As the coalition and Labor bicker over billions of dollars in election promises the real business of government continues.
Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce on Wednesday unveiled a $578 million relief package for dairy farmers struggling to cope with a decision by processors to slash farmgate prices.
Farmers will be able to access $55 million in low-interest concessional loans before June 30 and an extra $500 million will be available over the next two years.
There's also more money for rural financial counselling services, business advisory support and faster processing of farm household allowance claims.
"This will keep the bulls from the door and the dignity in their house," Mr Joyce said.
Labor has given the package conditional support.
On the campaign front, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was forced to defend his government's record on budget repair.
In his first interview in two years with Alan Jones on Sydney's radio 2GB, Mr Turnbull faced a grilling about a run of nine budget deficits and the prospect of four more.
"It is a slog, there is no doubt about that," he said, adding key to returning the budget to balance in five years was economic growth.
Mr Turnbull's comments came as the nation's biggest employer group prepares to launch a campaign backing the government's economic agenda, including tax reform and budget repair.
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry warns against big-spending proposals, while pushing for the planned cut in the company tax rate Labor opposes.
Both Mr Turnbull and Labor leader Bill Shorten are adding to their campaign spending lists on Wednesday.
The prime minister is promising $20 million to boost tourism in Victoria's Dandenong Ranges as he campaigns in the marginal Liberal seat of La Trobe.
Mr Shorten is also in Melbourne to make an $8 million pledge to fund ovarian cancer research.
As the July 2 election campaign meanders into its second quarter voters consider Mr Turnbull arrogant but likeable, while Mr Shorten is thought to be more caring and in touch with people but less trustworthy.
A Newspoll, published in The Australian on Wednesday, shows Mr Turnbull's rating has worsened over the past three months on eight out of nine character traits surveyed, while the Labor leader improved his scores across the board.
