THE HON TANYA PLIBERSEK MP
MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SERVICES
SENATOR THE HON MALARNDIRRI MCCARTHY
MINISTER FOR INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS
The Albanese Labor Government will double its funding for Mob Strong Debt Help, investing an additional $6 million in the national First Nations-led financial counselling service.
This additional investment means that this vital financial counselling service will be able to continue to deliver its free and confidential service as well as being able to help significantly more First Nations people, families and communities to get a helping hand with their finances when they need it.
Supporting up to 400 people each month, Mob Strong Debt Help provides practical supports, including helping people manage debts and loans, navigate tax and superannuation issues and housing costs and utility bills.
With satisfaction rates for the program at over 90% from people who have used the service, Mob Strong Debt Help are delivering impactful and positive results.
This additional funding will allow them to continue to deliver their high-quality financial counselling services over the phone, retain and train more First Nations staff, as well as increasing their ability to do more outreach, including into the Northern Territory.
Mob Strong Debt Help recognises the cultural, social and economic realities experienced by First Nations communities, allowing them to provide tailored support that is respectful, effective and grounded in community needs.
Mob Strong Debt Help can be accessed on 1800 808 488, 9:30am to 4.30pm AEST, Monday to Friday.
This is part of the Governments more than $50 million per year investment in financial counselling services. To find out more, visit the Department of Social Services website.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek:
"Financial counselling services are lifechanging for people experiencing financial challenges.
“Mob Strong Debt Help understand that financial challenges can be shaped by a range of factors, including cultural obligations and family responsibilities, and are able to tailor their services and assistance to help people find financial stability.
“Our investment recognises that services designed by and for First Nations people and communities have the greatest impact.
“By investing in services like Mob Strong Debt Help, we’re making sure First Nations people right across Australia have access to the resources they need to take care of their financial wellbeing."
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy:
“Mob Strong Debt Help provides a safe place for First Nations people and families to get tailored support when facing financial difficulties.
“This additional funding means more First Nations people can get the help they need and Mob Strong Debt Help can reach more communities across the country.
“An important part of strengthening economic empowerment for First Nations people is making sure families have access to the financial assistance they need. That’s why I am so pleased we are continuing to support this community-led service.”
Quotes attributable to Boandik woman Mob Strong Strategy and Operations Manager, Bettina Cooper:
“Mob Strong Debt Help is a free, culturally safe service supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experiencing debt, financial stress and hardship.
“Mob Strong Debt Help is designed by and for First Nations people, and that’s why it works. Delivered by a predominantly First Nations team, our financial counsellors work alongside Mob to understand their rights, manage debt and strengthen financial wellbeing.
“This four-year recurrent funding from DSS for financial counselling gives us the certainty to continue this important work and support more First Nations people and communities with culturally safe help when they need it.
“This funding by the Department of Social Services means we can continue building trust, reducing financial stress, and backing communities to move forward with confidence.”
