Consumer advocates have condemned repeated failings by insurance companies after the General Insurance Code Governance Committee (CGC) imposed sanctions on AIG Australia Limited (AIGAL) for serious breaches of the General Insurance Code of Practice. This is the third financial sanction in 12 months imposed by the CGC on an insurer.…
Financial Counselling Australia welcomes the $100 million record penalty against Optus for unconscionable conduct. The penalty sends a strong message to the telecommunications industry: mis-selling to vulnerable customers will not be tolerated. For some time, financial counsellors have been raising the alarm about the harm caused by Optus’ mis-selling products…
Financial Counselling Australia welcomes the Fair Work Commission’s decision to increase the national minimum wage by 3.5% to $24.95 per hour. FCA co-CEO Peter Gartlan says financial counsellors regularly hear from workers who are struggling to cover basic living expenses. Since the start of the year, there have been more…
Financial counsellors have launched their federal election campaign - When every dollar counts, so does financial counselling – we can’t afford to wait. Financial Counselling Australia (FCA), along with all the state financial counselling associations, is calling for a commitment from all sides of politics to provide increased and…
Financial Counselling Australia (FCA) is reminding those who may be impacted by Cyclone Alfred, there is free financial counselling available. “Weather disasters can lead to unexpected financial problems, and some may find themselves in financial hardship,” said Louise Hayes, FCA’s National Coordinator of Disaster Recovery. “It’s important to know there…
Financial Counselling Australia (FCA) has welcomed an ASIC report calling on Australia’s insurers to improve their complaints handling processes. “We are disappointed but not surprised. The findings from ASIC’s review of insurance complaints handling mirrors the experience of many financial counsellors supporting their clients through the claims process,” said Vicki Staff,…
Financial Counselling Australia (FCA) has welcomed the Federal Government announcement of the next round of grants for Financial Wellbeing and Capability programs. Applications are now open for the following grant programs: Emergency Relief Food Relief (and Material Aid) Commonwealth Financial Counselling and Financial Capability Financial Counselling for Gambling Financial Wellbeing…