This joint report finds that overall, First Nations people are excellent money managers. In the face of deeply entrenched systemic disadvantage, where the laws, policies and systems of colonisation have caused their financial disadvantage to be far higher than non-First Nation’s Australians, First Nations people have remained adept at juggling the money they have to cover the increasing costs of living for themselves, their family and their community.

Despite their resilience, First Nations consumers continue to experience harm due to systems and regulatory approaches that do not meet their needs.

This report delves into the experiences of First Nations consumers across Victoria, documenting the work of Consumer Action and the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) in providing crucial civil legal and financial counselling support.

By integrating client data with firsthand accounts and client stories, this report offers a view of the challenges faced and in the words of those facing them. The authors identify areas where there is urgent need for improvement, presenting recommendations that aim to break persistent cycles of unmet need and achieve outcomes that will contribute to closing the gap over time.

Recommendations for Government and Industry

• Understand First Nations peoples experiences of Buy Now Pay Later products
• Make Centrepay safe for First Nations people
• Make Centrepay safe for First Nations people
• First Nations voices amplified in Telco reform design 
• First Nations voices amplified in Telco reform design 
• Redesign of the essential services delivery model with First Nations people
• National Anti-Scams Centre research into First Nations peoples’ experiences  
• Improve the affordability and cultural safety of the bankruptcy system for First Nations
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