The Farm Debt Mediation Act 2019 came fully into force on 1 July 2020. The Farm Debt Mediation Scheme helps farmers and other primary producers struggling with debt and financial stress.
The scheme uses neutral and independent mediators to help farmers and their creditors work through debt issues. The aim is to provide a structured, confidential and impartial negotiation process. This is going to help farmers and creditors agree on how to proceed.
Under this act, secured creditors must offer mediation before taking any debt enforcement action and mediation is available to farmers at any time.
Helping farmers manage financial stress will promote positive mental health and resilience in our rural communities.
You can find the complete act here.
