Will farmers finally get a fair deal on banking? | EP 50

Farmers have long been saying they’re getting a raw deal from the banks – higher interest rates, tougher lending rules, fewer options, and growing pressure around environmental reporting. That’s why Federated Farmers pushed so hard for a rural banking inquiry. 

Now, after months of hearings and submissions, the Finance and Expenditure Committee has released its final report. It calls for changes to capital requirements, new transparency rules, and stronger political oversight of the big banks. 

But will this really deliver a fair deal for farmers? What will it mean for farming families, and how do we make sure the recommendations turn into lasting change? 

To unpack it all, we’re joined by Mark Hooper, Federated Farmers’ new banking spokesperson, and Richard McIntyre, the former spokesperson who helped lead the fight for the inquiry.