National News
PM flags major review of childcare system
DANIEL HURST 3:16pm The Productivity Commission will launch an inquiry into how Australia’s childcare system can be improved to meet the needs of modern families.
Disadvantaged caught in the lender trap
SHANE GREEN There is still room for reform in finance sector.
Medal struck by First Fleet surgeon expected to fetch $500,000
Tim Barlass It's not in great condition but the Charlotte Medal is of ''immense historical interest'' and, despite a few holes, is expected to fetch $500,000 at auction this month.
Childcare: Regulator says third of centres not meeting benchmarks
COSIMA MARRINER Early childhood centres are struggling to meet demanding new standards for the education, health and safety of young children, according to the national regulator.
Arctic 30: Family releases doves in Sydney protest
Tim Barlass It is a letter from the heart. Maddy Russell and her mother, Christine, released 30 white doves in Sydney on Saturday as part of a protest urging the release of her father, Colin - one of the Arctic 30 Greenpeace activists held in Russia.
Schoolies week: Prices double Christmas rates on Gold Coast
DAISY DUMAS As far as rites of passage go, schoolies can be an expensive one.
Online brothel reviews 'cross ethical line'
EAMONN DUFF The XXX Australian Reviews website doubles as an underground information exchange for those who fuel the illegal sex trade.
Exercising during pregnancy may boost baby's brain development
COSIMA MARRINER Women who keep exercising during pregnancy give birth to babies with more advanced brains, a new study shows.
Neuroscience suggests resetting the clock on 'coming of age'
CATHERINE ARMITAGE New techniques for tracking brain growth show radical change extends into at least the mid-20s.
Watchdog takes aim at rogue operators in payday loans sector
SHANE GREEN The corporate regulator is moving against rogue operators in the contentious payday lending sector, warning it will take action to prevent exploitation of vulnerable members of society.
Push for teens to go on liquor sales sting
AMY CORDEROY Underage teenagers should be used to catch liquor stores
War against cruel trade in animals
Tim Barlass They are the ugly stories that sum up animal trafficking.
Cutting minimum wage would create US-style working poor, say aid agencies
John Elder Slashing the minimum wage would create a class of working poor similar to that in the United States, where homeless shelters are overflowing with full-time workers.
Sri Lanka confirms deal on people smuggling
The Sri Lankan government has confirmed an arrangement is being negotiated with Australia to tackle people-smuggling.
Typhoon claims second Australian victim
CAROLINE ZIELINSKI An elderly woman has become the second Australian to die in the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan wreaked havoc across the country last week, leaving up to 10,000 dead and destroying entire cities and villages.
Greenpeace detainee's family speak at Sydney protest
Tim Barlass With their voices shaking with emotion, the wife and daughter of Australian Colin Russell, one of the Arctic 30 held in St Petersburg for the Greenpeace oil drilling demonstration, spoke out Saturday at a harbourside protest.
Asylum seeker worker sacked after affair with detainee
A male guard at Australia's Christmas Island detention centre has been sacked for having a sexual relationship with a detainee.
