AFCA acknowledges the devastating effect the Youpla collapse has had on many First Nations people and communities. We know that people put money into ACBF funds to help avoid a financial burden being placed on family at times of Sorry Business. This page provides updates about support programs and AFCA complaints.
New Youpla Support Program to open 1 July 2024
On 8 February 2024 the federal government announced its enduring resolution to help people impacted by the collapse of the Youpla Group.
The Youpla Group, also known as the Aboriginal Community Benefit Fund (ACBF), sold funeral plans to First Nations people. The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) found in complaints that ACBF misled people and used deceptive sales tactics.
From 1 July 2024, the Australian Government will provide resolution payments through a new Youpla Support Program.
The Youpla Support Program will replace the existing Youpla Group Funeral Benefits Program after that program closes on 30 June 2024.
The new program will be open to people who made payments for Youpla/ACBF funeral plans that were active any time on or after 1 August 2015.
• Please see more information from the National Indigenous Australians Agency.
• In addition, the Financial Rights Legal Centre has a factsheet here.
Youpla Group Funeral Benefits Program to end 30 June 2024
The existing Youpla Group Funeral Benefits Program will operate until 30 June 2024.
Family may be eligible for the Youpla Group Funeral Benefits Program if a loved one passes away before 1 July 2024. The person who passed away must have had a Youpla Group funeral plan that was active any time on or after 1 April 2020.
For more information about this program visit treasury.gov.au/youpla.
What about my AFCA complaint?
After the collapse of the Youpla/ACBF businesses in 2022, AFCA paused work on complaints it had received about those businesses.
We paused complaints because the businesses were no longer operating but we wanted to keep the complaints on record in case there were other developments.
We will be looking at what this program means for the complaints we have on our records as more detail becomes available over coming months.
In the meantime, you do not need to do anything about your complaint with AFCA.
What about my unpaid AFCA determination?
In 178 decisions against ACBF companies AFCA had required ACBF to pay compensation to customers totalling $1.4 million. Not all payments had been made at the time Youpla/ACBF collapsed.
We will confirm with the government and its agencies how AFCA determinations will be treated under the new program.
In the meantime, you do not need to do anything.
If you are feeling distressed or experiencing hardship
You may be feeling uncertain or distressed while you wait for further information. Here are some services that are available to you:
- 13 YARN is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander free counselling support service. You can contact them on 13 92 76
- Mob Strong, Debt Help is a free legal advice and financial counselling service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. You can visit their website or Facebook page or call 1800 808 488
- The National Debt Helpline offers free, independent and confidential help for people in financial hardship. Visit their website or call them on 1800 007 007.
- Visit Beyond Blue’s website or contact them on 1300 22 4636
- Lifeline is available via this website or on 13 11 14
