Quotes attributable to Bettina Cooper: Boandik woman, Save Sorry Business Coalition Coordinator, and Aboriginal Financial Counsellor at Mob Strong Debt Help
"It is over thirty years since Youpla started targeting First Nations communities with misleading practices, selling them funeral insurance marketed as a funeral fund."
"It is over twenty years since successive federal governments approved Youpla to receive payments via Centrepay, taking family income out of social security payments before they could put food on the table."
"During this time, state and federal governments and regulators knew what was happening but failed to stop this financial exploitation. They ignored the warnings and allowed this predatory company to take over $170 million from more than 100,000 First Nations families."
"It is now a year since Youpla collapsed and the Save Sorry Business Coalition first called for urgent action to alleviate financial and cultural harm in First Nations communities. This trauma is ongoing and continues to increase the gap in terms of financial security, social and emotional wellbeing, and life expectancy."
"In the past year, First Nations advocates, financial counsellors and policyholders have travelled to Canberra six times and held dozens of meetings with ministers, MPs, advisers and departments - including with Minister Linda Burney, Minister Stephen Jones, the NIAA and Treasury. We have worked constructively with the Federal Government at every stage, including supporting the Interim Youpla Scheme."
"Prior to the Budget on Tuesday, Minister Burney met with Save Sorry Business Coalition members and reiterated the Federal Government's commitment to providing a fair and culturally appropriate resolution for the victims of Youpla. This included culturally appropriate options such as bonds and repayments."
"While we are disappointed that a permanent Youpla scheme was not established in the May Federal Budget, we welcome the commitment given to us in person by Minister Linda Burney."
"We support steps being taken by the Federal Government to establish a fair and culturally appropriate scheme within the next few months and to finalise the full details of the scheme, including scope and timing. These details will give First Nations communities certainty and confidence in the process."
"We will continue to work with Ministers Linda Burney and Stephen Jones to ensure their promise to First Nations people is delivered in full before the Interim Scheme expires in November 2023."
"We have listened to the voices of First Nations people and all members of the Save Sorry Business Coalition will continue to fight for a fair and just outcome for all those harmed."
Editorial note: Youpla refers to the companies and funds operated under the names Youpla and ACBF
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