Anglicare Victoria’s Research Team analysed almost 9500 clients of the organisation’s financial counselling services to compare life during the COVID-19 movement restrictions (the second quarter of 2020 for all Victorians and the third quarter for those in Melbourne) with the 12 months before. This is the first time the organisation has produced research on its financial counselling services, which are among the most extensive in the state. The report found that increased payments for those without work delivered through the Morrison Government’s JobSeeker and JobKeeper programs were effective in supporting those out of work, and the permanent rate of unemployment benefits should be increased. It also found utilities and credit cards were among the leading causes of financial distress.
You can read the full report below or read a media release in the News section:
Financial stress in Victoria during lockdown – summary of findings
