PM’s helping hand: $12k for drought-stricken farmers

The federal government has announced a $190 million drought assistance package to help farmers affected by the biggest dry in the past century.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull with farmer Phillip Miles, his wife Ashley and their son Jack during a visit to Strathmore Farm in Trangie. Source: AAP

Drought stricken farmers will receive immediate cash support to help them fight one of the worst droughts of the past century.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on Sunday visited a farm in Trangie in central NSW to announce the $190 million new package that will also provide mental health services.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has announced a drought relief package for farmers. Source: AAP

"We can't make it rain. But we can ensure that farming families and their communities get all the support they need to get through the drought, recover and get back on their feet," the government said in a statement.

The government had already extended the Farm Household Allowance scheme from three to four years, effective from 1 August.

News of the cash relief was all too much for One Bucket drought awareness campaigner Edwina Robertson, who broke down in front of Mr Turnbull while talking about the pressures facing farmers.

The scheme will provide two lump sum supplementary payments worth up to $12,000 for eligible households, Mr Turnbull announced.

The government is also changing the assets test to allow thousands more farmers to access support in "recognition of the severity of this drought."

National Farmers' Federation CEO Tony Mahar welcomed the boost in funding.

He told SBS News it will provide some relief to those struggling to feed their livestock and meet their own family requirements.

“Is it enough? Well it's really certainly a welcome step in the right direction and we’ll just have to keep monitoring how severe the impacts are," Mr Mahar said.

He described some farmers' situations as “tragic” as farmer’s battle dry conditions across eastern and southern Australia.

“Going forward, obviously, we’re in for some pretty challenging times for a large proportion of farms in New South Wales and Queensland, parts of Victoria and also South Australia,” he said.

Shadow Minister for Agriculture Joel Fitzgibbon also welcomed the drought relief package.

Further longer-term measures to improve the resilience of rural communities to handle drought conditions are being developed across government.

Another phase of the drought relief scheme will be announced by the federal government in coming weeks.

With wires