Former prime minister Kevin Rudd has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of "torpedoing" plans for recognising a Palestinian state, causing "enduring frustration" for diplomats.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasised the need for Israel to retain "security control" over any future Palestinian state, and praised Australia as a "clear-eyed" nation "willing to puncture United Nations hypocrisy".

Private-sector wage growth has slid to record low of just 1.8 per cent, throwing into doubt budget projections and confounding the Reserve Bank, which would prefer not to have to cut interest rates again and run the risk of reigniting house prices.

"A simple alteration could deny a claimant millions of dollars and save the company in the process"

Coalition frontbenchers have refused to join Immigration Minister Peter Dutton in linking the contentious US refugee deal with Australia's decision to accept refugees from Central America.

Shadow treasurer Chris Bowen says Labor will not take a "Buffett rule" that cracks down on wealthy tax avoiders to the next election.

"If cane doesn't do well, the town doesn't do well. There's no rocket science in that," says sugarcane grower Paula Langdon.

The controversy surrounding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Australia has intensified.

Quid-pro-quo arrangement to take Central American refugees won't start until transfers begin from Manus Island and Nauru.

• EXCLUSIVE

Universities are increasingly dependent on international student revenue to pump money into teaching and research.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has attacked the United Nations of bias on Israel, saying his government will never support "one-sided" resolutions like the one passed by two of Australia's closest allies the United States and New Zealand.

• EXCLUSIVE

The highest income earners in Australia would be forced to pay a mandated minimum rate of tax under a new policy proposal.

Downgrading the US alliance would force Australia to fund far more of its own defence spending.

Australian businessman Dick Smith has blamed immigrants for high house prices, claiming the "enormous population increase" is making young families unable to buy their first home.

Australians overwhelmingly believe keeping asylum seekers on Manus Island and Nauru indefinitely is cruel, but are evenly split on whether they should be resettled in Australia, a survey has found.

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 Coalition MP tasked with tackling Australia's housing affordability problems has said a "highly paid job" is the "first step" to owning a home during an interview on Monday night.

• EXCLUSIVE

The Turnbull government would likely feel an electoral backlash in marginal seats if Sunday penalty rates are cut, polling suggests.

George Brandis has defended Australia's refugee deal with the United States, affirming it is still going ahead after Malcolm Turnbull's now-infamous phone call with Donald Trump.

Australia's federal politicians should be elected for fixed, four year terms to fix the one glaring structural weakness in our political system, Liberal MP David Coleman says.

• EXCLUSIVE

Government watered-down individual salary disclosure requirements during its 'red tape' repeal day.

Environment and Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg has conceded that scrapping the carbon tax had given consumers only a "brief respite" from rising electricity prices, forcing those with the means to invest in self-generation such as roof-top solar.

• ANALYSIS

US seeks to soothe relations with allies bruised in the early days of the Trump administration.

The submission by federal president, Aiden Depiazzi, and vice-president and staffer to backbench senator Eric Abetz, Josh Manuatu, calls for "strong and effective action" to control intergenerational federal government debt and for the Student Services and Amenities Fee to be abolished for university students. 

We have even backed a company banned from using the prestigious "Made in Australia" logo.

Angela Zena Hadchiti had dared to hope the abuse was over.

Dog of a day at Defence as boss reveals consultants and contractors now outnumber public servants

The Turnbull government has confirmed it is considering changing the rules that govern its $10 billion green bank to allow it to subsidise the next-generation of coal-fired power stations.

The Federal Court has blocked a bid by the Australian Border Force to confiscate the mobile phones of detainees in immigration detention.