The commissioners leading the investigation into Victoria's devastating Black
Saturday bushfires will scrutinise how victims died in a review of the state's "stay
or go" policy.

The federal coalition says it would slash spending by at least $46.7 billion if
voted into power this year, ending the "reckless spending" of the Rudd government.

The risks of Australia's dependence on ongoing growth in China will be rammed home
if the Asian superpower's economy falters, analysts warn.

A construction company has vowed to fight on until it gets paid by the Gold Coast
Titans despite the Queensland Supreme Court on Tuesday nullifying a ruling that the

Returning Queensland hardman Petero Civoniceva has sent a sobering warning to a
physical NSW side planning another State of Origin mugging in Sydney next week -
"we'll be ready".

Raising the threshold at which miners start paying tax on their super profits would
only encourage resource companies to delay projects, the Treasury chief says.

Queensland's education authorities are investigating claims of students cheating on
national numeracy and literacy tests at two Brisbane schools.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has accused the Labor Party of resorting to personal
attacks following an interview in which he said only his scripted comments could be
trusted.

(AAP) - The Victorian ALP headquarters will investigate damning new allegations of branch stacking but calls for a wider independent inquiry are likely to go unanswered.

(AAP) - Richmond midfielder Daniel Jackson will miss the AFL club's next three games after failing to beat a headbutting charge at the AFL Tribunal.