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…
There has been a 66% increase in the number of cases the Small Business Debt Helpline (SBDH) has dealt with over the past 12 months. In 2024 SBDH financial counsellors had 5,135 cases compared with 3,091 in 2023. Case numbers continue to grow with more than 400 cases in January…
There’s been a significant increase in the number of people reaching out to the National Debt Helpline (NDH) over the past year. During 2024 more than 169,000 people called in or used the online chat tool to seek help from financial counsellors - a 12% increase on 2023. Total visits…
Financial Counselling Australia (FCA) has welcomed the tabling of a parliamentary inquiry report into financial abuse and Australia's financial services regulatory framework. “It's a pivotal report and reflects so many of the measures that people affected by financial abuse, along with advocates, have been calling for over the last decade,”…
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) welcomes the introduction of the Strata Schemes Amendment Bill 2024 to NSW State Parliament today. We see it as a positive step forward in addressing financial hardship faced by strata property owners. However, the Bill does not go far enough to safeguard homeowners from unnecessary legal action and…
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…
Financial Counselling Australia (FCA) has welcomed the release of a Parliamentary report into Insurer’s responses to the 2022 Major Floods. “The good news is, if these recommendations are adopted and enforced, consumers will be treated better and more likely to receive fairer outcomes from their insurers after weather disasters,” said…
Mandatory code of practice, subsidies for food transportation and increased income support needed. A coalition of consumer and indigenous groups is calling on the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) to better protect vulnerable residents in remote areas. The organisations have welcomed the proposed National Strategy for Food Security in Remote…