(AAP) - Unions and car manufacturers have slammed a review of Australia's car industry for risking the nation's ability to compete with global imports.

The federal government has dramatically stepped up efforts to save the dying lakes at the mouth of Australia's biggest river system, agreeing to buy up water-hoarding properties and send the water

Lawyers for the three Bali bombers on death row will seek a court ruling that all executions in Indonesia be delayed until their last-ditch legal challenge is resolved.

John Howard may have left parliament, but he can still pull a crowd in Canberra.

Tasmania's Police Commissioner Jack Johnston has stood aside while police mount an investigation into an alleged disclosure of official secrets.

The Test future of Wallabies second row stalwart Nathan Sharpe is in doubt after he was omitted from Australia's 28-man tour to South Africa.

With their top four hopes hanging by a thread, stand-in Sydney Roosters skipper Braith Anasta has called on teammates not to resort to the biff against defending premiers Melbourne on Friday night.

Runaway NRL star Sonny Bill Williams will line up in the centres for Toulon early on Friday morning in defiance of a court injunction which could see him end up in jail.

Kylie and Dannii Minogue have recorded a version of one of ABBA's hit songs for a new British TV comedy series.

Western Force have continued their winning rugby ways in the UK, notching a resounding 36-17 victory over Saracens Academy at Old Albanians.