Please contact steffany@safca.org.au if you have resources or a case study you would like to share with your Peers for inclusion on this Page.
Due to the current COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic the team at SAFCA will be following all health and safety precautions and working remotely to help flatten the curve and stop the spread. Please know we will continue to operate as normal and we are here to help. If you need to speak to a Financial Counsellor call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007, or click on the link below "Need Free Financial Counselling / Find Now"
Please contact steffany@safca.org.au if you have resources or a case study you would like to share with your Peers for inclusion on this Page.
Way Forward is the combined initiative of corporate and community organisations that are committed to helping people all across Australia find out how to get out of debt with free, simple and accessible debt advice and debt management services.
Way Forward has dedicated resources and information page for Financial Counsellors.
Helping someone with mental health problems and financial difficulties: Guidelines for Financial Counsellors
There has recently been a change to how financial counsellors establish their identity with the Australian Tax Office (ATO).
Financial counsellors have been accepted as "covered entities" under section 255-25(2)(g) of the Tax Administration Act. This means that they can act on behalf of their client as a professional rather than an individual.FCA has developed "A Guide to Establishing Identity when Dealing with the ATO".
The FCA Guide outlines the process for becoming an authorisedOffences, Superannuation and Equitable Interests and Jointly Owned Property
Powerpoint from AFSA FC Forum October 2020
For updated statistical and trend data on bankruptcy and personal insolvency, please visit https://www.afsa.gov.au/about-us/statistics. In particular, see the latest regional statistics for your state at https://www.afsa.gov.au/statistics/regional-statistics. For improved transparency in this period of uncertainly AFSA are currently publishing fortnightly bankruptcy and personal insolvency statistics.
If you are interested in the Mental Health awareness program for the insolvency industry, please visit https://www.afsa.gov.au/about-us/newsroom/mental-health-training-programs-launched-insolvency-professionals. This is a great tool to assist us support clients with mental health issues, but also to support our peers and even ourselves.
The AFSA sandpit is where AFSA tests new ideas and seeks feedback, giving users an opportunity to share their thoughts on potential enhancements to our services. If you register, we will send you surveys or new ideas that we are trialling and ask for your feedback. If this interests you, visit: https://sandpit.afsa.gov.au/
Over the past year or so AFSA has developed a number of items to help people in financial difficulty understand their options. These include bankruptcy case studies, debt agreement case studies, a contributions calculator, and an eligibility tool. These are spread out across the AFSA website in relevant sections. We have recently introduced a new spot on our website that collects all of these together in one location. Check out our resources page: https://www.afsa.gov.au/insolvency/how-we-can-help/resources-deal-debt
There is a streamlined process for financial counsellors only when assisting a client complete the current bankruptcy form or a temporary debt protection application, see below for more information. AFSA has also temporarily suspended the requirement for a signature on the Third Party Authorisation form which can be found here: https://www.afsa.gov.au/insolvency/how-we-can-help/forms/third-party-authority
Home water efficiency check
With the help of a licensed plumber, Customer Assist Program customers can reap the benefits of efficient water use.
A home water efficiency check will identify any plumbing problems and leaks at your place and help you save money on your bills.
Suite 7 Wellington Centre, 2 Portrush Rd.
Payneham SA 5070