Since the launch of the Rank the Energy Retailer 2025 Report we have been meeting with energy retailers in one-on-one meetings to discuss findings, presented on the report in forums and roundtables, and had many discussions with our colleagues about it. These have all provided important opportunities to share and reflect not just on the content of the report, but how to carry the findings forward. We’ve emphasised in these conversations the importance of retailers reporting back to financial counsellors with what they have understood, how they will act on the feedback, and when they will provide further updates to the sector. This is a very important step in honouring the time, effort, and insight provided by financial counsellors, and it fosters an ongoing dialogue on improving hardship standards nationwide. We encourage people outside of energy retailers to think about the report and generalise the findings for their context – there is a lot of rich information in these reports that can be used really effectively!

At the end of July, we finally received news of the Department of Social Services’ funding for financial counselling and financial capability services nationwide. This was subject to a few delays, largely relating to the timing of the election, which we know contributed to uncertainty and anxiety for many organisations and teams. It’s good that it has now been confirmed, but it is disappointing and frustrating that it took so much longer than originally advised. I want to congratulate everyone who applied, as the application itself is no small task and constitutes a huge amount of work to do well. For the successful applicants I have no doubt there is excitement and opportunity, but I also recognise that some programs have missed out on funding which will have an impact on teams, agencies, and services as well. We commit to supporting financial counsellors and agencies however we can during this period of transition, and to sharing information with you all as we receive it. I’m hopeful that the 5-year funding in these grants improves service planning into the future, too.

Within the FCVic team, we’ve broadly recognised that the first six months of 2025 have run at a hectic pace, and we’re grateful to have a minor breather with the official launch of the Rank the Energy Retailer project as well as completing the main work on our Workforce Development Project. Between these, the Summit we held in March, organising our Conference for October, the many consultations we have contributed to or participated in, and the key work of supporting our members with training, networks, and professional support, we have had limited opportunities as a team for reflection and forward planning. This is why it was so important for us to get together as a team for a social get-together to start July, some media training mid-July, and for our mid-year operational planning review day last week. These moments give us a chance to reflect and take stock before moving on to the next project; they are so important to ensure that we are connected as a team, and that we’re not simply reacting to the course of events but actively shaping them.

I’m really looking forward to catching up with you soon to talk about what you’re seeing in your community, the opportunities that you see for the future, and what we can do to support financial counselling services going forwards. I’m really excited to share what you’ve already told us in our Workforce Development Project as soon as I can. This will be very soon™, but, as is often the case, maybe a bit later than we’d like.

Don’t forget to register for the Conference!