The partnership between FCVic and Social Security Rights Victoria (SSRV), the Integrated Services Project (ISP), aims to improve client outcomes through financial counsellors and social security lawyers working together more effectively.
A new face
We’re excited to welcome Graeme Parsons as the financial counsellor at SSRV. Graeme has a number of years’ experience in financial counselling and community financial education, and we are pleased to have him join our ranks.
The in-house financial counsellor at SSRV will be able to assist SSRV clients with their other financial literacy and capability needs and work alongside community lawyers to address their legal issues relating to social security. Graeme’s role will also include sector engagement and contributing to education and systemic advocacy work.
Robodebt remnants
We discussed in our update last month that now the Robodebt class action has wound to a close and the settlement is being implemented, a number of people have discovered that their debts are not Robodebts and have not disappeared as a result.
We continue to receive enquiries related to these not-quite-Robodebts. We expect them to increase now that Centrelink are writing to people with alleged debts to let them know that the Robodebt class action hasn’t helped them.
We would be pleased to take referrals for any such clients, and you can call our Worker Help Line if you need a hand getting your head around the Robodebt settlement.
Annual Report
The SSRV AGM was held on 17 November 2021 and the Annual Report was published. The Annual Report is available on our website.
Keep in touch
SSRV is now producing a regular newsletter. If you aren’t receiving it already, you can subscribe by sending us a request with your name and preferred email address to [email protected].
If you have any requests for CPD sessions, you can contact us on [email protected].
Advice lines
Financial counsellors are invited to call the SSRV Worker Help Line on 03 9481 0655 (0429 450 346 during remote servicing) for information and support in assisting clients with Centrelink matters and to make referrals to SSRV. The Worker Help Line operates 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. We also accept referrals by email to [email protected].
Individuals can be referred to the SSRV Legal Assistance Line on 03 9481 0355 (0419 793 652 during remote servicing), which operates 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm, Monday to Friday.