An EU summit is due to begin in Brussels with fresh allegations of US spying threatening to overshadow talks.

The Federal Government has announced a $200 billion increase to the Commonwealth debt ceiling and a six-month audit into government spending in the face of a "deteriorating" budget position.

Aussie Palestinians resigned to a rocky period, given the Abbott government's pro-Israel stance and its intention to deny funding to those advocating boycott of Israel.

If refugees who arrive by boat are breaking the law, how come the minister for immigration is unable to tell us which one?

Remember what the last election was about? According to the prime minister it was all about trust – about whom we could trust to bring back fair dinkum, grown up honest government and the high standards that go with it. 

Well, Tony, we’re still waiting. 

No wonder our leaders tell us not to worry our little heads about our wars - just support those troops, go shopping, and keep waving that flag.

from Independent Australia ….

The NSA has been systematically eavesdropping on the Mexican government for years. It hacked into the president's public email account and gained deep insight into policymaking and the political system. The news is likely to hurt ties between the US and Mexico.