RFCS service providers should adhere to the RFCS 2016 to 2019 Grant Guidelines.
Information for RFCS providers and their staff is provided under RFCS administration resources through a password protected sharepoint web page.
The Minister for Agriculture, the Hon. Barnaby Joyce MP, commissioned the National Rural Advisory Council with undertaking a review of the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) in May 2014. NRAC’s report was released by the Minister for Agriculture on 10 November 2014.
In 2012, PricewaterhouseCoopers undertook performance audits of the 14 organisations delivering rural financial counselling services.
A summary of the audit findings and recommendations.
In 2009 the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (now the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources) commissioned the Charles Sturt University to conduct an online survey of Rural Financial Counselling Service (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.
In 2007, WalterTurnbull undertook performance audits of the 16 organisations delivering rural financial counselling services.
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.
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.
In 2003, Acumen Alliance completed a performance review of 24 rural financial counselling services.
In 2000, the Social Sciences Centre of the Bureau of Rural Sciences (now ABARES) was commissioned by Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry - Australia (now the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources) and the Department of Transport and Regional Services (now the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development) to evaluate the RCP, a program they jointly administered.
The evaluation examined program performance and future directions and options for change.