Australia is vowing to continue its push to stamp out scientific whaling, as a
report found humans were an increasing threat to whales, dolphins and porpoises.

Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard has met US Vice President Joe Biden on the first
stop of an international tour that takes her to the United States and Israel.

A West Australian man suffering from swine flu has died in an Adelaide hospital, in
the first death of a person with the virus in Australia.

Queensland fullback Billy Slater says the Maroons don't need to win four State of
Origin series in a row to feel like they've created an everlasting bond.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has continued to deny that he or his office tried to help
Ipswich car dealer John Grant secure a government-backed loan.

A Liberal opposition staffer has resigned over the alleged sexual harassment of
several women at a social function in Canberra on Wednesday night.

A suspicious Australia have knocked back a late Italian request to open the Etihad
Stadium roof for Saturday night's rugby union Test.

Memorial services to honour Jane McGrath and other breast cancer victims will be
held across the country on Monday - one year after the McGrath Foundation founder

Five middle-aged Australians detained in Papua for the past nine months are making
final preparations for their return home after taking their plane for a successful
test flight.

Brazil, Argentina or perhaps England are on the Socceroos' wish list for a farewell
match at the MCG next May before they depart for the World Cup finals in South
Africa.