US, EU report progress in TTIP trade talks

US and EU trade representatives have had a "productive" fifth round of talks, but hard work lies ahead, US trade representative Michael Froman says. "We've moved from discussing a conceptual framework to defining specific ideas for addressing...

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Budget will pass eventually: PM

Tony Abbott says he won't compromise on his budget as pressure mounts from all sides. Source: AAP PRIME Minister Tony Abbott says he won't surrender his budget in the face of pressure to compromise over its most unpopular measures. Mr Abbott...

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Qld Labor downplays by-election chances

LABOR'S candidate for the Brisbane seat vacated by maverick former government MP Chris Davis has vowed to be a thorn in Premier Campbell Newman's side if he's elected. But maxillofacial surgeon Dr Anthony Lynham is playing down his chances of...

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Economists focus on RBA and wages

ECONOMISTS this week pondered plunging consumer confidence, slow wages growth and an immobile central bank. The minutes of the RBA's latest board meeting were released on Tuesday. Economists pored over the changed wording of the minutes for any...

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China mine tycoon sentenced to death

A FORMER Chinese mining tycoon has been sentenced to death for leading a crime gang that killed rivals, a state news agency reports, in a case that revealed ties between organised crime and politicians. Liu Han is former chairman of energy conglomerate...

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Metlifecare leads NZ sharemarket higher

NEW Zealand shares have gained, led by Metlifecare after the retirement village operator and developer upgraded its profit forecast. The benchmark NZX 50 Index rose 22.534 points, or 0.4 per cent, to 5151.374 on Friday. Within the index, 35...

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NZ shares snap five-day slide

NEW Zealand shares have advanced after a five-day slide gave investors confidence to buy companies offering dependable returns, including some in the property sector. The NZX 50 Index rose 20.267 points, or 0.4 per cent, to 5128.840 on Thursday....

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Qld Labor leader breaks down in parliament

A Queensland Labor MP has refused to apologise for comparing fly-in, fly-out mines to the Holocaust. Source: AAP QUEENSLAND'S Labor leader has cried in parliament while speaking about her grandfather's seven years in a Polish work camp during...

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Vic health, concessions safe, premier says

THE Victorian government will maintain health services and concessions for vulnerable people despite the tough federal budget, Premier Denis Napthine has promised. He said he had full and frank discussions with Prime Minister Tony Abbott in...

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Falling dairy prices weigh on kiwi dollar

THE New Zealand dollar has dropped to a three-week low after dairy prices extended their decline at the latest auction, and as investors get wary of a downbeat Australian economy. The kiwi fell as low as 85.51 US cents, trading at 85.53 cents...

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Alleged egg smuggler stopped in Sydney

A CZECH man who allegedly tried to smuggle 16 bird eggs into Australia by hiding them in his pants has been charged. The 39-year-old was frisked at Sydney Airport by customs officers after arriving from Dubai on Tuesday. "Officers ... allegedly...

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Qld ombudsman to pass on corruption claims

QUEENSLAND'S ombudsman will pass on anonymous corruption complaints to the state's revamped anti-corruption body even though it is losing the power to investigate nameless tip-offs. Only children, people with disabilities and those who fear for...

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Qld govt defends bootcamp contract

QUEENSLAND Premier Campbell Newman says he didn't know a company awarded a contract to run a juvenile bootcamp against the wishes of a departmental advisory panel was a coalition donor. Mr Newman has been forced to defend the lucrative contract...

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Iron ore plunges below $US100

The iron ore price's slide below the $US100 a tonne mark has sent nerves jangling in Canberra. Source: AAP THE iron ore price's slide below the $US100 a tonne mark has sent nerves jangling from the Pilbara to Canberra. The last time the...

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Melbourne sex attack accused in court

A MAN allegedly followed two women from bars on a popular Melbourne night-life strip before sexually assaulting them, a court has heard. Adam Robertson, 37, is accused of stalking the two women separately as they left two Brunswick bars in the...

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Palmer United Party a cult: Barnaby Joyce

Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce (pic) has branded Clive Palmer's political party a cult. Source: AAP FEDERAL frontbencher Barnaby Joyce has branded Clive Palmer's political party a cult. The Palmer United Party will wield considerable...

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Budget reaction could delay rate rises

THE budget is likely to affect the RBA's thinking on interest rates. That's not all there is to it, of course. When the RBA next moves interest rates, very likely upward, one question will dominate the decision: what level of interest rates will...

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31 children burn to death in Colombia bus

THIRTY-ONE children are dead after fire engulfed their bus, triggering an explosion in northern Colombia. Another 25 people including an adult were seriously burned in the blaze, in the town of Fundacion, in the department of Magdalena, Red...

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PM backs away from election threat

PM Tony Abbott appears to have backed away from his threat to hold a double dissolution election. Source: AAP PRIME Minister Tony Abbott appears to have backed away from his threat to hold a double dissolution election over the budget, saying...

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Budget gives Labor its voice: Shorten

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten says the federal government's "terrible" budget has united his party. Source: AAP THE Abbott government's budget has given Labor back its voice. That's Opposition Leader Bill Shorten's message to party members....

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Harry pays Cassino troops tribute

Prince Harry is paying tribute to Allied soldiers who died in the Battle for Mount Cassino. Source: AAP PRINCE Harry is marking the sacrifices of Allied soldiers who fought in one of the Second World War's most infamous conflicts - the Battle...

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