Leader of The Nationals WA Shane Love MLA has slammed the Cook Labor Government’s decision to defund the Rural Financial Counselling Service as grossly irresponsible, warning that it could not come at a worse time for regional small businesses already under immense financial pressure.
Mr Love said the Government’s decision to scrap funding for Rural West’s financial counselling service for regional small businesses not linked to primary production meant operators in tourism, construction, hospitality, and other non-farm industries can no longer access the support.
“As a result, Rural West is now being forced to turn away around 90 per cent of small businesses seeking assistance.
“When the funding stopped, 119 small regional businesses serviced by Rural West had to be let go. Sixty-six of those had just accessed the service in the 2025 financial year,” Mr Love said.
“These are proud, independent business owners with staff, mortgages, and ATO debts, living in small regional communities where everyone knows everyone. It takes real courage to ask for help when you are in financial distress.
“That is an appalling outcome in a cost-of-living crisis, and it will inevitably fuel more business foreclosures and demand for mental health services across regional WA.”
Mr Love said the decision was particularly galling for regional businesses reeling from Labor’s ban of demersal fishing ban, which was imposed with just 28 days’ notice.
“Nationals WA fishing forums held in Jurien Bay, Lancelin, Albany and Geraldton recently highlighted the devastating impact of the State’s fishing ban on coastal communities, noting that many businesses associated with fishing do not qualify for compensation,” Mr Love added.
“Labor is sitting on a $2.5 billion surplus yet refuses to find a mere $250,000 a year to keep this vital service going.
“I have written to the Minister for Small Business requesting the Government immediately restore funding to Rural West so regional small businesses can once again access the help they desperately need.”