The Australian Greens want workers to go home on time - just as their senators prepare to bunker down for an extra four hours of work in parliament.

The Senate has again succeeded in overturning government moves to slash Medicare rebates for cataract surgery.

A federal election and rising interest rates will not stop the government delivering a tough budget next May, Finance Minister Lindsay Tanner says.

Victoria's water authorities are in dire financial straits, with one drought-stricken provider forced to consider raising prices to stay afloat.

Society's most vulnerable will suffer further disadvantage if the government pushes ahead with the rollout of compulsory income management, welfare groups warn.

Former cabinet minister Judy Spence may be recalled to an inquiry to answer questions about her role in a grant to the Queensland Rugby Union.

The Victorian government is failing to put safeguards in place to prevent public servants snooping on our personal details.

The head of Queensland's Crime and Misconduct Commission allegedly refused to act on a serious complaint about his assistant, the opposition says.

AMPATUAN, Philippines (Reuters) - Philippine security forces found six more bodies on Wednesday at the site of an election-related massacre in the south of the country, taking the toll to 52 dead, officials said.

Police officers sworn in between October 1st 2008 and October 12th this year have not officially been police officers at all.

Pensioners and low-income householders will receive free energy-efficient home makeovers under a new $130 million government program.

Seven sites at Queensland's national parks will be opened for new eco-accommodation to boost the state's tourism industry, despite environmentalists' concerns.

Music festival Splendour In The Grass is moving to Queensland next year as a proposed new site at its natural home of Byron Bay is awaiting planning approval.

Malcolm Turnbull has survived a leadership challenge but the narrow victory suggests his authority will continue to be tested.

The Government's emissions trading scheme was passed into law today after months of controversy and two days of debate under urgency in Parliament.

An attempt by the Victorian government to spark a rift in the state opposition over climate change has failed.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama vowed on Tuesday to "finish the job" of an unpopular and costly eight-year war in Afghanistan, and officials said he could announce an increase of around 30,000 troops next week.

COTABATO, Philippines (AFP) - Philippine President Gloria Arroyo is facing rising pressure to bring to justice a political ally who stands accused of masterminding a massacre that left 46 people dead.