As we head into spring, I want to share some updates from across our work over the past month, and reflect on the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for our sector. 

SCHADS Award 

Work on the SCHADS Award review has been a major focus for us this month. We’ve been working closely with the other state and territory peaks on a joint submission to the Fair Work Commission to ensure that they understand how their provisional decision would affect financial counsellors nationally. Nearly 300 financial counsellors across Australia contributed to this process, which shows just how important these issues are for so many in our sector. I want to thank everyone who took the time to provide their input. Your voices are central to shaping our response, and we are doing our best to ensure they are heard. This is an issue to take seriously – but it is not one to be alarmed about. We will continue to work with colleagues nationally and keep you updated as the process develops. 

DSS Grants and FCIF 

The Department of Social Services has now made announcements on funding allocations. We recognise, however, that there is still significant uncertainty about how transitions for services will be managed and supported. We are continuing to engage directly with DSS and provide them with feedback from members. We will also use the upcoming Agency Managers Network meeting to discuss practical issues and to ensure agencies and financial counsellors are supported through this period. It’s been a good reminder, again, of how underfunded financial counselling is relative to community need. In good news, then, the Financial Counselling Industry Fund is opening its Expansion Grants round on 1 September. This will be an important addition to services nationally, and we will support members and agencies to engage with this opportunity. 

Conference – Sparking Change 

Our October conference planning is moving quickly, and it is shaping up to be a strong event. We have an excellent line-up of speakers, thought-provoking sessions, and a broad range of partners contributing to the program. Accommodation at the Mantra has already sold out (alternative accommodation is still available nearby), which is a great sign of the enthusiasm and demand from members and stakeholders. We look forward to seeing many of you there and to the conversations and connections the conference will foster.  

Small Business Financial Counselling and Regional Needs 

The need for small business financial counselling continues to come through strongly in recent conversations and given economic conditions. In recent weeks I met with Opposition Leader Brad Battin at Casey North CISS, where we heard from financial counsellors about the pressures facing small businesses and the role financial counsellors play in supporting owners through these challenges. This remains an important advocacy priority for FCVic, particularly given the ongoing drought and the strain it is placing on regional communities. 

I was also glad to spend time with the West Gippsland Network in August along with new federal MP Mary Aldred. The meeting highlighted the resilience and commitment of local services, and also brought forward important concerns around the financial stress facing small businesses and farming communities in drought-affected areas. These conversations are vital in ensuring our advocacy is grounded in the reality of members’ day-to-day experience.  

Rank the Energy Retailer 

The Rank the Energy Retailer 2025 project continues to generate positive discussion. We have met with several retailers to go through their results and talk about next steps, as well as sharing with the Australian and New Zealand Energy and Water Ombudsman Network (ANZEWON) and the Essential Services Commission (ESC). Most have been open and constructive, and we are seeing signs of real appetite for change. We will also be sharing project outcomes at the October conference through a video update, which will close out the formal project phase and carry our advocacy forward. 

I’m looking forward to attending the Financial Counsellors Association Tasmania Conference in September, to which I will be bringing my family to also enjoy a bit of a holiday break around the Conference.