The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad has renewed calls for the Victorian Government to take immediate action to support foster carers, particularly those in regional and rural communities.
Speaking in Parliament, Ms Broad highlighted the mounting crisis in the foster care system, revealing that more than 550 foster carers left the system in 2022–23, while fewer than 250 joined.
“For several years now, Victoria has had the highest foster carer attrition rate in Australia. That means fewer homes and fewer opportunities for children to grow up in a safe, stable, and supportive family environment,” Ms Broad said.
Ms Broad said the lack of respite care and financial support is pushing many foster carers to breaking point, resulting in more vulnerable children being placed in residential care.
“This is not only deeply impersonal and far less nurturing for the child, it’s also incredibly expensive – up to $600,000 per child per year. Compare that to a foster care placement allowance of as little as $11,600,” she said.
Despite these figures, only 7.5 per cent of the $1.67 billion child protection budget is allocated to foster care – and the care allowance in Victoria hasn’t increased since 2016, remaining the lowest in the country.
“Carers like Carol, a long-term foster carer from Central Victoria, tell me they are struggling to keep going. They’re expected to cover growing costs out of their own pockets. It’s simply unsustainable.”
Ms Broad called on the Minister for Children to deliver a suite of reforms including:
- An increase to the foster care allowance
- A remote area loading for regional carers
- Better funding for services not covered under current allowances
- Greater inclusion and respect for carers in care planning
“Foster carers do extraordinary work for some of the most vulnerable children in our community,” Ms Broad said.
“It’s time they received the recognition, respect and support they deserve.
“Labor can’t manage money and vulnerable children and families are paying the price.”
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au