Preventing financial crisis and exclusion

The proposed changes (to financial wellbeing and capability services) would restrict eligibility for financial wellbeing and capability services and risk excluding many people facing financial difficulty from the service system, potentially worsening financial outcomes for the most disadvantaged Australians.

VCOSS views the proposed redesign as an opportunity to strengthen, rather than diminish, financial wellbeing and capability services, particularly at a time of heightened financial stress.

This submission calls for collaboration and co-design of reforms; early intervention; service integration and building financial security. We welcome collaborative reform that acknowledges the extent of financial vulnerability among Australians, and draws on the sector’s expertise and on-the-ground experience to develop options for change.