Adrian Rollins

Security agencies are facing questions about their ability to detect threats after senior police admitted the man accused of attacking independent Victorian MP Helen Haines was not identified as a risk.

Concerns of a Melbourne Cup interest rate hike have been stoked after a senior Reserve Bank of Australia official warned of a material deterioration in the inflation outlook.

The federal government has extended its ban on scandal-plagued consulting firm KPMG until March next year as the operator seeks to rescue its tarnished reputation.

The nation is headed for slower growth and higher unemployment as elevated inflation and interest rates overshadow a massive lift in AI-related investment.

Government plans to cut corporate red tape and strengthen competition have been backed by business and industry groups.

Parliament has been united in expressions of warmth, care and regard for Indi independent Helen Haines as she recovers in hospital after being run down outside her Wangaratta electorate office a week ago.

The future of Australia's free trade deal with the European Union hangs in the balance after the Coalition hardened its opposition to the agreement.

The federal government will monitor the impact of controversial cuts to the working holiday maker visa program but has rebuffed calls for change.

A Coalition government would abolish climate agencies and programs, scrap Labor's housing reforms, gut industry incentives and boot non-citizens off welfare programs.

Expectations have swung firmly in favour of a Melbourne Cup Day rate rise after annual inflation jumped to 4.3 per cent in September.