“Where consumers go to debt management firms, it is important they understand what they are getting and how much it will cost, so they can decide if it’s worth it.”
ASIC Deputy Chairman Peter Kell.
Protecting consumers from the predatory practices of debt management firms is the fundamental purpose of the legislative reform. Debt Management Services™ supports the reforms and has collated a directory of free advice and resources. This our commitment to you in providing our services efficiently, honestly and fairly.
Our consumers are often faced with financial distress and severe hardship. We never worsen their position by giving false hope, unrealistic expectations and/or unfairly charging. We ensure our approach is fair and transparent. Make use of the free resources below before engaging any private firm.
If you’re experiencing financial hardship and struggling to pay off debt, it’s important to understand your rights. The National Debt Helpline have free step by step guides based on the experience of financial counsellors. Always watch out for and report suspicious behaviour and scams.
The FRLC offers advice and advocacy for consumers in financial stress. A wealth of information and letter templates are provided to improve access to justice, especially for socially and economically disadvantaged people. Visit the Financial Hazards Hotlist to understand some of the predatory financial services and products.
A credit reporting body must give you access to your consumer credit report for free once every 3 months. You can also request a free copy if:
At other times a credit reporting body may charge a fee, but it must not be excessive.
The TIS is a government service for people who do not speak English and for agencies and businesses that need to communicate with their non-English-speaking clients.
The FCA is a not-for-profit organisation and the national voice of the financial counselling profession in Australia. If you would like to find a financial counsellor, visit the NDH for a range of options or use the FRLC lookup tool. The FCA explains what documents you should bring when meeting with a financial counsellor in an easy to read format (including a range of other useful publications is made available).
The Inspector-General of Taxation and Taxation Ombudsman (IGTO) has prepared its Corporate Plan which notes our purpose is to improve the administration of taxation laws for the benefit of the community, provide independent advice to the Minister, the Government and Parliament, improve accountability and provide assurance to the community through independent investigation and reporting that Australian taxation laws are being administered with integrity – that is, fairly, equitably and transparently, as intended by Parliament and in accordance with community expectations of fairness, and support the integrity of the tax and superannuation systems to engender community trust, confidence and willing participation.
Business.gov.au is the ideal source for the latest COVID-19 government financial assistance and support for businesses. It includes information on grants, resources and guides for continuing your business during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beyond Blue provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live.
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NOTE: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can contact the following organisations for help:
Energy, Water and Telecommunications
If you are facing difficulties with a utility company in any state or territory, you can access their dispute resolution services.
Consumer Goods and Services Complaints
State and territory government agencies can help with complaints about consumer goods and services.
ASIC is Australia's integrated corporate, markets, financial services and consumer credit regulator. ASIC regulates the holders of Australian Credit Licences which are required for the provision of debt management services.
AFSA manage the application of bankruptcy and personal property securities laws through the delivery of personal insolvency and trustee, regulation and enforcement, and personal property securities services.
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is the principal revenue collection agency of the Australian Government. The ATO's role is to effectively manage and shape the tax and superannuation systems that support and fund services for Australians.
ACSC was established by the Australian Government to provide advice, support and guidance to all Australians who are at risk of becoming victim to a cyber attack. We've been involved with situations where a cyber event has devasted the lives of individuals and businesses. As a Register Partner of the ACSC, Debt Management Services is ideally qualified to assist you with cyber attacks, education and prevention.
Moneysmart is ASIC's website for consumers and investors. The MoneySmart website was created by ASIC to help individuals take steps to improve their personal finances.
The PPSR is the online government noticeboard of security interests in personal property.
The ACCC is an independent Commonwealth statutory authority whose role is to enforce the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 and a range of additional legislation, promoting competition, fair trading and regulating national infrastructure for the benefit of all Australians.
ACMA is an independent Commonwealth statutory authority that regulates communications and media services in Australia. ACMA conducts investigations and compliance checks to ensure businesses are following the law.
ASBFEO supports small businesses and family enterprises through two main functions: advocacy and assistance. My Business Health was developed by ASBFEO to pull together a range of free resources, My Business Health gives you easy access to tools, templates and tips to manage stress and proactively engage with running your business.
AFCA is a free, fair and independent dispute resolution scheme that considers complaints about financial products and services for its members. Debt Management Services is a member of AFCA 86551 (refer to our IMPORTANT information page). AFCA membership is a mandatory licensing requirement for Australian Credit Licence holders who are engaged in credit activities that provide debt management services.
Your local state and territory consumer protection agency (sometimes called 'consumer affairs') can provide you with information about your rights and options. They may also be able to help negotiate a resolution between you and the seller.
The International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN) is an organisation composed of consumer protection authorities from over 60 countries. ICPEN's website provides useful information on how you can resolve cross-border disputes.
ICPEN also maintains the eConsumer.gov website where you can report international scams and other consumer complaints.
The US Federal Trade Commission maintains a list of consumer protection and competition authorities worldwide.
The first place to contact is the business itself. The owner, manager, or customer service contact is often able to fix the problem quickly. Where to go for consumer help.
Australian Credit Licence: 533933 | AFCA Member: 86551
Registered Partner of the Australian Cyber Security Centre - ACSC (www.cyber.gov.au).
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