Financial counsellors help ease families’ pain

Townsville residents affected by the economic crisis will have greater access to support services with new financial counsellors to join Lifeline North Queensland next month (March).

Communities Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said tough economic times meant more locals would be seeking support to help manage their budgets and overcome financial hardship.

“Some Townsville residents are doing it tough with hundreds in the mining sector recently losing their jobs, while others are struggling to make ends meet following the collapse of locally-based financial planning company Storm Financial.

“Lifeline Community Care Queensland will receive $3 million over the next two years as part of our Government’s commitment to increase counselling services throughout the state.

“Two positions for financial counsellors have been created in the Townsville region, with recruitment about to get underway and it’s expected they’ll be on the job in March to provide much-needed advice to locals.

“In addition to lending a sympathetic ear, Lifeline’s fully-trained counsellors can look at ways to help these individuals and families better manage their financial affairs, such as developing a budget or helping to negotiate with creditors.

“As part of building Tomorrow’s Queensland, the Bligh Government is working to overcome disadvantage in communities, which is why help to get people back on their feet is so vital.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said ordinary Queenslanders were being affected by the financial crisis, resulting in more families not being able to pay bills on time.

“According to information gathered by Queensland Council of Social Services in 2008, 10 per cent of Queenslanders live in poverty and a further 20 per cent are at risk of significant financial hardship,” she said.

“This means that one in three Queenslanders could benefit from free and independent professional advice.

“Support can provide long-lasting benefits including changes in financial behaviour and improved budgeting, so I encourage anyone experiencing financial problems to seek help.

“With more than 30 years experience, Lifeline is a leader in financial counselling and I’m pleased Townsville residents can benefit from education, counselling, problem solving and identifying their consumer rights.“

Counsellors will also be employed in Brisbane, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Cairns, Mackay, Rockhampton, Hervey Bay, Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast.

For more information or support call the Financial First Aid Hotline on 13 11 51.

Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280