A round-up of recent public finance articles from Asia Pacific you might have missed.

Guards to be cut at Australian military bases as Defence battles with budget

The anti-terrorism protection force at some of Australia’s key military bases is to be slashed, as the Defence Department struggles to find budget savings. (Sydney Morning Herald)

Thailand's benchmark interest rate too high, Kittiratt says

Thailand’s Finance Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong said the central bank’s benchmark rate is too high, while resigning himself to lacking the power to influence it. (Bloomberg)

China issues guidance for government purchases of services

The Chinese government has issued guidance for government purchases of public services from social organizations and private companies, according to an official statement on Monday. (Xinhuanet)

Fitch warns India of rating implications from policy slippage

Fitch rating agency has warned India that any slippage on its policy front would have negative implications for its ratings, currently at the lowest investment grade. It also cautioned India that there is much capital still left which could outflow from the country. (Business Standard)

New Zealand government unveils state house sale scheme

First-home buyers with a household income of less than $80,600 a year could be gifted as much as $20,000 to buy state-owned homes unwanted by the Government. (Marlborough Express via stuff.co.nz)

National icon sales may help fix Australian budget

Iconic public assets could be put up for sale as the Abbott government searches for ways to pay down debt, after warning of a ‘deteriorating’ budget that will force it to raise its $300bn borrowing limit. (The Australian)