The changes to hardship procedures have prompted a review of collections processes generally, including the ASIC/ACCC debt collection guidelines in RG96.

The guidelines take into account the privacy rights of debtors and the law against undue harassment and cover issues including:

• how you make contact with a debtor
• the time of day you can make contact with a debtor
• how often you can make contact with a debtor
• where you can make contact with a debtor (including guidelines for contacting debtors at their home or workplace)
• contacting third parties and family members to obtain information about a debtor
• the role of debt collectors, and
• record keeping.

Early intervention and good skills, systems and forms are increasingly important in enforcement.