Government

Australia's budget deficit has fallen almost $4 billion short of where it was expected to be at this time, new figures show.

Construction of a hydrogen plant that will have enough energy to power 100 homes in the coastal town of Denham has been approved by the federal government.

Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud has rejected the basis of anti-dumping duties imposed by China on Australian wine imports and said the Australian government would fight the claims.

The Defence Force has reportedly asked at least 10 SAS personnel to show why they should not be fired following a report into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan.

Brian Ellis and Nigel Hallett face accusations of serious misconduct in the Corruption and Crime Commission's latest report into electoral and parliamentary allowance abuse.

The state government has intensified its lobbying for full-cycle docking with a national television, newspaper and radio advertising campaign aimed at bringing the work to WA.

The High Court of Australia has dismissed all special leave applications challenging the registration of the South West Native Title Settlement Agreement.

Australian coal worth more than $700 million is being held up at Chinese ports because of apparent problems with environmental standards.

A senior minister, business group and Labor frontbencher have defended Mathias Cormann's bid to take a senior international role with a major economic body.

Restaurants, gyms and beauty parlours will be required to keep contact registers from next month despite the state government refusing to say when WA's border will fully reopen.

Scott Morrison has defended using public money to fly former finance minister Mathias Cormann around Europe.

Australia is eyeing a path to normal life after the latest positive coronavirus vaccine trials boosted hopes of ending the world's pandemic nightmare.

The Morrison government has approved a controversial gas field in northwest NSW, paving the way for the $3.6 billion coal seam project to go ahead.

Experience rejoining the workforce after studying as a young mother shaped new Liberals WA deputy leader Libby Mettam, Ms Mettam told Business News.

Zak Kirkup says he aims to win the March state election, promising there will be no deviation between the opposition or government on COVID-19 health policy.

ADCO has been contracted to build Western Power’s new Forrestdale hub, which will house 850 operational and service employees.

Australians with disability have been promised clearer decision making time frames for support services when major changes are introduced next year.

Zak Kirkup has been elected leader of the opposition unopposed after Dean Nalder withdrew his candidacy earlier this morning.

Koala populations will be checked across the country as part of an $18 million plan to help protect the troubled native animal.

Former banking executive and cabinet minister Dean Nalder or former political adviser Zak Kirkup will likely emerge as the WA Liberal Party’s leader tomorrow.

First-term MP Zak Kirkup is tipped to lead the Western Australian Liberals to the polls in March as they seek to avoid electoral obliteration.

A major business group believes the federal government's decision to expand a business expense tax break to larger companies will further boost investment and help create jobs.

WA Limestone and Italia Stone Group have been named the preferred contractors to build new breakwaters for the state government’s $500 million marina project in Joondalup.

The Liberals will head into March’s state election with the least experienced leadership team in the party’s history, in what is shaping as a desperate strategy to save the furniture.

Liza Harvey has resigned as leader of the opposition, just months before the state election.

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds has hit back at criticisms by some big WA businesses about the nation’s relationship with China.

News of a revived, $300 million maritime underwater tracking range comes as the federal government remains undecided on whether to bring full-cycle docking to WA.

Twelve research projects led by Curtin University will share in $4.5 million in grants from the federal government.

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds has backed her department’s handling of the Afghanistan inquiry while arguing its findings did not represent most of those serving in Australia's armed forces.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison believes no hotel quarantine system can be made 100 per cent failsafe after COVID-19 escaped South Australia's isolation regime.

Former premier Richard Court says Australia’s response to the pandemic could pay dividends in Asian trade opportunities.

Western Australia will enforce mandatory testing for some hotel quarantine workers within days in another effort to head off an Adelaide-style COVID-19 outbreak.