Speculation that Treasurer Wayne Swan will hand down the Henry Tax Review on the same day as the May 11 budget would seem unlikely, if research by a leading Australian investment bank proves correct.

On the eve of President Barack Obama's State of the Union address Wednesday, a speech that's expected to focus on the need for jobs, the nation's largest engineering association is warning that the latest jobs data is "discouraging" for engineering.

George Moraetes, an information security executive, hasn't been able to find a steady job in two years. As a result, he's had to consider moving into a smaller home. His wife is losing her patience with him and with their financial situation, and his children tell him he's a loser.