• Federal Politics

The government will have to deploy its best negotiators as it tries to secure passage of its unpopular welfare and childcare reforms through the Senate.

Corrupt payments to unions by employers will now land them two years jail as a raft of measures are handed down by the government that seek to address concerns raised by the royal commission.

• Section 18c

A new report may force Malcolm Turnbull to chose between his party's left and right factions. James Massola explains.

• Senate

Nationals Senator John 'Wacka' Williams reveals he has Parkinson's disease - and a new target for reform.

• Housing

Buying a house is increasingly out of reach for young Australians - Eryk Bagshaw explains the options being considered.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's relationship with the unions continues to deteriorate, insisting new ACTU boss Sally McManus "is a union leader who said the union are above the law".

After weeks of equivocation, the prime minister admitted that he does support the penalty rate cut handed down by the Fair Work Commission, adding that he'll find it hard to work with incoming ACTU boss Sally McManus.

• Federal Politics

Conservative Liberal MP Peter Dutton has stood up for big business, saying they're being bullied into supporting marriage equality after the Coopers beer boycott.

• Federal Politics

Malcolm Turnbull has criticised Jay Weatherill over his energy plan, a day after the live public spat between the SA Premier and Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg.

• Energy

At this stage it's only a feasibility study, but Malcolm Turnbull has already pronounced it "a game changer". Courtesy ABC News 24.

Senior government officials have lashed out against incoming ACTU boss Sally McManus, with Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne dubbing her comments "anarcho-Marxist claptrap".

In a bizarre and at times awkward press conference, the Energy Minister and SA Premier trade blows on energy policy. (Vision courtesy ABC News 24)

• Federal Politics

One time Tony Abbott loyalist Fiona Scott says it's time he bows out with dignity, also reflecting on that 'sex appeal' comment.

New Australian Council of Trade Unions secretary Sally McManus has told the ABC's 7.30 that she does not see a problem with workers breaking "unjust laws". Vision courtesy ABC.

• Energy

The Prime Minister is threatening to impose export controls on gas exports if domestic demand is not satisfied.

Using his address to "start a conversation," Greens leader Richard Di Natale asked the Press Club to imagine a four day week, and a work-life balance. (Vision courtesy ABC)

• Federal Politics

South Australia's energy security plan has created a war of words between the Prime Minister, Energy Minister and SA Premier.

• Electricty

The South Australian government says it's taking back control of the state's electricity generation; the federal government accuses it of 'going alone'. Courtesy ABC News 24.

• Foreign Aid

US foreign aid can't be used to support contraception or abortion - Stephanie Peatling says it may become a political issue in Australia.

• Federal Politics

SA Premier Jay Weatherill has announced a plan to secure the State's energy future as Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull prepares to meet gas producers this week.