Indigenous consumers, financial stress and emotional wellbeing

Abstract

Much has been written about the links between poverty and physical health as recognised by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (2008) in Close the Gap. Much less has been written about the links between financial (or economic) status and mental health. This paper seeks to bring together some of the literature available on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and emotional wellbeing with a particular focus on the impact of financial stress caused by consumer issues. In 2010 a report published on the law relating to unconscionable conduct and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers (Loban, 2010) found an important legal issue for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people was the lack of legal protection from the unfair practices of businesses. This paper will show that whilst consumer protection is primarily a legal problem there is a vital role for health professionals to play in relation to the emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people suffering financial stress as a result of rogue traders.