The defence for former Anglican dean Graeme Lawrence has told a court the case against him has not been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

One phone call closed a popular waterfront camp that has hosted thousands of children over 75 years but documents obtained by the ABC show that a NSW Government office went against the advice of experts.

DAILY BRIEFING: Premier Will Hodgman says it is "improbable" mining exploration licences or leases will be granted to companies looking for coal on agricultural land, and the Hobart City Council is one step closer to drug testing councillors.

A former Adelaide doctor jailed for trying to murder a pharmacistwho reported him for overprescribing medication loses his bid to reduce his decade-long sentence.

Industry experts say consumers are often misguided about what is healthier between alternative and dairy milks, and some say branding is the issue.

The only nursing home in Pyramid Hill will close by the end of November, leaving 30 locals out of work.

An autoimmune disease that has robbed textile artist Annemieke Mein of her sense of touch will not stop the ecologist, collector, researcher, and activist.

Road closed

A veteran helicopter pilot recalls the rescues from Uluru he took part in and says he is surprised the climb has not been closed sooner.

It will take up to four hours for critically injured patients from these remote communities to reach emergency medical treatment if the NT Government pushes ahead with plans to close clinics.

How will the Victorian Government find the cash to deliver its costly promises as stamp duty falls and federal funding hopes are not realised? Through what the Treasurer warned would be a "Budget of hard choices".

Voting opens for Victorian Aboriginal communities to elect the people who will help make the rules for what are expected to be the first treaty negotiations in Australia.

Documents tendered in the Northern Territory Supreme Court allege the five-storey complex in Darwin which is now advertised as "the epitome of waterfront living" almost collapsed before its completion in 2017.

The Territory Families Department finalised half the number of child-protection investigations it planned to last financial year, but child welfare advocates say the figure is a result of longer-term reforms.

Nearly 34 years to the day since Uluru was handed back to the Anangu traditional owners, their wishes will now be enforced by law, and anyone caught ascending the culturally significant site will face thousands in fines.

A former Canberra law lecturer serving time for sexual offences against several students loses his battle with prison authorities, who want him to undertake a course for sex offenders.

One person is dead and another injured after a crash between a truck and a car, which will see the Monaro Highway closed for the rest of the day.

A deadly pig disease that has decimated herds across Asia has spread closer to Australia with the Philippines confirming it has tested positive to African swine fever.

Leaked forms show the besieged Liberal MP did not disclose her membership of organisations linked to the Chinese Government's foreign interference operations when she ran for preselection for her federal seat.

A case worker responsible for murdered Canberra boy Bradyn Dillon admits she was overwhelmed by her job, and felt child protection services did not support her in dealing with the boy's abusive father.

The Canberra Press Gallery's Midwinter Ball is the political affair that would make headlines every year if it wasn't kept off the record. But this year the cone of silence has been lifted and the speeches are in the open for all to see.

Former Canberra taxi driver Neelander Sirohi loses a racial discrimination case he launched after he was expelled from a sex offender's course while serving time for raping a vulnerable woman in 2013.

A judge has delivered a scathing assessment of two police officers who dragged a man from a car and threatened to arrest him "for being a smart-arse", saying their conduct was in "dramatic disproportion" to the situation.

Three accused Rebels bikies who appealed to the High Court to overturn an order preventing them from associating with one another have lost their bid, clearing the way for the NSW Police Commissioner to impose strict restraints on them, including a curfew and restricted mobile phone possession.

MP Warren Entsch says the Queensland Government failed to honour a deal to help fund a Cairns Indigenous boarding facility for girls following the state election.

Health authorities urge more than 500 patients of a dental clinic in Far North Queensland to be tested for HIV and hepatitis as the clinic is investigated over its infection control practices.

Massive wins for Geelong and Brisbane over North Melbourne and Gold Coast respectively have them closing in on a top two finish, while the Bombers are completely dismantled by the Bulldogs.

In a world first, Queensland researchers say have been able to "cure" cervical cancer in mice using gene-editing technology and they are working towards performing human trials in the next five years.

Far north Queensland's largest and oldest piggery is closing after 49 years, impacted by drought, cheap imports, and rising costs as the agricultural profile of the area changes.

A man is hit and killed by a garbage truck on the NSW Central Coast, with the driver left "significantly traumatised" as the men had become good friends over the years.

STAN GRANT, PRESENTER: Now, when I say the word shanty town, what springs to mind? A slum in India, a refugee camp?

The sizzle of a steak on a barbecue may soon sound a little different as Australia's $16.8 billion beef industry prepares to adapt to demands from 'locavores' and technological change.

The sudden closure of two aged care facilities on the New South Wales Central Coast has renewed concerns about the financial viability of Australias private aged care sector.

Alexei Popyrin took a set off 11th seed Daniil Medvedev but lost in four sets.

Across New South Wales and Queensland's southern downs, country towns are approaching day zero, as water supplies dry up in the drought.

Parents of children attending regional and rural schools are calling for a commonsense approach in the wake of the NSW Government's crackdown on school enrolment caps and out-of-area enrolments.