The Latest Breaking News from Labor

Committee says changes should be made through legislation, not regulation, as energy minister says they will be revisited at a later date

Both the government and Labor agree that expanding the first home loan deposit scheme is one way to help people buy their own home, but some experts are worried it might address a symptom, not the cause, of soaring house prices.

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

Labor MP Andrew Leigh has been granted a personal protection order and says the nature of debate in the political environment is changing.

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.

The late Kimberley Kitching is being farewelled by parliamentary colleagues in a special sitting of the Senate on Monday.

Largest new spending is $3.1bn for Melbourne Intermodal Terminal with package also allocating $140m for a regional road safety program

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.