Two dummy candidates were unaware they were being recruited as candidates in a Melbourne suburban council election to help a then-friend be returned to office, a court has heard.

Bulldozing part of a Frankston wildlife reserve to make way for a $750 million freeway may increase the likelihood that Victoria’s endangered southern brown bandicoot will become extinct.

Peter Costello has thrown a new bombshell at the Liberals and their leader, saying they lack a ‘‘narrative’’ and accusing the party organisation of doing nothing since the election defeat.

Researchers defend the patenting of human genes while those who could most benefit from their work have asked if a grab for intellectual property might slow down potentially lifesaving medical research.

Canberra has begun preparing the way for higher interest rates, declaring that the present low rates can't stay forever.

LABOR has called on the Federal Government to review the aged care system in the wake of the rape of a 98-year-old woman in Victoria.

FRIENDS and family reeling from the deaths of six Victorian teenagers killed in a horror road smash are not looking to apportion blame, a psychologist said.

FORMER Australian beauty queen and controversial London socialite Michele Renouf has caused a stir at historian David Irving's holocaust-denial trial in Vienna, protesting on his behalf.

A PRIEST used boys under his care for his own comfort and sexual gratification, a Hobart court was told yesterday.

TWO teenage victims of the Mildura hit-run accident have been remembered as a "loving daughter" and a "great mate".

THE woman killed, along with her partner and child when their Brisbane house was gutted by fire, has been named as disgraced lawyer-turned-drug-addict Theresa Marchetti.

THE spiritual leader of Australia's 300,000 Muslims yesterday accused John Howard of inflaming public hatred towards the Islamic community.

PART of a Sydney plastics warehouse has been extensively damaged by a blaze that broke out late last night.

HEALTH and education are by far the most important issues for voters, ahead of the economy, according to a new poll.

A REGISTERED club where women can work split shifts to fit in with caring responsibilities is among organisations officially dubbed "female friendly".

THE majority of Australians think well-meaning parents are robbing their children of the joys of childhood, a new study has found.

COALITION MPs pushing for tax cuts and extra spending in this year's budget have been bolstered by comments made by Reserve Bank governor Ian Macfarlane.

ALL NSW taxis will be fitted with cameras and security guards will patrol cab ranks under new measures introduced by the State Government following the bashing death of a driver.

THE Cole inquiry into the AWB kickbacks scandal enters another turbulent week today with the Federal Opposition now demanding the Defence Department reveal what it knew about the matter.

PRIME Minister John Howard's handling of the war on terrorism and the hip-pocket nerve has helped him maintain strong approval ratings after 10 years at the top, a poll has found.