Association of Independent Retirees - Widely known as AIR and is the peak body representing the views of fully and partly self-funded retirees. AIR policies endeavour to achieve dignity, independence and freedom of choice, recognising a diverse range of individual circumstances. (www.independentretirees.com)
Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia - (ASFA) is a non-profit, non-political national organisation whose mission is to protect, promote and advance the interests of Australia's superannuation funds, their trustees and their members. (www.superannuation.asn.au)
Australian Consumers Association - (ACA) Publisher of 'Choice' magazine, website and books is a not-for-profit organisation which has been researching and campaigning on behalf of consumers since 1959. ACA is an independent organisation, therefore doesn't receive ongoing funding from any commercial, government or any other organisations. (www.choice.com.au)
Australian Financial Councelling and Credit Reform Association - (AFCCRA) is the peak body for financial counsellors in Australia. Financial counsellors provide information to consumers in financial difficulty. Financial Counsellors are based in community agencies and are funded largely by State or Federal Governments. (www.afccra.org)
Australian Investors' Association - (AIA) was formed in 1991 by a small group of investors who recognised there was a need for an organisation which could represent the interests of private investors across the broad spectrum of investment products available in the retail market. (www.investors.asn.au)
Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority - (APRA) The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) is the prudential regulator of the Australian financial services industry. It oversees banks, credit unions, building societies, general insurance and reinsurance companies, life insurance, friendly societies, and most members of the superannuation industry. (www.apra.gov.au)
Australian Securities & Investment Commission - (ASIC) enforces and regulates company and financial services laws to protect consumers, investors and creditors. ASIC regulates financial markets, securities, futures, corporations, and is responsible for consumer protection in superannuation, insurance, deposit taking and credit. ASIC reports to the Commonwealth Parliament, the Treasurer and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer. (www.asic.gov.au)
Australian Shareholder's Association - The Australian Shareholder's Association is a not-for-profit organisation established in 1960 to protect and advance the interested of investors. They provide shareholders in listed companies with a voice at company meetings, pressing for improvements in transparency and accountability in relation to company performance, executive remuneration, treatment of minority shareholders, risk management and dividend policy. (www.asa.asn.au)
Australian Stock Exchange - (ASX) Helps listed companies raise capital - provides opportunities for investors to build their wealth - enabling buyers and sellers to transact with confidence on the stock market. The ASX plays a crucial role in sustaining the health of the Australian economy. (www.asx.com.au)
Australian Taxation Office - The Australian Taxation Office is the Government's principal revenue collection agency, and is part of the Treasurer's portfolio. Their role is to manage and shape tax, excise and superannuation systems that fund services for Australians. (www.ato.gov.au)
Centrelink - is an agency of the Department of Human Services delivering a range of services to the community. Centrelink is a statutory authority responsible to the Minister of Human Services. (www.centrelink.gov.au)
Council on the Ageing (COTA) - is an organisation concerned with all issues related to ageing. It is an independent, non-party political and non-religious organisation working to protect and promote the well-being, rights and interests of all older people and their carers, irrespective of socio-economic, ethnic, religious or cultural background.
(www.cota-act.org.au)
(www.cotansw.com.au)
(www.cotaq.org.au)
(www.cotasa.org.au)
(www.cotavic.org.au)
(www.cotawa.asn.au)
Credit Union Dispute Resolution Centre - (CUDRC) was established in November 1996 to assist participating credit unions and their members resolve complaints in a fair, timely and cost-effective manner. (www.cudrc.com.au)
Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs - (FaCSIA) is the Australian Government's principal source of advice on social policy issues. FaCSIA works in partnership with other government and non-government organisations in the management of a diverse range of programs and services which support and improve the lives of Australians. (www.fahcsia.gov.au)
Department of Health and Ageing - The Department's web site contains a comprehensive range of topics relevant for consumers (eg: families, seniors, adults, parents, singles, teenagers, carers etc). These topics are categorised as ageing, education and prevention, conditions and diseases, health products and medicines, healthcare systems, health workforce, rural health, health priorities, services, ethical issues, and gene technology. (www.health.gov.au)
Department of Human Services - A Federal Government department that focuses on the services needed at different stages throughout life. In October 2004, the Government placed new emphasis on the delivery of social and health related services. (www.humanservices.gov.au)
Department of Veterans' Affairs - DVA exists to serve members of Australia's veteran and defence force communities, war widows and widowers, widows and dependants, through programs of care, compensation, commemoration and defence support services. (www.dva.gov.au)
Federation of Ethnic Community Councils of Australia - (FECCA) is the peak national body representing Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. FECCA's role is to advocate, lobby and promote issues on behalf of its constituency to government, business and the broader community. (www.fecca.org.au)
Financial Industry Complaints Service - (FICS) is an external dispute resolution (EDR) scheme that was established to provide free advice and assistance to consumers to help them in resolving complaints relating to members of the financial services industry, including life insurance, pooled superannuation trusts, funds management, financial advice, stock broking, investment advice and sales of financial or investment products. There is no charge to consumers for any service provided by FICS in handling complaints. (www.fics.asn.au)
The Financial Ombudsman Service - (FOS) provides a free dispute resolution service for consumers and the Australian banking, insurance and investment industries. In 2008, the Banking & Financial Services Ombudsman (BFSO), Financial Industry Complaints Service (FICS) and Insurance Ombudsman Service (IOS) merged to form FOS. Also, in January 2009, the Credit Union Dispute Resolution Centre (CUDRC) and the Insurance Brokers Disputes Limited (IBD) respectively became the Mutuals and Insurance Broking divisions of FOS. (www.fos.org.au)
Investment and Financial Services Association Limited - (IFSA) is a national not-for-profit organisation which represents the retail and wholesale funds management, superannuation and life insurance industries. (www.ifsa.com.au)
National Seniors - National Seniors is a not-for-profit membership based community organisation which has as its major objectives: to provide economic and social benefits for people 50 years and over; represent its members' views to Government at all levels; and to make donations and provide service and advice to charitable institutions assisting people 50 years and over. (www.nationalseniors.com.au)
Office for Women - The Australian Government Office for Women (OFW) is part of the Australian Government Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. The Office provides policy advice to the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women's Issues on issues affecting women in Australia. (www.ofw.facs.gov.au)
Seniors.gov.au - Website provided by the Department of Health and Ageing to answer questions on aged accommodation i.e. nursing homes and hostels. Seniors.gov.au is the Australian Government's premier online source of information for Australians over 50 and provides the community with access to Australian Government information and services relevant to older Australians. (www.seniors.gov.au)
Seniors Enquiry Line - Seniors Enquiry Line is a statewide information and referral service which gives Queensland seniors, their family, friends and carers access to information on topics of interest to seniors. It provides information on concessions, social activities, household assistance, retirement accommodation, financial and legal matters, health, education and transport. (www.seniorsenquiryline.com.au)
Seniors Information Service - The Seniors Information Service is a service of the NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care. It is provided by a call centre. (www.dadhc.nsw.gov.au)
Superannuation Complaints Tribunal - (SCT) is an independent tribunal set up by the Commonwealth Government to deal with complaints about superannuation funds, annuities, deferred annuities and Retirement Savings Accounts (RSA). (www.sct.gov.au)
Taxpayers Australia - is a not-for-profit educational institution that is not affiliated with any political party or any pressure group. They aim to educate taxpayers via the media, educational publications and seminars on issues relating to tax and superannuation. (www.taxpayer.com.au)
The Aged-care Rights Service Inc - (TARS) is an advocacy service for older residents of aged care facilities (nursing homes and hostels) and retirement villages and people receiving Community Aged Care Packages (CACP) and EACH packages (Extended Aged Care in the Home) within NSW. TARS also provides information for people intending moving to an aged care facility or a retirement village. All calls to TARS are confidential. (www.tars.com.au)