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.
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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.
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