Three million people in Australia are severely or fully excluded from financial institutions and their banking and insurance products. Financial exclusion places people and their families at risk of financial hardships. This can lead to poverty, vulnerability to predatory lending practices and poor social, emotional and health outcomes.
In 2015 Australia committed to financial inclusion by agreeing to international obligations including the G20 Financial Inclusion Action Plan and the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. As part of this commitment, the Australian Government appointed Good Shepherd Microfinance to develop a Financial Inclusion Action Plan (FIAP) program.
The FIAP program provides an opportunity for organisations to take real action to realise financial inclusion – especially for women. The program has been developed in partnership with the Australian Government, EY and the Centre for Social Impact and is also supported by an Advisory Group of experienced professionals from across the government, corporate and community sectors.
To date, 40 organisations have joined the FIAP program – together they employ over 250,000 people and have almost 80 percent of the Australian population as customers. Together, the FIAP Trailblazers have committed to over 630 actions to realise greater inclusion and resilience for vulnerable groups in their own sphere of influence. 87% of actions are either completed or underway, according to evaluations undertaken by EY Australia.
The following organisations have joined the program in 2019 and are currently developing their Financial Inclusion Action Plans:
The Financial Inclusion Action Plan (FIAP) program launches its Phase One Completion Report: From Foundations to Action.
Read MoreThe number of organisations committed to driving inclusion and resilience for over three million adults who are experiencing financial exclusion in Australia has today risen to 30, with a range of actions underway to support those in need. One in every two Australians has limited or no savings, and a quarter report having experienced difficulties accessing financial services.
Through individual Financial Inclusion Action Plans (FIAPs), the 30 organisations, which include essential services providers, professional services firms, banks, universities and government agencies, are working towards measurable actions that will create a more financially inclusive community. The various initiatives range from improved access to appropriate and affordable financial products and services; development of early warning indicators to identify vulnerability; and support to those experiencing family violence avoid financial hardship. Read more.
'Rent to buy' companies would be required to disclose the total cost of their contracts and abide by a new price cap if the Australian Government adopts the recommendations of its review into Small Amount Credit Contracts.
Read MoreIn Financial Inclusion Week, it's important to highlight that many Australians experience financial exclusion. However, programs such as NILS, StepUP and FIAP can enable people to build their financial capability and resilience.
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The LaunchME program supports people start their own business, gain employment or embark on further study. There are four programs: LaunchME for Young Carers, LaunchME South Australia, LaunchME Dandenong and LaunchME Morwell.
No interest loans up to $1,500 for essentials goods and services such as white-goods, furniture, and education expenses.
Low interest loans of between $800 - $3,000 with no fees and affordable repayments offered in partnership with NAB.
Retail stores offering safe, fair and affordable financial services at prominent 'high street' locations in Victoria, South Australia and Queensland.
Online learning, face-to-face training and webinars that maximise the skills and resources of microfinance workers across Australia.
A buying service which leverages the purchasing power of our national network to access the best prices, quality products and excellent customer service for clients.
Affordable, simple and effective insurance policies for people on low incomes, designed in partnership with some of Australia's leading insurers.
I think we all want a fairer and more equal society. FIAPs create the opportunity for organisations across all sectors to collaborate and contribute to improving the financial inclusion, resilience and wellbeing of those Australians who are less advantaged. By measuring the impact of our actions and sharing the learnings about which initiatives do or don’t deliver real, scalable outcomes, together we can help build a fairer Australia.
Delia Rickard, Independent Chair Financial Inclusion Action Plan Advisory Group