Latest National News

The government scans the political spectrum to find candidates for foreign postings, says Prime Minister Julia Gillard, in defence of a recent appointment.

The Queensland Firebirds have beaten the Melbourne Vixens 57-46, to inflict the biggest loss on the Vixens this season.

A Victorian man in his 20s had to be airlifted to hospital after a gun discharged in his face.

A truck crash that caused traffic gridlock in Melbourne last week highlights the need for the East West Link, the Victorian premier says.

Police say it's not yet known what caused a fire which killed a 66-year-old woman in the state's north.

An Adelaide man has been charged over bashing a man he suspected of stealing his car.

Police believe a body found off the coast southwest of Melbourne belongs to one of two paraglider enthusiasts who went missing on Saturday.

The search continues for a man who disappeared the same day his wife died snorkelling in Western Australia.

South Australian senator Nick Xenophon says he would make a boost to tariffs on car imports a condition of his support in any balance of power negotiation.

The NSW government says it's open to the idea of increasing speed limits on freeways if it is deemed safe.