The Consumer Action Law Centre, Financial Counselling Australia and CHOICE have responded to the news of ASIC Deputy Chair Peter Kell’s resignation by calling for the Government to ensure that he is replaced by a person with a similar strong consumer protection background. The Treasurer has today announced that Mr…
For the first time ever, a Federal Court judgment has allowed for a ‘payment for financial counselling’ to support people receiving funds from a court ordered case settlement fund. The money is going to ICAN who will account for it. This sets a precedent for financial counselling agencies to be explicitly recognised in court ordered…
Financial Counselling Australia has today released its report Double Punishment, documenting the experiences of financial counsellors and other experts who work with people in prison. Prisoners don’t just do "the time". They are punished over and over again financially. When it comes to managing debts, the system makes it almost…
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has today published guidance on its website about how lenders should treat Repayment History Information (RHI) for customers that are experiencing financial hardship. RHI is information about whether repayments on loans and credit cards are made on time. Proposed laws will make it…
Financial Counselling Australia welcomes the establishment of a new financial complaints watchdog that will provide a one-stop shop for complaints from consumers and small businesses about banks and other financial institutions, including superannuation funds. Consumer advocates have long supported the creation of a single ombudsman-style scheme. The new Australian Financial…
MEDIA RELEASE Financial Counselling Australia (FCA) welcomes the Government’s proposals to curb gambling advertising on radio and television. Although a complete ban on advertising is preferable, the Government’s plan to prohibit gambling advertising during live sports events between 5:00am and 8:30pm is a step in the right direction. We are…
Financial Counselling Australia welcomes today's announcement from the ACCC that they will continue to allow the banking industry to subsidise privately provided ATMs in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The ACCC needs to authorise this arrangement as its collective nature means it would otherwise breach Australia's competition laws.…
MEDIA RELEASE: FCA is excited to announce the launch today of the Financial Counselling Foundation. The Foundation is a charitable trust set up to provide grants for financial counselling casework and help build the capacity of the sector. Many businesses – including banks, credit unions, telecommunication companies, utility companies and debt…
MEDIA RELEASE: Consumer rights in telecommunications, including mobile and broadband services, are so parlous that thousands of people are being left without access to essential services or meaningful redress when their suppliers fail them, according to consumer advocates. A group of leading consumer advocates today pointed to staggering complaint levels,…
Financial Counselling Australia's Representative Council - made up of the leaders of the financial counselling sector in Australia - is calling on governments around Australia to get tougher on businesses that rip people off. Businesses like payday lenders, rent-to-buy companies and for-profit debt management companies can cause enormous harm, with…