We should put women at heart of aid strategy

It's not often that The Economist makes me laugh out loud. But laugh I did when reading an article in the magazine drolly titled "Anyone here speak NGOish?", about how the impenetrable language of foreign aid had taken hold in the new country of South Sudan, which voted for secession in January.

Nervous shareholders put Stokes plans at risk

It was not that long ago that economists, company executives and politicians were talking about Australia's two-speed economy - the minerals-rich states were booming while the old manufacturing-based states such as Victoria and NSW were experiencing sluggish economic activity.

A BHP takeover of Woodside makes sense, but the numbers are not compelling

Saying Woodside Petroleum is an ideal takeover target for BHP Billiton is a bit like saying the world should take out insurance against the effects of global warming by putting a price on carbon.

Opinions mixed on the pros and cons of a BHP takeover bid for Woodside

SAYING Woodside Petroleum is an ideal takeover target for BHP Billiton is a bit like saying the world should take out insurance against the effects of global warming by putting a price on carbon. Both statements are incomplete: it depends on whether the price is right, and the fall in Woodside's share price yesterday suggests that some investors are redoing their sums.

Policy to test mine plan

THE proposed expansion of Coal & Allied's Carrington West mine could be the first test of the Coalition government's strategic land use policy.

Minmetals names project to help plug Century gap

THE Hong Kong-listed Minmetals Resources (MMR) is planning to give the go-ahead in the September quarter for its Dugald River zinc-lead-silver deposit in north-west Queensland, expected to cost more than $US850 million ($828 million).

MMR to move on Dugald River

THE Hong Kong-listed Minmetals Resources (MMR) is planning to give the go-ahead in the September quarter for the development of its Dugald River zinc-lead-silver deposit in north-west Queensland, with an outlay of at least $US850 million.

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World's policeman turns in the badge

Obama spelt it out: the US can't afford to go it alone any longer.

ING puts Investa in the big league

INVESTA PROPERTY GROUP is set to emerge as a force in commercial property with a $12 billion portfolio after winning the battle for the management of ING Office Fund.

Fund needed for fair go

NSW Minerals Council boss Nikki Williams said the new state government must deliver on its $350 million infrastructure fund for the Hunter.

German Greens on Fukushima high

GERMANY'S richest state has ousted Chancellor Angela Merkel's Conservatives from power for the first time in 58 years, embracing the Greens and throwing doubt on Dr Merkel's political future.

Is human brain function largely based on our genes?

A question for Dr Alex Fornito

Voters turn their backs on 'strategic' Merkel

LONDON: Germany's richest state has ousted Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives from power for the first time in 58 years, embracing the Greens and throwing doubt on her political future.

Greenfields are not fulfilling the dream

New estates don't provide affordable housing, write Colin Keane and Bob Birrell.

After 16 years of sniping, Skinner will now be target

JILLIAN SKINNER'S knowledge of public health will be her best advantage as she navigates the treacherous waters of the state's most difficult portfolio.

Military life a shaper for career in politics

HE has pledged to deliver action for Newcastle, and Tim Owen has the background to back up the words.

National security focus needed to boost support for aid program

AUSTRALIA should give foreign aid its own minister and tweak the aid program to better serve national security, according to a report out today.

NSW savages Labor in record swing

THE Liberal-National Coalition has seized power in New South Wales with a thumping statewide swing of about 16 per cent, in a massive landslide that ended 16 years of rule by a scandal-ridden Labor Party.