More help for communities impacted by drought

The Albanese Labor Government will provide an extra $2 million to boost the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) so more farmers and small-related businesses have access to free and independent support when times are tough.

The additional funding for the RFCS will enable this expert service to employ more financial counsellors, delivering more support to people on the ground.

Strengthening the RFCS follows the Government’s commitment last week to deliver more than $36 million in support to help Australian farmers and producers prepare for, and respond to, drought conditions.

The $2 million investment is in addition to the $800,000 committed last week for RFCS providers in South Australia and Victoria.

Demand for financial counselling is growing in a number of regions because of extreme weather. Extra resources will help RFCS service providers deliver better continuity of client services with more counsellors and shorter waiting times in areas with high demand.

The Albanese Labor Government will also convene the 2025 National Drought Forum at Gawler, South Australia.

Holding this year’s event in Gawler acknowledges the impact drought is having on farmers and rural communities in southern Australia. 

The Government holds the National Drought Forum every 2 years to bring together representatives from the Australian, state, territory and local governments, industry, the financial sector, First Nations communities and the not-for-profit sector.

The Forum, co-hosted with the National Farmers’ Federation reflecting a shared commitment to collaborating on drought will bring stakeholders from around the country to South Australia to discuss issues and emerging priorities. 

These new commitments build on the Albanese Labor Government’s $1 billion in rural support and drought resilience funding which has helped farmers to prepare, adapt and respond to a range of hardships and issues including drought. 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP: 

“We know that many farmers have been dealing with the fallout of severe weather patterns – whether that’s dry conditions in South Australia and Victoria, or flooding rains to our north. 

“That’s why we’re increasing the support available through the Rural Financial Counselling Service, a critical initiative that gives farmers support when they need it. 

“Farmers on the ground know the land the best, which is why we’re bringing the National Drought Forum to South Australia which is managing the real consequences of these harsh conditions.  

“Our Government’s investment of $1 billion rural support and drought resilience funding has helped farmers to prepare, adapt and respond to drought along with other hardships and issues our agriculture sector faces. 

“The Forum will be an important opportunity for a range of stakeholders to gather and discuss how we can continue to address drought both now and into the future collectively.”