(AAP) - The leader of a north Queensland cult which harboured convicted murderer Luke Hunter says he was not aware of the killer's past.

(AAP) - Legendary Australian television host and entertainer Ian Turpie has been diagnosed with cancer.

(AAP) - Two men who gagged a friend with a sock during an assault have avoided jail after a judge rejected evidence the victim was also taped up and hit with a metal bar.

Queensland coach Ewen McKenzie has denied he's picked a massive pack to monster the Western Force but the Reds forwards will certainly dwarf their rivals at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.

Newcastle deny they're involved in a late third party offer which prompted Cronulla prop Kade Snowden to cancel the announcement of his new NRL deal with the Sharks on Thursday.

There is no confirmation Japan's whaling fleet has abandoned its annual Antarctic hunt, despite reports that the mother ship has veered off its southerly course and is heading west.

Ambulance Victoria says it's normal practice to encourage the public to give a stranger mouth-to-mouth after a man feared he might contract HIV when he resuscitated an overdosed heroin addict.

Industrial turmoil may be on the horizon unless the Victorian government reviews its wages policy, unions say.

An explanation for the death of an Aboriginal man in custody has been passed on to his family, the Queensland coroner's office says.

The federal government has backed down on planned cuts to solar and housing programs to secure the Australian Greens support for its $1.8 billion flood levy.