The Latest Breaking News from Scott Morrison

Queensland is calling for more public health funding in the upcoming federal budget as the system faces increasing public pressure.

The Prime Minister says NSW infrastructure improvements that will be part of Tuesday's federal budget will get people home "sooner and safer".

Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese says Australia must improve action on climate change to keep its relationship with Pacific nations friendly.

Monday: The US has been forced to clarify it is not seeking regime change in Russia after Joe Biden’s comments. Plus: the inseparable couple torn apart by the pandemic

MORNING BRIEFING: There are fears more rain in already saturated catchments could add to the woes of NSW communities already reeling from major floods.

Few of Australia’s relationships with countries in Asia have progressed so far and so fast as its ties with India. Over a decade, Canberra and New Delhi have constructed a broad strategic partnership, catalysed by shared concerns about China.

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 Morrison government tolerates dodgy carbon offsets because they keep the price of credits down, helping to hide the real cost of climate action.

Tuesday night's federal budget is expected to include a cut to the fuel excise as well as assistance for more first home buyers.

Many financially disadvantaged Australians and those with chronic conditions face difficulty meeting healthcare costs, a survey of 5000 adults shows.

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