The Coalition Government has announced it will invest an $20 million to extend all Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) provider contracts to 30 June 2020 and to meet continued demand.
The RFCS has been helping farmers across the country deal with financial hardship and drought for more than 30 years.
Each year around 4,500 people seek help from the RFCS.
Minister for Agriculture and Water Resrouces David Littleproud said 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 FHA has helped over 7,900 recipients 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.
“Farmers are some of Australia’s hardest working, 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.”
The new investment brings the total commitment to more than $70 million in four years.
Source: Minister for Agriculture and Water Resrouces. For more information on the RFCS visit agriculture.gov.au/rfcs or call 1800 686 175.
HAVE YOUR SAY