Latest Australian and International News

Father says dead pilot a 'true professional'
The father of the Victorian pilot who was killed in a plane crash in Sydney yesterday has spoken of his son's passion for flying.

Panic as quakes hit Papua
The Indonesian province of Papua has been rocked by four earthquakes, killing two people and triggering panic as residents fled their homes.

Parental leave open to abortion rorts: Fielding
Family First Senator Steve Fielding has been condemned by other senators for suggesting women might have an abortion after 20 weeks to try to claim paid parental leave.

Australian soldier wounded in Afghanistan
The Defence Department says one Australian soldier has been wounded in a major campaign against Taliban insurgents in southern Afghanistan.

Obama no-show just bad timing, says ambassador
The US ambassador to Australia says president Barack Obama's decision to cancel two trips to Australia will not harm the relationship between the two countries.