Abbott's bad timing over rates

Chris Johnson Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has exposed his lack of economic credentials in an embarrassing gaffe over the timing of when the Reserve Bank meets to review the official interest rate.

Aged-care reforms to weed out rorters

Chris Johnson, Peter Jean Cracking down on aged-care providers who over-claim on their services will end the rorting of the current funding system and allow the federal government to claw back $1.6 billion over five years.

$1000 to employ an older worker

Chris Johnson Ten thousand bosses will receive a $1000 bonus if they employ, for at least three months, a worker aged 50 years or older.

Troops to withdraw slowly, PM promises

Chris Johnson Australia's troops in Afghanistan will return home slowly, and most will stay deployed for another 18 months.

Gillard to flag early exit

Chris Johnson Prime Minister Julia Gillard will today detail Australia's Afghanistan exit plan that could see control of Uruzgan handed over to local forces next year and hundreds of millions of dollars pumped...

Abbott accuses PM of cover-up over embattled backbencher

Chris Johnson Opposition Leader Tony Abbott insists it is unconscionable for embattled Labor MP Craig Thomson to refuse to co-operate with police over investigations into alleged union corruption, adding that...

Back to basics for new Greens

Chris Johnson The Australian Greens will refocus their attention on the environment and ramp up pressure on the government under the new leadership regime installed to address worrying polling results for the...

PM sells skills as red tape targeted

Chris Johnson Skills reform will be the major focus of today's Council of Australian Governments meeting, with Prime Minister Julia Gillard insisting the workforce must be trained to meet the challenges of the new...

Combet: HSU works against labor values

Chris Johnson Climate Change Minister Greg Combet has condemned the antics of some Health Services Union officials as unacceptable and against Labor values.

Wait for it: HSU saga to continue as DPP calls for a closer look

Chris Johnson Another lengthy investigation into the Health Services Union will be required before anyone will come close to being prosecuted over allegations of corruption and misuse of membership funds.

Gillard admits 'deep disappointment' at Qld wipe-out

Chris Johnson The size of Labor's drubbing in the Queensland election has surprised Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who insists the result was very much decided on local issues.

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Govt will fight court challenges

Chris Johnson The government is determined to fight any High Court challenge Australia's billionaire miners may launch against the nation's new mining tax.

Medical specifics 'no one's business'

Chris Johnson The federal opposition is under fire from the Australian medical fraternity for daring to question the validity of a doctor's certificate issued to troubled Labor MP Craig Thomson.

Australia losing its place in low-carbon economy race: report

Chris Johnson Australia is the only G20 country to have gone backwards on its low-carbon competitiveness since 1995, according to a report to be issued today.

PM to offer ACT $28m more for job training

Chris Johnson Prime Minister Julia Gillard will today offer the ACT a further $28 million in skills funding under the new National Partnership Agreement on Skills Reform.

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Budget blue: Wong says opposition policies are in the red

Chris Johnson Opposition policies would thrust the Australian budget $9 billion into deficit, according to government calculations released yesterday.

Costello not right for job: Minchin

Chris Johnson Former Liberal Party heavyweight Nick Minchin has bought into the Future Fund debate to claim that his one-time colleague Peter Costello was not the right person for the chairman's job.

Abbott slams Gonski's nod

Chris Johnson Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has begun a strong attack against the government for not allowing former treasurer Peter Costello to chair the $70 billion Future Fund.

Abbott goes for his guns

Chris Johnson Australia's border protection is in such a mess the nation is now threatened by a flood of illegal handguns, according to Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, who has boldly made a link between asylum...

Sell carbon message to families: PM's push

Chris Johnson Australia's new carbon pricing regime equals tax cuts for families, according to Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who wants her MPs to sell that message to the electorate.