State income taxes proposed to tackle Medicare 'blight'

A radical plan from a think-tank proposes state governments reclaim their constitutional powers over income tax.

US refugee deal 'still going ahead' despite new doubts

The Turnbull government insists its refugee deal with the United States is going ahead.

Frydenberg warns states not to go it alone on clean energy

The Turnbull government has warned the states their threat to "go it alone" on a clean energy target will only create chaos and inefficiency.

Big tobacco's behind-the-scenes 'astroturf' campaign

• EXCLUSIVE

Philip Morris is running an under-the-radar campaign using forums and an offshoot smokers' rights lobby group.

The cabinet was prepared for a conservative backlash - it never came

While former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett went ballistic over Malcolm Turnbull's speech, he was a lonely voice.

NBN Co. spends $340k on corporate functions

NBN Co. told the Senate detailing food and wine costs for corporate events would be a waste of resources.

Majority of federal MPs shun new ethics standards

• EXCLUSIVE

Fewer than a quarter of federal politicians have agreed to commit to new ethical standards devised by legendary corruption fighter Tony Fitzgerald - and there is not a single Turnbull government MP among them.

Post office that could topple Turnbull listed for sale

"Price reduced for quick sale". The suburban post office that has sparked a High Court challenge against a federal minister and threatens to topple the Turnbull government is on the market.

Big tobacco ordered to pay Australia for plain packaging case

Philip Morris to pay Australian government millions of dollars in costs after failed bid to kill off plain packaging laws.