She's On The Money Financial Confidence for Our First Nations Community with Leah Bennett
Nov 28, 2025
Leah Bennett, a Proud Wiradjuri woman and expert in financial services, leads the First Nations Foundation, focusing on culturally informed financial literacy. In this discussion, she explores how historical context and institutional mistrust impact financial confidence for First Nations communities. Leah shares valuable insights on budgeting, setting boundaries with kinship obligations, and navigating the complexities of superannuation. She emphasizes the importance of tailored financial education and access to culturally safe support for empowering communities.
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Sharing Economy Can Become Harmful
- First Nations communities practise a sharing economy where money is distributed across kinship obligations rather than accumulated.
- This cultural norm is positive but can become harmful when others take advantage, creating 'humbugging' and financial abuse.
Call A Financial Counsellor First
- If someone needs help with money, contact a financial counsellor because the service is free and can advocate on your behalf.
- Financial counsellors can help navigate severe debt, contact ombudsmen, and provide crisis budgeting support.
ATO Debt Cleared After Ombudsman Action
- Leah shared a case where a woman was wrongly pursued by the ATO for $180,000 because her ex set up a fraudulent business.
- After advocacy and contacting the tax ombudsman, the ATO wiped the debt.
