Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS)

This program aims to provide free financial counselling services nationally to farmers, fishing enterprises and small, related businesses suffering financial hardship. It was created in response to increased financial difficulties across the rural sector due to high interest rates, the deregulation of the financial sector, drought and depressed commodity prices.

The objectives of the program are to:
- Transition clients out of financial crisis.
- Improve profitability or facilitate a dignified exit.
- Improve financial wellbeing and resilience.

Rural financial counsellors help clients experiencing financial hardship to understand their financial position and adopt strategies to become financially self-sufficient. As part of their service, rural financial counsellors can also help to:
- Identify the financial and business options.
- Negotiate with the lenders.
- Identify other assistance schemes.
- Apply for Farm Household Allowance.

Rural financial counsellors do not give family, emotional or social counselling or financial advice, but can refer clients to other professional services, including accountants, agricultural advisors, education, or mental health services.

There are currently 12 RFCS service regions across Australia. Please refer to the website for the list of local RFCS of each state and territory.

Eligible client groups include:
- Farmers
- Fishing enterprises
- Forestry growers and harvesters
- Small related businesses