The managing director of the Finance Brokers Association of Australia (FBAA) Peter White AM has called on brokers to check in on each other in the midst of continual negative news.

Pointing to the drought, bushfires and now Coronavirus, Mr White said the media and public conversation has been focused on negativity and disaster for a long time, and brokers are not immune to the mental health effects.

“We know that many brokers have been personally impacted over the past year by these issues, and many have had family members who have struggled.

“The continual cycle of gloom and pessimism from the wider community, sorting out client problems, and the current need for more personal isolation, is not a healthy mix,” he said.”

He labelled finance brokers “a close-knit family” and said it’s time to ask each other, “R U OK?”.

“The FBAA has placed a large emphasis on mental health over many years, because while our members are brokers, first and foremost they are people.”

Mr White said it is clear that our members value the community and support that an industry association offers not only professionally but personally.

“I want every broker to know that we are here for them, but I’d like them to also know that their colleagues are looking out for them.

“There will always be challenges, and we can get though the current season as long as we remember to look after each other.”