Workshops support adult financial literacy

The UQ Business School is supporting a community service project to improve the standard of adult financial literacy in Australia.

The School is coordinating the project and donating its services and facilities at its state-of-the-art UQ Business School Downtown CBD venue at 345 Queen Street.

The project involves designing and delivering a tuition program through a series of weekly workshops with the objective to better equip ordinary Australians to manage and control their financial circumstances.

Head of the UQ Business School, Professor Tim Brailsford said the School was proud to provide support to such a worthwhile and important initiative.

“The program is a small, but significant step in providing a pathway for individuals from all walks of life to gain a better understanding and control over their financial situations,” he said.

“Our decision to become involved and provide some leadership in the area reflects a sense of social responsibility. We are prepared to assist community members to gain greater control over their lives.”

Financial literacy has become something of a buzzword over the past 12 months with the federal government initiating a $5 million National Consumer and Financial Literacy Foundation.

According to the facilitator, Ron Skelly, the current turn of economic events makes the need for financial awareness within the general community all the more important.

“Few would argue that given our extremely high level of consumer debt and the vulnerability this represents, there will be considerable pitfalls and difficulties ahead for the individual,” he said.

“Therefore, the need for improving general adult financial capability could not be greater or more compelling.”

Mr Skelly has more than 10 years experience of running his own management consultancy firm. He said the program will take the form of 10 weekly training workshops, starting on April 8.

Topics will include financial responsibility, identifying risk and demystifying financial services as well as taxation, superannuation and social security law.

The program is open to all comers with a minimal charge for cost recovery set at $25 per session or $200 for the entire course.

Tuition will be delivered in the School’s downtown facility in the Brisbane CBD.

For more information telephone Fiona Sutton at UQ Business School Downtown at 07 3346 7111 or email finlit@business.uq.edu.au.

Media: Further information please contact Ms Sutton at 07 3346 7111 or Ms Cathy Stacey at telephone 07 3365 6179.