The Government agrees with the suggestion by Commissioner Hayne that there is a need for predictable and stable funding for the legal assistance sector and for counselling services.
Financial counselling services play an important role in supporting consumers and the challenges faced by parties delivering these services include increasing demand, inconsistent and short term grant‑based funding streams and fragmented delivery across jurisdictions.
The Government will review the co‑ordination and funding of financial counselling services. This immediate review will be led by the Department of Social Services, in consultation with Treasury and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. The review will consider gaps and overlaps in current services and the adequacy of, and appropriate delivery models for, funding.