Gippsland delivers poll shock to PM, proposal for HECS-style loans for maternity leave, guest visa program set for overhaul, Downer set to quit Parliament and Spain crowned champions of Europe.
Message from Gippsland: Kevin Rudd has cited price hikes at the bowser and the checkout as part of the reason behind the Government's poor showing at the Gippsland by-election. Read a report from The Australian and for Glenn Milne's analysis click here.
Loans scheme for Mat Leave? The Committee for Economic Development is set to wade into the paid maternity leave debate today by proposing a Government loans scheme, similar to HECS, to allow parents six months at home with bub. More from The Sydney Morning Heraldhere.
457 overhaul: The Government will today release a discussion paper proposing tougher regulation of guest worker (457) visas with the aim of providing better protection of workers from unscrupulous employers. Article from SMH Online here.
Final days of Downer? Speculation is growing that former Foreign Minister Alexander Downer will announce his retirement from federal politics this week, triggering another by-election for Government and Opposition to sweat over. More from The Canberra Timeshere.
Rain finally falls on plain: Its been a long time between sangrias - 44 years to be exact - but perennial underachievers Spain finally delivered, defeating Germany 1-0 this morning to be crowned champions of Europe. Match report from The Times (via the Oz) here.
