The Foreign Aid comitment is around 0.6% of the Federal Budget. 

Can anyone tell us what amount may be more suitable?

It's also worth considering how a Foreign Aid Budget could impact on Domestic Aid caused by an Act of God or Force Majeure? How are the two Budgets related?

Foreign aid is a contentious point at this time, however, I think we have to tread carefully when we talk of cutting it, nevertheless, I believe it should be reduced.

Compared to farmers in Europe, Asia and the US, Australian farmers get only a fraction of government subsidies. These subsidies unfortunately are almost useless if farmers do not try to help themselves. Free expert advice is provided through Rural Financial Counsellors, but the majority of farmers do not use it. 

Give us a break. NSW is giving these guys a billion dollars, and eligibility includes those who earned up to ten million last year. Now they're feeling sorry for themselves because they have to watch their animals die on land that is affected by drought every 5-10 years, instead of getting paid to have them killed behind high walls. 

https://www.afr.com/news/politics/nsw-farmers-dont-deserve-1b-in-drought-aid-20180731-h13dnm

What criteria applies to define a 'farmer' ? Personal (past) experience gives me to understand that hobby farming does not a 'farmer' make. For obvious reasons the ATO requires a business plan that discloses the likelihood of a profit at some projected point in time to qualify as a primary producer.

Whereas many country regions have small holdings doesn't necessarily follow said holdings are viable production units. I'd seriously question whether gubbermint, fed or state, should consider assisting hobby farmers. Depending on where a farm is located and therefore the likelihood of it being a viable proposition will often be largely determined by the respective holding size relevant to the particular area. Stocking rates may often vary over relatively short distances and are affected by many variables, eg, water storage capacity, soil type/structure, topographics and animal type to name but a few.

Whilst varying degrees of drought existed in parts of Oz during PM Keating's reign '90 - '96: also coinciding with our own time on a small holding, I recall a radio interview in which the issue of - subsidy/support/assistance was discussed with him. Said interview proved enlightening, at least for your truly in that Keating (as was his wont) didn't refrain from calling it as he (saw) it. However, an interesting fact that emerged was that, of the total handouts - in their many and various disguises - the bulk of it ended up in the pocket's of the wealthiest 'primary producers'. Now to be sure, economy of scale may determine that this is an inevitability but Keating's hint that they're the ones most deserving might well have been a tad tongue in cheek. 

For what it's worth, dstarks' commentary is likelier nearer the crux of this matter than a good many of the unwittingly well meaning, although poorly informed comment posted - for want of nothing better - than; "I'm entitled to my opinion". 

Nothing that the government does makes much sence anymore so be glad you are not affected.

https://www.change.org/p/malcolm-turnbull-return-the-444-million-given-to-the-great-barrier-reef-foundation-by-improper-process?

Here is a petition to sign if anyone is interested, it is to give the money back and start a proper process of tenders.

So proud to be West Australian, we're off to save the day with bales of hay for NSW. Hope you guys are grateful.

In Victoria we have had a very dry winter and the summer is not looking good.

Fire restrictions are starting early and arsonists are out already starting fires.