Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has assured that funding for the charity Red Nose will be maintained, following the organisation’s revelation of a significant $6 million cut from federal support. This reduction was poised to adversely affect more than 13,000 families dealing with loss, as many rely on Red Nose’s services during their time of grief.
In a conversation on 2GB Radio with Ben Fordham, Albanese explained that his intervention was necessary to rectify what he described as a “bureaucratic error.” He acknowledged the government’s misstep, which stemmed from a competitive funding process that didn’t properly reflect the unique nature of Red Nose’s mission.
Albanese emphasised the value of Red Nose, affirming that it “certainly will have support” during his tenure. The Prime Minister has committed to providing $2 million annually for the next three years to ensure the charity can continue its critical services, including its round-the-clock support line.
Earlier, Red Nose had warned that without this funding, it would have to curtail various services, severely impacting its ability to assist bereaved families. In response to the funding assurance, Amy Cooper, the charity’s CEO, expressed profound gratitude to Albanese, deeming the news “incredible.” She recognised the importance of this support, which enables Red Nose to provide the necessary assistance to families at their most challenging times.
This commitment marks a significant turnaround and highlights the importance of sustained governmental support for charities that play a vital role in community welfare, particularly in times of loss.