Jarmila Gajdosova has become the third Australian to progress to the second round of the French Open with a 6-3 6-1 victory over Frenchwoman Virginie Razzano on Tuesday.

The head of Australia's Border Protection Command has told an inquest into the Christmas Island boat tragedy that infallible surveillance of waters around the island is not possible.

An Australian man allegedly caught with methamphetamine and ecstasy during a raid on a villa where he was staying in Bali has been formally charged.

An Australian entry depicting the arid outback through to the wetter, urban east coast has won a prestigious gold medal at London's Chelsea Flower Show.

Socceroos coach Holger Osieck has left the door open for veteran midfielder Mark Bresciano to play a part in Australia's 2014 World Cup qualification campaign.

It's the end of an era for Queensland and the beginning of one for NSW, but whether the Maroons' unprecedented State of Origin dominance will change remains to be seen.

SYDNEY (AAP) - May 24 - Injury has claimed Brisbane stars Darren Lockyer, Sam Thaiday and Ben Hannant - but Queensland Origin fans can breathe easy.

SYDNEY (AAP) - May 24 - Walt Secord, one-time chief-of-staff to the former premier Kristina Keneally, and barrister Adam Searle have been sworn in as new Labor MPs in the NSW upper house.

SYDNEY (AAP) - May 24 - Queensland's Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) will investigate three of eight corruption allegations made by disgraced former Labor minister Gordon Nuttall.

SYDNEY (AAP) - May 24 - Prime Minister Julia Gillard has reaffirmed Australia's commitment to stay the distance in Afghanistan, as another soldier lost his life in the war.