KEY POINTS · The October jobless number crossed a red line politically. · The administration's ability to rein in spending is limited.

ALLAN Blood is upbeat about the prospects for Victoria's vast reserves of much-maligned brown coal. To some, his attitude will seem counter-intuitive, given mounting concerns about climate change. But the West Australian resources entrepreneur paints a rosy picture of a future in which the Victorian Government gets its policies "right":..read more

THE Premier, Nathan Rees, will be accused today of misleading Parliament after the head of Treasury revealed his claim that the Government's $62.9 billion infrastructure program will create 160,000 jobs is wrong.

AFTER months of brinkmanship, NSW coal exporters have reached agreement to allow new coal producers access to Newcastle's port, paving the way for a significant boost in shipments.

What is the basis for dire warnings of job losses because of the emissions trading scheme?