The move comes as part of the government’s Fairer Finance for Aussie Farmers policy announced on Saturday, which aims to “boost support and assistance to farmers struggling with acute levels of debt,” according to a joint statement from Treasurer Wayne Swan and agriculture minister Senator Joe Ludwig.
Among a range of measures, an additional 16 personnel will be deployed to the Rural Financial Counselling Service, which the statement says is a “crucial service which provides free, impartial and independent financial advice right into the offices and onto the kitchen tables of Australian farming businesses”.
The recruits will bolster the team of more than 100 rural financial counsellers already in operation.
The reforms will also seek to enhance farm management deposits, provide farmers with access to concessional loans, and provide a new framework for rural debt mediation.
Hi Cynthia and other FP
I finished my DIP FP last year and about to start the KAPLAN SMSF course but would love to get into this RURAL FINANCIAL COUNSELLORS sector. Any insights or directions you could point me in , whilst I do my own research too as to which govt dept etc ?P.s am in my 40s with a people background in military, community,mushroom compost farm, airline, education sectors. Am in ACT.
Thanks all.
Very exciting. lianefp@gmail.com
At last, support for the too few Financial Counsellors currently in the industry. Being a Financial Planner (with an Ag. Science qualification) I can understand the need for specialists.