Win/win idea of the week: Financial planners are coming to the aid of drought-stricken farmers across the country. In a pilot program announced yesterday, the Financial Planning Association (FPA) is offering pro bono advice to disadvantaged groups throughout rural Australia.

Farmers win, and - because it will increase their public profile - so do the planners. Federal Agriculture Minister Peter McGauran says financial planners are in great demand in drought-affected regions as farmers do their best to keep going. "Problems with cashflow, debt management and access to government assistance are all areas where financial counsellors have played an important role - but they are unable to give financial advice," he said. "Often farmers also need help with investments, life insurance and succession planning."

FPA Chairman Corrina Dieters says the new program creates a national framework for pro bono work. The program will be particularly important for farmers in the drying Murray-Darling basin. "These farmers are facing tough business decisions," she said. "They need financial advice now and at the point they decide to hand over to the next generation."