Mr McCormack, the Member for Riverina, joined with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull at Trangie on Sunday to announce a $190 million immediate-relief package, taking the total federal drought aid to $576m.

“The package will benefit farmers in the Riverina because changes to the Farm Household Allowance will enable two lump-sum supplementary payments, one to be paid in September and the follow-up one in March.

“For a couple it’s two lump sums totalling $12,000 and for a single they will get up to $7200

“We have also increased the Farm Household Allowance threshold from $2.6m to $5m; we accept that many farmers are asset rich but cash poor.”

Last month the NSW state government almost doubled its drought aid to more than $1 billion, with an emphasis on subsidies for livestock feed and water freight costs.

Mr McCormack said there was an additional $5m for rural financial counselling.

“People will be able to get an expert around their kitchen table with them to discuss how best to work their finances and drought-proof their farms for the future,” he said,

“We have also provided $15m to an organisation called the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, and that will go out in small grants for non-for-profit groups and locally driven support.

“With these things, some of the best support is given by well-meaning and well-intentioned community people on the ground.”

Mr McCormack said he was, in his role as deputy prime minister, in ongoing talks with Mr Turnbull about the government’s response to drought.

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