Financial Counselling Western Australia (FCWA), together with Financial Counselling Australia and state and territory financial counselling peak bodies, has lodged a joint submission to the Fair Work Commission in response to its 1 June 2026 decision on gender-based undervaluation under the SCHADS Award.
The submission raises concerns about how the new classification framework may affect the recognition, classification, and remuneration of financial counsellors. While the Commission’s translation materials support the position that many existing SCHADS Level 5 financial counsellors may translate to higher classifications, the peaks are concerned that the decision may also create uncertainty about how financial counselling roles will be classified in practice.
Financial counselling is a specialised profession that combines technical knowledge, advocacy, negotiation, regulatory expertise, and counselling skills to support people experiencing financial hardship. The peaks argue that classification decisions should reflect the complexity, responsibility, professional standards, and specialist expertise required in the role.
The submission also highlights the broader consequences for the sector, including workforce attraction and retention, funding pressures, and the long-term sustainability of services at a time of rising financial hardship. The peaks call for evidence-based implementation of the classification framework, clear guidance on the translation of existing roles, and funding models that appropriately reflect the value and complexity of financial counselling work.
The sector has also committed to working collaboratively with funders, employers, and financial counsellors to support consistent and sustainable classification outcomes across Australia.