The Latest Breaking News from Anthony Albanese

Labor has hit back at the federal government's big-spending budget featuring billions of dollars worth of tax offsets, cash payments and fuel excise relief.

Both major parties make promises over Newcastle to Sydney travel times, without detail

Welfare recipients and seniors will receive a one-time $250 payment, the low and middle income offset will be boosted by $420, while the fuel excise will be halved for six months

Australian low-to-middle-income earners will get additional tax relief worth $420 this financial year in a pre-election federal budget sweetener to counter surging cost-of-living concerns.

The expectations of Scott Morrison and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg repeating their escape from the political pickle they are in with the budget are low.

Scott Morrison is gone. Anthony Albanese will win the election. Josh Frydenberg is fighting to save some of the furniture. There, it’s been said.

Labor leader says poor emissions reductions targets and cuts to foreign aid have broken trust with Pacific countries

The housing industry has welcomed the federal government's announcement of an extension and broadening of its home guarantee scheme.

Most commentators on the coming federal election probably see a hung parliament and a minority government as one possible outcome. There is already a crossbench of seven, with five independents plus Liberal defector Craig Kelly for the United Australia Party and Greens leader Adam Bandt.

Scott Morrison finally got his way at the weekend when the Liberal federal executive agreed to candidates for several key NSW seats being picked by a three-person committee rather than the rank and file having their say.

Labor is hinting it will support key Coalition budget measures designed to ease the cost of living, including a temporary cut to the fuel excise.