Government

Treasurer Wayne Swan says he believes the way the economy adapts to a high Australian dollar will determine success across a range of industries.

Consumer optimism has grown only slightly, despite another official interest rate cut, a private study shows.

The mining boom is not to blame for Australia's multi-speed economy, Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Glenn Stevens says.

A faster than expected slowdown in China poses a risk for the rest of the region, in particular commodity-dependent countries such as Australia, the World Bank says.

Business conditions in Australia have fallen to their lowest point in three years, according to a monthly private survey.

Treasurer Wayne Swan has dismissed criticism that an economic forum the government is hosting in Brisbane is just another talkfest.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has urged Liberal premiers in Queensland and Western Australia to attend a major federal government economic forum, despite the mining boom state leaders

Finance Minister Penny Wong has poured cold water on a union push to co-invest in manufacturing and other ailing sectors.

The current treatment of mining royalties under the Minerals Resource Rent Tax is unsustainable, and should be addressed by a reduction in royalties with offsetting increases in Commonwealth paymen

The federal opposition appears to have two different messages when it talks about the Australian economy.

Commodity prices and Chinese growth are still affecting Australia's trade story, but improvement could be on the way, economists say.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Opposition LEader Tony Abbott are on rare common ground, both ruling out an extension of the GST.

Western Australia is divided over the state government’s $560 million Elizabeth Quay foreshore plan, with less than half of respondents to a new opinion poll saying they support the development.

Independent MP Janet Woollard has agreed to pay $250,000 to settle boat-crash victim Kate Campbell's civil action against her son, Luke.

Former Greens leader and outgoing senator Bob Brown has compared the fight over a proposed $30 billion Kimberley gas hub with his successful Franklin River dam campaign.

Australia's unemployment rose to 5.1 per cent in May, official figures show, while Western Australia’s jobless rate was steady at a nation-low 3.8 per cent.

The Business Council of Australia has warned the nation's unprecedented pipeline of investment is at risk because of high costs and low productivity.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard says Australia's best economic growth figures in almost five years prove the "doomsayers and sceptics" wrong.

The state Liberal Party is eyeing independent MP Janet Woollard's seat amid controversy over her treatment of a young woman who was almost killed in a boat crash by the MP's drunken son.

Australian March quarter economic growth was much stronger than expected, helped by strong household consumption and continuing strong business investment especially in the mining sector.

Regional Western Australian businesses are the most confident in Australia, while their city counterparts’ levels of optimism have fallen dramatically, a survey released today says.

The majority of Australians oppose government plans to price carbon, new polling reveals.

Nationals senator Barnaby Joyce is urging the federal government to allow a local company to purchase farming land in northern Australia ahead of Chinese interests.

Veteran MP Max Trenorden has asked the Nationals to expel him from the party, saying he has been treated poorly by its members but doesn't want to be forced to quit.

The federal government is standing by its budget forecasts despite a slowdown in China's growth.

The Australian dollar fell to a fresh low point on concerns around Spanish banks and the upcoming Greek election.

Australia will continue to experience a surge in capital expenditure investment, despite deteriorating global conditions causing businesses to revise down their spending plans, economists say.

Federal MPs have backed away from reports that a debate over the hiring of foreign workers for big mining projects may send xenophobic messages to overseas investors.

The Australian economy is robust enough to withstand current global uncertainty, but not immune, Treasury boss Martin Parkinson has told a Senate hearing.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has warned the mining industry Australians want and deserve a share of the nation's resources boom and reminded its leaders they don't "own" the minerals in ground.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has dismissed a Minerals Council of Australia report suggesting BHP Billiton's Olympic Dam expansion project in South Australia is in doubt.

Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has recognised Julia Gillard's fighting spirit, warning colleagues the prime minister won't "lie down and die" even though polls show Labor can't win the next