A visit to Wollongong Central by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority on Tuesday provided an unique opportunity for many people to find out how they can go about making a financial complaint.
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While many shoppers may have inititally thought the AFCA stand was someone trying to sell them something. Those who stopped ended up securing some valuable information that could result in financial compensation.
In the last 11 months AFCA has received 721 complaints in the Illawarra resulting in $1.48 million in compensation. And the free Financial Fairness Checks in Wollongong Central on Tuesday could lead to more.
The visit was also a chance for AFCA to raise awareness about its free, fair and independent financial dispute resolution services for consumers and small businesses.
Established in November 2018 AFCA was keen to gain a better understanding of financial issues faced by people in the Illawarra.
Research shows only one in every two people with a concern about their financial firm actually lodge a complaint. AFCA wants to raise awareness of how to resolve a dispute with a bank, insurer or financial firm.
Chief Ombudsman and chief executive officer David Locke said the visit was a chance to not only hear from locals but find out how AFCA can improve its processes and services to make it even easier to make a complaint.
Stakeholder Relations executive general manager Kathy Bowlen who said when people stopped and spoke to AFCA in Wollongong Central they were very positive about the opportunity.
"Most of what we are hearing today is about superannuation and insurance. We get different questions where ever we go but those have been the two things people want to talk about here," she said.
"We have spoken to thousands of people. In conjunction with the roadshow we have also been holding forums. We had 25 at one in Wollongong today".
Ms Bowlen said anyone who would like to talk to AFCA with their own inquiries or a complaint can do so by making a free call to 1800 931 678.
"We say if you have a circumstance which has bothered you enough that you have talked to family and friends about it then you probably have a case that is at least worth exploring with us," she said.
Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
