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— The PMO (@thepmo) June 6, 2018

RURAL Financial Counselling Service funding by the Coalition Government has been extended to June 30, 2020.

The government said it would invest an additional $20 million to extend all RFCS provider contracts to June 30 2020 and meet continued demand, bringing the total commitment to more than $70 million in four years.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull joined Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud in Central West NSW and Central West and South West Queensland last week to talk to drought-affected locals and RFCS counsellors.

“This funding demonstrates the Coalition Government’s commitment to supporting our farming communities to generate their own wealth and build strong, healthy livelihoods,” Mr Turnbull said.

“The Coalition Government has delivered $17 million to extend RFCS provider contracts to June 30 2020 and a further $3.4 million to meet continued demand, bringing the total to more than $70 million over four years to the RFCS.”

Mr Littleproud said the RFCS extension would be welcomed by communities across the country, with around two thirds of clients stating the service had helped build resilience in their businesses.

“The feedback speaks for itself: the program is working and as dry conditions continue the service must too.

“Each year around 4,500 clients seek help from the RFCS,” Mr Littleproud said.

“Counsellors sit down with clients at the kitchen table to talk it out, make a plan for the future and prepare for meetings with lenders, debt mediators and accountants.

“The counsellors also provide vital information about other assistance such as the government’s Farm Household Allowance and support to reach their goals while on payment,” he said.

“The FHA has helped over 7900 recipients so far.

“Around 85 percent of people coming off farm support said they are satisfied with the path ahead, which would indicate the program is working well,” Mr Littleproud said.

“Farmers are some of Australia’s hardest working, resourceful and resilient people, who keep plugging away no matter what Mother Nature throws at them, but sometimes you just need a bit extra support.”

For more information on the RFCS visit agriculture.gov.au/rfcs or call 1800 686 175.