Breaking News Australia – Latest News
Passengers relieved after Antarctic rescue
5:02am Passengers from a Russian research ship stuck in sea ice in Antarctica have arrived safely at the rescue icebreaker.
Greenpeace activist home in Tasmania
David Beniuk 12:38am Australian Greenpeace activist Colin Russell is at home in Tasmania after three months imprisonment in Russia.
Heat turned up on regional Australia
7:31pm Temperatures in regional Australia came within a hair's breadth of 53year highs on Thursday, as urban centres found relief in cool changes late in the day.
Federal govt stands by its jobs promise
4:44pm The federal government is standing by its promise to create one million jobs over five years, rejecting the opposition's claim it's a "con".
'Coward punch' rocks Sydney family
Sophie Tarr 7:26pm Doctors believe 18-year-old Daniel Christie may have a serious brain injury if he survives a vicious assault at Kings Cross.
Passengers safe after Antarctic rescue
11:18pm Passengers from a Russian research ship stuck in sea ice in Antarctica have arrived safely at the rescue icebreaker.
Pedophile priest Michael Glennon dies
Pedophile priest Michael Charles Glennon has died in jail at the age of 69.
Target Australia gift cards okay
Target Australia has reassured its customers its gift cards have not been affected by a glitch that has hit Target US.
Avoid shonky claims in 2014: Choice
Consumer group Choice is urging Australian shoppers to stop listening to supermarket chains' low price claims and start doing their own sums.
Abbott urges Australians to 'have a go'
Prime Minister Tony Abbott says 2014 should be a year for optimism and building the future of Australia.
Violence mars Australian NYE celebrations
Millions of revellers rang in 2014 without incident, but several vicious attacks across Australia marred NYE celebrations.
Shorten: Aust must keep working in 2014
Australia needs durable and unwavering resolve to confront challenges of the new year, opposition leader Bill Shorten says.
Small business to take tax-break hit
Katina Curtis The government is quietly dumping a $6500 asset write-off for small businesses which was linked to the mining tax.
Games will be safe says AOC
Australian Olympic Committee president John Coates believes the Sochi Winter Games will be safe, but has urged athletes to be cautious.
WA cyclone threat eases as cleanup begins
Roofs have been damaged, trees have fallen and some residents remain without power after Tropical Cyclone Christine tore through WA's Pilbara region.
All set for party of the year
Eoin Blackwell Australia's skies are set to explode with colour this New Year's Eve, as revellers prepare for the biggest party of the year.
Kids to benefit from big federal programs
Katina Curtis School age children and those with dental needs will benefit from two separate federal government programs due to start in the new year.
Cabinet papers reveal challenges of 86/87
Max Blenkin It was a time of political upheaval, when Paul Keating warned Australia could become a "banana republic" and Joh made a failed tilt at the federal stage.
More than 100 million texts on New Year's
More than 101 million texts expected to be sent over New Years Eve and New Years Day,
Palmer a tease over Muir deal: Xenophon
Adam Bennett Nick Xenophon has questioned why Clive Palmer did not release details of his political deal with senator-elect Ricky Muir sooner.
Icebreaker unable to reach Antarctic ship
Steve Lillebuen The Australian icebreaker Aurora Australis faced poor visibility and snow showers, forcing it to turn back from rescuing a ship stranded in the Antarctic.
Nothing to fear from Zimbabwe: Downer
Former foreign minister Alexander Downer says Australia has little to fear from granting asylum to Zimbabwe's former envoy Jacqueline Zwambila.
Coal prices drive down NSW exports value
The NSW government says it is on track to see $1.2 billion in new investment over the next three years despite the value of exports dropping 4 per cent.
Cyclone impacting WA's north coast
A red alert remains in place for people in or near coastal areas between Pardoo and Mardie as tropical cyclone Christine arrives at the WA coast.
Cyclone accelerates towards WA coast
Tropical Cyclone Christine is picking up speed as it heads towards WA's Pilbara region.
Icebreaker on track to reach stuck ship
Steve Lillebuen and Sam McKeith An Aussie icebreaker is about 85 nautical miles from a ship trapped in sea ice near Antarctica and is due to reach the stuck vessel late on Sunday night.
GP fee would 'clog up' hospitals: Labor
Labor says a plan for GP co-payments would result in hospital emergency departments being "clogged up" with extra patients.
Soccer fans brawl in Melbourne
Flares have been ignited at a Melbourne stadium hours after four people were injured in a violent brawl between soccer fans.
Zimbabwe ambassador goes into hiding
The immigration minister says a request for asylum by Zimbabwe's ambassador will be considered on its merits once an application is made.
Soccer fans brawl in Melbourne
Flares have been ignited at a Melbourne stadium hours after four people were injured in a violent brawl between soccer fans.
