Queensland should establish a Community Financial Rights Service that would combine free legal and financial counselling services to help Queenslanders doing it tough, according to a new McKell Institute report.
The report finds Queensland has an opportunity to lead the way by integrating legal, financial counselling, and other critical social supports to provide a more efficient and effective model of delivery.
The report finds Queenslanders experience high rates of poverty and vulnerability and that there is limited support for victim-survivors of economic abuse and elder financial abuse. Limited support for victim-survivors of economic abuse and elder financial abuse Consumer and debt matters represent the most significant area of unaddressed legal need.
The report also finds that all states except Queensland have specialist financial rights services , and that a Community Financial Rights Service would help address key government priorities in Queensland.
“For a Queenslander doing it tough, an integrated Community Financial Rights Service would not solve all their economic challenges overnight, but it would make a massive difference to pointing them toward a better future,” said McKell Institute Queensland Executive Director Sarah Mawhinney.
“It’s a mode that has proven remarkably effective and cost efficient in other states - so the template is there.
“A multi-disciplinary model inclusive of legal services, financial counselling, and social support services under the one roof is best practice in this space to address holistic needs.
“Queensland has been bearing the brunt of Australia’s cost-of-living crisis, with significant levels of poverty and vulnerability and a concerning number of residents struggling to make ends meet. Queensland residents face a sizeable gap in access to legal services, particularly regarding consumer rights, debt issues and financial abuse. This means victim-survivors of domestic and family violence can’t crawl out of crippling debt. It means many people are left without proper guidance when dealing with faulty products, unfair loans, or financial difficulties. Addressing this unmet legal need in Queensland should be a priority to secure the financial wellbeing of all individuals and families in this State..”
Quotes from Cybele Koning, Chief Executive Officer of Caxton Legal Centre:
“Caxton Community Legal Centre has been partnering with Uniting Care to trial this integrated model of lawyers specialising in financial rights working with social workers and financial counsellors under the one roof to meet the complex needs of vulnerable people”, said Caxton’s CEO, Cybele Koning.
“Together, we tackle complex legal issues associated with stubborn debt, predatory lending, consumer rights and financial abuse, along with social issues such as domestic and family violence, homelessness, unemployment and mental unwellness. Getting back on your feet requires a holistic approach and this model works.”
Quotes from Donna Shkalla, Group Executuve, Family and Disability Services, UnitingCare:
“People across Queensland are facing significant challenges and stress. Providing support to navigate complex financial and legal issues can greatly alleviate this pressure. Too often, individuals must deal with intricate and confusing consumer concerns, which can negatively impact their financial, emotional, and even physical wellbeing.
“A collaborative model of support that promotes financial justice for people from a social, financial, and legal perspective will help people overcome these obstacles and have the potential to alleviate so much pressure on families and communities.”
Contact details:
Sarah Mahwinney +61 413 738 841 / sarah@mckellinstitute.com