The Prime Minister has expanded the farm household allowance for struggling farmers after intense scrutiny of the government’s lack of drought initiatives.

More than 1300 Queenslanders receive the $489 fortnightly payment to be able to survive during the drought.

About 200 Queensland farmers were kicked off the government allowance after reaching the four-year cap.

But now when farmers reach the four-year mark, singles will receive a lump sum of $7,500 while couples will receive $13,000.

National Farmers Federation CEO Tony Mahar tells Ben Fordham it’s a step in the right direction.

“This will prevent some of those people falling off that four-year cliff.

“The prime minister is listening, the government is trying to help out with more money and so they should.

“That money will help.”

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Image: Getty/Tracey Nearmy