Abbott says 'no' to Gonski, promises to scrap changes

Stephanie Peatling The Coalition will scrap the Gonksi education reforms if elected. Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says the education changes are too expensive and unnecessary because there is no fundamental problem...

Gay marriage becomes legal in New Zealand

Stephanie Peatling The New Zealand Parliament voted to legalise same-sex marriage on Wednesday night, a move Australian campaigners said would encourage gay and lesbian couples to travel overseas to formalise their...

It's time to consult, newspapers warn

Stephanie Peatling The leading print media companies have united to call on the federal government to consult them about potentially sweeping media law changes that may restrict the way journalists operate.

Australia lags developed world on preschool enrolment: OECD

Stephanie Peatling Australia has one of the lowest rates of enrolment in preschool in the developed world and spends less on early childhood education than any other comparable country, the OECD says.

At the Governor-General's service

Stephanie Peatling In the 17th century, the role of aide-de-camp was created as a kind of emissary for commanders on European battlefields and to carry out whatever organisational functions were needed during conflict.

Preschool rates not up to the mark

Stephanie Peatling Australia has one of the lowest rates of enrolment of children in preschool in the developed world and spends less on early childhood education than any other comparable country, according to the...

Public servants baulk at FOI changes

Stephanie Peatling The public service is revolting against reforms brought in by the federal government to make it easier and cheaper for people to use freedom-of-information laws.

Comments 45

Childcare industry pushes direct rebate to centres

Stephanie Peatling Operators want reabte paid directly as part of a plan to tackle the cost and availability of care.

Super off Abbott's hit-list, but only for first year

Stephanie Peatling TONY ABBOTT will promise to quarantine superannuation as a Coalition government looks for budget savings in its first year in office.

Politics … now it's personal

Stephanie Peatling When Tony Abbott's adviser Peta Credlin went public last weekend about her IVF battles, many political players rolled their eyes.

ALP shifts office to avoid NSW taint - MPs

Stephanie Peatling, Jacqueline Maley LABOR will move its election campaign headquarters from Sydney to Melbourne for the federal poll next year, in an attempt, MPs say, to distance itself from the soiled political brand of the NSW party...

Welfare fraud becomes harder

Stephanie Peatling Sophisticated data-mining techniques combined with old-fashioned private detectives and dobbing in wrongdoers are resulting in fewer people being prosecuted for welfare fraud and allowing the federal...

More of us leave the Lucky Country for good

Stephanie Peatling Cut-price international air travel, an increasingly globalised job market and the lure of greener pastures are tempting more Australians to leave our shores for good.

Comments 335

Second incomes not a good earner

Stephanie Peatling Tax, childcare and lost benefits leave some women with as little as 20 cents in the dollar.

Mothers penalised for working

Stephanie Peatling WOMEN are being discouraged from returning to work after having children, as tax, childcare costs, and lost government benefits leave some earning as little as 20¢ for every dollar they earn.

Kelly a champion of women on boards

Stephanie Peatling Westpac boss Gail Kelly, Telstra chairwoman Catherine Livingstone and businessman David Gonski will be announced today as ''champions'' for increasing the number of women on boards by the federal...

Rebates reducing cost of childcare

Stephanie Peatling FAMILIES are spending less on childcare as a percentage of their household budget than they were almost a decade ago because the increase in government assistance has outstripped price rises,...

Comments 59

Misleading MyChild site riles parents

Stephanie Peatling The federal government website that alerts parents to vacancies in their local childcare centres is often publishing misleading information, prompting complaints from those who have chased places...

Ashby considers suing Roxon over defamation

Stephanie Peatling Attorney-General Nicola Roxon has hit back at suggestions by James Ashby, a former staffer of Peter Slipper's, that he may sue her for defamation.

Navy responds to asylum call

Stephanie Peatling AN ASYLUM seeker boat carrying around 180 people was reportedly safe last night, after initial fears it may have capsized.