Tensions at the Manus Island detention centre erupted into a violent breakout last night, after asylum seekers were told their only option for resettlement was to live in Papua New Guinea.
Thirty-five asylum seekers escaped from the centre through a fence about 6:15pm (local time) but Immigration Minister Scott Morrison says they were quickly recaptured.
Mr Morrison says all "non-essential staff" were evacuated, several internal fences were knocked down, safety-glass panels were smashed, bunk beds were "broken apart" and the pieces used as weapons and thrown.
Eight asylum seekers have been arrested and 19 have been treated at the centre's medical clinic, but Mr Morrison says none of the patients are "exhibiting life-threatening conditions".
Renewable energy reviewThe renewable energy target could be changed after a review examines clean energy's impact on power prices.
Scientist makes shoe linkShoes found near Daniel Morcombe's remains had similar wear patterns to those found in his room, a jury hears.
Commission probes Qld schoolThe mother of a girl who was sexually abused at a Catholic school says the authorities' response was "disgusting".
Farmers keen on trade dealThe dairy and beef industries will benefit from the Government's free trade agreement with South Korea.
Massive rock 'trucked away'Thieves may have used a crane to steal a gold-flecked quartz rock from Canberra's National Rock Garden.
Burgess leaving NRLRabbitohs star Sam Burgess will leave the NRL for English rugby club Bath after agreeing a three-year deal.
A number of our personal interactions occur online, but is technology making us more or less lonely?
Cate Blanchett wins Best Actress at the BAFTAs, dedicating the award to the late Philip Seymour Hoffman.
What has the Government been saying about SPC Ardmona and how do the ministers' claims stack up?
Industry Super Australia says some of the Government's financial planning changes may be legally invalid.
Torah Bright credits her family with helping her overcome personal struggles to win silver in Sochi.
Mothers are producing different biological recipes for sons and daughters, scientists say.
Are you managing a property in drought conditions? Tell us your story.
Shearers, graziers, and shed hands have gathered to remember a giant of the shearing world.
See the Winter Olympics through the eyes of Australian athletes chasing gold in Russia.
Belle Brockhoff and Torah Bright fail to make the snowboard cross final at the Winter Olympics.
All the best images from the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games.
Australia's Lydia Lassila won a bronze medal in the women's aerials final in Sochi.
Korea - Australia trade dealKorean investors to get $1 billion-plus FIRB threshold under free trade deal with Australia.
Financial advice concernsIndustry Super says some of the Federal Government's financial planning changes may be legally invalid.
Shares up on resultsAustralian shares are gaining on positive overseas leads and several positive earnings reports.
Low loan growthRegional lender Bendigo and Adelaide Bank is blaming a low-growth environment for a slide in profit.
Drought payment cautionAn economist warns that drought assistance risks propping up unproductive farms.
The Abbott Government continues to talk gruel while lavishing pork, writes Leith van Onselen.
Both sides of politics have wasted the proceeds of the resources boom, writes Ian Verrender.
Two bullets set the 20th century on a warpath that was by no mean inevitable, writes Marius Benson.
Border protection policy has begun to drift into some legal grey areas, writes Donald Rothwell.
Abbott appears to have mastered the alchemy of changing public opinion, writes Paula Matthewson.
Even progressives have a blind spot when it comes to our attitude towards animals, writes Katrina Fox.
I played an unwitting role in the rise of New Zealand as a low-wage economy, writes Rachel Buchanan.
The Liberals are caught between economic rationalism and political pragmatism, writes Barrie Cassidy.
Toronto-based firm Nautilus Minerals terminates PNG's 30 per cent share in a deep water mining project.
John Kerry says climate change could impact the way of life in Indonesia, urges action by nations.
Scott Morrison says 35 asylum seekers escaped from the Manus Island detention centre last night but were quickly recaptured.
A severe snowstorm sweeping across Japan kills 12 people and sparks widespread transport chaos.
A US study has backed Jose Salvador Alvarenga's remarkable tale of having drifted 12,500km across the Pacific.
Rabbitohs star Sam Burgess will leave the NRL for English rugby club Bath after the teams agreed to a three-year deal.
The Socceroos have unveiled their World Cup playing kit with the uniform paying tribute to the inaugural 1974 Cup team.
Shane Watson is being offered no guarantees when it comes to his recall to the Australian Test team.
Curitiba, the venue for Australia's clash with Spain, looks set to be removed from the 2014 FIFA World Cup schedule.
Australian pair Belle Brockhoff and Torah Bright have failed to reach the final of the snowboard cross at the Sochi Games.
Arsenal avenged last week's humiliating loss to Liverpool with a 2-1 victory to reach the final eight of the FA Cup.
WA Opposition calls on Government to subsidise shark shields as a way of reducing fatal attacks.
A banana venture set up to boost Aboriginal employment has reached full-scale commercial production.
Coen Ashton, 16, plans to jetski 2,000 kilometres in 7 days along the Murray River to raise awareness of organ donation.
Perth software designer Voon-Li Chung has created an application that turns smart phones into talking guides for the blind, enabling them to safely use public transport.
Sunshine Coast singer Samuel Johnson is one of only five people from around the world chosen to join a young artists program at The Royal Opera House in London.
Kids on speedA closer look at the lives of four families living with children who are suspected of having ADHD.
Social isolationHuman beings are social creatures and loneliness is our in-built cue that motivates us to reconnect with others.
Coping with butterfliesIt's often said you need to stay calm when you have performance anxiety. But new research suggests there might be a better way to cope with the jitters.
What has the Government been saying about SPC Ardmona and how do the ministers' claims stack up?
Brendan O'Connor is incorrect to say the 2001 building royal commission cost $100 million in today's dollars.
Malcolm Turnbull is correct to say Australian farmers are among the least subsidised in the world.
Fact Check takes a look at whether governments can do anything to stop Schapelle Corby getting paid for telling her story.
Farmers keen on Korea dealThe agriculture sector wants the Federal Government to move quickly to ratify a free trade agreement with Korea.
Abbott in Broken HillPrime Minister Tony Abbott has visited Broken Hill as part of his drought tour.
Renewable energy reviewThe Federal Environment and Industry Ministers have announced a review of Renewable Energy Targets. (audio)
We asked you about your favourite Australian-made cars. Here's what you said - illustrated.
These incredible facts will show you why you're just not crazy enough to make it as a Winter Olympian.
The future of British warfare is shown flying over what is thought to be Woomera in South Australia.
See who gave how much to Australian political parties by exploring our searchable database.
A burning seam of coal presents a huge challenge to firefighters.
Get an insight into the scale of drought ravaging northern New South Wales and Queensland.
The whistleblower performs a valuable service in a world where large corporate entities have a lot of power.
What is ethically sound, regardless of legality, when it comes to growing GM food?
