The International Monetary Fund has made across-the-board cuts to its world economic growth forecasts, saying "uncertainty weighs heavily on the outlook".
Australia's experience in dealing with its challenging farming environment means it's well placed to lead improvements in global food security, Foreign Minister Bob Carr says.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard says the time has come for Australia and Japan to "seal the deal" on a free-trade agreement that has been more than five years in the making.
Police Minister Liza Harvey insists that the state government is on track to boost force numbers, despite deep budget cuts and a public service staff freeze.
Almost 60 victims of the 2011 Margaret River bushfire have joined a class action against Western Australia's Department of Environment and Conservation.
The federal opposition supports the government's bid to boost diplomatic ties with China but has questioned whether it was wise for Foreign Minister Bob Carr to make it public.
Federal coalition MPs could reach a compromise deal on wheat deregulation that would allow for a state-based regulatory regime, a Western Australian Liberal senator says.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard has accused Tony Abbott of being "grossly irresponsible" for likening the future fortunes of the Australian economy to that of crisis-struck Europe.
Treasurer Wayne Swan has accused Opposition Leader Tony Abbott of sinking to new depths of negativity and economic recklessness by linking Europe's debt crisis to Australia's economy.
Dutch far-right politician Geert Wilders won't be welcome in Western Australia because he would offend Muslims and could trigger violent protests, Premier Colin Barnett says.
Chinese demand for Australian commodities - not interest rate cuts - will determine whether the budget is in surplus in 2012/13, a leading budget forecaster says.
The Business Council of Australia has joined a growing number of industry groups concerned that the federal government may tweak existing concessions to pay for a cut in the corporate tax rate.
Sharks that get too close to swimmers may be killed before they get a chance to attack, under the state government's response to an unprecedented spate of fatalities.
Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan is confident Asia's transition to a global economic powerhouse over the next decade will provide Australians with new and interesting kinds of jobs.
Higher taxes on mining and wealthy individuals are needed to ensure the economy serves the needs of "people and nature", Australian Greens leader Christine Milne says.
The state government has announced $328 million in spending cuts and foreshadowed further savings later this year to try and protect its budget surplus from the impact of falling mining royalties.
Australian households are using 25 per cent more electricity compared to a decade ago even though retail prices have skyrocketed 72 per cent in the last five years.
Nationals MP Tony Crook has decided to support the Labor government's planned deregulation of wheat exports, leaving the Liberal Party's federal MPs in the unusual and embarrassing position of oppo
Federal Resources Minister Martin Ferguson has demanded Opposition Leader Tony Abbott rein in coalition critics of foreign investment, saying recent anti-China comments were sending damaging mixed
The economic ties between China and Australia are extending beyond the resources sector to financial services, education, tourism and agriculture, the federal government says.
The federal government has announced a crackdown on public service travel, recruitment advertising and printing in a bid to save the budget $550 million.
