Counselling investment

There will be more help for farmers facing hardship with the Federal Government investing a further $3.7-million in a Rural Financial Counselling Service.

The extra money will bring the government commitment to the service to $77-million.

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said the Rural Financial Counselling Service had given crucial support to farming families during recent floods and drought.

“Rural counsellors are our angels on the ground,” he said.

“One of many things they do is help fill out Farm Household Allowance applications for farmers – for free.”

Mr Littleproud said the Rural Financial Counselling Service would decide how best to use the extra $3.7-million.

“This free service helps farmers cut through red tape and access all the support available to them,” he said.

“Since August the RFCS hotline has received more than 1300 calls for assistance.”

Mr Littleproud said more information on Rural Financial Counselling Services was available online at agriculture.gov.au/rfcs.