· Obama delays Australia visit until June
BARACK Obama has cancelled his trip to Australia next week to help ensure passage of his health reform and to have a more "relaxed" visit in June

· Tide turns against Labor states
TASMANIANS are poised to elect a hung parliament tomorrow, ending 12 years of Labor majority rule and giving critical momentum to the federal Coalition.

· School building revolution 'being rorted'
WHEN builder Robert Gribble heard the federal government was paying almost $1 million for a new covered outdoor learning area, he allowed himself a wry chuckle.

· Racism claims put spotlight on OPI-police ties
A LEGAL framework to prevent cosy relationships and career swaps between top members of Victoria's OPI and Victoria Police, is urgently needed.

· Obama postpones trip Down Under
US President Barack Obama won't travel to Indonesia and Australia on Sunday as planned, the White House said today.

· Stoush in chamber sets stage for debate
KEVIN Rudd and Tony Abbott will square off in a nationally televised health debate next week.

· Rudd and Abbott in showdown on health
KEVIN Rudd and Tony Abbott have agreed to a debate on health next Tuesday.

· MPs expelled after Rudd ambushes Abbott
SIX MPs were expelled from parliament today amid chaotic scenes after the government suspended Question Time.

· Shares rise, mining gains capped
THE sharemarket closed in positive ground after a late run today as mining stocks capped their gains despite higher commodities prices.

· Air NZ to cut trans-Tasman fares
AIR New Zealand will slash fares between Australia and New Zealand and move to a new way of selling seats on its Airbus A320s.