The state government's pact with the federal government to introduce a ''one-stop shop'' for approving new projects and separate plans to alter planning priorities for mines amount to ''streamlining environmental destruction'', green groups say.
'The claims are exaggerated': John Howard rejects predictions of global warming catastrophe
John Howard has poured scorn on the "alarmist" scientific consensus on global warming, comparing those calling for action on climate change to religious zealots in a speech to a gathering of UK climate sceptics.
Cutting greenhouse gas emissions: Senate plan to test Tony Abbott's claims
Prime Minister Tony Abbott's claim that planting trees and paying polluters to cut emissions would cut national greenhouse gas output by 5 per cent is to be tested in public hearings designed to prove it is a waste of money.
Barnaby Joyce says rugby league expenses were official business
Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce billed taxpayers more than $4600 for ''official business'' travel to attend rugby league games, including the 2012 State of Origin. The revelations come as the Abbott government hinted it will tighten rules on politicians' entitlements.
Joyce billed public for NRL games
Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce billed taxpayers nearly $5000 for ''official business'' travel while attending rugby league games, as senior ministers hint it is inevitable the Abbott government will tighten rules on politicians' entitlements.
Abbott climate plan to be tested
Tony Abbott's claim that his 'direct action' policy would cut national greenhouse gas output by 5 per cent within the decade through tree plantings and paying polluters to cut emissions, is to be tested in public hearings designed to prove it is a waste of money.
Smokers lose out as Abbott tweaks tax
About 16,000 higher-end superannuation earners will benefit from government moves to clarify tax laws by either ditching or finally enacting long-intended changes.
WA Senate election re-run may increase Palmer's power
A Senate election re-run in Western Australia could result in Clive Palmer increasing his balance-of-power voting bloc from three to five, according to the "preference whisperer" Glenn Druery.
Peter Slipper court case to go ahead in December
Former parliamentary speaker Peter Slipper has lost a bid to delay his hearing over an alleged taxpayer-funded taxi tour of Canberra region wineries.
Labor dilemma on temporary protection visas for refugees
Labor faces a bruising internal debate over whether to shadow the Abbott government closely on refugee policy or oppose the government's tough plan to restore temporary protection visas.