+ Majura Parkway 'should include off-road cycleway' (ABC)—The body representing Canberra's cycling community is lobbying the ACT Government to construct an off-road bicycle track while the Majura Parkway is b...

+ Rangers target illegal Namadgi hunters (ABC)—ACT police and rangers are cacking down on illegal hunting in Namadgi National Park south-west of Canberra.

+ Dissident Chen arrives in US (ABC)—High-profile Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng has arrived in the United States after being flown out of Beijing with his immediate family.

+ Man dead in Sydney stabbing (ABC)—A man is dead and a woman is in hospital after a stabbing in Sydney's west.

+ Man arrested over attempted Sydney murder (ABC)—A man has been arrested while dining out just hours after he allegedly attempted to murder a man in Sydney's west.

+ Liberal Senator Heffernan accused of assault (ABC)—Liberal Senator Bill Heffernan has been accused of assault by a suspended electorate officer.

+ Stricken ship narrowly misses reef (ABC)—Authorities have revealed they were bracing for an environmental disaster off far North Queensland last night when a bulk carrier came within metres o...

+ Stricken ship narrowly misses hitting reef (ABC)—A bulk cargo carrier, adrift in the Coral Sea off far north Queensland, has narrowly missed hitting an outlying reef.

+ Man in hospital after suburban Sydney shooting (ABC)—A man has been shot at a townhouse in Merrylands in Sydney's west.

+ Stricken ship drifting near Great Barrier Reef (ABC)—Maritime authorities say a bulk carrier is drifting out of control in the Coral Sea off far North Queensland but has narrowly missed hitting an outlyi...

+ Man shot in Sydney suburbs (ABC)—A man has been shot at a townhouse in Merrylands in Sydney's west.

+ Stricken ship drifting towards Great Barrier Reef (ABC)—The Australian Maritime Safety Authority is monitoring a bulk carrier that is drifting out of control toward the Great Barrier Reef in far north Queen...

+ Surge in emergency department presentations (ABC)—Record demand for emergency department services has prompted ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher to urge Canberrans to seek alternative treatment for no...

+ Hydro's carbon tax warning (ABC)—A prominent economist has warned the Tasmanian Government against relying on Hydro Tasmania's forecast windfall from the carbon tax.

+ East Timor to celebrate 10th anniversary (ABC)—East Timor will tomorrow commemorate its 10th anniversary since independence from Indonesia, and the World Bank says there are plenty of reasons to ce...

+ Seven teens escape NT juvenile detention (ABC)—Northern Territory Police have found four of the seven teenagers who escaped from the Alice Springs Juvenile Detention Centre last night.

+ FT millions cause division (ABC)—There is disagreement within Tasmania's power-sharing government about millions allocated to Forestry Tasmanian in the state budget.

+ Mother speaks (ABC)—The mother of a 16-year-old boy who died just hours after being sent home from the Northam Hospital says coronial findings handed down yesterday prove...

+ Cockatoo blues (ABC)—Satellite tracking devices and distinctive blue tail feathers will help keep tabs on six Carnaby's cockatoos released in Perth this morning.

+ Driver killed at Holt blackspot (ABC)—A 59-year-old Macgregor man has been killed in a crash at a known blackspot in the north Canberra suburb of Holt.

+ Western Australia introduces court for mentally ill (ABC)—The West Australian Government is set to reveal plans to introduce a specialist court to deal with offenders suffering from mental illness.

+ Unlicensed teen killed in fiery crash (ABC)—The coroner will investigate a fiery crash that killed an unlicensed teenage driver in Melbourne's north-east overnight.

+ Pair charged with newborn baby's murder (ABC)—Police have charged a Brisbane couple with the murder of a newborn baby found in a washing machine earlier this year.

+ Government under pressure over cattle stunning (ABC)—The Federal Government is under renewed pressure from within its own ranks to demand all Australian cattle sent to Indonesia are stunned first before ...

+ Court hears of Slipper's distress over sex claims (ABC)—The Federal Court in Sydney has heard a sexual harassment case against Federal MP Peter Slipper has deeply disturbed him and may be an abuse of the le...

+ Government under pressure to demand cattle stunning (ABC)—The Federal Government is under renewed pressure from within its own ranks to demand all Australian cattle sent to Indonesia are stunned first before ...

+ Union says BHP workers will strike next week (ABC)—The Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) says workers at BHP Billiton's coking coal mines in Queensland's Bowen Basin will strike aga...

+ Tasmanian Liberal Senate pre-selections begin (ABC)—The Tasmanian Liberal Party has received nine nominations for its Senate ticket for the next federal election.

+ Asbestos-laden truck hits bridge, causes chaos (ABC)—A truck believed to be carrying asbestos sheeting has hit a bridge at Corinda in Brisbane's south-west, spilling its load and causing traffic chaos.

+ 28 years for killer who dismembered lover (ABC)—A New South Wales man who murdered his girlfriend and cut up her body with a circular saw has been jailed for 28 years.

+ Boys avoid detention after sex attacks (ABC)—Two boys who admitted sexually assaulting women in Perth's southern suburbs last year have avoided detention.

+ Kangaroo industry on its last legs (ABC)—The kangaroo industry is facing difficult times following the failure of attempts to reopen trade with crucial Russian markets.

+ Police say removing protest van will be 'tricky' (ABC)—Police are working to remove two women from a vehicle which is blocking the entrance to Western Australia's proposed Kimberley gas hub.

+ Shares dive as spooked investors run for cover (ABC)—The Australian share market has hit a six-month low, wiping $32 billion off the All Ordinaries Index, as investors headed for the exits amid fears abo...

+ Five child porn charges dropped against MP (ABC)—Prosecutors have dropped five charges against a South Australian MP accused of child pornography offences.

+ NZ's runaway millionaire found guilty (ABC)—A New Zealand jury has found one of the so-called accidental millionaires guilty of 30 charges of fraud and money laundering.

+ Neglect couple to be sentenced (ABC)—A couple who neglected an eight month old child, who is now severely disabled as a result, are expected to be sentenced in June.

+ Media shut out of 'missing' girls hearing (ABC)—The Family Court in Brisbane has excluded the media from its proceedings over an international custody dispute involving four Italian-Australian girls...

+ Coroner says dead boy deprived of proper care (ABC)—The Deputy State Coroner has found a 16 year old boy who died just hours after being discharged from a country hospital was deprived of the opportunit...

+ Ex-SES head pleads guilty to child porn charges (ABC)—A former senior executive of the New South Wales State Emergency Service (SES) has pleaded guilty to the possession of child pornography.

+ TCCI takes broom to boardroom (ABC)—Tasmania's main business lobby plans to overhaul its board as it deals with serious financial problems.

+ Premier begins budget pitch (ABC)—Tasmania's Premier has faced criticism of her second state budget which forecasts a rough few years ahead.

+ Shares set for six-month low amid euro woes (ABC)—The local share market is on track for its lowest close since November, as worries about the stability of Greece and Spain spark a sell off.

+ Lawyer urges mercy after 'horrifying' murder (ABC)—Defence lawyers have told the Supreme Court that a group of teenagers found guilty of the unprovoked murder of a Sudanese man did not inflict the fata...

+ Commercial fishermen spit chips over tough laws (ABC)—Northern Territory commercial barramundi fishermen want to change laws they say allow police to seize boats and send operators broke.

+ ACT triple-A credit rating secure, for now (ABC)—ACT's triple-A credit rating appears to be secure, after a decision to delay a budget surplus for at least two years.

+ North-west drug haul (ABC)—Tasmanian police have laid charges after seizing illicit drugs and firearms during a search in Devonport.

+ $34 billion Inpex project given kick-off from top (ABC)—Prime Minister Julia Gillard has turned the first sod at the Inpex liquefied natural gas plant site at Blaydin Point on Darwin Harbour.

+ Coolen prepares to tackle Reds in court (ABC)—Former Adelaide United coach Rini Coolen has launched legal proceedings against the club in the South Australian District Court.

+ Two arrested after man shot (ABC)—Police have arrested two people after a man turned up at a hospital on Sydney's north shore with gunshot wounds.

+ Corangamite preselection battle turns nasty (ABC)—The Liberal Party has launched an investigation into an alleged "dirty tricks" campaign over preselection for the marginal federal seat of Corangamite...

+ Truckie 'may have been drugged' (ABC)—A woman accused of murdering a truck driver and storing his body for six months may have drugged the victim, the Adelaide Magistrates Court has been t...

+ Motorcyclist dies after crash fleeing police (ABC)—A motorcyclist has died after crashing the bike he was riding shortly after police sought permission for a pursuit.

+ Police charge man for alleged murder of woman (ABC)—A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a woman in a central Australian town earlier this week.

+ TAFE budge cuts described as 'vandalism' (ABC)—The head of one of Victoria's biggest TAFE colleges has accused the Government of putting TAFEs at risk, simply to keep a budget surplus.

+ CSIRO cleared of link with forestry lobby group (ABC)—An investigation by the Commonwealth Ombudsman has cleared the CSIRO of its links with a forestry lobby group, but has warned its reputation could suf...

+ Brothel madam to find prison onerous, court heard (ABC)—The ACT Supreme Court has heard a Thai woman, found guilty of keeping a slave, will find prison onerous because of her isolation from family, and her ...

+ Gas hub protestors blocking road (ABC)—Two women aged in their sixties have locked themselves inside a van and are blocking the road to the proposed gas hub, north of Broome.

+ Forest industry returns to peace talks (ABC)—The Forest Industries Association of Tasmania (FIAT) is returning to the forest peace deal negotiations.

+ Crime squad officer arrested in police drug bust (ABC)—A Northern Territory Police officer has been arrested as part of a drug operation in Darwin.

+ Government dumps hospital IT system (ABC)—The State Government has dumped the hospital IT system HealthSMART after a $500 million cost blowout.

+ People smugglers sent home over age concern (ABC)—Three Indonesians convicted of people smuggling have been released from Albany Prison in Western Australia due to concerns about their age.

+ NSW teachers vote to escalate industrial action (ABC)—Public school teachers across New South Wales have voted overwhelmingly in favour of ramping up strike action, if the State Government does not agree ...

+ Police search gang after stabbing in Cottesloe (ABC)—Police in Perth are searching for a gang of four people they say are responsible for several burglaries and a stabbing in Cottesloe.

+ Tasmania to ban battery hen farming (ABC)—Tasmania is to become the first Australian state to ban battery hen farming and will fast-track the phasing out of pigs in sow stalls.

+ Vote counting begins for BMA enterprise agreement (ABC)—Electoral officials have started counting the votes on a proposed enterprise agreement for workers at BMA's coal mines in central Queensland.

+ Libs label budget a 'Labor-Green con' (ABC)—The Tasmanian Opposition has accused the Premier of breaking a promise by sending the state into net debt.

+ ACCC to probe online price deals (ABC)—The competition regulator will investigate clothing importers who are making deals with international online stores to inflate prices for their Austra...

+ Weapons bill passes lower house (ABC)—Legislation to crackdown on people carrying weapons has passed the lower house of South Australian Parliament as the Government moves to curb bikie vi...

+ AFP seize $20m worth of drugs imported by post (ABC)—The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Customs have seized 120 kilograms of illicit drugs, including 80 kilograms of heroin, imported into...

+ Shares set for 12-month low amid euro woes (ABC)—The Australian share market is heading towards a 12-month low after falling sharply at the open amid ongoing worries about the eurozone's debt trouble...

+ Pair injured in light plane crash (ABC)—Two men have been injured in a light plane crash in the central west of New South Wales.

+ ALP dinner ticket buys hospital time (ABC)—The chairman of the Keith Hospital says he resorted to desperate measures to organise a meeting with the Premier to discuss the hospital's problems.

+ MP urges road train bullbar fines review (ABC)—Western Queensland MP Vaughan Johnson has asked the State Government to investigate why road train drivers have been fined for what he says are minor ...

+ Man jailed over fatal Gold Coast crash (ABC)—A District Court judge has sentenced a man to 10 months in jail over a fatal road accident on Queensland's Gold Coast.

+ Nuttall advises Parliament 'unable to pay' contempt fine (ABC)—Jailed former Queensland government minister Gordon Nuttall has failed to pay his fine for contempt of Parliament.

+ HMAS Ballarat sails into China for joint exercise (ABC)—An Australian frigate is preparing for joint exercises with the Chinese navy, just days after Foreign Minister Bob Carr received the blowtorch from Be...

+ Third bid for bail fails (ABC)—A Canberra man accused of drug trafficking and possessing unregistered guns has been refused bail for a third time in the ACT Magistrates Court.

+ Government releases Indonesian abattoir report (ABC)—An investigation into animal cruelty in Indonesian abattoirs has recommended action be taken against two Australian exporters.

+ Qantas to face Virgin competition on Isa-Brisbane route (ABC)—Virgin Australia will revive its weekday service between Mount Isa and Brisbane, ending the Qantas monopoly on the route.

+ Motorcyclist loses leg during police pursuit (ABC)—A motorcyclist has lots one of his legs after crashing his bike during a police pursuit in Perth.

+ Downsize plan casts doubt on Olympic Dam (ABC)—Federal and State politicians have downplayed doubts over the future of the Olympic Dam mine expansion after BHP Billiton announced plans to downsize ...

+ Fears office closures to affect DPI services (ABC)—The Victorian Opposition says it is only a matter of time before cuts to Department of Primary Industries' (DPI) funding start affecting front-line se...

+ Government releases Indonesian abattoir cruelty report (ABC)—An investigation into animal cruelty in Indonesian abattoirs has recommended action be taken against two Australian exporters.

+ Fault confines bendy buses to slow lane (ABC)—Almost 150 Sydney buses will have their speed capped from today, because of a potential design fault.

+ Government 'running away' from accountability pledge (ABC)—The Queensland Government and Opposition have clashed in Parliament over accountability, as new laws governing the committee system that scrutinises l...

+ Government attacked over country job losses (ABC)—Labor is using the latest employment data to step up its attack on the State Government's jobs record in country Victoria.

+ Family threatened in armed home invasion (ABC)—A family has been threatened with machetes, hammers and iron bars in a home invasion in Sydney's west, in what police believe may have been a case of ...

+ AFP seize drugs imported by post (ABC)—The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Customs officers have seized 120 kilograms of illicit drugs.

+ Three years jail for exploiting girl (ABC)—A Tasmanian court has heard how a man sexually exploited the troubled daughter of his partner.

+ CSG will impact hundreds of bores: report (ABC)—A new report suggests more than 500 water bores on farms across Queensland's southern inland will be affected by the coal seam gas (CSG) industry.

+ Leaked audit casts shadow over Royal Life Saving (ABC)—A confidential audit of the Royal Life Saving Society Queensland (RLSSQ) has revealed serious governance and management issues within the charity.

+ Amputee reveals struggle to have leg removed (ABC)—A former gymnast and martial artist has revealed the struggle he faced to have his injured leg amputated in a bid to overcome crippling pain.

+ Leaked audit casts shadow over Life Saving Qld (ABC)—A confidential audit of the Royal Life Saving Society Queensland (RLSSQ) has revealed serious governance and management issues within the charity.

+ Inquest into Ingleside death fails to find answers (ABC)—The inquest into the death of a Sydney man whose almost-naked body was found 18 months ago has failed to deliver any answers.

+ No regrets over Slipper staffer comments: Carr (ABC)—Foreign Minister Bob Carr has brushed aside a formal complaint from the man who launched a sexual harassment case against Speaker Peter Slipper.

+ Reactions to the WA budget a mixed bag (ABC)—There have been mixed reactions from business and industry groups to the state budget handed down today.

+ People smugglers released over age doubts (ABC)—The Federal Government will release three Indonesians convicted of people smuggling after evidence suggested they were minors at the time they were ca...

+ Victorian house searched in girls-in-hiding case (ABC)—Police have visited a home in north-west Victoria in their search for four girls at the centre of an international custody dispute.

+ China pressuring N Korea over nuclear tests (ABC)—Foreign Minister Bob Carr has praised China for putting pressure on ally North Korea to abandon reported plans for another nuclear test.

+ Household costs to rise but less than expected (ABC)—The Government will raise electricity prices by 3.5 per cent, in line with inflation, lower than the predicted five per cent. The cost of water will ...

+ Industrial court to hear HSU administration case (ABC)—The New South Wales Industrial Court has agreed to hear an application for the Health Services Union East branch to go into administration.

+ Shares in holding pattern amid Greek turmoil (ABC)—The share market has closed in negative territory as deepening turmoil in Europe overcame investors in late trade.

+ Armed robbers steal expensive sports car (ABC)—Police in Melbourne are hunting for two men after a sports car worth $470,000 was stolen from Middle Park yesterday.

+ Policeman suspended after child porn sentence (ABC)—A Northern Territory Police officer has been suspended from duty after being found guilty of possessing child abuse material.

+ State budget delivers more Labor pain (ABC)—Tax hikes and more public sector cuts are on the way for Tasmania as the state deals with a cash-flow crisis and bulging deficit.

+ Ex-lawyer cleared over Falconio killer interview (ABC)—Former high-profile lawyer Andrew Fraser has been cleared over his involvement in a Channel Seven interview with the man convicted of killing British ...

+ Activists quiet on Brisbane tent embassy future (ABC)—Indigenous leaders in South Brisbane have refused to elaborate on the outcome of their meeting over the future of a controversial tent embassy.

+ Govt to bailout Forestry Tasmania (ABC)—The Tasmanian Government will spend $110 million over four years bailing out Forestry Tasmania as it determines how the Government business enterprise...

+ Slipper staffer makes complaint against Carr, Joyce (ABC)—The man who launched a sexual harassment case against Speaker Peter Slipper has made a formal complaint about comments made by political heavyweights ...

+ BHP Billiton chief sparks workplace row (ABC)—Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan has rejected suggestions that major international companies will abandon their investments in Australia because of the co...

+ Territory illicit drugs most expensive in nation (ABC)—New figures show illicit drugs users in the Northern Territory pay more for amphetamines than people anywhere else in Australia.

+ Power and water prices set to rise in double slug (ABC)—The Northern Territory Government says average household utilities prices are set to rise by $225 a year because of the Federal Government's carbon ta...

+ Wheat train derailed after collision with truck (ABC)—A truck has collided with an empty wheat train at Mooliabeenee, near Gingin, about 100 kilometres north-east of Perth.

+ Motion to fund autism centre voted down (ABC)—An East Fremantle autism centre, which was placed into liquidation yesterday, will remain closed after a motion to fund it was voted down in Parliamen...

+ Forced adoptions apology from SA Premier (ABC)—South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill will make a formal apology to people affected by past forced adoption practices.

+ Regional hospital gets government funds injection (ABC)—The State Government is to provide Keith Hospital in the upper south-east of South Australia with a one-off $350,000 grant to help shore up its future...

+ Warning Europe could bring about mining bust (ABC)—A business analyst says the effects of the European Union's economic crisis are likely to bring about the end of Western Australia's mining boom.

+ School's sporting history recognised (ABC)—The Lake Ginninderra college in Canberra has launched a sporting hall of fame to celebrate the 116 Olympians the school has taught in its 25 year hist...

+ City of Vincent wants fire costs paid by owner (ABC)—The City of Vincent says it is looking to recoup the costs associated with the clean up of asbestos from a building fire in West Perth.

+ Star boss sacking free and fair: inquiry (ABC)—Sydney's Star Casino acted appropriately over sexual harassment claims against its former managing director, an inquiry into the matter has found in i...

+ Shorten warns of 'gathering storm' facing Labor (ABC)—Bill Shorten has warned that the labour movement is facing a "gathering storm" from an enthused and engaged Opposition, but urged it not to succumb to...

+ Victor Chang's ailing killer to be deported (ABC)—Authorities are planning to release the man who fatally shot Sydney heart surgeon Victor Chang, provided he is immediately deported from Australia.

+ Crime victim's compo too slow: Ombudsman (ABC)—The ACT ombudsman says the process used locally to provide financial assistance to victims of crime is flawed and unfair.

+ CBA on track for another record profit (ABC)—Commonwealth Bank has recorded a 3 per cent jump in quarterly cash profit, putting it on course for another record annual result.

+ Miner faces sacred site desecration charges (ABC)—More charges have been laid against a mining company after it allegedly desecrated a sacred Aboriginal site in the Northern Territory.

+ Committal hearing set for alleged Lin family killer (ABC)—A committal hearing has been set for the man accused of murdering members of Sydney's Lin family.

+ Test drilling begins for east-west tunnel (ABC)—The Victorian Government has announced the start of major drilling and environmental testing work on the planned east-west tunnel link in Melbourne's ...

+ Triple killer detained for life (ABC)—A man who shot dead three people in Adelaide last year is likely to be detained for life in a mental health facility after being found not guilty due ...

+ Lease variation charge "stifling development" (ABC)—An examination of the lease variation charge has found that it is stifling development in Canberra, and adversely affecting housing affordability.

+ Traditional owners celebrate turtle release (ABC)—A turtle with special significance will be released back into the wild in north Queensland, after spending 10 months in rehabilitation in Townsville.

+ Legal services struggling to meet demand (ABC)—Community legal centres say they are struggling to meet the demand for legal services, despite help from volunteers.

+ University plans integrity review after nepotism claim (ABC)—The University of Queensland is carrying out an integrity review in the wake of last year's enrolment scandal.

+ No jail for suburban 'punching match' (ABC)—A 42-year-old Canberra man has avoided jail after being sentenced for an attack on a man whose son had allegedly sexually assaulted his daughter.

+ Gosford to lose 120 WorkCover jobs: union (ABC)—More than 100 jobs with the WorkCover Authority of New South Wales based at Gosford on the state's Central Coast could be heading back to Sydney.

+ Ambulance maintenance concerns raised by union (ABC)—Ambulance Victoria is investigating problems with its ambulance fleet, following fires and smoke on board some of its vehicles.

+ Premier denies role in drug project cut (ABC)—South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill said he had nothing to do with funds being cut for a drug treatment program at Elizabeth Grove.

+ Teachers Federation defies order over NSW strike (ABC)—The New South Wales Teachers Federation is defying an order to move planned strike action tomorrow morning to a less disruptive time.

+ East Timor 'ready for generational change' (ABC)—East Timor's new president says the 10th anniversary of his country's independence from Indonesia is a time for generational change.

+ Court setback for Julian Knight's parole bid (ABC)—Hoddle Street killer Julian Knight's hopes of parole in two years have been dashed after the Supreme Court refused his bid to change his prisoner clas...

+ SA Premier still confident of Oly Dam expansion (ABC)—South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill said he still expected the Olympic Dam mine expansion to proceed, despite BHP Billiton saying it would reduce ...

+ Workplace bullying still "real problem" (ABC)—The ACT Greens say a survey has revealed widespread bullying allegations in the public and private sector, and under-reporting by victims.

+ Tests to check if noise sparked sick fish (ABC)—An aquatic medical expert says he will be determining if noise is a cause of a diseased fish outbreak in Gladstone Harbour in central Queensland.

+ New animal cruelty oversight for NSW abattoirs (ABC)—The New South Wales Government has announced new oversight of the state's abattoirs, after an investigation uncovered animal cruelty at a meat process...

+ Analyst warns Europe could bring about mining bust (ABC)—A business analyst says the effects of the European Union's economic crisis are likely to bring about the end of Western Australia's mining boom.

+ Santos marks Port Bonython milestone (ABC)—Oil and gas producer Santos will today export its 1,000th cargo from its Port Bonython processing plant in the Upper Spencer Gulf.

+ Anti Kimberley gas hub protest signs removed (ABC)—Dozens of anti-gas hub signs have been pulled down from intersections and buildings around Broome.

+ Mobile classroom hits the road (ABC)—A big orange bus being touted as Australia's first mobile interactive classroom is touring regional Queensland.

+ Few sweeteners in state budget (ABC)—The Government will reveal its plan to combat massive revenue falls in today's state budget.

+ Hospital site workers walk out over safety (ABC)—The union representing workers at dispute at the Cairns Base Hospital's redevelopment site in far north Queensland are concerned their safety could be...

Last new 20/5/12 9:43am.