Tom McIlroy is a political reporter for Fairfax Media in the federal press gallery at Parliament House.
Australia's spending on foreign aid is at its lowest level in eight years, with planned increases by 2020 still below commitments from the Rudd and Gillard governments more than a decade earlier.
The government has accused Labor of running a scare campaign about pension changes.
Taxpayers have paid nearly $3.5 million in two years for a controversial program which gives Australia's major political parties cash for overseas study tours, networking and training events.
Australian voters could soon use pens to vote at federal elections, as part of a plan to replace traditional ballot box pencils.
Australia's political campaign laws could be changed to require all election materials carry authorisation statements, including text messages and social media posts.
Malcolm Turnbull faces pressure from state and territory leaders for an effective national energy policy on Friday, with South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill raising the prospect of climate change costing the Prime Minister his job for a second time.
Treasurer Scott Morrison says Australia is not headed for recession, hitting out at alarmist language after the end to five continuous years of economic growth.
Senior US Republicans have set the Obama administration a deadline of December 13 to make public information about its refugee resettlement deal with the Turnbull government, in the latest threat to the plan ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration.
The Australian public won't be consulted on the plan to boost security perimeters around much of Parliament House, with Parliament's presiding officers citing national security concerns.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said he has never supported a carbon tax, as debate about a climate policy review process threatens new disunity and political strife within the Coalition.
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