SYDNEY (AAP) - The body of a 57-year-old cross-country skier who went over a 700-metre drop on a Victorian mountain has been recovered.

SYDNEY (AAP) - Labor MP Craig Thomson is under increased pressure to make a statement to parliament after an independent probe uncovered suspected misuse or misappropriation of Health Services Unio

SYDNEY (AAP) - They came to mourn in the traditional islander way, with songful prayer and a bounty of food.

SYDNEY (AAP) - Australia is set to lead the world as the first country to introduce plain cigarette packaging completely bereft of company branding after two bills were passed by parliament.

The federal government has announced a major overhaul of Australia's environmental laws, which it says will better protect the environment while also being kind to business.

A skier found dead on Mount Feathertop in Victoria's northeast was likely to have fallen down an embankment.

Another home has been shot at in Sydney's west, making it the seventh shooting in six days, but the occupants have chosen not to co-operate with police.

Mining giant BHP Billiton's record annual profit shows why the federal parliament should back the government's proposed mineral resources rent tax, Treasurer Wayne Swan says.

Pressure is mounting for a conscience vote by federal MPs on same-sex marriage after months of community consultation revealed divisions on the issue still run deep.

Wests Tigers chief executive Stephen Humphreys says he sees no need for Benji Marshall to change his off-field ways after an assault charge against the NRL star was thrown out in court.