A round-up of public finance news stories from the Asia Pacific you might have missed this week (September 2-6).

Coalition will sharpen cuts on public services

Australia’s coalition opposition has set out plans for a larger efficiency target for government, intending to cut an extra $428m from departmental budgets, ahead of the election on Saturday. The new reductions are on top of the opposition's plan to axe 12,000 public service jobs. (The Canberra Times)

China says economy stabilising after growth slowdown

China's government has tried to reassure companies and its public about the economy's health, saying growth is stabilising after a lengthy decline and should hit the official target of 7.5% for the year. (Associated Press)

Pakistan accepts tough IMF conditions for $6.6bn bailout package

Pakistan has agreed to the conditions of the IMF, including reducing gas subsidies and introducing new gas levy, to obtain a $6.6bn loan under the IMF’s 36-month Extended Fund Facility. (The News)

Construction sector in Malaysia to be affected by slowdown in government projects

Prospects for the construction sector are expected to be impacted by the slowdown in government-related projects and the potential tightening of the property sector, analysts have said. (The Star Online)

Queensland government publishes public service values

Be courageous. Empower people. Unleash your potential. It's not a motivational guide – it's the Queensland government's new set of ‘public service values’, which Premier Campbell Newman called a ‘key element in the government's goal of having the most responsive and respected public service in the nation’. (Brisbane Times)

Solomon Islands' government's $1.2m refund payment

The refund of $1.2m the Solomon Islands' government spent on the prime minister’s recent trip to Indonesia raises more questions than answers, civil society groups have said. (Solomon Star)