23rd October 2013 - The release of the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) annual report today highlights just how important this service is for consumers. Over 30,000 people accessed the free and independent dispute resolution services of FOS during 2012-13. “When it comes to access to justice, the existence of external dispute…
13th October 2013 - To mark Anti-Poverty Week, Financial Counselling Australia has highlighted five for-profit business models that target people struggling with debts – but instead of solving financial difficulty, can actually increase it. These businesses – budgeting services, credit repair companies, debt negotiators, bankruptcy services and debt agreement administrators –…
10th October 2013 - Financial Counselling Australia (FCA) attended today’s announcement in Sydney by Maurice Blackburn that they are commencing a class action against Cash Converters International and related entities. Financial counsellors – who work in community organisations and assist people in financial difficulty – see many clients struggling with…
7 August 2013 - Two of Australia’s leading consumer organisations have welcomed Ms Anna Buduls’ independent report into Centrepay—a payment system which helps Centrelink recipients manage their income. Financial Counselling Australia (FCA) and Consumer Action Law Centre said the report confirmed a number of their concerns with the way the system…
15th July 2013 - Financial Counselling Australia (FCA) welcomes the launch of a new website by the Australian Bankers Association (ABA) which could help members of the public save up to $750 per annum. Launched today, the ‘Affordable Banking’ website (www.affordablebanking.info) lists all basic bank accounts offered in Australia by…
13th June 2013 - Financial Counselling Australia has today written to the Premier of Queensland, Campbell Newman, expressing disappointment that last week’s budget did not include funding for financial counselling. The letter calls on the Queensland Government to fund a dedicated financial counselling program. Queensland is now the only State and…
Financial Counselling Australia, the Consumer Action Law Centre and the Consumer Credit Legal Centre have welcomed a new hardship package released by the Australian Bankers Association (ABA) today. The package demonstrates a real commitment by the industry to improve hardship policies and practices and we appreciate the genuine consultation involved…
22nd May 2013 - State and Territory financial counselling associations from around Australia have today launched the first national “Rank the Banks” survey. The survey asked financial counsellors – who provide information, support and advocacy to people experiencing financial difficulty – to rate how well each of the ‘big four’ banks,…
22 May 2013 - Recognising and responding to economic abuse is one of the focus sessions at the annual Financial Counselling Australia conference, taking place this week in Sydney. The presenters, Sue Fraser from Kildonan Uniting Care and Tanya Corrie from Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service, will draw on a significant…
Last week’s South Australian budget is good news for people in that State struggling with credit and debt issues. The budget includes $1 million per annum for additional financial counsellors and $400,000 per annum for a specialist consumer credit legal service for the next four years. Financial counsellors – who…