PM

New figures reveal the Federal Government's remote work for the dole program is financially penalising most of its participants time and time again. The Community Development Programme covers mostly Aboriginal people. It has about 35,000 participants, but more than 20,000 of them were slapped with fines in the last financial year. Critics say it's further proof the program should be scrapped.

The Northern Territory Government today tried to delay evidence from two former detention centre inmates, along with other witnesses, at the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children. The Government argued it didn't have enough time to prepare for cross-examination. The commissioners rejected the application, saying it was clear further delays could jeopardise the young people's mental health.

Australia's National Research Organisation for Women's Safety has found women who are international students, asylum seekers and on prospective spouse visas have little government support available if they try to leave their abusive partners. Being non-citizens the women are without access to Centrelink and Medicare and their financial vulnerability is often used by their abusers to isolate and control the women.

The Federal Court has dismissed the case against Woolworths, saying its conduct was not unconscionable when it demanded millions of dollars from suppliers. The competition watchdog has lost the case it took against the giant retailer, which had clawed back $18 million in a concerted campaign it called 'Mind the Gap'. The ACCC says it's unfortunate that it could be seen as good business practice, and it hasn't decided if it will appeal.

After yesterday's surprisingly poor economic news, today's trade data was meant to provide the silver lining. However worse than expected October trade data has now heightened the risk of Australia experiencing its first technical recession in 25 years. Exports rose in the month sucking money into the economy, but imports grew by even more sending money offshore.

A group of Australian legal and aged care experts are meeting with United Nations representatives to push for a convention on the rights of older persons. The convention is likely to be several years in the making and aims to protect the human rights of people aged over 60. It comes after a UN led report highlighted the need for international law to stop elder abuse.

Two women have embarked on an extreme physical challenge to raise awareness about mental health. They're running 14 marathons in 15 days around Tasmania, and trying to raise $30,000 for mental health organisations while they do it.

Labor stepped up its attack on the Prime Minister today for ruling out putting a price on carbon pollution for the electricity sector. The Chief Scientist, Alan Finkel, is tomorrow expected to suggest just that in a report to the Prime Minister and premiers which will, reportedly, recommend an emissions intensity scheme. In lieu of a Commonwealth scheme, the South Australian Premier hopes his fellow leaders at the meeting tomorrow will back his idea for the states and territories to lead the way with their own emissions trading scheme.

Official figures show Australia's economy actually went into reverse in the September quarter. It's the first time the economy's contracted in five years. Economists are downplaying the result, describing it as a 'pot hole' on the economic road, but not everyone's convinced.

The Federal Government says the first contraction in the Australian economy in five years justifies its policy to cut the corporate tax rate to 25 per cent over the next 10 years. The Treasurer Scott Morrison says the negative GDP figures demands support for the policy in the national interest. But the Opposition says the Government is simply relying on a slogan to boost the economy. Labor has also attacked the Government for ruling out a carbon pricing scheme for the electricity sector, just two days after the Environment and Energy Minister said it would be looked at in the Government's review of climate policies.