(38k)Media Release
8 December 2009
Child Support Agency and financial counsellors join forces to help separated parents
The Minister for Human Services, Chris Bowen MP, and Australian Financial Counselling and Credit Reform Association (AFCCRA) Executive Director, Fiona Guthrie, have today announced in Townsville a new partnership between the Child Support Agency (CSA) and the AFCCRA that will provide improved financial literacy and support services to separated parents.
“This partnership will involve the creation of a CSA hotline for financial counsellors so they can access immediate child support advice and information when they are working with a separated parent,” Mr Bowen said.
“Financial counsellors working with separated parents will also be provided with additional child support training, support products and services as a result of the partnership.”
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 53 per cent of Australians fall below the minimum level of numeric literacy needed to get by in daily life.
“Financial counsellors can make a positive difference and help to get parents back in control of their financial circumstances,” Ms Guthrie said.
“I advise separated parents to seek help early and take advantage of the close links between our financial counsellors and the CSA.”
Separated parents who are experiencing financial difficulties are advised to phone the CSA on 131 272. For more information on financial counselling services visit www.familyseparation.humanservices.gov.au.
For a copy of the CSA’s free publication Me and My Money phone 1800 040 972.
Media Contact
Laura Stevens — 0432 833 769
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