September 8, 2015Mark Kenny, Chief Political Correspondent Tony Abbott has flagged that Australia will take in more refugees from Syria than the current humanitarian cap would allow while also stepping up its military commitment by joining in direct bombing campaigns on Islamic State targets and supply lines within that war-torn country. Neither decision has be finalised with the National Security Committee of cabinet set to sign off on Tuesday on the US-requested mission expansion, and the refugee increase awaiting feedback from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.

September 8, 2015Daniel Fallon More calls for Australia to do more for refugees as Tony Abbott says 'it is the government's firm intention to take a significant number of people from Syria this year. We will give people refuge.'

September 8, 2015Michael Bachelard The Australian Federal Police have put more than 1800 people at risk of the death penalty, mainly in Asia, in the past five years, by cooperating with foreign police forces.

September 8, 2015Leesha McKenny Planning Minister Rob Stokes has unveiled the structure of the long-awaited Greater Sydney Commission, which will be tasked with developing and overseeing the city's housing and jobs targets.

September 8, 2015Sean Nicholls Premier Mike Baird met the company behind the proposed $800 million Wallarah 2 coal mine during an official trip to Korea, drawing renewed criticism of the government's handling of the contentious project.

September 7, 2015Marc Hinton Corey Webster isn't the only New Zealand Breaker with a big week in front of him. While Webster chases his NBA dream in New Orleans, where he'll be put through three days of assessment workouts by Pelicans coaches, Reuben Te Rangi and Shea Ili will also get a chance to make their own moves.

September 7, 2015Heath Aston, political correspondent An Australian cruise ship operator is demanding an apology from Prime Minister Tony Abbott and deputy PM Warren Truss for suggesting he is a liar.

September 7, 2015Jesse Hogan Brendon McCullum says new Australia captain Steve Smith "missed a great opportunity to strike a blow for the spirit of cricket".

September 7, 2015Miki Perkins, Social Affairs Many baby boomers desire sexual pleasure and intimacy but don't want the ties, financial entanglements and commitments of the relationships - often marriages - of their younger lives.

September 7, 2015Nicole Hasham Persecuted people fleeing troubled nations including Iraq, Burma and Afghanistan would be denied sanctuary in Australia if the Abbott government increases its Syrian intake without raising overall humanitarian numbers, the Refugee Council of Australia says.