Rural Financial Counselling Funding Continues

25th February 2015 – Financial Counselling Australia welcomes today’s announcment by the Minister for Agriculture, Barnaby Joyce that funding for the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) will continue at current levels.

A review of the RFCS had recommended an across-the-board reduction in funding of 20%. Recognising the continuing drought and difficult conditions in the bush, it was heartening that the Government did not accept this recommendation.

Rural financial counsellors assist primary producers, fishers and small rural businesses in financial hardship. The program is funded through the Department of Agriculture.Generalist financial counsellors assist individuals and families and are funded through the Department of Social Services.

Financial Counselling Australia works predominantly with generalist financial counsellors, although some rural financial counsellors are also members of their respective State/Territory financial counselling associations.

We look forward to continuing to work with our colleagues in the bush.