Advisers back 'perception correction' campaign

Leading the crowdsourcing campaign – which was launched in December 2014 – Melinda Houghton of AON Hewitt authorised rep firm Houghton Strategic Solutions said 69 advisers across the country have donated, but added she would like to see more advisers get behind the campaign.

So far, advisers from Victoria and Queensland are leading the charge, making an average donation of $187 and $429 respectively.

While a few advisers from New South Wales have donated, Ms Houghton pointed out that they have some ground to cover to catch up with Victoria and Queensland.

The campaign is about trying to correct the poor image the financial advice industry currently has and about showing Australians the good work advisers do for people, she said.

“We want more people to get more advice, by breaking down the negativity barriers that are stopping people from understanding what most advisers actually do,” Ms Houghton said.

“The campaign will do this through the powerful medium of good-news stories – using real life examples of how financial advice produces a positive result, and how clients have developed trusting, long-term relationships with their advisers.

“These stories will be shared through a variety of formats including professionally-produced video, cartoons, blogs, podcasts, and articles,” she said.

With the campaign aiming to raise at least $100,000, Ms Houghton said that if advisers feel passionately about the industry and the good work they do, they should visit visit www.positivityforplanners.com.au.