30 November 2023
Thompson Helps Secure 3-month Funding Extension for Fortem
The leading provider of support for our first responders will now receive continued funding after Federal Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson took the fight to the Capital.
Mr Thompson moved a motion in the Federation Chamber of Parliament House this week to call upon the Albanese Labor Government to announce continued funding for Fortem Australia, a not-for-profit organisation that provides support services for first responders, including in Townsville.
After Mr Thompson’s speech, the organisation finally received confirmation of a three-month funding extension worth $1.3M until June 2024 – although it remains unclear what will happen after that.
Mr Thompson said that Fortem had been chasing this funding commitment for months and hadn’t been making inroads.
“The Labor Minister for Emergency Management refused to answer Fortem’s calls, leaving them and the people they support in the dark,” he said.
“They were just days away from winding down their operations because they had no certainty about their funding, which could’ve left first responders without critical mental health and other support.”
It’s not the first time Mr Thompson has taken up the fight for Fortem after $10M committed by the former Coalition Government was scrapped from the Albanese Labor Government’s budget handed down in October 2022. $8M was later reinstated after public and political pressure.
“It was clear then that this program, designed to provide vital wellbeing services to our emergency personnel, was not valued by the Albanese Labor Government,” Mr Thompson said.
Concerns remain around continued funding beyond March 2024, with the Albanese Labor Government having no strategic plan for dedicated multiyear funding for first-responder support organisations.
“The lack of foresight from the Albanese Labor Government in providing sustained, continued support options for our first responders is incredibly disappointing,” Mr Thompson said.
“Our first responders do everything they can to support the nation in our times of need and we need to reciprocate.
“I will continue to take up this fight and ensure ongoing, national support is sought for these heroic individuals.”
ENDS