When China wanted to show the rest of the world it was open for business, it used Australia - now it wants to flex its economic muscles, and is once again using Australia to send its message, a former Trade Minister says.

Barnaby Joyce has downplayed the prospects of challenging for the Nationals leadership.

In a bizarre rant, the Deputy Prime Minister said "there is nothing worse than the stench of mice"

Agriculture Minister Mark Furner says Tuesday's state budget is one that has delivered in supporting primary producers.

Under the Electricity Tariff Adjustment Scheme (ETAS), new rebates will be automatically applied to eligible energy accounts from July 1 by Ergon Energy Retail.

Australia plans to lure more than 10,000 farm workers from Southeast Asia under a new agriculture visa farmers have long campaigned for.

Once the UK-Australia free-trade agreement is officially ratified, 99 per cent of Australian goods will be enter the UK duty free.

Government commits $27.5 billion to transport and establishes new $2 billion Hospital Building Fund.

The words 'agriculture' and 'drought' were mentioned just once each in Treasurer Cameron Dick's budget speech on Tuesday afternoon.

The PM said the deal was among "most comprehensive and ambitious agreement that Australia has concluded".