The Rural Financial Counselling Service, which provides assistance to farmers experiencing financial hardship or drought, has been extended to 2020.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Agriculture Minister David Littleproud made the announcement while visiting farms in NSW and Queensland this week to chat to drought-affected locals and RFCS counsellors.
“This funding demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting our farming communities to generate their own wealth and build strong, healthy livelihoods,” Mr Turnbull said.
“The Coalition Government has delivered $17 million to extend RFCS provider contracts to June 30, 2020, and a further $3.4 million to meet continued demand.”
Mr Turnbull said new funding would bring the government’s commitment to RFCS to more than $70 million over four years.
Mr Littleproud said the RFCS extension would be welcomed by communities across the country, with around two-thirds of clients saying the service had helped build resilience in their businesses.
“The feedback speaks for itself – the program is working and as dry conditions continue, the service must, too,” Mr Littleproud said.
“Each year around 4500 clients seek help from the RFCS.
“Counsellors sit down with clients at the kitchen table to talk it out, make a plan for the future and prepare for meetings with lenders, debt mediators and accountants.
“The counsellors also provide vital information about other assistance such as the government’s Farm Household Allowance and support to reach their goals while on payment.”
Mr Littleproud said the Farm Household Allowance had helped more than 7900 farmers so far.
“Around 85 per cent of people coming off farm support said they are satisfied with the path ahead, which would indicate the program is working well,” Mr Littleproud said.
“Farmers are some of Australia’s hardest working, most resourceful and resilient people, who keep plugging away no matter what Mother Nature throws at them, but sometimes you just need a bit extra support.”
More information about the RFCS is available online or by calling 1800-686-175.
