Prime Minister Tony Abbott has told drought-affected farmers the Government is close to finalising an assistance package that addresses the economic and social needs of rural areas.
Mr Abbott and Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce are touring parts of New South Wales and Queensland today, giving farmers the chance to talk directly to them about the drought and how it is affecting rural communities.
But part of the tour has been cancelled because of rain - with heavy falls in Bourke, and some rain and strong winds in Longreach.
Farmers have warned that isolated rains will not provide them with enough relief to renew their businesses.
"This is a government that is determined to stand by the people of Australia in good times and in bad times," Mr Abbott told reporters in Bourke.
Don't help Qantas: Virgin bossSir Richard Branson uses a full-page newspaper ad to urge the Government not to help Qantas financially.
Indonesia will get reportScott Morrison says Indonesia will receive an internal report on the Navy's intrusion into its waters.
Power pole fires cause outagesThousands of Victorians are still without electricity this afternoon after dozens of power pole fires across Melbourne.
Japanese divers missingSearch continues for seven Japanese missing after they disappeared while scuba diving in waters off Bali.
Mitch destroys ProteasMitchell Johnson claims his best match figures as Australia crushes South Africa by 281 runs in the first Test.
A search is underway to find the family of an Australian soldier after his WWI service medal was found.
Science guru Dr Karl Kruszelnicki discusses the impact photographs have on memory.
Explore our interactive panoramic photos to learn more on the drought ravaging NSW and Queensland.
Queensland researchers will study the effects of climate change on snow leopards in Kazakhstan.
Shearers, graziers, and shed hands have gathered to remember a giant of the shearing world.
Volunteers find one of Africa's largest elephant populations is at its lowest level in more than a decade.
The birthplace of the header harvester celebrates the centenary of our most important agricultural invention.
We asked you about your favourite Australian-made cars. Here's what you said - illustrated.
Sochi silver medallist Torah Bright is fired up ahead of Sunday's snowboard cross showdown.
All the best images from the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games.
Australia's Russell Henshaw crashed to earth attempting an audacious jump in the men's slopestyle final.
See the Winter Olympics through the eyes of Australian athletes chasing gold in Russia.
Don't help Qantas: BransonRichard Branson takes out a full-page ad in News Corp papers, urging the Government not to help Qantas.
Dollar may still be overvaluedA RBA official hints the Australian dollar may have further to fall because of foreign resources ownership.
Newcrest profit slumpsProfits have tumbled for Australia's largest gold miner on lower gold prices, higher taxes and asset write-downs.
Rio cutting costsAnalysts say Rio Tinto will keep cutting costs, after the miner delivered a better-than-expected result.
Farmers take on bankSome farmers are planning legal action against ANZ, saying it used 'predatory' and 'unethical' practices.
I played an unwitting role in the rise of New Zealand as a low-wage economy, writes Rachel Buchanan.
How will the Israeli PM balance a desire for peace with the need to calm the ultra-right, asks Lisa Main.
Is there a case for letting Schapelle Corby keep money she receives for media interviews?
The Liberals are caught between economic rationalism and political pragmatism, writes Barrie Cassidy.
Steve Smith has risen from the Test fringes to become Australia's likely future skipper, writes Adam Collins.
The government must not resort to corporate welfare policies that fail workers, writes Simon Cowan.
Farmers who faced drought must not be forgotten when talking of assistance, writes Fleur McDonald.
The government's economic agenda threatens core values of fairness, writes Tim Dunlop.
A US study has backed Jose Salvador Alvarenga's remarkable tale of having drifted 12,500km across the Pacific.
The UN warns that millions of survivors of the Philippines' deadliest typhoon are still without proper shelter 100 days on.
Several airports on Indonesia's Java island have reopened but the highest alert level remains on Mount Kelud volcano.
Asian films were big winners at the Berlin International Film Festival, led by Chinese thriller 'Black Coal, Thin Ice'
A group of South Pacific government ministers has praised Fiji's progress towards democracy.
David Williams scored a hattrick as Melbourne Heart pulled off a thumping 5-0 win over the Wellington Phoenix.
Michell Johnson's career-best match figures powered Australia to a 281-run win over South Africa in the first Test.
Mitchell Johnson claimed 12 for 127 to lead Australia to a 1-0 lead in the three Test series against South Africa.
Aerial skier Lydia Lassila says she is yet to make a decision on her future in the sport after winning bronze in Sochi.
Former Panther Lachlan Coote is set to miss the season with the Cowboys after suffering a knee injury during the NRL Auckland Nines.
Melbourne Victory scraped past Muanthong United 2-1 to move into the group stage of the AFC Champions League.
VideoTony Abbott has flagged a drought assistance package while speaking in Bourke as part of a tour - now cancelled - of drought-afflicted regions in NSW and Queensland.
VideoThe ABC's Pete Lewis deals with inclement conditions in Longreach ahead of Tony Abbott's arrival.
VideoDr Peter McCauley discusses the ongoing tension between Australia and Indonesia over the Government's border protection policy.
An Australian veteran says Anzac Day has become "a festival of the dead" and the money should be spent on caring for returning soldiers.
New Aussie crypto-currency Dogecoin is giving Bitcoin a run for its money in the virtual currency stakes.
Social isolationHuman beings are social creatures and loneliness is our in-built cue that motivates us to reconnect with others.
Coping with butterfliesIt's often said you need to stay calm when you have performance anxiety. But new research suggests there might be a better way to cope with the jitters.
Mammography studyA Canadian study has found that women who had mammograms had the same death rate from breast cancer as those who were not screened.
Brendan O'Connor is incorrect to say the 2001 building royal commission cost $100 million in today's dollars.
Malcolm Turnbull is correct to say Australian farmers are among the least subsidised in the world.
Fact Check takes a look at whether governments can do anything to stop Schapelle Corby getting paid for telling her story.
Bill Shorten's claim about car industry subsidies uses numbers that are outdated and irrelevant.
Deluge during drought tourPrime Minister Tony Abbott's weekend drought tour was a mudfest.
Celebrating the headerThe birthplace of the header harvester celebrates the centenary of our most important agricultural invention.
'Chinchilla Killer' rememberedShearers, graziers, and shed hands have gathered to remember a giant of the shearing world.
These incredible facts will show you why you're just not crazy enough to make it as a Winter Olympian.
The future of British warfare is shown flying over what is thought to be Woomera in South Australia.
See who gave how much to Australian political parties by exploring our searchable database.
The story of a fisherman who drifted for 13 months on the Pacific Ocean is plausible, experts say.
A tropical treat made with pineapple and garlic, served alongside a barbecued pumpkin salad.
Want a career in the rag trade? Here are some tips from the movers and shakers in Kuala Lumpur.
How many pinball machines does one man need? Rob Milla shares his passion for restoring old machines.
