AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou says he has no fears about the NRL pumping increased TV-rights money into protecting their heartland against competition from the AFL.

Securities in ConnectEast have risen 20 per cent, after the toll road operator recommended a $2.17 billion takeover proposal from an infrastructure investment manager.

Wolfmother frontman Andrew Stockdale has been fined over a drunken sit-in at a Brisbane club that saw him thrown in the slammer.

Less than 12 months ago they battled it out for the right to be tagged the NRL's best, but Saturday night's clash between star playmakers Benji Marshall and Todd Carney will be a contest for respec

Australia has added its voice to concerns around simmering tensions related to the South China Sea as the United States reinforced its own "strategic" interest in the disputed waters.

A strong Australian dollar may be crippling some sections of the economy, but new data shows the currency is helping to keep the lid on imported inflation.

A final agreement on the future of the Tasmanian forestry industry could be struck as soon as Saturday, as federal Environment Minister Tony Burke continues talks with the state government.

South Australian Liberal Senator Mary Jo Fisher is facing criminal charges after she allegedly stole groceries from an Adelaide supermarket and assaulted a female security guard in a car park.

Essendon will take on Carlton's vaunted midfield without key on-ballers Jobe Watson and Heath Hocking in Saturday night's AFL blockbuster at the MCG.

Danny Green isn't contemplating retirement following his loss to Antonio Tarver and is likely to activate the rematch clause in the contract and seek a second crack at the American veteran.