Bishop rebuffs Dutton on US 'people swap'

Coalition frontbenchers have refused to join Immigration Minister Peter Dutton in linking the contentious US refugee deal with Australia's decision to accept refugees from Central America.

The 'Erin Brockovich scenario' behind MP's threat to quit the government

"If cane doesn't do well, the town doesn't do well. There's no rocket science in that," says sugarcane grower Paula Langdon.

Transfers to US to start in 'a couple of months': Dutton

Quid-pro-quo arrangement to take Central American refugees won't start until transfers begin from Manus Island and Nauru.

Immigrants to blame for high house prices, Dick Smith claims

Australian businessman Dick Smith has blamed immigrants for high house prices, claiming the "enormous population increase" is making young families unable to buy their first home.

Triggs defends handling of key 18c race-hate case

Human Rights Commission president Gillian Triggs has vigorously defended her handling of a controversial case at the centre of the push to overhaul Australia's racial discrimination laws, taking aim at "misinformation" from parts of the media.

Let renters buy without deposit, says Turnbull government MP

Turnbull government MP Andrew Broad says letting good renters buy without a deposit would avoid inflating house prices.

Triggs to face showdown on 'scandalous' race hate case

Commission declines to claim public interest immunity, paving the way for a tell-all showdown with government MPs.

One Nation candidate advocated killing journalists; attacked gays, Muslims, blacks

• EXCLUSIVE

"Let's hunt down some indo reporters and balibo them. What's Suharto up to these days," Richard Eldridge tweeted.

Consensus report emboldens push for free vote on same-sex marriage

A fresh parliamentary push on same-sex marriage has become more likely after a cross-party Senate committee reached a broad consensus on refining the government's same-sex marriage legislation.