Ahok, godson to Muslims, gives emotional defence at his blasphemy trial
The embattled governor of Jakarta emotionally told his trial for blasphemy that his own godparents had been Muslims and it would not be possible for him to insult the religion.
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Sun-loving sand critters found on Melbourne beach could power future green energy
Next time you're lying on the beach soaking up the rays, spare a thought for the sun-loving algae hiding in the sand grains beneath you.
Where is Sydney's development happening? Look at this map ...
This is the chart the NSW government says is evidence of the strength of Sydney's housing market.
Neighbourhood grinch complains to council about Christmas lights display
'Tis the season to be jolly' but it seems not all are sharing in the Christmas cheer, after a resident in Perth's southern suburbs complained to their local council about a Christmas lights display on their street that was 'too noisy'.
'They were animals, just animals': Up to 30 people involved in St Kilda beach brawl
Up to 30 people were involved in a brawl at St Kilda beach which left five people in hospital.
Cartwright's ex-girlfriend charged after social media posts
The former girlfriend of Penrith star Bryce Cartwright has been arrested at her Constitution Hill home on Tuesday afternoon after a complaint was made to police on Monday.
Family has grave fears for missing 87-year-old who left in distinct Citroen
The family of missing 87-year-old Ballan man Brian Andrews hold grave fears for his safety and are appealing to the public for any information of his whereabouts.
Iconic Little Saigon market in Footscray gutted by fire
The iconic Little Saigon market in Footscray has been gutted by fire, devastating traders who were gearing-up for Christmas.
Cook MP Billy Gordon cleared over tax and child support payment allegations
Earlier this month, it was revealed the member for Cook had thousands of dollars owing and Speaker Peter Wellington was investigating whether Mr Gordon had misled the Parliament.
Union in landmark legal action over farm wages
One of Australia’s largest vegetable growers has been hit with a landmark legal claim aimed at recovering more than $500,000 in back pay for exploited international workers.
Turnbull MP throws support behind controversial pro-life candidate
Controversial Liberal preselection candidate Stephanie Ross has won the backing of a Turnbull government MP who has declared the 25-year-old a ministerial prospect.
Ex-case manager describes system that 'set Voller up to fail'
Dylan Voller's former case manager has described a Northern Territory justice system that failed the offender from a young age, neglecting diversionary programs, adopting a punitive and not rehabilitative approach, turning him violent, and failing to help him re-enter society.
Fifita issued with breach notice over support for killer
Cronulla's Andrew Fifita has been issued with a breach notice by the NRL over his support for convicted killer Kieran Loveridge.
Brad Hardie could be given the boot from Radio 6PR after 23 years
Respected football commentator Brad Hardie's looks set to be given the boot from Radio 6PR after 23 years with the popular Sports Today show being taken over by one of the rising players in the Australian media landscape.
Cleaner forced way into homes and started cleaning carpets
A 73-year-old recidivist aggressive carpet cleaner is set to pay $10,000 in court costs and double what he charged his "customers" after repeatedly forcing his services on the elderly.
Bushfire threatens homes near Abermain in NSW Hunter region
An emergency bushfire warning has been issued for residents in Abermain, near Cessnock, as two blazes threatens homes in the region.
Temperatures climb as cool change delayed
For those wondering "when will this end", Melbourne's steamy conditions won't come to a close until about midnight.
ASX see-saws ahead of Fed meeting
Shares swung into the red on Tuesday as investors stuck to the sidelines ahead of a key Fed Reserve meeting this week.
Gay bashing 'bait' to testify at third Scott Johnson inquest
A man who acted as a lure in Sydney gay bashings is set to give evidence at an inquest into the death of a talented mathematician 28 years ago.
Victorians warm to Pauline Hanson's One Nation
Nearly one in ten Victorian voters would vote for Pauline Hanson's One Nation party at the next state election causing a major headache for the major political parties, new polling shows.
Killer Danny Klobucar pleads guilty to weapons charges over nunchucks
Killer Danny Klobucar has been sentenced for weapons charges linked to a set of nunchucks police found in his car the night he fatally bashed Canberra grandfather Miodrag Gajic.
Qantas to fly Dreamliner 787s direct from Melbourne to Los Angeles
Qantas' first Dreamliner 787 route will be a direct flight between Melbourne and Los Angeles, commencing in December 2017.
Markets Live: ASX see-saws
Shares fall then bounce only to drop again as selling in miners and banks intensifies, while bond proxies enjoy some relief and CSL shines.
Victoria's budget slashed by rising wage bill
Victoria's budget surplus has taken a $1.2 billion hit as the Andrews government dramatically ramps up spending on public service wages.
200 jobs axed as State Transit goes on cost-cutting drive
About 200 jobs will be axed at State Transit – most of them from support roles – as the government-run body seeks to slash costs to hold onto Sydney bus contracts.
Books, presents donated to Les Twentyman Foundation destroyed by fire at Little Saigon market in Footscray
Thousands of school text books and Christmas presents donated to the Les Twentyman Foundation have been destroyed in the fire at Footscray's Little Saigon market.
Weather record set in 1868 set to tumble
A record warm December night is in prospect as sea breezes remain weak.
Police methods in spotlight as inquest into Morcombe murder to reopen
An inquest into the disappearance and death of Sunshine Coast schoolboy Daniel Morcombe is set to resume, five and a half years after it was adjourned.
Active management set to shine in 2017
Global fund managers expect a sharp increase in market volatility next year amid growing geopolitical uncertainty and a marked shift in fiscal policy, a survey has found.
On the trail of the holy-roller bike mystery
For the past few years, mysterious evangelical bikes have been appearing across Melbourne's CBD
Qantas mulls second crack at American Airlines deal
Qantas says it hasn't abandoned its dream of a lucrative tie-up with American Airlines.
Suspected gas attack kills dozens in Islamic State area near Palmyra
A suspected gas attack killed at least 53 people near the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra, recently captured by IS.
Savage audit finds RSL boss resigned over credit card expenses, not health as claimed
Former NSW president withdrew more than $200,000 in cash on his RSL credit card and was quietly forced to resign over expenses, rather than health reasons as claimed.
Naizmand breach of terrorism control order was 'serious'
The video had dark figures, a sunset, a cobra's head, a tropical beach, and flashes of IS fighters brandishing their flag.
Customer caught up in Canberra bank robbery loses damages appeal
A Westpac customer lost an appeal on Tuesday to have the bank pay him damages after he got caught up in an armed robbery.
Pay parking scrapped at Batemans Bay
Leave the coin purse at home next time you travel to Batemans Bay - you won't need it from December 23.
Feeling hot? It's only just getting started
Sydney heatwave set to nudge temperatures not seen since 1972.
Business conditions lowest in 19 months
Business conditions have fallen to their lowest level in 19 months and consumer confidence has plunged.
'I was in awe of it': Lorne shark sighting caught on camera
A Lorne fisherman caught more than he bargained for while at Lorne pier on Monday night.
Another Parramatta Eels star facing domestic violence charges
Kenny Edwards has become the latest Parramatta player to be charged with domestic violence in a move that could bring a premature end to his controversial career.
Out of the dog house, K9 unit graduates
Proud mums were close to tears as the Australian Federal Police graduated two dogs from a pilot program in Canberra on Tuesday.
Commodity rally sets up a mining cash splash
This year's stunning resurgence in commodity prices has Australian resource companies well placed to at least double their shareholder payouts, experts say.
Israel's Netanyahu unconcerned about anti-Semitism in Trump's USA
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed concerns about perceived anti-Semitism surrounding the soon-to-be Trump administration.
Have you seen Canberra's most adorbs cat?
Posters featuring Canberra's most adorable cat have been plastered around south Canberra - but unfortunately for all the wrong reasons.
Perth's dirty dozen: Eateries the Health Department fined in 2016
The Health Department has updated its list – hopefully for the last time in 2016 – of Perth eateries convicted under the Food Act.
Man jailed for ramming Gold Coast airport with car
A man who rammed a stolen car into the terminal of Gold Coast airport will spend seven months behind bars.
Man rescued after jumping from Elizabeth Quay bridge
A man has been rescued after jumping from the Elizabeth Quay bridge overnight.
Venezuela closes border with Colombia in wake of cash chaos
Venezuela's struggling economy just passed another grim milestone: it has the world's highest inflation.
Queensland to consider if domestic violence history should be revealed
The Queensland Law Reform Commission is investigating whether those at risk of domestic violence could be better protected if they could access their current or former partner's domestic violence history.
Bushfire burning near Queanbeyan
Fire fighters are working to contain a bushfire burning on Lower Boro Road, north east of Queanbeyan.