National News

The death toll from rain-triggered landslides that struck a remote village in southwestern China has risen to 12, with another 36 people missing. More...

The three independents whose support will allow Labor or the coalition to form government say they are still undecided. More...

Independent MP Andrew Wilkie's decision to back Labor will leave the redevelopment of the Royal Hobart Hospital $160 short, the Tasmanian opposition says. More...

Forest fires have flared up again in southern Russia, killing two people and burning down nearly 500 houses and buildings, the emergencies ministry said. More...

Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott have attended the funeral of a Brisbane soldier who was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. More...

Waves driven by winds of 185km/h are battering beaches and coastal communities as Hurricane Earl closed in on North Carolina. More...

Queensland independent Bob Katter says he has not made big demands in his wishlist to Labor and the coalition to win his support to form government. More...

Thirteen armed Palestinian groups including the militant Islamist movement Hamas say they have set up a centre to coordinate operations against Israel. More...

Independent MP Andrew Wilkie rejected the coalition's offer of $1bn to rebuild a Hobart hospital because he couldn't see where the money would come from. More...

Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett has continued to defend the compulsory acquisition of Kimberley land for a gas precinct. More...

An explosion ripped through an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico on Thursday, dumping 13 people into the water, one of whom was injured, the US Coast Guard said. More...

Australians are increasingly using sustainable energy sources to address rising gas and electricity prices. More...

Murderer Des Campbell will be sentenced on Friday for pushing his rich wife off a cliff at the Royal National Park, south of Sydney. More...

Dangerous sex offenders will face longer prison sentences and closer supervision on release under tough new laws passed by state parliament. More...

Humans are currently playing a giant gamble with nature that could potentially see a mass extinction greater than that of the dinosaurs, new research shows. More...

Israeli and Palestinian leaders have resumed direct talks, agreeing to meet every two weeks in a bid to reach a lasting peace deal within a year. More...

The Victorian opposition has called on the government to release detailed costings of its $867 million bushfires royal commission response package. More...

British PM backs foreign minister over gay rumours More...

Two Indonesian policemen and a civilian went on trial on charges of conspiring with terrorists who were plotting attacks on foreigners in the country. More...

Andrew Forrest has backed independent MP Rob Oakeshott's call for a taxation summit, saying he'll accept any outcome reached through open, fair discussion. More...