1. Preface
These Guidelines provide the framework for the implementation and administration of Commonwealth Financial Counselling (CFC), which is part of the Commonwealth Government’s Financial Management Program.
The Guidelines provide the basis for the business relationship between the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA/the Department) and Funding Recipients. They should be read in conjunction with the CFC Funding Agreement.
The Guidelines set out:
- the purpose of CFC;
- FaHCSIA expectations of service providers, including performance expectations;
- monitoring and contract management arrangements, including accountability and program governance arrangements for FaHCSIA and service providers; and
- other relevant information pertinent to the successful delivery of CFC.
FaHCSIA reserves the right to amend these Guidelines from time to time by whatever means it may determine in its absolute discretion and will provide reasonable notice of these amendments.
The Financial Management Program links with FaHCSIA’s high-level Outcome 4 (Strong and Resilient Communities) through Output Group 4.2 (Supporting Financial Management).
The Financial Management Program aims to improve the financial self‑reliance and wellbeing of individuals and families and its service strategies cover (but are not limited to) financial counselling, educating people in money management (including in retirement), support for people dealing with a financial crisis and finding ways to minimise problem gambling.
Currently, the Financial Management Program’s service strategies include:
- Commonwealth Financial Counselling;
- Emergency Relief;
- Money Management Services;
- National Information Centre on Retirement Investments; and
- National Research Strategy to Prevent Problem Gambling.