http://bigpondnews.com/rssfeed/Politics/National Latest National articles. en Fri, 25 May 2012 14:53:21 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/25/Thomson_says_enough_is_enough_753907.html Craig Thomson says the coalition and media should let investigations into the HSU take their course. Fri, 25 May 2012 01:51:44 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/25/Thomson_says_enough_is_enough_753907.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/25/Quick_visas_to_lure_wealthy_migrants_753906.html Wealthy investment by migrants will be bartered for quickened residency under a new government initiative. Fri, 25 May 2012 01:51:43 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/25/Quick_visas_to_lure_wealthy_migrants_753906.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/25/Let_Thomson_quit__says_Abbott_753904.html Opposition leader Tony Abbott is suggesting that the PM should let Craig Thomson resign for his own sake Fri, 25 May 2012 01:51:43 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/25/Let_Thomson_quit__says_Abbott_753904.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/25/Fight_against_waterfront_crime_grows_753903.html A major govt crackdown is underway in the fight against corruption as it spreads to the waterfront. Fri, 25 May 2012 01:51:43 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/25/Fight_against_waterfront_crime_grows_753903.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/24/Opposition_hammers_away_over_Thomson_753460.html Tony Abbott continues to lead the coalition's assault against the PM over the Craig Thomson scandal. Wed, 23 May 2012 18:34:56 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/24/Opposition_hammers_away_over_Thomson_753460.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/23/Greens_detail_proposed_law_to_save_koala_753273.html The Greens have released a proposed bill they are introducing to parliament to give protection to koalas. Wed, 23 May 2012 02:29:50 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/23/Greens_detail_proposed_law_to_save_koala_753273.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/23/Govt_pounces_on_Libs_IR_reform_talk_753216.html The Gillard gov't has jumped on reports the oppn has been emboldened on workplace reform by the HSU scandal. Tue, 22 May 2012 23:50:07 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/23/Govt_pounces_on_Libs_IR_reform_talk_753216.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/23/Libs_to_support_Thomson_censure_753202.html The coalition will support a flagged censure motion against embattled federal MP Craig Thomson. Tue, 22 May 2012 23:12:55 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/23/Libs_to_support_Thomson_censure_753202.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/23/Carr_rejects_Corby_deal_with_Indonesia_753198.html Bob Carr says there was no deal between Canberra and Jakarta for the early release of Schapelle Corby. Tue, 22 May 2012 22:55:55 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/23/Carr_rejects_Corby_deal_with_Indonesia_753198.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/23/Thomson_supporter_angry_753118.html A woman named by Craig Thomson as a supporter of his denies she has contacted the embattled MP for 25 years. Tue, 22 May 2012 19:22:35 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/23/Thomson_supporter_angry_753118.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/22/Youth_joblessness_near_crisis_peak_-_ILO_752830.html Youth joblessness has returned to almost its peak following the outbreak of the global economic crisis. Tue, 22 May 2012 02:30:45 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/22/Youth_joblessness_near_crisis_peak_-_ILO_752830.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/22/Coalition_wont_help_renew_Malaysia_plan_752829.html Scott Morrison says the govt should talk to the Greens if it wants to resurrect the Malaysia swap deal. Tue, 22 May 2012 02:27:03 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/22/Coalition_wont_help_renew_Malaysia_plan_752829.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/22/Oakeshott_questions_backing_ALP_-_Abbott_752824.html Independent MP Rob Oakeshott appears to be questioning his support for the minority Labor government. Tue, 22 May 2012 02:16:37 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/22/Oakeshott_questions_backing_ALP_-_Abbott_752824.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/22/Stop_obsessing_about_Thomson_-_Labor_MP_752778.html A Labor backbencher says Australians aren't interested in the Craig Thomson saga dominating parliament. Tue, 22 May 2012 00:06:25 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/22/Stop_obsessing_about_Thomson_-_Labor_MP_752778.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/22/Mayor_protesters_to_meet_over_embassy_752779.html Brisbane's mayor will is to meet with protesters over the future of an Aboriginal tent embassy shut down. Tue, 22 May 2012 00:04:50 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/22/Mayor_protesters_to_meet_over_embassy_752779.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/21/Bring_troops_home_says_Milne_752479.html Christine Milne says Australia should withdraw all its troops from Afghan and devote funds to aid projects. Mon, 21 May 2012 04:17:34 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/21/Bring_troops_home_says_Milne_752479.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/21/Ashby_emails_part_of_job_-_Pyne_752478.html Christopher Pyne says he had no part in getting Peter Slipper's staffer to take legal action against him. Mon, 21 May 2012 04:15:22 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/21/Ashby_emails_part_of_job_-_Pyne_752478.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/21/Fires_still_allowed_at_parliament_752477.html Parliamentary officials have not changed the rules for approving fires outside Parliament House. Mon, 21 May 2012 04:13:47 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/21/Fires_still_allowed_at_parliament_752477.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/20/Xenophon_warns_Thomson_to_tell_truth_752080.html Senator Nick Xenophon has said Craig Thomson should tell the truth to parliament or risk suspension. Sun, 20 May 2012 00:50:47 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/20/Xenophon_warns_Thomson_to_tell_truth_752080.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/20/Heffernan_accused_of_homophobia_752078.html Liberal Senator Bill Heffernan has been accused of assaulting and making homophobic remarks to a staffer. Sun, 20 May 2012 00:49:16 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/20/Heffernan_accused_of_homophobia_752078.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/19/Federal_Labor_polling_23_per_cent_in_Qld_751827.html Prime Minister Julia Gillard has acknowledged Labor has a lot of work to do in Queensland. Sat, 19 May 2012 01:12:24 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/19/Federal_Labor_polling_23_per_cent_in_Qld_751827.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/19/Re-emergence_of_China_is_desirable_Carr_751791.html Foreign Minister Bob Carr says Beijing's rising power is desirable. Fri, 18 May 2012 22:10:18 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/19/Re-emergence_of_China_is_desirable_Carr_751791.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/18/Slipper_case_character_assassination_751664.html The lawyer for Speaker Peter Slipper has called the sexual harassment case against him an 'ambush'. Fri, 18 May 2012 11:57:14 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/18/Slipper_case_character_assassination_751664.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/18/Afghan_govt_with_Taliban_desirable_Carr_751500.html Afghanistan's prospects of stability will be boosted if the Taliban are part of the gov't, Bob Carr says. Fri, 18 May 2012 01:09:34 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/18/Afghan_govt_with_Taliban_desirable_Carr_751500.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/18/LNP_govt_far_from_humble_Qld_Labor_751499.html The Newman government is already breaking its promise to be humble and dignified, the Qld opposition says. Fri, 18 May 2012 01:06:12 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/18/LNP_govt_far_from_humble_Qld_Labor_751499.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/18/Teachers_forced_to_take_action_Kaye_751496.html Greens MP John Kaye has accused the NSW government of cutting back on costs and overburdening teachers. Fri, 18 May 2012 01:02:00 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/18/Teachers_forced_to_take_action_Kaye_751496.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/18/Labor_helping_people_smugglers_Abbott_751495.html Tony Abbott has accused the government of helping people smugglers. Fri, 18 May 2012 01:00:28 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/18/Labor_helping_people_smugglers_Abbott_751495.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/18/Slipper_staffer_goes_to_court_751399.html A staffer of Peter Slipper will take his sexual harassment allegations to the Federal Court on Friday. Thu, 17 May 2012 18:54:03 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/18/Slipper_staffer_goes_to_court_751399.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/18/Pain_lingers_in_Tasmanian_budget_751398.html Tasmanians can expect more pain following yesterday's state budget, with tax rises and public service cuts. Thu, 17 May 2012 18:52:18 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/18/Pain_lingers_in_Tasmanian_budget_751398.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/17/Newman_promises_accountable_government_751166.html Qld Premier Campbell Newman has used his first speech to parliament to promise a conservative agenda. Thu, 17 May 2012 01:33:40 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/17/Newman_promises_accountable_government_751166.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/17/Gillard_to_attend_NATO_meeting_751114.html Australia's support for Afghanistan after the war winds down will be PM Julia Gillard's key focus at NATO. Wed, 16 May 2012 22:33:31 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/17/Gillard_to_attend_NATO_meeting_751114.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/17/Newman_prepares_for_maiden_speech_751106.html Campbell Newman is preparing to make his maiden speech in the Qld parliament as premier. Wed, 16 May 2012 21:54:21 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/17/Newman_prepares_for_maiden_speech_751106.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/17/Greens_call_for_anti-corruption_body_751104.html The Australian Greens say a corruption watchdog should be set up to investigate politician's expense claims. Wed, 16 May 2012 21:48:05 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/17/Greens_call_for_anti-corruption_body_751104.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/17/Utilities_in_focus_in_WA_budget_751065.html Utilities and public sector services will be in focus when the WA government hands down its 2012/13 budget. Wed, 16 May 2012 18:47:12 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/17/Utilities_in_focus_in_WA_budget_751065.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/16/Speaker_wont_comment_on_Seeney_stoush_750812.html Queensland Speaker Fiona Simpson says she won't comment on a reported stoush with the deputy premier. Wed, 16 May 2012 00:08:57 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/16/Speaker_wont_comment_on_Seeney_stoush_750812.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/16/Mistake_to_re-endorse_Thomson_-_Crean_750811.html Simon Crean says Labor should not preselect Craig Thomson unless the MP is cleared of any wrongdoing. Wed, 16 May 2012 00:08:53 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/16/Mistake_to_re-endorse_Thomson_-_Crean_750811.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/16/Ashby_drops_Slipper_taxi_voucher_claims_750720.html Ashby has lodged a claim that does not refer to allegations Mr Slipper misused cabcharge vouchers. Tue, 15 May 2012 19:55:57 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/16/Ashby_drops_Slipper_taxi_voucher_claims_750720.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/16/Carbon_tax_compo_set_to_flow_750719.html Compensation to cushion the impact of the carbon tax will start flowing to Australian families on Wednesday. Tue, 15 May 2012 19:55:55 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/16/Carbon_tax_compo_set_to_flow_750719.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/15/Thomson_findings_no_rumour_-_Abbott_750409.html Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says the findings against federal MP Craig Thomson are fact not rumour. Mon, 14 May 2012 23:07:49 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/15/Thomson_findings_no_rumour_-_Abbott_750409.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/15/Swan_dismisses_carbon_tax_ad_criticism_750408.html Treasurer Wayne Swan has dismissed criticism of the government's advertising campaign for the carbon tax. Mon, 14 May 2012 23:07:43 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/15/Swan_dismisses_carbon_tax_ad_criticism_750408.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/15/Budget_does_nothing_for_housing-_Abbott_750330.html Swan says a strong economy supports a fair society but opposition claim it does nothing for housing. Mon, 14 May 2012 19:20:43 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/15/Budget_does_nothing_for_housing-_Abbott_750330.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/15/Budget_does_nothing_for_housing-_Abbott_750329.html Swan says a strong economy supports a fair society but opposition claim it does nothing for housing. Mon, 14 May 2012 19:20:05 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/15/Budget_does_nothing_for_housing-_Abbott_750329.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/15/Swan_issues_reassurance_over_tax_reform_750321.html Treasurer Wayne Swan will reassure business the government is still on the case to reform the tax system. Mon, 14 May 2012 19:10:37 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/15/Swan_issues_reassurance_over_tax_reform_750321.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/15/NSW_govt_set_to_cut_750_RailCorp_jobs_750320.html RailCorp jobs are expected to be cut as the NSW government begins an overhaul of Sydney's rail network. Mon, 14 May 2012 19:10:35 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/15/NSW_govt_set_to_cut_750_RailCorp_jobs_750320.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/14/No_media_gag_on_Rudd_Gillard_says_750142.html Kevin Rudd is free to speak to the media, Prime Minister Julia Gillard says. Mon, 14 May 2012 03:51:04 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/14/No_media_gag_on_Rudd_Gillard_says_750142.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/14/Abbas_warns_of_disaster_over_strikers_750098.html Palestinian president warns of a 'national disaster' if prisoners on hunger strikes in Israeli jails die. Mon, 14 May 2012 01:33:00 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/14/Abbas_warns_of_disaster_over_strikers_750098.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/14/US-style_primary_trialled_by_NSW_Labor_750071.html NSW Labor General Secretary Sam Dastyari says the party knows it needs to change. Mon, 14 May 2012 00:17:06 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/14/US-style_primary_trialled_by_NSW_Labor_750071.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/12/Govt_says_let_Thomson_investigation_run_749506.html Craig Emerson says it is not the job of the parliament to play judge and jury in the Craig Thomson affair. Sat, 12 May 2012 02:10:51 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/12/Govt_says_let_Thomson_investigation_run_749506.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/12/Budget_splash_leaves_voters_unmoved_749451.html The latest Nielsen poll shows voters were unmoved by Labor's $5 billion in cash handouts in the budget. Fri, 11 May 2012 22:01:17 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/12/Budget_splash_leaves_voters_unmoved_749451.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/12/Thomson_claims_he_was_set_up_by_rival_749450.html Craig Thomson claims a union rival threatened to 'set him up' with prostitutes to ruin his career. Fri, 11 May 2012 22:01:16 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/12/Thomson_claims_he_was_set_up_by_rival_749450.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/11/Kroger_defends_Costello_claims_749192.html Liberal powerbroker Michael Kroger has defended his claims that Peter Costello sought a return to politics. Fri, 11 May 2012 01:06:10 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/11/Kroger_defends_Costello_claims_749192.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/11/Oakeshott_questions_support_for_Labor_749124.html Independent MP Rob Oakeshott says the Craig Thomson scandal is making him question his support for Labor. Thu, 10 May 2012 21:41:10 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/11/Oakeshott_questions_support_for_Labor_749124.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/11/Gillard_unsurprised_by_Costello_rumours_749090.html Julia Gillard says she is not surprised by rumours the Liberals considered bringing Peter Costello back. Thu, 10 May 2012 20:20:36 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/11/Gillard_unsurprised_by_Costello_rumours_749090.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/11/Minchin_wants_aid_commitment_scrapped_749092.html Nick Minchin says the federal government should scrap its commitment to increase foreign aid spending. Thu, 10 May 2012 19:42:30 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/11/Minchin_wants_aid_commitment_scrapped_749092.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/11/Carr_heading_to_China_and_Japan_749091.html Bob Carr is making his first visit to China and Japan as foreign minister. Thu, 10 May 2012 19:40:40 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/11/Carr_heading_to_China_and_Japan_749091.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/11/Thomson_under_pressure_to_explain_fully_749089.html Craig Thomson is under pressure to make a detailed defence or face being censured by parliament. Thu, 10 May 2012 19:36:08 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/11/Thomson_under_pressure_to_explain_fully_749089.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/11/Foreign_languages_on_coalition_agenda_749088.html Tony Abbott says at least 40 per cent of year 12 students will study languages under a coalition government. Thu, 10 May 2012 19:33:33 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/11/Foreign_languages_on_coalition_agenda_749088.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/11/Kids_bonus_cruises_through_parliament_749086.html The government's SchoolKids bonus package cruised through the Senate, passing by 37 votes to 32. Thu, 10 May 2012 19:29:04 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/11/Kids_bonus_cruises_through_parliament_749086.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/11/Minchin_cautions_Libs_over_Thomson_saga_749084.html Nick Minchin says the coalition maybe went too far in its attempt to suspend Craig Thomson from parliament. Thu, 10 May 2012 19:25:37 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/11/Minchin_cautions_Libs_over_Thomson_saga_749084.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/11/Smith_defends_tough_defence_budget_cuts_749083.html Defence Minister Stephen Smith says Australia remains among the world's top 15 defence spending nations. Thu, 10 May 2012 19:25:37 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/11/Smith_defends_tough_defence_budget_cuts_749083.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/11/Abbotts_only_language_is_no_says_Wong_749082.html Penny Wong says Tony Abbott delivered nothing but negativity and arrogance in his budget reply speech. Thu, 10 May 2012 19:25:37 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/11/Abbotts_only_language_is_no_says_Wong_749082.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/11/Coalition_about_wealth_creation-_Abbott_749079.html The coalition's reply to Labor's Tuesday budget has promised wealth creation for all. Thu, 10 May 2012 19:14:07 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/11/Coalition_about_wealth_creation-_Abbott_749079.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/10/Thompson_under_fire_in_Dobell_748736.html Craig Thomson faces a push from within his electorate to quit politics and force a by-election in Dobell. Wed, 09 May 2012 18:59:54 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/10/Thompson_under_fire_in_Dobell_748736.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/10/Katter_worries_about_dying_race_748734.html Independent MP Bob Katter says Australians are dying out and will within ten years become a vanishing race. Wed, 09 May 2012 18:57:02 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/10/Katter_worries_about_dying_race_748734.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/10/Government_defends_foreign_aid_cuts_748733.html Labor says its decision to cut foreign aid has not damaged Australia's bid for a UN Security Council seat. Wed, 09 May 2012 18:54:22 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/10/Government_defends_foreign_aid_cuts_748733.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/10/Coalition_defeated_on_schoolkid_bonus_748732.html The government's $2.1 billion Schoolkids Bonus package has passed through the lower house of parliament. Wed, 09 May 2012 18:52:59 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/10/Coalition_defeated_on_schoolkid_bonus_748732.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/10/ALP_foots_Craig_Thomson_legal_bills_748731.html Craig Thomson may have broken parliamentary rules by failing to declare the ALP was helping pay legal bills. Wed, 09 May 2012 18:51:14 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/10/ALP_foots_Craig_Thomson_legal_bills_748731.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/10/Swan_seizes_on_Costello_comeback_report_748729.html Wayne Swan has seized on reports that Peter Costello raised the possibility of a return to federal politics. Wed, 09 May 2012 18:49:06 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/10/Swan_seizes_on_Costello_comeback_report_748729.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/10/Abbott_prepares_to_deliver_budget_reply_748726.html Opposition Leader Tony Abbott will deliver his budget reply speech to parliament on Thursday evening. Wed, 09 May 2012 18:46:48 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/10/Abbott_prepares_to_deliver_budget_reply_748726.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/09/Greens_slam_foreign_aid_deferral_748551.html The Australian Greens have slammed a cut to overseas aid in the federal budget. Wed, 09 May 2012 02:41:53 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/09/Greens_slam_foreign_aid_deferral_748551.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/09/Coalition_slams_asylum_seeker_blow-out_748542.html The opposition has criticised the federal government for a budget blow-out in managing border protection. Wed, 09 May 2012 02:03:54 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/09/Coalition_slams_asylum_seeker_blow-out_748542.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/09/Victoria_short-changed_in_budget_748540.html Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu says the state has been short-changed in the federal budget. Wed, 09 May 2012 02:02:18 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/09/Victoria_short-changed_in_budget_748540.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/09/Coalition_in_twist_over_school_bonus_748541.html Tony Abbott says the coalition has yet to decide whether to vote against the Schoolkids Bonus in the budget. Wed, 09 May 2012 02:02:18 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/09/Coalition_in_twist_over_school_bonus_748541.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/09/Government_debt_is_tiny_says_Wong_748536.html Finance Minister Penny Wong says the size of Australia's net debt is 'tiny' by international standards. Wed, 09 May 2012 01:44:39 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/09/Government_debt_is_tiny_says_Wong_748536.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/09/Shorten_backs_push_for_HSU_administrator_748535.html The federal government will support the NSW government in appointing an administrator for HSU East. Wed, 09 May 2012 01:44:08 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/09/Shorten_backs_push_for_HSU_administrator_748535.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/09/Defence_budget_cuts_shameful_-_Howard_748532.html Former Prime Minister John Howard says the government's decision to cut defence spending is shameful. Wed, 09 May 2012 01:37:47 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/09/Defence_budget_cuts_shameful_-_Howard_748532.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/09/Windsor_wrestling_with_Thomson_issue_748531.html Independent MP Tony Windsor says he's still wrestling with how parliament should deal with Craig Thomson. Wed, 09 May 2012 01:35:18 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/09/Windsor_wrestling_with_Thomson_issue_748531.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/09/Axed_company_tax_cut_Labors_fault_748528.html Tony Abbott says the government cannot blame the coalition for its decision to drop the cut to company tax. Wed, 09 May 2012 01:26:39 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/09/Axed_company_tax_cut_Labors_fault_748528.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/09/Gillard_rejects_call_for_Thomson_axe_748527.html Prime Minister Julia Gillard says suspending Craig Thomson from parliament would set a dangerous precedent. Wed, 09 May 2012 01:26:39 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/09/Gillard_rejects_call_for_Thomson_axe_748527.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/08/Thomson_Slipper_compete_with_budget_748091.html The government hopes all eyes are on the budget today while new allegations against Craig Thomson arise. Tue, 08 May 2012 04:06:13 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/08/Thomson_Slipper_compete_with_budget_748091.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/08/NSW_to_receive_200m_in_budget_for_roads_748090.html NSW is set to receive $200 million in the federal budget to plan big-ticket road projects. Tue, 08 May 2012 04:06:09 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/08/NSW_to_receive_200m_in_budget_for_roads_748090.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/08/Swan_proud_of_his_battlers_budget_748086.html Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan has described his fifth federal budget as one for the 'battlers'. Tue, 08 May 2012 04:02:17 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/08/Swan_proud_of_his_battlers_budget_748086.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/08/Windsor_standing_by_Labor_747990.html Independent MP Tony Windsor is standing by the government despite a scathing report about Craig Thomson. Mon, 07 May 2012 22:38:39 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/08/Windsor_standing_by_Labor_747990.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/07/Pike_quits_triggering_Vic_by-election_747732.html Victorian state opposition Labor MP Bronwyn Pike has announced her retirement from politics. Mon, 07 May 2012 03:55:37 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/07/Pike_quits_triggering_Vic_by-election_747732.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/07/Fair-go_budget_endorsed_by_IMF_-_Swan_747721.html Treasurer Wayne Swan says IMF has given a 'ringing endorsement' to Labor's plan to return to surplus. Mon, 07 May 2012 03:22:22 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/07/Fair-go_budget_endorsed_by_IMF_-_Swan_747721.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/07/Rail_link_will_be_built_-_NSW_govt_747720.html The NSW government has reaffirmed its commitment to the North West Rail Link despite a funding setback. Mon, 07 May 2012 03:22:20 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/07/Rail_link_will_be_built_-_NSW_govt_747720.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/05/Vic_school_closures_loom_after_votes_747008.html The Vic state council of the AEU has voted for protected industrial action, signalling mass school closures. Sat, 05 May 2012 03:25:29 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/05/Vic_school_closures_loom_after_votes_747008.html http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/05/Govt_fails_to_protect_whistleblowers_746988.html The federal government has failed to deliver on promises to protect whistleblowers, a report says. Sat, 05 May 2012 02:44:00 GMT http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Politics/2012/05/05/Govt_fails_to_protect_whistleblowers_746988.html