The economy has avoided a much feared recession on paper but Prime Minister Kevin
Rudd has warned the nation could still experience further periods of negative

Ben Cousins' middle finger has cost the Richmond recruit a four-digit fine from his
AFL club, and the threat of more punishment from the Tigers and the league.

Dead people and expats received $900 cash handouts because the tax office had to set
up a complex new database at short notice to administer the government's stimulus

New Zealand rugby legend Jerry Collins has backed Sonny Bill Williams to become an
All Black, but also demanded the critics lay off the former NRL star as he learns
the game.

New Sydney Roosters assistant coach Arthur Beetson has laid the blame for the club's
disappointing start to the NRL season at the hands of the players and not under-fire

A policeman was left with no choice but to shoot an armed man who allegedly made
threats with a knife, a senior officer says.

Many people evacuated in a convoy of cars as a firestorm bore down on Marysville on
Black Saturday would have died if they had stayed put, a local police officer says.

A federal opposition bid to focus on Labor's debt and deficit levels backfired on
Tuesday when two MPs clashed physically in the Liberal party room.

Swine flu cases in Victoria have surged again, adding 89 in one day to push the
national tally close to 500.

The mid-year report card may have already received a pass mark from Michael Voss.
But the Brisbane Lions coach has warned his club they "haven't achieved anything