NSW farmers Walcha branch chairperson Sonia O’Keefe said a secure future for the service was vital for improving farmers’ understanding of their financial situation and what assistance is available in times of need.

“I think that this is an important issue for rural business, in and out of drought,” Mrs O’Keefe said.  

“Rural financial councillors offer completely independent advice for farmers which has proven to be extremely valuable. At the moment we are suggesting to farmers that they don’t self-assess their situation, but speak to a rural financial councillor, as some people are eligible for assistance and they do not realise this.  

“The policy at the moment is reasonably complicated and it changes over time. The rural financial councillors have all the latest information and can help people to fill out claims.  The NSW Farmers alongside the National Farmers Federation will be putting a submission to the review supporting the retention of rural financial councillors.”

NSW Farmers’ rural affairs spokeswoman Sarah Thompson said they strongly rejected claims by the Report of the National Commission of Audit to abolish the counselling service.

“The RFCS provides an important and well recognised service and delivers free and independent assistance to producers,” she said.