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Charities fight back after funding cut for Ask Izzy crisis directory

Twenty-four social service organisations call on Prime Minister to restore $2 million annual funding

By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time1 min
Funding for Ask Izzy, an online directory used millions of times by Australians seeking food, housing and emergency assistance, was cut in the May federal budget. Now a coalition of 24 major charities including Mission Australia, Foodbank, OzHarvest and St Vincent de Paul have signed an open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese demanding the government restore the $2 million a year that keeps the service running.

Ask Izzy, operated by not-for-profit Infoxchange, connects people in crisis with local support services using device GPS or postcode. It contains more than 500,000 listings and displays real-time operating hours and contact information. The service recorded 9.1 million searches in the past financial year, a 7 per cent increase on the previous year and its highest in a decade. Significant increases were seen in searches for meals, emergency accommodation, mental health support and family violence services.

The funding was axed without a clear explanation from the government, ending on June 30. The open letter signatories include Mission Australia, Foodbank, OzHarvest, St Vincent de Paul, The Smith Family and UnitingCare Australia, among others. The charities are calling on the Prime Minister to restore the funding to ensure the directory remains available for vulnerable Australians.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • Ask Izzy is a critical gateway for Australians in crisis, handling millions of searches annually for food, shelter, and mental health support.
  • The funding cut leaves a gap in the social safety net at a time when demand is rising.
  • Without restoration, vulnerable people may struggle to find nearby emergency services, potentially increasing pressure on frontline charities.

Background

Ask Izzy was launched a decade ago to help people facing homelessness, family violence, or financial distress quickly locate nearby assistance. It is run by Infoxchange, a not-for-profit technology organisation, and supported by a network of community service providers. The service has grown steadily, with usage spiking during cost-of-living pressures. Federal budget decisions in May removed its specific line item, with no public explanation from ministers.

Key Perspectives

Social service organisations: The 24 charities argue the directory is an essential, efficient tool that saves time for both users and frontline workers. They want the government to reinstate the $2 million, pointing to record demand. The Albanese government: The government has not explained the decision publicly. Budget priorities may have shifted elsewhere, but the lack of communication frustrates the sector. Critics: Some may question whether the funding is best spent on a digital directory versus direct service delivery, but no opposition to the service has been voiced in the source material.

What to Watch

  • Whether the government responds to the open letter with a commitment to review the decision.
  • If Ask Izzy faces closure or reduced functionality in the coming months without funding.
  • Potential for the issue to become a political flashpoint in the lead-up to the next federal budget.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

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