The Department of Human Services (DHS) has marked the 30th anniversary of its Financial Information Service (FIS), which it says has helped millions of Australians since the launch in 1989.
General Manager at DHS, Hank Jongen said the FIS was a free information service which educated people on financial matters such as understanding shares and superannuation, and planning for retirement.
“Since it began in 1989, the service has recorded more than 8.3 million interactions with Australians; held 1.9 million information seminars and interviews, and taken more than 4.4 million calls,” Mr Jongen said.
“The specialist officers also operate an outreach service which supports retrenched workers and vulnerable communities by explaining the interaction between Government payments and personal finances.”
He said FIS Officers had worked closely with the Queensland Government’s Department of Employment to tailor information seminars specifically for workers affected by the Sibelco mine closure.
“Throughout August, they conducted redundancy information sessions for over 200 staff affected by the mining operation closures at Pinkenba and Stradbroke Island,” Mr Jongen said.
“They also assisted farmers around Glen Innes in northern NSW to understand the services and payments available to them while battling one of their worst droughts on record.”
He said the service was independent, confidential and available to everyone – not just people receiving Government payment and services.
“The FIS supports Australians through free seminars, over the phone, and via personal appointments,” Mr Jongen said.
