West Australian business leaders have urged Treasurer Wayne Swan to ditch the
federal government's new mining tax, saying it will hurt all companies in the
resource-rich state.

Foreign Minister Stephen Smith will visit Japan this week, as debate rages around a
compromise proposal on whaling.

The federal government has been urged to reverse its moratorium on processing Sri
Lankan refugee claims for asylum, amid fresh evidence of the wholesale slaughter of

Canterbury teenager Jamal Idris will make his State of Origin debut after a series
of powerhouse performances won him a spot on the NSW bench for game one against

As the US faces a crude oil disaster and Australia investigates its own massive oil
spill, the federal government has opened a series of proposed marine reserves to new

Australia's embassy in Thailand has closed its doors and foreigners have been told
to consider evacuating parts of Bangkok as violent clashes escalate.

Thousands of airline passengers travelling to and from Britain on Monday have faced
severe disruptions after a volcanic ash cloud played havoc with flight schedules.

Parents should continue to encourage their children not to talk on mobile phones too
much, despite an international study's failure to link usage to cancer.

Carlton's resurgence continued with a spirited come-from-behind 26-point triumph
over Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Sunday.

The Wests Tigers apologised to fans and forebears after a humiliating 50-10 NRL
heritage round thrashing by South Sydney at the SCG on Sunday.