Independent senator Nick Xenophon still hasn't decided whether to support the federal government's flood levy and his position may not be known for weeks.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has vowed to scrap the carbon tax if elected prime minister but former leadership rival Malcolm Turnbull says he still believes in an emissions trading scheme (ETS).

A classy double strike by Shane Smeltz propelled Gold Coast United to a 3-2 triumph over Adelaide United and into the A-League preliminary final.

St Kilda are hopeful they will regain ruck duo Michael Gardiner and Justin Koschitzke early in the AFL season as they steadily build to a full-strength lineup.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has chided the Australian Greens for suggesting a carbon tax should be applied to petrol.

The fate of one tax will hang in the balance. The fight over another will intensify.

The first groups of Australian police are heading for New Zealand to help their hard-pressed local counterparts in earthquake devastated Christchurch.

Up to 50 police have swooped on Nimbin on the state's north coast in an operation to eradicate cannabis, a local pro-cannabis group claims.

Border Protection Command has intercepted another asylum-seeker boat.

NSW Premier Kristina Keneally isn't wavering in her support for a proposed carbon tax, despite claims it could further damage Labor's chances in the March state election.