ENA joins industry and government partnership to secure financial counselling services

Energy Networks Australia (ENA) Chairman John Cleland joined Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth in Sydney this week along with representatives of the banking, finance and insurance sectors to support the Albanese Government’s innovative industry funding model that will increase access to financial counselling services for Australians.

“With cost-of-living pressures increasing in many aspects of our daily lives, our energy networks members are committed to supporting those customers doing it tough,” Mr Cleland said.

“To complement the array of financial support mechanisms offered to customers when it comes to their energy bills, we are proud to join this important Government and Industry Partnership to secure more financial counselling support.

“Energy is not a luxury; it is an essential service, and network businesses understand the importance for Australian families to be able to keep the lights on and heat and cool our homes.

“We are proud to support this initiative and believe it can have a real impact for customers that need it,” Mr Cleland said.

The funding Model for Financial Counselling services will secure three-year funding commitments from industry, totalling $30 million.  This is in addition to the almost $44 million per annum for financial counselling services provided by the Commonwealth.

“On behalf of Energy Networks, I congratulate Minister Rishworth and the Albanese Government as well as Financial Counselling Australia CEO Fiona Guthrie and Louise Sylvan AM for their commitment to this important program,” Mr Cleland said.

ENDS

Media Contact: Emma Shanks, 0408 740 476

Energy Networks Australia is the national industry body representing Australia’s electricity transmission and distribution and gas distribution networks. Our members provide more than 16 million electricity and gas connections to almost every home and business across Australia.