Making sure no one falls through the cracks
Two in five Australians (42 per cent) have experienced negative changes to their employment as a result of the pandemic, according to research conducted by Roy Morgan for not-for-profit Good Shepherd.
Two in five Australians (42 per cent) have experienced negative changes to their employment as a result of the pandemic, according to research conducted by Roy Morgan for not-for-profit Good Shepherd.
Good Shepherd CEO, Stella Avramopoulos, says these figures are shocking. They mean that two out of five of all working Australians have suffered job losses, cuts to hours and pay, or have been stood aside. Unfortunately, those already on average and lower incomes have been the most affected.
With the backing of the federal Minister for Families and Social Services, Anne Ruston, and the help of National Australia Bank, Good Shepherd has recently launched 'Household Relief Loans Without Interest' of up to $3,000 for qualifying individuals to use for rent and utility bills.
What inspired the introduction of these loans?
What we have seen through this crisis is that many people who have never had to ask for help before are now facing genuine hardship, such as struggling to pay rent and bills. People are overwhelmed, they are distressed and they often feel stigma and shame. This is a crisis that no one expected, it has hit suddenly and it is out of peoples' control. People need safe, reliable information and support to help them navigate the multiple challenges they are currently facing.
A key part of this program is the financial conversation. Everyone who enquires about Household Relief Loans Without Interest has access to our trained staff who will discuss things like what government supports they may be eligible for and what flexibility and support may be available from utility providers and landlords.
What was the process for developing the loans?
Good Shepherd has a long history of supporting people in crisis and experiencing financial stress. We support people through our financial counsellors, through the Good Money Stores and with over 170 community service providers around Australia. We have managed the No Interest Loans Scheme, very successfully, for over thirty years.
We worked with the Australian Government and National Australia Bank on the development of Household Relief Loans Without Interest. The program includes financial information and support and access to loans of up to $3000 for rent and utility bills for those eligible. (An individual's income must be less than $60,000 gross or less than $100,000 for couples or people with dependents, or be receiving a Government benefit, such as Centrelink healthcare card or Pensioner concession card).
Have there been any issues in their development or trial?
We ran this as a pilot first for six weeks so the system has been well tested. It's really easy for people to go online and check their eligibility at householdrelief.org.au.
