Turnbull and Trump talk, praise relationship as 'critical' for peace and prosperity

Malcolm Turnbull and Donald Trump discussed the Australia-US relationship as "critical for peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and globally", on Sunday morning.

Bishop tells Trump Asia wants 'more US leadership, not less'

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has called on Donald Trump to deepen rather than reduce US leadership in Asia in a speech that underscores Australian concern about the potential for the new President's isolationist leanings.

PM says foreign agents may use compromising material to target MPs

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has acknowledged foreign agents may be trying to gather compromising material on individual Australian politicians through cyber attacks, while a Labor MP has said parliamentarians themselves are the "weakest link".

MH370: Plane did not crash where officials have been searching

The plane is unlikely to be found in an area of ocean off Australia that has been the subject of a $200 million, two-year search.

Submarine leak aimed to harm France, says French defence minister

France's defence minister has renewed suggestions that revelations of a major data breach in its submarine program were the work of malicious foreign or commercial rivals.

Bishop accuses China of fuelling 'tension and mistrust' by weaponising artificial islands

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has accused Beijing of "creating an environment of tension and mistrust" after new satellite images showed China appears to have placed weapons on all seven of its artificial islands in the South China Sea.

Pacific's most powerful man may just keep Trump focused

• ANALYSIS

Hard-headed figures like Admiral Harry Harris should offset concerns that Donald Trump will be too cosy with Russia.

US to fly F-22 Raptors in and out of Australia amid China tensions

The US will begin flying its deadliest fighter plane, the F-22 Raptor, out of northern Australia next year, the most senior American commander in the Pacific has revealed.

NSW government refers former RSL president to police over expenses

Police called in after the NSW government intervened in the growing scandal.