May 24, 2013 Political pressure is building on Canberra to do even more to shield an industry central to the Australian economic and social story but which is clearly on its knees.

May 24, 2013 The online betting industry has caved in to public pressure and will push for a ban on the promotion of live odds in sports broadcasts.

May 24, 2013 Australians overwhelmingly see their country as prosperous and fair, yet most think the next generation will be worse off, according to a new international comparison.

May 24, 2013 Former speaker Peter Slipper will stand trial in December over claims he defrauded the Commonwealth. Mr Slipper made his first appearance in the ACT Magistrates Court on Thursday to answer the allegations. He was formally charged by Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker with three counts of dishonestly using Cabcharge cards in 2010. Mr Slipper is accused of using the vouchers to visit wineries and restaurants around Canberra, amassing a travel bill of about $1000. Outside court, Mr Slipper said he maintained his innocence and would vigorously fight the charges.

May 24, 2013 The Coalition's ''direct action'' plan to cut carbon emissions may have a hole blown in its $3.2 billion budget by the actions of conservative colleagues in Queensland, the federal government and green groups say.

May 24, 2013 Armed drones will be flown by Australia's military in the future, but the nation needs to begin debating the ethical challenges, the second-top military commander has said.

May 23, 2013 A statement from the Prime Minister Julia Gillard on the death of Hazel Hawke.

May 23, 2013 The country's air-safety investigation bureau has been castigated in its handling of an inquiry into the ditching of an air-ambulance plane in the sea off Norfolk Island in November 2009.

May 23, 2013 Democratic Labor Party senator John Madigan will give away his parliamentary pay increase to provide training equipment to school students.

May 23, 2013 Prime Minister Julia Gillard has been named in a list of the most powerful women in the world, behind German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Beyonce but in front of Queen Elizabeth and actress Angelina Jolie.