Breaking News Australia – Latest News
Arctic 30 member could be home by New Year
11:44am Australian Colin Russell has been in Russia for three months since he and 30 others, known as the Arctic 30, were arrested over an anti-drilling protest.
Boxing day a 'bumper' for retailers
11:02am The Australian Retailers Association says Boxing Day was a "bumper" for shops across Australia, with more than $2 billion spent.
Suspicious Vic house fire
7:46am A suspicious fire has ripped through a home in Melbourne's west and spread to the roof of another home.
Big Boxing Day jump for bank transactions
11:02am Banking transactions on Boxing Day were up by 25 per cent on last year for one of Australia's big four banks.
Ships due to reach trapped liner Friday
AMSA says it'll take at least until Friday night for rescue ships to reach a Russian liner trapped in ice near Antarctica.
No decision yet on governor-general: govt
Marty Silk The federal government says it will announce the next governor-general "in due course", but insists a decision has not been made.
Christmas came early for shy girl: cleric
Thousands of worshippers have attended a Sydney mass while others have flocked to the beach for an Australian Christmas.
National holiday road toll remains at four
No deaths have been reported on Australia's roads on Christmas Day, with the toll remaining at four, down from 10 in 2012.
Man covered in blood in Brisbane CBD
A man has been found covered in blood on a street in Brisbane's inner city on Christmas Day.
Brisbane man dies days after city fight
A man knocked unconscious during a fight in Brisbane's CBD on Sunday has died in hospital.
Cylone warning issued for parts of NT
A Christmas cyclone warning has been issued for parts of the Northern Territory.
Man charged for attempting to groom child
A man has been charged for allegedly trying to groom a 13-year-old boy over a social networking site in an attempt to lure him into sexual activity.
Media union: Drop charges against journo
Rights group and others attack charges against veteran Australian journalist as attempt to stifle reports critical of Thai navy's treatment of boat people.
Aussies still in strife-torn South Sudan
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is urging all Australians in South Sudan to leave or take refuge to avoid the escalating violence there.
Retailers predict $15b sales start to 2014
Katina Curtis Retailers expect another good shopping season starting from Boxing Day while consumers are urged to make sure they know their rights.
Lifesavers urge care after drownings
Lifesavers and emergency workers are urging anyone heading to the beach or river this summer to take extra care of their safety.
Smedts apologises for driving selfie
Geelong footballer Billie Smedts has apologised for posting a staged photo while driving, saying it was irresponsible.
NAB enters undertaking with ASIC
The NAB has entered into an enforceable undertaking with ASIC following an inquiry into a share price spike on the ASX.
Remember those doing it tough at Xmas: PM
The prime minister has called on Australians to remember those doing it tough this Christmas and those spending the holiday away from their families.
Remember those facing tough times: Oppn
Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten says Christmas is a time to remember those facing tough times as well as defence personnel and emergency workers.
128 staff retrenched at Brindabella
Receivers of the troubled regional airline Brindabella had hoped to quickly sell it, but once that became impossible they had to retrench 128 staff.
SA premier wants $375m for Holden loss
South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill says the federal government should provide $375 million to help overcome the loss of Holden.
Olympic dam remains long-term: Premier
South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill sees no quick fix for state finances from delayed plans to expand open-cut mine.
A nation of big spenders for Christmas
Katina Curtis Retailers expect Australians will splurge even more on last minute presents and food for Christmas lunches and dinners than in previous years.
Minister Hunt "kowtowing" to Japan: Brown
Nick Perry Former Greens leader and Sea Shepherd head Bob Brown has slammed the Abbott government for failing to send a ship to monitor Japan's whale hunt.
Premium hike to prompt insurance rethink
Consumer groups say the news of a private health insurance premium increase well above inflation is an unhappy Christmas present.
Japan whaling decision a 'broken promise'
Steve Lillebuen Environment Minister Greg Hunt has announced that an Airbus plane will be used to monitor the Japanese whaling hunt in Antarctica.
Man refused bail over Bondi bashing
A magistrate has refused bail for a man charged over the Bondi bashing of Michael McEwen, citing community concerns about alcohol-fuelled violence.
NSW Police retrieve abseiler's body
An abseiler has fallen to his death trying to save his girlfriend, who has been lifted to safety in the Blue Mountains.
Aussies urged to leave South Sudan
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says some Australians have already left strife-torn South Sudan, but anyone left should depart quickly.
