As the war of words ramps up over the carbon tax, key independent MP Tony Windsor has revealed he received a menacing phone message over his role in developing the policy.

A total of 268 people have been cleared to leave immigration detention under a policy to place vulnerable children in the community, Immigration Minister Chris Bowen says.

Officials from VFL club Frankston hope to meet with Brendan Fevola's management this week to discuss a potential comeback for the troubled AFL star.

Manly co-captain Jason King has escaped a charge for a high shot on Warriors forward Micheal Luck which sparked a brawl and incensed the crowd during Saturday night's NRL trial match in Auckland.

Kevin Muscat is in peak condition and "more motived than ever" for his first competitive match for Melbourne Victory since the tackle that provoked worldwide outrage.

People with a severe disability will be guaranteed a lifetime of support and care under a proposal expected to cost governments more than $12 billion a year.

Baby Baxtor Gowland was born in the wake of the first earthquake that shook Christchurch.

Police are continuing to search for a light plane that disappeared on a flight from Cairns to Horn Island in the Torres Strait.

Stunned horse racing figures have expressed shock and surprise following the murder of former trainer and colourful owner Les Samba who was gunned down on a busy Melbourne street on Sunday night.

The King's Speech reigned at the 83rd Annual Academy Awards and so did plenty of Aussies on a record-breaking, golden night for the Australian film industry.