As the U.S. Senate returns to session Tuesday, some governors and state lawmakers are again urging action on proposals that could provide hundreds of billions of additional dollars to states and local governments.

State hoped full compensation of GST dues by Centre would help steady the its tottering public finances. However, the money was not forthcoming.

Why is the Centre asking them to borrow from the market to make up the shortfall? What are the options?

The Australia Institute says the government should instead support those doing it tough by increasing jobseeker

The prime minister wants the states to open their wallets. Although he has warned them not to “make whoopee”, his message is blunt: “The Commonwealth cannot do all the fiscal heavy lifting on its own”.

State government says money will hasten new renewable projects as it announces additional $1bn economic stimulus package