ABC Breaking News

The Federal Opposition says misunderstandings about the proposed mining tax have exposed cracks in the newly formed Gillard Government.

It has been four days since an earthquake shook Christchurch, but the aftershocks have not abated and locals are now on edge.

Sydney's inner-west suburbs will be swarming with thespians, burlesque dancers, circus performers, musicians and street artists for the next fortnight as the inaugural Sydney Fringe kicks off.

A bill to allow same-sex adoptions in New South Wales is headed back to the Legislative Assembly.

Floodwaters are receding around Shepparton in northern Victoria but residents are being warned more rain is forecast tomorrow.

Sydney Roosters coach Brian Smith has been to 10 finals series and led his teams to three grand finals, but he believes he finally has the side to end his 27-year wait for an NRL premiership.

The trial has begun for those accused of carrying out the Philippines' worst massacre last year in which 57 politicians and journalists were murdered.

The Victorian floodwaters may be unwelcome for some, but communities along the Murray River are cheering.

US police searched a Thai Airways plane at Los Angeles International Airport after it landed following a bomb warning, but no credible threat was found on board, the FBI said.

A car bomb and several roadside blasts killed three people and wounded dozens in Baghdad on Wednesday morning (local time), health and security officials said.

Federal Opposition finance spokesman Andrew Robb has decided not to challenge deputy Liberal leader Julie Bishop when the party meets in Canberra tomorrow.

Greens MP Adam Bandt and the independents who threw their lot in with Labor have made it clear they would like to see the Federal Government take action to address climate change.

Controversial AFL star Brendan Fevola has been suspended indefinitely by the Brisbane Lions over an alleged off-field incident.

He made his big call yesterday, but decision time is far from over for independent MP Rob Oakeshott.

A weak lead from overseas markets overnight has combined with mining tax concerns to drag the Australian share market lower.

Federal Veterans' Affairs minister Alan Griffin has decided to step down from the ministry.

East Timor's deputy prime minister Mario Carrascalao has resigned.

Opposition finance spokesman Andrew Robb is considering a challenge to deputy Liberal leader Julie Bishop.

The independent MPs say a minority government will offer the opportunity for a new kind of politics, but Australians are also being warned it could mean a wild ride.

Scientists have revealed the secret to how a man can attract women on the dance floor: it's all in the way he moves his neck and torso and the speed at which he moves his right knee.