Government to profile drug users for welfare trial

A government trial to drug-test welfare recipients will use a profiling tool to work out who is more likely to be a substance abuser.

France explores the 'right to disconnect' from work emails

The French know how to eat beautifully and not get fat. To drink spectacularly and not get drunk. As if that wasn't enough, they are also leading the world when it comes to working without being stressed.

Young unemployed will still go hungry under new policy, say agencies

• Welfare

The community sector is far from sighing with relief over the Abbott government's plans to drop the waiting period for the dole from six months to one month for young people, arguing those under 25 will still go hungry and without rent.

'Do you owe women an apology?'

"As Minister Women, are you sorry?"

Parental leave could be Tony Abbott's biggest backflip yet

• COMMENT

In his 20 months as Prime Minister, Tony Abbott has built up an impressive collection of backflips and about faces.

Paid parental leave cuts face Senate battle

• Families

The Abbott government will have to fight to get its family reforms through the Senate, with key crossbenchers expressing doubts about the Coalition's plans to cut parental leave payments to 80,000 new mothers.

Childcare changes for better and worse

We compare the current childcare system with the proposed changes in 2017.

Abbott government commits $250 million for nannies trial program

The Abbott government will spend almost $250 million on a two year nanny trial program, providing funding to about 10,000 children. 

No way are we putting a date on the surplus: Hockey

Treasurer Joe Hockey has declared the government "has never put a date" on returning to a budget surplus, arguing that the Coalition just needs to show a "quality trajectory" back to black instead.