Attorney-General welcomes new No Interest Loans Scheme State Coordinator

A Queensland community advocate has been appointed state coordinator for the expansion of the No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS).

The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine welcomed the appointment of Ms Karen Denham by the Good Shepherd Youth and Family Service.

“Ms Denham’s experience working to improve the welfare of the disadvantaged in Queensland makes her the perfect person for the role,” Mr Shine said.

“After 16 years as Co-Manager and Coordinator of Communify Queensland, Ms Denham will work in partnership with the State Government, business and community groups to expand NILS across Queensland.”

Mr Shine today congratulated Ms Denham on her appointment as the new NILS State coordinator while visiting the JP Signing Centre at Carindale Shopping Centre as part of the Bligh Government’s 10th Community Cabinet.

“I believe Ms Denham will be in instrumental in expanding Queensland’s NILS program,” he said.

“Ms Denham is a staunch advocate for NILS and she pioneered one of the first programs in Queensland.

“She has supported the operation and development of the scheme throughout Queensland and is currently serving as an executive member of the NILS Committee.”

Mr Shine said Ms Denham’s ongoing commitment to the scheme made her the ideal candidate.

“Ms Denham is a strong believer in the tangible benefits of NILS and has witnessed first hand its crucial role supporting equity and social justice in local communities,” he said.

“She believes NILS is key to improving the capacity of individuals and families within their communities.

“We are fortunate to have someone with such a strong personal commitment involved in the scheme.”

“NILS offers one important alternative to high-cost credit for vulnerable consumers.

“The Queensland Government recently allocated $1.2 million over two years to support the expansion of the scheme.”


Mr Shine was also at the JP Signing Centre to acknowledge the valuable work Justices of the Peace perform.

“These people have provided a vital service to the community and it is important they receive recognition,” Mr Shine said.

“Their contributions to local communities are exceptional and I encourage other Queenslanders to take up the challenge,” he said.

More information about NILS and alternatives to high-cost credit and interest rate caps can be found at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au.

Media contact: Kate Lennox 3224 7481 or 0421 127 869


Background

The No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) offers people on low incomes the opportunity to access credit for an essential household item without any fees, charges or interest payments.

NILS provide loans to people on low incomes to buy essential household goods such as a fridge or medical appliance. Most NILS loans are for amounts under $800 and are repaid over 8-15 months.

Loans are generally made to people on a government benefit, pension or allowance or anyone who holds a Commonwealth Health Card and who have the capacity to repay the loan.

NILS® is a registered trademark owned by Good Shepherd Youth and Family Service.

NILS currently has a limited operation in Queensland. The Queensland Government recently partnered with Good Shepherd Youth and Family Service and will provide funding of $1.2 million over two years, to ensure that a robust Queensland NILS network is developed.

The National Australia Bank recently committed $10 million in national NILS loan capital, of which it is expected that approximately $2.4 million in loan capital will be available through accredited Queensland NILS providers.

NILS will provide Queenslanders a viable alternative to high-cost credit.