The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has hit the road and is set to arrive in Narre Warren on Thursday 10 October.
It will offer free financial fairness checks and raise awareness of its free, fair and independent financial dispute resolution services.
As the one-stop-shop for consumers and small businesses with complaints about financial firms, including banks, credit and insurance organisations, investments, financial advice and superannuation, AFCA will activate its roaming support centre within Westfield Fountain Gate, near Coles between 9am – 9pm.
Offering face-to-face financial complaint guidance for the first time since its November 2018 launch, AFCA will also use the event as an opportunity to better understand the financial issues faced by Narre Warren locals.
In its first 10 months of operation, AFCA has received more than 1070 financial complaints from within the City of Casey area and awarded more than $2.88 million in compensation.
With recent research showing that fewer than one out of every two people with a concern about their financial firm actually lodge a complaint, the Roadshow aims to help address Australia’s low awareness of how to resolve a dispute with banks, insurers or financial firms.
The national roadshow will visit over 80 metropolitan, regional and rural communities across Australia, between September and April – Narre Warren marks the twelfth public event.
Chief Ombudsman and Chief Executive Officer, David Locke said hearing from regional communities would also help AFCA improve its own processes and services.
“When people run into an issue with their financial provider, many don’t know they can actually make a formal complaint and get it fixed. If it’s something you’ve felt strongly enough to complain about to your friends and family, chances are you have a case to pursue.
“We’re eager to hear from the locals of Narre Warren first-hand about their financial complaints and any issues they’ve encountered resolving issues with their financial firm.
These valuable insights will help us reach fair outcomes and drive change across the industry.
“It’s important that Australians feel confident in bringing their financial complaints forward, and we will be there to support each and every Aussie that we encounter on the road.
“We’re also letting people know they have a one year window to lodge complaints dating back to 2008. The special rules around ‘legacy complaints’ have been set by the Australian Government, and AFCA can accept legacy complaints until June 30, 2020,” he said.
