Politics

Russia welcomed the Trump administration’s national security strategy even as its drone strikes claimed four more Ukrainian lives.

The New England MP has blown up over new details of taxpayer-funded trips taken by Anika Wells, including a $1,000 dinner in Paris.

After Anika Wells spent nearly $100,000 on a trip to New York, more details have emerged about using taxpayer dollars for family travel.

When Richard Marles and Penny Wong meet their US counterparts in Washington DC on Monday, one subject may be back on the table — the consequences of Australia’s low defence spending. 

China has emerged as the world's biggest spender on clean energy technology and its lack of investments in Australia could be cause for concern.

Australia has announced an annual defence conference with a key partner as senior federal and US ministers prepare for major talks in Washington DC.

The past week brought that seeming contradiction into view yet again, as the US President repeatedly switched between touting his peace deals and threatening new conflicts.

The rollout of Australia's landmark social media ban will be untidy, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese admits, but he says it is already a success.

Communications Minister Anika Wells has defended her spending on taxpayer-funded trips — including $100,000 flights to New York and a ski trip with her family — claiming it was within Government guidelines.

The Communications Minister is not indicating she will pay back any money as she comes under renewed fire for the cost of taxpayer-funded trips.

Health Minister Mark Butler has asked his department to explores ways to crackdown on rising out-of-pocket fees for medical specialists, admitting it was ‘getting out of control’. 

BEN HARVEY: Barnaby Joyce’s curriculum vitae suggests he’s an unlikely voice of reason, economic or otherwise.

The Pentagon’s review has affirmed the timeline for the ambitious nuclear-submarine endeavour, but another key US defence document is soon expected to refer to Australia as a ‘dependent’ rather than an ally. 

A group of Chinese nationals who arrived by boat in the remote Kimberley have escaped the harsh conditions unscathed.

The grim warning on Beijing’s flotilla in the Philippine Sea came the same week that Beijing flexed its maritime muscle with more than 100 vessels in the region.