Submission to the DSS Review of Financial Wellbeing Capability
This paper presents Better Place Australia’s (BPA) response to the Department of Social Services (DSS) review into the Commonwealth-funded Financial Wellbeing and Capability (FWC) Activity. The FWC aims to improve support for the financial and overall wellbeing of individuals and families in Australian communities. The DSS sought feedback on the effectiveness of current programs, challenges faced, and opportunities for enhancements.
BPA operates two DSS-funded services: Financial Counselling and Capability (FCC) and the Victorian National Debt Helpline (NDH), employing thirteen qualified financial counsellors. This submission provides insights into client demographics, service use patterns, and key recommendations. These include expanding in-person service options, delivering targeted education for older people, providing tailored financial counselling, establishing advocacy for aged care financial issues, addressing affordability concerns, and partnering with financial institutions to improve access to advice.