Financial Counselling Australia welcomes funding of $7.4 million in yesterday’s WA State budget to reinstate and expand financial counselling services.
Financial counsellors work in community organisations, providing advice to people struggling with bills and debt.
In a tight budgetary environment, the funding is a clear recognition by the WA government that investing in preventative services such as financial counselling is a sensible use of limited government resources.
When people get back on top of their financial situations, it saves costs across the community and to Government.
“Financial issues are often at the heart of so many other problems. We know that financial stress contributes to family breakdown, including family violence and has detrimental impacts on people’s mental and physical health,” said FCA CEO Fiona Guthrie.
Bev Jowle, Executive Officer of the Financial Counsellors Association of WA thanked the McGowan Government for acknowledging the vital role played by financial counsellors and for reinstating the funding that was cut by the previous Government.
“Demand for financial counselling is at record levels. This funding will make an enormous difference to our capacity to help,” said Ms Jowle.
People experiencing financial stress can contact a free and independent financial counsellor by ringing the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Fiona Guthrie, CEO Financial Counselling Australia, 0402 426 835 fiona.guthrie@financialcounsellingaustralia.org.au
Bev Jowle, Executive Officer, Financial Counsellors Association of WA, 0499 014 382 eo@financialcounsellors.org