Federal Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce announced last week the government would reject the National Rural Advisory Council report’s recommendation to cut program funding by 20 per cent.

Wimmera-South West Rural Financial Counselling Service chief executive David Stafford welcomed the announcement.

‘‘Given the current climate in Canberra around frugal budgets and trying to maintain budgeting levels, this is a welcome relief,’’ he said.

‘‘It shows Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce supports the service and understands its importance.’’

The government adopted 26 of the National Rural Advisory Council report’s 33 recommendations.

Mr Stafford said the government agreed to four recommendations in part and rejected three recommendations.

‘‘The biggest one was the 20 per cent cut to funding, which the minister did not agree to, meaning we can maintain our core level of funding,’’ he said.

The recommendations accepted by the federal government include giving small forestry businesses access to the service; developing more concise eligibility criteria to avoid ambiguity; ensuring counsellors reviewed their clients annually to access progress; and continuing to provide assistance with farm debt mediation.

Mr Stafford said like any program, the service needed to evolve so it could move forward.

He said the current program would expire on December 31, with any changes taking effect from next year.

‘‘The service plays an important role in supporting people at times of stress and provides a network for people,’’ he said.

‘‘It is an extremely important service for the farmers and the community at large.’’

Member for Mallee Andrew Broad said he was pleased the government would continue to support the service.

‘‘The Rural Financial Counselling Service is such an important service for farmers and their families,’’ he said.

‘‘I refer people to the service often. They do an excellent job and it’s a management model that seems to work.

‘‘Sometimes when facing difficulties within a farming business, it’s good to have a confident and independent board.’’

Mr Broad said the rural financial counsellors were vital in all seasonal conditions.

‘‘Sometimes rain does not necessarily equal profit and drought does not equal tough times,’’ he said.

‘‘When it does rain and we have a good season, we might need the service to help set us up for retirement or the next stage in the season.

‘‘It is something we are finding more and more needs to be part and parcel to ensuring rural communities can prosper.’’

Mr Stafford said people could call 1300 834 775 to talk to a rural financial counsellor.

‘‘Anyone wishing to talk to us should feel free – even if they are not sure whether they qualify for assistance, they can chat to one of our counsellors,’’ he said.