Farmers have applauded a research breakthrough by Australian scientists linking
temperatures in the Indian Ocean and rainfall in the southeastern states of
Australia.

Melbourne Victory coach Ernie Merrick has challenged linesmen to get it right in his
side's A-League major semi-final, alleging they have made a litany of mistakes in

The global recession is forecast to be longer and deeper than previously expected, a
Senate inquiry has been told.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says he's ready to start "cracking heads and knocking
skulls" to roll out the government's $42 billion economic stimulus package.

Macquarie Group Ltd has entered into an agreement to acquire the downstream natural
gas trading business of the Houston, United States-based Constellation Energy, one

Public schools will receive 70 per cent of nearly $14 billion in new funding for all
schools, but only if the Rudd government can get its second stimulus package through

The media watchdog has announced a crackdown on the Nine Network over the crime
series Underbelly and shows featuring celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.

A key cross-bench senator says an inquiry into the government's $42 billion economic
stimulus package could start on Thursday.

Lawyers for Richard Pratt have accused the consumer watchdog of withholding
documents that could assist the cardboard king defend criminal charges.

The federal government unleashed a furious attack on the opposition after it dropped
a bombshell and announced it would block the government's $42 billion lifeline to
the economy.