(AAP) - The United States is planning discussions about the role it may play in the East Asia Summit, paving the way for it to become the pre-eminent strategic forum in the region.

(AAP) - Nine Australians known to be in Haiti are safe, but fears remain for others after the most powerful earthquake in more than 200 years devastated the Caribbean country.

(AAP) - Drivers who attempt to evade police would face three years in jail under new laws proposed by the union that represents NSW officers.

(AAP) - Lleyton Hewitt has powered through to the quarter-finals of the Sydney International after a rousing 6-0 6-2 win over Andreas Seppi on Wednesday.

(AAP) - Singapore-based Tiger Airways Holdings Ltd has flagged using proceeds from its initial public offer to fund an expansion of its Australian operations.

Victorian Premier John Brumby has been left red-faced after Melbourne's antiquated
rail system again buckled in the heat, despite vehement assurances it would not

Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has thrown down a challenge to the government:
take legal action against Japanese whaling.

Tony Abbott will this week start unveiling opposition "thinking" on key issues that
he hopes will convince voters to give the coalition another chance at government.

The world's biggest contract miner Leighton Holdings Ltd has won a $260 million
project to provide works for a coal mine in central Queensland.

Australian golf champion Greg Norman and wife of 18 months Chris Evert have made
their split official with a secret, quickie divorce filed in an out-of-the-way
Florida courthouse.