Farm family business review scheme to assist farmers

24/11/00
Primary Industry Minister Monty House has announced a Farm Family Business Review scheme to assist farming families with their financial planning as a result of current adverse seasonal conditions in parts of Western Australia.
The scheme is an initiative of the Seasonal Advisory Committee established by Mr House last month to manage a co-ordinated approach to delivering appropriate support services to those farming communities needing assistance.
The review is a joint project between Agriculture Western Australia (AGWEST), the Australian Association of Agricultural Consultants (AAAC) and the Society of Certified Practising Accountants (CPA).
Mr House said that the Farm Family Business Review would provide rural families with the opportunity for a free independent review of their financial/business circumstances.
Farm families can access the review process through the Seasonal Solutions Hotline (1800 803 939) which was established by the committee last month.
The service will work closely with the existing network of rural counsellors.
AAAC past president and Seasonal Advisory Committee member David Falconer said the review service would provide farm families with an initial one-hour contact with the consulting team.
"This initial interview will give the consultants a better understanding of the family farm circumstances," Mr Falconer said.
"At the conclusion of this meeting, the family will have the opportunity to request a half-day review with the consultant."
Mr Falconer said consultants have the capacity to access established information resources and professional networks currently used to service existing clients, in addition to resources of government agencies.
Mr House said that the Government would continue to work with farming communities to provide a range of services which would assist them through the challenging times ahead.
Media contact: Julie Cole 9481 2044