Boosting support for 13YARN

Media event date: 10 April 2026 Date published: 10 April 2026 Media type: Media release General public The Albanese Labor Government is boosting funding support for 13YARN to expand access to culturally safe crisis support for First Nations people. As the Prime Minister announced in his Closing the Gap speech in February, the government will provide $13.9 million for 13YARN.

This funding will support increased use of the 24/7 phone service and deliver a new, culturally safe text service. This investment recognises the essential role 13YARN plays in communities – and marks a significant milestone for the service. This funding boost will help 13YARN manage growing call demand, continue vital community and digital engagement and train and upskill crisis supporters to deliver text-based support to First Nations people.

The new text line will particularly benefit young people and others who may face barriers to accessing voice-based support. Importantly, it brings 13YARN in line with other national crisis services such as Lifeline, Beyond Blue and Kids Helpline, which offer text or chat capability. 13YARN has taken more than 100,000 calls since the service commenced in 2022.

Quotes attributable to Minister McCarthy: "13 YARN provides such an important service to our people, supporting them through difficult times. "This investment will ensure more people are given the support they need, when they need it and will importantly see a new, culturally safe text service." Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride: “13YARN provides vital, culturally safe crisis support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“The impact of this work extends well beyond individuals, contributing to healing for families and communities. “I’m pleased 13YARN is growing capacity and the text service will help more people to get the support they need to and thrive.” The Hon Emma McBride MP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health Mental health and suicide prevention Accessibility We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community.

We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to Elders both past and present. © Commonwealth of Australia