Who can see that I have been in hardship?

Provided they have a valid reason or your consent to check your credit report, a bank, credit union, or licenced finance company may be able to see whether you have had a financial hardship arrangement in the last 12 months. If you apply for credit inside that period, your credit report may prompt a lender to ask a few more questions to understand whether you are still experiencing financial hardship and if you can afford the loan. 

If you use a broker to help you find a loan and give them consent to check your credit report, they will also see whether you have had a financial hardship arrangement in the last 12 months.