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  7. History of the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS)

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  • Rural Financial Counselling Service
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    • History of the RFCS

History of the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS)

This webpage retains important historical information regarding the RFCS program. This includes internal and independent reviews that have been conducted over the years to ensure the program remained fit for purpose and continued to meet the changing needs of clients.

Background

The RFCS program was created in 1986, 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. It was initially intended as a short-term assistance measure, but has continued in several forms to the present day.

The RFCS provides free financial counselling services nationally to farmers, fishers, foresters and small related businesses suffering financial hardship. The RFCS is locally focussed and trusted in regional communities.

The National Recovery and Resilience Agency (NRRA) is responsible for the RFCS program from July 2021. Previously, the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) was responsible for the program.

Reviews of the RFCS

2019 internal review of the RFCS Program

In 2019, the department undertook an internal review into the 2016 to 2020 RFCS Program. The review was informed by a significant public consultation process, interacting with approximately 150 stakeholders. The internal report was released in October 2019.

Document Pages File size
Internal review of the 2016—2020 Rural Financial Counselling Service Program PDF PDF Icon 59 1.1 MB
Internal review of the 2016—2020 Rural Financial Counselling Service Program DOCX PDF Icon 59 895 KB

2014 Review of the RFCS Program

In May 2014, the Minister for Agriculture commissioned the National Rural Advisory Council (NRAC) with undertaking a review of the RFCS Program. NRAC’s report was released by the Minister for Agriculture on 10 November 2014.

Document Pages File size
NRAC report on the review of the RFCS program PDF PDF Icon 103 3.5 MB
NRAC report on the review of the RFCS program DOC PDF Icon 103 921 KB

Overarching Report of the 2012 RFCS Service Provider Performance Audits

In 2012, PricewaterhouseCoopers undertook performance audits of the 14 organisations delivering rural financial counselling services. Below is a summary of the audit findings and recommendations.

Document Pages File size
Performance Assessment of Rural Financial Counselling Service Providers PDF PDF Icon 30 1.3 MB
Performance Assessment of Rural Financial Counselling Service Providers DOC PDF Icon 30 1.7 MB

2009 Evaluation of the RFCS Program

In 2009 the department commissioned the Charles Sturt University to conduct an online survey of RFCS clients.

The aim of the survey was to evaluate client satisfaction with the RFCS, the appropriateness of referrals to other professional services, the extent of improvement in clients’ situations and changes in management practices as a result of interaction with the RFCS.

Document Pages File size
The Rural Financial Counselling Service: an Evaluation PDF PDF Icon 102 719 KB

Overarching Report of the 2007 RFCS Service Provider Performance Audits

In 2007, WalterTurnbull undertook performance audits of the 16 organisations delivering rural financial counselling services. Below is a summary of the audit findings and recommendations.

Document Pages File size
Overarching Report of the 2007 RFCS Service Provider Performance Audits PDF PDF Icon 17 111 KB
Overarching Report of the 2007 RFCS Service Provider Performance Audits DOC PDF Icon 17 163 KB

Cover for Report on the Review of the Rural Financial Counselling Program  

2004 Review of the RFCS Program

In 2004, that National Rural Advisory Council reviewed the RFCS Program. The complete report can be downloaded as one PDF or individual sections can be downloaded.

Document Pages File size
Report on the Review of the Rural Financial Counselling Service Program PDF PDF Icon 257 6.7 MB

Sections of the report:

Document Pages File size
Contents and executive summary PDF PDF Icon 17 216 KB
Chapters 1-8 PDF PDF Icon 133 850 KB
Appendixes 1-4 PDF PDF Icon 22 147 KB
Appendix 5: Map of socio-economic disadvantage by region PDF PDF Icon 2 2.3 MB
Appendixes 6-17 PDF PDF Icon 56 1.1 MB
Appendixes 18-19 PDF PDF Icon 6 1.5 MB
Appendixes 20-22 PDF PDF Icon 15 852 KB
Acronyms and abbreviations PDF PDF Icon 4 59 KB

Cover for The Way Forward  

The Way Forward

This report includes the executive summary from the 2004 Review report (above), the terms of reference for the review committee and the aims, objectives, outcomes and key principles for an enhanced RFCS Program.

Document Pages File size
The Way Forward PDF PDF Icon 18 281 KB

Cover for the Report on the 2003 Performance Review and Audit of teh Rurtal Financial Counselling Services  

2003 Acumen Alliance Performance Review and Audit

In 2003, Acumen Alliance completed a performance review of 24 rural financial counselling services. Below is a summary containing the publicly available information, of the review's findings and recommendations.

Document Pages File size
A report on the 2003 performance review and audit of rural financial counselling services PDF PDF Icon 40 657 KB

2000 Evaluation of the Rural Communities Program (RCP)

In 2000, the Social Sciences Centre of the Bureau of Rural Sciences (now ABARES) was commissioned to evaluate the RCP. The evaluation examined program performance and future directions and options for change.

Document Pages File size
2000 Evaluation of the Rural Communities Program PDF PDF Icon 157 3.2 MB
2000 Evaluation of the Rural Communities Program DOC PDF Icon 157 2.5 MB

 If you have difficulty accessing these files, visit web accessibility for assistance.

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Last updated: 10 October 2021

© Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.