Australia's moves towards becoming a republic have been put on hold after a
parliamentary inquiry dismissed calls to put the question forward at the next
federal election.

Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett has apologised to the AFL club's members for the
reigning premiers' last two losses, which he put down to shortcomings in

The federal opposition has branded as heartless legislation allowing Medicare safety
net payments for IVF treatment to be capped, but it won't block its passage through

Former Cronulla chief executive Tony Zappia has gone public in defence of his secret
foundation as he prepares to explain why he hid $30,000 in donations from the NRL

Health Minister Nicola Roxon says three of the 10 Australians hospitalised with
swine flu are in intensive care.

Melbourne's gangland war has reignited with the murder of Desmond "Tuppence" Moran
in the most audacious killing in its bloody history.

Former treasurer Peter Costello has answered one of the lingering questions in
Australian politics, announcing he'll retire at the next federal election.

Brisbane captain Jonathan Brown says his side's "no excuses" policy has helped them
thrive in difficult circumstances.

The government says banks who might be contemplating an interest rate rise should
heed its strong condemnation of the Commonwealth Bank's move to lift rates by 10

St George Illawarra centre Matt Cooper put up his hand for a NSW Origin recall with
a superb individual display to lift the Dragons back to the top of the NRL table