Greg Hunt
Rural bushfire risk heightened by phone drop-outs
Marc Moncrief Lack of mobile phone coverage in disaster-prone regions puts lives at risk, analysts warn.
Call for curbs on solar energy spread
Peter Hannam A federal agency warns commercial rooftop panels could force up power bills unless a potential boom is held in check.
Opposition slams PM power plan as 'stunt'
The coalition has labelled Prime Minister Julia Gillard's plan for slashing energy bills a "stunt" that won't stop the price hikes triggered by the carbon tax.
Arctic thaw raises stakes in global struggle to cut carbon
Ben Cubby The release of methane from the Arctic will make it tougher to meet human emission cuts.
Combet to miss climate summit
Tom Arup For the first time in several years Australia will not be represented by a minister at a major round of international climate change negotiations, with Greg Combet set to miss talks in Doha starting...
Senior Lib admits green wedge fears
Jason Dowling The shadow federal environment spokesman has taken a swipe at the Baillieu government.
Australia 'in middle' of world carbon tax pack
Ben Cubby The carbon price puts Australia, the world's 15th-biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, in the middle of the international pack when it comes to dealing with global warming, according to a major new...
Cause for optimism on global warming
Ben Cubby THE carbon price puts Australia, the world's 15th-biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, in the middle of the international pack when it comes to dealing with global warming, a major new report by the...
Caring for our son is our top job
Amy McNeilage When James McCarthy's son, Chase, was born, Mr McCarthy was entitled to just one week of paid parental leave. His wife, Amity, was offered 16 weeks.
It's still a low-inflation climate, despite the carbon tax
Peter Martin Opposition Leader Tony Abbott said its impact on the cost of living would be ''almost unimaginable''. Shadow treasurer Joe Hockey said it would ''drive up the price of everything''.
Fewer than 300 polluters to be slugged
The government's controversial carbon tax starts in a fortnight and less than 300 polluters will pay the new tax, including 33 local councils that operate large rubbish tips or supply natural gas.
Rudd rolls around again to spoil Gillard's homecoming
Judith Ireland After a week away - summiteering in exotic places - Julia Gillard was back in town yesterday. Ready for her close-up.
Game changer or game over?
Michelle Grattan Treasurer Wayne Swan declares that tomorrow - the day the carbon tax starts - will be a 'game-changer'. Tony Abbott insists it is the beginning of the ''python squeeze''.
Aust lodges protest on S Korea whaling
Andrew Darby South Korea's move to resume whaling could add weight to Australia's legal challenge against Japan's contentious hunt, according to an international law expert.
Company admits it misled over gas price rise
Adam Morton A company that makes gas for fridges has been forced to admit it misled its customers by blaming a 300 per cent price rise on the carbon tax.
Aluminium workers dealt a crushing blow
Brian Robins, Donna Sharpe THE strong Australian dollar and the slide in world aluminium prices has triggered the loss of 250 jobs across two smelters in the Hunter Valley, as the federal government is spending billions of...
Greens tackle coal seam gas impacts
Tony Moore The Greens yesterday tabled a bill in federal parliament which would let the federal government judge the impact of coal seam gas mines on water.
No topic taboo at tax forum
Treasurer Wayne Swan says no topic will be taboo at this week's tax forum and participants won't have their microphones switched off if they mention the GST or the mining tax.
Investors raise doubts on Abbott climate plan
Lenore Taylor INVESTOR analysts have raised serious questions about Tony Abbott's ''Direct Action'' climate policy, saying it is highly unlikely to achieve Australia's promised greenhouse gas reductions at the...
Pressure on leaders over asylum law change
Phillip Coorey JULIA GILLARD is prepared to be flexible when she meets Tony Abbott today and seeks his support for changes to the Migration Act to allow her Malaysia plan for asylum seekers, but the opposition...
