Fergus Hunter is a political reporter for Fairfax Media in the federal press gallery at Parliament House
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has laid the blame for the government's drop in the polls squarely at the feet of Tony Abbott, describing the former leader's "outburst" last week as a calculated and deliberate attack to undermine confidence in the Coalition.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has conveyed Labor's concern about Israel's construction of settlements in occupied territories to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a meeting he described as "warm and productive".
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says he will not be distracted by Tony Abbott's "latest outburst" and most direct attack on the government to date, defending his record of achievement and portraying the backbencher as a hypocrite who was unable to govern effectively when he was leader.
A group of federal Labor MPs have urged Australian recognition of a Palestinian state, echoing the high-profile interventions of party elders ahead of Opposition Leader Bill Shorten's meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has come out against the government's current $4 billion omnibus savings bill, pointing to paid parental leave measures that she says risk abuse by parents who will have children purely to get the payments.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has reiterated his support for the introduction of four-year, fixed parliamentary terms following the preparation of legislation to bring about the constitutional change.
The government has dismissed reports that maverick Coalition backbencher George Christensen drafted a resignation letter and has threatened to "go rogue".
The Australian government has reaffirmed its support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict following President Donald Trump's shock retreat from the plan, a longstanding pillar of US foreign policy.
The government will reportedly seek to curb capital gains tax concessions for property investors in an attempt to improve housing affordability and boost revenue as budget cuts continue to falter in the Senate.
The government has raised the prospect of increasing taxes if Labor and the Senate crossbench continue to obstruct its cuts to family tax benefits, paid parental leave and unemployment payments.
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