Good morning.
I would like to start by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, the Bundjalung people, and pay my respects to their elders past, present and future.
I would also like to acknowledge Jenni Beetson-Mortimer, CEO of Northern Rivers Community Gateway and Chair of the NSW Financial Inclusion Network - thank you for inviting me, Jenni.
Thank you to all the wonderful presenters, panel members and attendees who join us - there are so many wonderful representatives here today from organisations that provide critical support for our communities.
Well thank you very much to Northern Rivers Community Gateway for inviting me to speak with you all at the 5th Financial Inclusion Conference.
As the Federal Assistant Minister for Social Services and the Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, as well as your local Federal Member for Richmond - it’s wonderful that this important conference could be held right here in beautiful Kingscliff.
I am very much looking forward to the wonderful insights that will be shared over the next two days.
This conference is in fact extremely timely - as many people in our area are now relying on much-needed financial help and support, in the wake of severe weather here on the North Coast.
The severe weather associated with ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has seriously impacted us here on the North Coast - with much devastation to people, their homes, their livelihoods and their communities.
My office has been one of the main points of contact during this time, fielding calls for help; assisting with disaster payments, insurance claims, grants, emergency housing and getting people to safety.
Recovery is a long process, and the Albanese Government is standing by the people of NSW throughout their journey to rebuild.
That’s why we swiftly activated timely support for the community, through Personal Hardship Assistance, jointly funded with the State Government - the Disaster Recovery Allowance and Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP), to support those impacted.
We know this is particularly important for our most vulnerable and for those on a low-income, who are needing to replace lost or damaged essentials, repair their homes, and of course rebuild their lives.
This support is just part of a suite of comprehensive aid that people will require to get back on their feet, and I will go through some of those other measures shortly.
We know too that this weather event has come at a time where many Australians are already feeling financial pressures.
That’s why there’s never been a more important time to work together - and through the help of organisations and volunteers, such as many of yourselves here today - provide the frontline support that vulnerable Australians need.
The Albanese Government is committed to improving financial wellbeing.
Under the Financial Wellbeing and Capability Activity, which includes Emergency Relief, financial counselling and financial resilience services, we have increased our investment to around $150 million per year.
This funds a range of community organisations across our nation, including many organisations represented here today, to deliver a wide range of supports and services to vulnerable people in need, helping them navigate financial crises, manage financial stress and hardship, and overall, improve financial wellbeing.
Thankfully, through working with over 190 community organisations across the country, we can provide around 430,000 vulnerable Australians with Emergency Relief annually.
And while we are very proud to be providing this funding, it is thanks to the organisations and their volunteers on the ground that so many people receive the support they need, when they need it.
Now, Emergency Relief is not just providing food and water, clothing, fuel and medicine vouchers - but also budgeting assistance and referrals to other services to address underlying causes of financial strain.
We cannot underestimate the negative effects that financial pressures can have on an individual or a family.
Mounting financial pressure puts an extreme strain on a relationship and a family unit.
Sometimes this stress can contribute to higher rates of domestic and family violence, which is particularly compounded in the aftermath of a natural disaster.
That is why financial stability and resilience is so vital.
From 1 July 2025, our government has proudly committed $27.4 million over five years to the National Debt Helpline so any person seeking financial counselling has access to support.
Through the Helpline, which you can call on 1800 007 007, anyone can access a financial counsellor either over the phone or through the web chat.
They can also remain anonymous, should they wish to.
This allows people to access the support they need in a way that best suits them.
As many of you know, financial counsellors support people to build the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions and to advocate for themselves, where it is safe and appropriate to do so.
And this support, support with respect, is so critical.
Because we know the consequences of when people are ill-advised - that sometimes the most vulnerable can fall into a cycle of predatory debt.
That’s why I’m so proud of the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS), and the role that plays in assisting at-risk individuals to access help through fair and safe loans.
Car repairs, registration, medical and dental costs, and education costs - these are all things that can creep up on a person without warning and send costs spiralling.
Through NILS, people can access loans of up to $3,000 that can be paid over two years with no interest, fees or charges.
We know this can make a world of difference when someone is struggling.
Our government is also investing $51.5 million over 5 years from 1 July 2025 to continue the Saver Plus program, which helps families receive matched savings of up to $500 for education costs for themselves or their children.
This important program, led by the Brotherhood of St Laurence in partnership with ANZ, has helped more than 64,000 Australians save more than $30 million since 2003 - and I understand you will hear more about this successful program throughout this conference.
By supporting people with techniques to manage finances, providing them with incentives to save, and by giving better options to those in need - we are helping to improve lives and helping to build overall financial resilience.
The support that the Northern Rivers Community Gateway, and all other community organisations represented here today provides is incredibly important, and I would like to take a moment to thank you for the great work you have done and will continue to do.
Your support lets people know that they are not alone and that they are valued - at what can often be the most isolating, stressful and daunting time in a person’s life.
As we all navigate financial pressures as well as extreme weather events, let’s keep working together to make our country stronger, and help people become more financially resilient and economically independent.
I ask all of you here today to make use of this conference, to listen and to share your thoughts and ideas on ways forward and next steps.
Thank you.