April 20 2011
TFGA calls on Feds to save financial counselling
Tasmanian farmers say it is imperative that their financial lifeline, the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS), survives not only beyond June 30 but into the foreseeable future with guaranteed funding.
With speculation that the Federal Government will not renew the service’s funding in the forthcoming Budget, it faces closure. This would end 25 years of skilled financial advice to farmers, a service that the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association says has been of immense value here.
“In Tasmania, the demand for the service has escalated four-fold over the past four years,” TFGA chief executive Jan Davis said today.
“One in 10 farmers here consults the service each year. Nationally it has almost 10,000 clients.
“Our farmers and rural businesses have to operate in an environment of extreme weather events, highly volatile dairy and wool prices and an uncertain future for many processors.
“The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences says that, nationally, 69 per cent of farmers and rural businesses are facing financial difficulties. Many are still struggling from the financial impact of the drought whilst being hit with flooding.
“The Rural Financial Counselling Service in Tasmania is needed more than ever. This should not be a case of closing it down because this particular drought is over,” Ms Davis said.
“There is no other agency in Tasmania with the skills and network to deliver this service. The RFCS needs security of funding in the long term. It should not have to be put through the wringer like this. Tasmanian farmers deserve better.”
Jan Davis http://www.tfga.com.au/
