The full transcript of Treasurer Wayne Swan’s 2013/14 Budget speech.

A wellbeing survey conducted by National Australia Bank (NAB) has found that Australians are less satisfied with their economic wellbeing than their British counterparts, calling into question the notion that Brits are bigger whingers than their colonial cousins.

The latest outcry over Australia’s debt position has surprised economists who say it’s low compared with other advanced economies.

The federal opposition has attempted to censure the government for the first time since November, as debate heats up over media law changes.

Economists expect the biggest monthly rise in employment in 13 years in Australia lessens the chance of another cut in interest rates.

Immigration Minister Brendan O’Connor says the skilled migrant visa system should not be the first option for firms to fill jobs.

Get more pounds for your dollar – the Aussie dollar has reached 68 pence, its highest level against Sterling since 1985.

This week’s national accounts showed the economy has been recession-free for 21 continuous years, otherwise unheard of in the current global climate.

MOVE TO AUSTRALIA | The Australian government has announced an intention to tighten controls on the 457 visa scheme for skilled workers, including a requirement for employers to show they are nominating a position where there is a genuine shortage of workers.

Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott should conduct a more informed debate over the 457 visa program for skilled workers, migrant and business groups say.

On the eve of our national holiday, a research firm has released its predictions for what the average Aussie lifestyle will look like in 2025.

Delivering a budget surplus is certainly possible, a federal Labor MP says as the latest Newspoll shows Labor winning back support in an election year.

The federal government has all but dumped its promise to deliver a budget surplus in 2012/13, so it can boost economic growth and jobs.

Australia has introduced a new visa class, the Significant Investor Visa, allowing high net worth individuals to apply for a visa on the basis of investing $5 million in government determined compliant investments.

The once steady stream of Aussies to London and the UK, seeking culture, challenge and, in later years, money, seems to be on the verge of reversing fortunes. UK Home Office research released last week shows that a distinct trend in UK professionals pursuing opportunities abroad.

Australia’s future with China does not lie in mining and businesses focused on cutting costs to compete in Asia do not have a sustainable strategy, Asian Century White Paper leader Dr Ken Henry says.

The Edith Cowan University of WA has released a comprehensive report that backs business claims of the need for more skilled migrant workers in Western Australia.

The big four banks have reaped a collective annual profit of $22.8 billion, the same as winning the Melbourne Cup more than 6,300 times over.

Treasurer Wayne Swan says the fallout from economic “storm clouds” in Europe, Asia and the United States has made returning the budget to surplus much harder.