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:
Celebrating 20 years of the Australian defence force financial services consumer centre
On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the ADF Financial Services Consumer Centre, I extend my sincere gratitude and congratulations for two decades of outstanding service to the Australian Defence community.
For 20 years, the Centre has been a trusted source of impartial financial education, guidance and advocacy for serving members of the ADF and their families. The team's commitment to improving financial literacy has empowered tens of thousands of individuals to make informed decisions, navigate financial challenges and build stronger financial futures.
The work of the Centre has always been about more than numbers. It has been about supporting the people who serve our nation by helping them achieve financial wellbeing and resilience. Through education, practical resources and unwavering dedication, the Centre has made a lasting difference to the lives of Defence members and their families at every stage of their military careers.
This milestone is a testament to the vision, professionalism and perseverance of everyone who has contributed to the Centre's success over the past two decades. From those who recognised the need for an independent source of financial education and consumer advocacy, to the members of the team who continue that mission today, your efforts have created an enduring legacy of service.
As the Centre celebrates this remarkable anniversary, I thank all members of the team, past and present, for their commitment to empowering the Defence community through knowledge, integrity and compassion.
Congratulations on reaching this significant milestone. May the next 20 years continue to build upon this proud legacy of education, service and positive impact.
AT A GLANCE
Twenty years ago, Defence stood up the ADF Financial Services Consumer Council to help ADF members and their families better manage their money. We believe Defence is the largest employer in Australia providing comprehensive financial literacy education for its people. Take a look through two decades of financial literacy education in our anniversary timeline.
2006
ADFFSCC BEGINS
ADF Financial Services Consumer Council officially launched at Defence HQ, Canberra. 15 September 2006
2007
at transition seminars
‘Your Money and You' launches, starting a tradition at every Transition Seminar. Many changes through the years, now the name of our e-newsletter.
2008
INITIAL TRAINING
Financial education embedded in all recruit schools.
2009
By Defence, for Defence
Trusted through-career financial education on base, see “Access to Bases.”
2010
ADF ONLINE BUDGET CALCULATOR
Still a favourite on our website today.
2011
FINANCIAL LITERACY SYMPOSIUM @ ADFA
Televised nationally.
2012
NATIONAL FINANCIAL LITERACY AWARD
Recognised by the Australian Government for our commitment to national financial literacy.
2013
‘Virtual contact centre’ BEGINS
Answering hundreds of queries each year.
2014
name change!
We become the ADF Financial Services Consumer Centre.
2015
Financial Advice Referral Program grows:
21 advisers in 2015, 37 today.
2016
SUPER CHANGES
Bespoke resources for ADF Super and super choice and how they differ from MSBS and DFRDB.
2017
Indigenous Development Program expands
In depth workshops offered to Army and Navy Indigenous Developement Programs.
2018
National Financial Capability Strategy
Our work is referenced in the Australian Government's National Financial Capability Strategy.
2019–20
REMOTE DELIVERY options
During the COVID-19 pandemic we delivered virtually where required and still support members this way when requested.
2020–21
SERCAT CHANGE ESTIMATOR
Joins the Employment Package Estimator on our website.
2021–22
FINANCIAL ADVISERS VIDEO
“Financial Advisers: The Facts and The Fiction" joins the Video Library
2022–23
CONNECTED TO FINANCIAL COUNSELLING
ADFFSCC connects members with Bravery Trust's financial counsellors.
2023–24
FINANCIAL WELLNESS QUIZ LAUNCHED
There are now 8 interactive online quizzes on our website.
2024–25
BIGGEST YEAR EVER
213 seminars delivered to approximately 20,000 attendees.
2025 - 2026
HERE TO HELP
See our September 2026 Newsletter articles on our 20th Anniversary: Newsletter Articles and subscribe for up-to-date news in your inbox.
We believe Defence is the largest employer in Australia providing comprehensive financial literacy education for its people.
Annual Report
The ADF Financial Services Consumer Centre Annual Report describes our activities and achievements for the 2023-2024 Financial Year. This report has been prepared by ADF Consumer and you may contact us directly with any questions.
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.
Haley Ison
Director
Haley joined the Australian Public Service in 2002 as a museum host at the National Museum of Australia. She developed her ministerial writing and coordination skills at the Child Support Agency before transitioning to Defence in 2010. Her experience within Defence has been at the highest levels of the organisation including supporting the Vice Chief of the Defence Force, the Chief information Officer, and CJ Health before changing her focus to supporting ADF Reservists and their civilian employers in 2019. Haley elected to take a secondment to DVA in 2021 to support their Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide Taskforce before returning to Defence in 2022 as the Governance Director for Joint Support Services Division and Cadet Reserve Support Division. As a testament to her professionalism and commitment to ministerial and Parliamentary Services Haley was awarded a VCDF Silver Commendation in 2018.
Driven, positive and adaptable, Haley’s career to date includes responsibilities spanning all levels of the organisation.
Her demonstrated capabilities enabled a successful National Call out of the Reserves, and Haley had led key national and international stakeholder engagement activities that positively impacted Defence Strategic outcomes. She has worked within DVA driving key activities during the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and, in the Military People Organisation, supporting outcomes from the National Defence Strategy.
Haley lives with her three children, her menagerie of animals and enjoys caravanning adventures.
