ABOUT US

We help ADF members and their families achieve greater financial security.
Our aim is to keep you informed so that you are in a position to make the best decisions possible for yourself and your family.
By Defence. For Defence.

Our Charter

The Australian Defence Force Financial Services Consumer Centre (ADF Consumer) was established in 2006. ADF Consumer is an expert and impartial entity that has three tasks under a Charter issued by the Chief of the Defence Force. The three tasks include:

Impartial Financial Education

To offer, in consultation with appropriate regulators, impartial, professional financial education (not personal advice) and relevant resource material to all ADF personnel, in order to assist them to make informed decisions and plans about their financial affairs, and empower them to improve their financial situation throughout their careers and post service.

Advisers to the Chiefs

To act as an expert and impartial advisory body to the Chief of the Defence Force and Service Chiefs on consumer matters related to the financial services industry. For the purposes of this Charter, 'financial services industry' generally describes organisations that offer banking, insurance, lending, superannuation and investment products and services.

Relationship Managers

To build and maintain a professional and positive relationship with relevant external agencies, particularly the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, relevant industry associations and regulators and participants in the financial services industry.

Annual Report

The ADF Financial Services Consumer Centre Annual Report describes our activities and achievements for the 2022-2023 Financial Year. This report has been prepared by ADF Consumer and you may contact us directly with any questions.

VIEW REPORT

Centre Members

Brigadier Jane Spalding, AM

Chair

Brigadier Spalding joined the Army Reserve as a soldier in 1981 before transferring to the Regular Army in 1983 and commissioning into the Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps.

She has filled a variety of logistics, explosive ordnance, training and personnel postings including Aide-de-Camp to the Governor-General, Divisional Officer at the Australian Defence Force Academy, Officer Commanding Proof and Experimental Establishment Graytown, Commanding Officer Army School of Logistic Operations, Director General Explosive Ordnance Joint Logistics Command and Chief of Staff Army Headquarters.

Brigadier Spalding has deployed to Timor Leste and Afghanistan.

She was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2013 Australia Day Honours and Awards for her service in the fields of recruiting and strategic reform. She received a Commendation for Distinguished Service in the 2022 Australia Day Honours and Awards for her service as Commander Task Group Afghanistan.

Brigadier Spalding is a graduate of the Australian Army Command and Staff College, Royal Military College of Science (UK), Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies and the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Human Resource Development) and Masters Degrees in Military Studies, Defence Studies and Strategic Studies. She served as a non-executive Director of the Australian Military Bank during the period 2007 – 2018.

Margot Kropinski-Myers

Director National Operations

Margot Kropinski-Myers has over 30 years’ experience in public sector human resources (HR) mostly in the Department of Defence. During her career, Margot has led specialist teams in areas including learning and development, strategic leadership, industrial relations, recruitment, governance, cultural reform and change management.

The common thread in Margot’s Defence career is her passion for helping others learn, grow and achieve their best for the organisation. She particularly enjoys coaching, mentoring and being involved in positive cultural reform initiatives.

Margot is currently the Director of National Operations for the Australian Defence Financial (ADF) Financial Services Consumer Centre (the Centre); Defence’s financial literacy education service for ADF members and their families. Margot was instrumental in the establishment and early development of the Centre in a previous role as the Director, Defence Personnel Support & Amenities Responsibilities in 2007-2010. In this role Margot was also was a member of the Forces Entertainment Advisory Board and a Trustee of the Army Relief Trust Fund.

Some of the other highlights in Margot’s career include managing the development and delivery of Defence wide APS Centenary events in 2001 and working with Timor Leste’s Secretariat of State for Defence in 2012-14 on a project to build HR capability in the Secretariat.

Margot’s educational qualifications include an Advanced Diploma of Government (Human Resources), Graduate Certificate in Management (Learning) and she holds the Financial Literacy Education skill set. Margot has represented Defence at international conferences and presented papers on a number of HR topics. She was the principal author of the National Housing Strategy Issues Paper ‘Housing Choice Reducing the Barriers’.