Rinehart loses $7 bn but still Australia's richest
Mining magnate Gina Rinehart had Aus$7 billion (US$6.8 billion) wiped off her fortune in the past year but remains Australia's wealthiest person.
Nobel laureate plays down flu pandemic scaremongering
A Nobel prize-winning scientist Tuesday played down "shock-horror scenarios" that a new virus strain will emerge with the potential to kill millions of people.
Australian zoo says white rhino birth 'sign of hope'
An Australian zoo said Tuesday the birth of a southern white rhinoceros was a "sign of hope" for the species given the escalation of poaching in Africa.
Drug traffickers targeting Australia
Australia seized a record 23 tonnes of illicit drugs in 2011-2012 with arrests at a 10-year high, data showed Monday, as officials warned the country had become a key target for traffickers.
Rio Tinto puts largest 'red' diamond on market
Rio Tinto said Friday it was putting up for sale the biggest "red" diamond ever produced by its Australian mine amid an "explosion" in demand from Asia for the rare pink-hued stones.
Tycoon says Australia treating mining firms as ATMs
Australia's richest person Gina Rinehart on Friday accused the government of using the mining industry as an ATM, warning of an unhealthy reliance on the sector and unsustainable debt levels.
Australian PM brought to tears in parliament
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard's tough exterior cracked Wednesday as she choked back tears while introducing a bill into parliament on disability reforms.
BHP to scale back capital spending by a fifth
Global mining giant BHP Billiton has outlined plans to slash capital spending by almost a fifth, with new chief executive Andrew Mackenzie warning the brakes could be applied even further.
Aboriginal adoption plans spark new fears
Politicians in northern Australia said Tuesday they were considering putting neglected Aboriginal children up for adoption, sparking fears of a new "stolen generation".
Cricket: TV networks tussle for Australian rights
Australia's Ten Network television has offered Cricket Australia Aus$500 million (US$505 million) in cash for coverage rights over the next five years.
Search off for Australian couple who fell from cruise ship
Australian officials Friday called off a massive air and sea search for a couple who fell overboard during a cruise, as the cruise ship company involved said safety was its first priority.
Kiribati fishermen survive a month adrift in Pacific: report
Two fishermen from Kiribati were rescued after surviving almost four weeks adrift in the Pacific, surviving on raw fish and rain water.
Branson open to total sale of Virgin Australia
Virgin Group chief Richard Branson has aired the possibility of selling his entire stake in budget carrier Virgin Australia, saying the airline's branding is more important to him than ownership.
Australia cuts interest rate to record low 2.75 pct
Australia's central bank cut interest rates to a record low of 2.75 percent Tuesday, citing weak domestic inflation coupled with a persistently high dollar as investment in the key mining sector hits its peak.
Kazakhstan's Harmony Lessons get special Jury Award for Best Debut at American Festival
It was the first time the festival led by Robert de Niro awarded a Kazakhstan filmmaker with the prize.
Rising sea levels threaten migratory birds - study
Millions of birds that stop at coastal wetlands during annual migrations could die as rising sea levels and land reclamation wipe out their feeding grounds.
Australia halts cattle exports to Egypt
Australian cattle exporters said they had suspended live shipments to Egypt Saturday after abattoir footage shot by animal rights activists showed "horrific" mistreatment of cows.
Penfolds pops cork on 'perfect' 2008 Grange
Nestled in Australia's Adelaide hills, Penfolds Magill Estate has opened its double cellar doors to launch global sales of one of the most hyped "new world" wines in recent history.
Australia rejects calls to boycott Sri Lanka meet
Australia has vowed not to boycott the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Sri Lanka over allegations of human rights violations, despite mounting calls not to attend.
Titanic tycoon launches political party in Australia
Australian billionaire Clive Palmer, the tycoon who is building a replica of the ill-fated Titanic, on Friday unveiled his new political party and said he would run in the September 14 elections.