Mr Joyce told reporters this afternoon that after the state government’s announcement of another $500 million in drought relief, “the federal government has now got a role to play”.

Although unable to say what the nation could expect, or when, in terms of drought support, Mr Joyce named a number of areas.

He wants the government to “look at” the Farm Household Allowance, after having “loosened up the criteria”; social security to “put cash on the table; keep dignity in people’s lives”; and infrastructure grants for works such as water reticulation.

Mr Joyce said he’d been lobbying for subsidies to help cover “massive freight bills” for some time.

“It’s good to see that the state government has taken a step into the freight subsidy area, because that is what has been asked for by so many farmers’ groups,” he said.

“The federal government has now got a role to play – in discussions with the National party this morning, I impressed on them how important it is that on a federal level we do more.”

Mr Joyce said an anticipated visit from his successor as deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack within the next week could kickstart that “more”.

“That’s all important to drive, further, outcomes we need.”

The Coalition would have to “take [its] medicine” after Saturday’s by-election results in the Queensland electorate of Longman; Labor regained the seat in what has been described as a “thumping” victory.

“I think it’s very likely after the Longman by-election that the federal government’s going to take a very strong focus on the things that matter to people ... drought, power prices, making sure people clearly understand that what we’re fighting for is to make our nation a stronger place; look after people who are under the pump and in drought.”

When asked when farmers should expect to hear about further federal assistance measures, he said: “As soon as possible”.

“In any of my discussions, I haven’t said, ‘Wait ’til next year’ – I’m pushing trying to to get things happening now.”

Northern Daily Leader