Striker Archie Thompson is set to return from nearly a year in the international
wilderness, while Brisbane Roar teenager Tommy Oar looms as the bolter in the

Family violence spiked dramatically during the Christmas holiday period last year,
new Victoria Police data shows.

The coalition could lead the way on paid maternity leave and wants women's input on
what would make a good policy, Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says.

The government has denied reports that more asylum seekers are turning up in
northern waters ahead of January cyclones.

They entered as one and left as two.
Formerly conjoined twins Trishna and Krishna were released from hospital on Monday,

After a horrific start to the Christmas holiday travel season, there have been no
fatalities reported on Australian roads on Monday, with the toll remaining at 22.

A memorial service will be held to honour those who died on the torpedoed World War
II hospital ship Centaur, which has been found off Moreton Island near Brisbane.

Veteran striker Sasho Petrovski marked his milestone game with a winning goal as
Newcastle maintained their mid-season surge with a 3-2 win over North Queensland at

Australia wanted more from the Copenhagen summit but will just have to make the best
of it, Climate Change Minister Penny Wong says.

Australia's latest milestone has materialised in Mary MacKillop - a rebel nun who
will become our first saint 100 years after her death.