Financial Counselling Australia is coordinating a new National Workforce Strategy for financial counsellors and financial capability workers.
We are doing this because our workforce is our greatest asset. The Strategy will help focus attention on the actions needed to ensure:
- we are replenishing the workforce with a diverse mix of people, ready to meet the demand for services
- the wellbeing of our workforce is nurtured
- we continue to strengthen our capability and the supports that help people to do their jobs well
To create an effective strategy, it’s important to understand the current state of our workforce. That’s why we surveyed nearly 1,000 financial counsellors and capability workers in early 2025, to help us build a clear picture of what’s happening on the ground.
To start with, we compiled a sector snapshot which includes the key facts about who makes up our workforce. You can read that here.
Rich insights into our workforce
Our thanks and appreciation to the financial counsellors, capability workers and agency managers who shared their views through the workforce strategy surveys. The results have provided rich insight into the experiences, ideas and hopes of our mighty workforce.
Targeted consultations with the workforce, along with key sector partners and stakeholders have also been running all year. Thanks to all those who have been involved so far.
Read the report on survey results and consultations here.
Read a short summary of national survey results here.
10 priority issues
Through the surveys and consultations, we have identified 10 key priority issues for attention. These include:
- Address the labour market imbalance
- Foster and develop new sector entrants
- Build workforce capacity for disasters
- Be vigilant about workforce wellbeing
- Continue to strengthen skills, quality and professionalism
- Innovate and streamline for more time with clients
- Consistent support for frontline workers, no matter where they are based
- More targeted support for marginalised groups
- Build on successful First Nations workforce measures
- Improve the interface of financial counselling and capability work
Read more about these priority issues in the report on key findings and issues.
Building a practical and impactful Strategy
Work is now underway to describe where we want to get to on each of these 10 priority issues over the life of the new Strategy (our “change ambition”) and what will help to get us there.
Solutions workshops are being held, to identify and plan practical actions and initiatives to include in the Strategy.