As part of World Consumer Rights Day on Tuesday a website aimed at helping consumers control their own finances was launched at the Hume Global Learning Village in Melbourne’s Broadmeadows.

Member for Calwell Maria Vamvakinou, Assistant Treasurer Bill Shorten and Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer David Bradbury were in attendance as members of the Broadmeadows Historical Society were among the first consumers to test drive the new MoneySmart website, developed by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Historical Society president Elayne Whatman said after a trial run of the MoneySmart website she was impressed with the results. “It’s easy to navigate…my husband Alan and I managed to put together our budget in under 10 minutes,” Ms Whatman said. “If I can do it, then anyone can, it’s a thumbs up for me.”

The website is the first part of the National Financial Literacy Strategy and an important step in the first stage of the Federal Government’s new banking competition public awareness campaign. The website contains 26 calculators and tools, including specially-designed mobile phone applications, to help people find the answers to their questions about money. “Whether you are signing up for your first mobile phone contract, starting a family or saving for retirement, the MoneySmart website offers independent, unbiased guidance,” Ms Vamvakinou said.

For more details visit www.moneysmart.gov.au