is a fraction of government spending, yet the closure will see 15 specialist counsellors lose their jobs and thousands of parents lose a trusted, culturally safe and proven source of help.

“Labor talks about putting families first, but this decision proves otherwise,” Mr McCurdy said.

“At a time when families need stability, reassurance and practical support more than ever, the Allan Government is tearing away one of the few safety nets they had.”

“Families across the Ovens Valley and Victoria deserve better than this short-sighted decision. The Nationals' will hold the Allan Labor Government accountable to ensure this vital service is reinstated, so parents and carers never feel alone when facing the toughest job of all, raising a child.”

Labor can't manage money, and regional Victorian families are paying the price.