Caroline Stewart

Ecstra Foundation’s inaugural National Financial Wellbeing Summit last week highlighted the growing support for a nationally coordinated financial strategy as way of improving Australians’ financial and overall wellbeing.

The event emphasised the importance of building an integrated approach to financial wellbeing by supporting individual financial capability, while also addressing the broader systems, policies and market structures that shape people’s financial lives.

Bringing together leaders from government, business, education and community sectors, the discussion was focused on practical approaches to help build a better financial future for all Australians.

With an address from the Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services, Hon. Dr Daniel Mulino MP (pre-recorded), and a keynote delivered by ASIC Commissioner Alan Kirkland, sessions examined the drivers of economic inequality, the balance required between regulation and education, and how greater cross sector collaboration can influence financial, mental, and social health outcomes.

A key focus was on the importance of embedding financial education across schools, homes, and workplaces, to ensure young people develop the skills and confidence they need to make informed financial choices at key life stages.

Ecstra Foundation CEO Caroline Stewart, said the Summit came at a time of national momentum around improving financial wellbeing and literacy, particularly for young people.

“There’s increasing demand for practical, engaging financial education. We know that starting money lessons early builds lifelong knowledge and capability, and programs like our own Talk Money school workshops are helping normalise these conversations in classrooms and at home.

“Australia had been a leader in this space for many years. It was clear from the Summit there is strong support for Ecstra’s call for a more coordinated, national approach to financial capability. This would connect education, policy, and community initiatives to help every Australian build lasting financial wellbeing” she added.

Speaking at the Summit, Roset Khair, Vice President of Economics and Business Educators NSW, a leading advocate for financial literacy education, said there is growing support for schools to embed financial capability in the classroom.

“Financial literacy is an essential life skill and a foundation for overall wellbeing. Teachers see first-hand the positive impact when their students can connect financial concepts to real world decisions.

“Supporting schools-based programs are vital because they provide schools with curriculum aligned resources and tools to teach these skills effectively, while helping to build a culture where learning about money is normal and empowering,” she added.

Ms Stewart said that the Summit is an opportunity to connect classrooms, workplaces and communities with broader systems change.

“Talk Money is just one part of a bigger picture, to ensure every Australian has access to financial education, and that the systems around them support financial inclusion and wellbeing. Events such as the Summit show what is possible when education, policy, and community come together with shared purpose.”

Speakers at the Summit included:

• Dr Cassandra Goldie AO, CEO ACOSS 
• Georgie Harman AO, CEO Beyond Blue
• Miles Larbey, OECD’s head of financial consumer protection, Education & Inclusion Unit
• Leah Bennett, Managing director, First Nations Foundation
• Prof Roslyn Russell, RMIT
• Effie Zahos, 9News money editor
• Janet Liu, group head of social impact and community partnerships ANZ
• Xavier O’Halloran ,CEO, Super Consumers Australia
• Roset Khair, vice president, Economics and Business Educators NSW
• Phil Gardner, CEO ABCN 
• Gerard Brody, commissioner and chairperson, Essential Services Commission Victoria
• Michelle Wright, deputy head of communications and education, RBA
• James Kirby, associate editor – wealth, The Australian.

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Futurist, strategist and global nomad Mike Walsh will open this year’s Congress exploring how emerging technologies are changing the way we live, work and interact.

Supporting Mike, thought leader Dr Daniel Susskind will share his views on the future of the financial planning profession.

Acclaimed, London-based writer and broadcaster Claudia Hammond will share compelling insights drawn from research on the psychology of money and how to use it better.

Claudia will chat, live on stage, with Money Magazine Editor Effie Zahos. FPA CEO, Dante De Gori CFP® said this year’s impressive set of speakers will challenge delegates’ perceptions of financial planning and stimulate conversation about how the profession will evolve in the years ahead.

“I am delighted to announce that we have secured a series of exceptional keynote speakers that will inspire us to look deeper into some of the important issues facing our profession,” said Mr De Gori.

• Mike Walsh is the CEO of Tomorrow, a global consultancy on designing business for the 21st century, and a successful author. He advises leaders on how to thrive in the current era of disruptive technological change. Mike will take delegates on a highly visual and interactive journey that will help prepare financial planners to not only survive, but prosper in the age of AI, automation and algorithms.
• Dr Daniel Susskind is a Fellow in Economics at Balliol College, Oxford University, where he teaches and researches. He is also a successful author and a senior policy adviser to the UK Government. Daniel will provide valuable insights into how technology will transform the work of financial planners in coming years.
• Claudia Hammond will lead us in a discussion exploring the latest research in psychology, neuroscience and behavioural economics to find out why as human beings we, and our clients, can sometimes behave strangely around money.
•  Effie Zahos writes for Money magazine, specialising in consumer banking issues, as well as a number of lifestyle magazines including Real Living and Qantas, and is the author of Getting Rich, Staying Rich.

“This year’s Professionals Congress is all about inspiring delegates to embrace change, discover new ideas and explore opportunities for growth, both professionally and personally. I for one can’t wait to hear our speakers’ fresh perspectives on what lies ahead for financial  planners. And there’s still more to come. We’ll be announcing further speakers in the coming weeks,” added Mr De Gori.

Delegates are encouraged to book early for Hobart, to benefit from an early bird rate that provides a saving of $150 off the registration fee. Delegates are also encouraged to book flights and accommodation in Hobart as far in advance as possible, to secure their first choice.

Further updates on speakers and the workshop program will be released in the lead up to the event. For more information or to register, please visit the FPA website.

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