ABC NewsMail - Morning Edition

NewsMail Morning Edition Tue 13 May, 2014 Top Stories More Top Stories » 11 things to watch as Abbott Government delivers first budget The Coalition Government will today hand down what is expected to be one of the toughest budgets in recent years. A tax hike for top earners, an increase in the fuel excise and a $7 co-payment for GP visits are all on the cards. Changes to family benefits, the pension age and welfare eligibility are also expected. Here's what to look out for as Treasurer Joe Hockey delivers his first budget. More » Budget 2014: What we know and what to expect Fire engine in danger of tipping into Sydney sinkhole Annual specialist referrals wasting millions, say GPs First witness gives evidence in Harris child sex trial Qld coalmine approved despite environmental concerns Court battle looms over Russians' $30 million fortune Man killed in helicopter crash in central-west Qld Boko Haram offers to swap schoolgirls for prisoners AFL great Tom Hafey dies aged 82 after cancer battle More Analysis » Banning donations would stifle democracy New South Wales Premier Mike Baird and Opposition Leader John Robertson have both endorsed a system of full public funding and a ban on all political donations. But democracy is not just for politicians or political parties. The system fails without activist citizens and organisations engaging and taking action. When individuals and organisations make small political donations, that enriches our democracy and enlivens our political debate. More » Scott Morrison and the Australian Border Farce Don't follow the Fairfax model on job cuts Faith and politics and ... economics? Abbott's guide to how (not) to sell your budget Abbott has nowhere left to hide on education We were blinded by bounty, now we must act This is a Budget for the true believers Budget 2014: Abbott Government makes its mark Hands off our hard-fought abortion rights Just In More Just In » Holden loss might hit components makers: economist An economist says it is no surprise Holden has posted a big loss as it approaches the end of Australian manufacturing. More » Fire engine in danger of tipping into Sydney sinkhole Annual specialist referrals wasting millions, say GPs Commission of Audit chairman Tony Shepherd incorrect on doctor visits Sharks' Fifita joins Blues Origin injury list Man killed in helicopter crash in central-west Qld Community gathers for the Burrandowan picnic races Barkley in, Carrick out for England Cup squad Budget 2014: Decoding the jargon 11 things to watch as Abbott Government delivers first budget World More World » Barkley in, Carrick out for England Cup squad England coach Roy Hodgson has named Ross Barkley and Raheem Sterling among a 23-man World Cup squad. More » Psychiatrist tells court Pistorius has anxiety disorder India's general election comes to a close Ukrainians call for Russian intervention amid clashes Boko Haram offers to swap schoolgirls for prisoners North Korea denies drone flights, calls South Korean president a 'prostitute' Business More Business » PM gives backbenchers 'love and reassurance' ahead of budget release By political correspondent Emma Griffiths Federal Cabinet has met to tick the final boxes and finalise its sales pitch for tonight's budget. Prime Minister Tony Abbott is giving his frontbench team the broad picture of the Coalition Government's first defining document, which is touted to include widespread spending cuts to government services and a multi-billion dollar road-building program. He also hosted a dinner for new Coalition MPs, offering them what a spokesman has called "love and reassurance" as they prepare to sell a "tough" budget to the Australian people. More » Budget 2014: What we know and what to expect Port Hedland tugboat workers' strike could cost millions: BHP warns Large transactions tipped off alleged trading scam Budget caution keeps investors at bay Dozens of agencies to fall under federal budget axe We were blinded by bounty, now we must act Politics More Politics » Annual specialist referrals wasting millions, say GPs By medical reporter Sophie Scott and Alison Branley Specialist doctors could be raking in millions of dollars from Medicare by forcing chronically ill patients back to their GP for a fresh referral each year so they can then charge twice the fee. More » Budget 2014: Decoding the jargon 11 things to watch as Abbott Government delivers first budget Ukrainians call for Russian intervention amid clashes Greens restate opposition to deficit levy Sport More Sport » Football great Tom Hafey dies, aged 82 The AFL community is mourning the loss of former Richmond player and premiership coach Tom Hafey. More » Sharks' Fifita joins Blues Origin injury list Barkley in, Carrick out for England Cup squad Carlton dominates struggling Saints in 32-point win Simunic ban for fascist chant ends World Cup hopes ASADA tight-lipped on doping investigation Science and Technology More Science and Technology » Seaweed extracts used to help reproduce human bone, repair tissue By Sean Murphy Australian researchers have successfully used seaweed to help regenerate bone and damaged human tissue in medical trials which could lead to new treatments for serious diseases such as cancer and schizophrenia. More » 'Star Wars' robotic arm for amputees approved for sale Researchers develop three-dimensional body parts for implant Commission of Audit proposal may restrict business innovation Nutrition levels will drop as carbon dioxide rises: study Environment More Environment » Fire engine in danger of tipping into Sydney sinkhole Police say a fire engine is in danger of tipping into a sinkhole and rolling onto houses at Bilgola, in Sydney's north. Emergency services were called to The Serpentine road this morning after reports of a burst water main. The fire truck is leaning into the sinkhole and there are concerns the sinkhole could open up further. More » Floating solar power plant aims to cut evaporation Scientists develop new explanation for drying Australia Japan continues whaling in north-west Pacific 10 countries with the world's dirtiest air About this email You received this email because you are subscribed to ABC News email alerts. 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