Human rights advocates fear the Tasmanian Government's failure to make a submission against the Federal Government's religious freedom draft bill would severely undermine the state's anti-discrimination laws.

In a matter of weeks more than 50,000 virtual signatures have been added to an online petition supporting the formation of a Tasmanian AFL team, but it is unlikely to be enough to sway the AFL executive, writes Chris Rowbottom.

The 24-year-old believes a move to change laws in Tasmania allowing survivors of sexual crimes to share their stories will give greater insights into how perpetrators operate.

As Antarctic icebreaker Aurora Australis launches into its last season, there are many stories to tell, including a love story.

Legal action is threatening the latest proposed sites for storing nuclear waste in South Australia, and the debate is dividing communities and traditional owners.

South Australia's latest budget locks in money for a new hospital and other key infrastructure projects, but also foreshadows cuts to overall health spending.

South Australia's Treasurer announces the Government will lower the land tax rate by more than planned but will continue with its controversial plan to raise more money from large property owners.

Usually, federal elections are decided outside Victoria. This one could be different, with Bill Shorten hoping to pick up a number of seats in his home state that were once considered Liberal bastions.

Luke Williams driving

Luke Williams

The Prime Minister has confirmed he'll be campaigning in favour of a 'yes' vote in the national same-sex marriage postal survey. Voters who wish to participate in the voluntary ballot have less than two weeks to confirm their enrolment. Malcolm Turnbull says while he'll be voting yes but he hasn't yet decided if he'll join the Opposition Leader in writing to all Australians urging them to do the same.

Prominent French journalist Hugo Clement says his arrest in north Queensland this week will now feature heavily in the documentary he is filming, with the incident sparking a strong international reaction.

Four Northern Territory public service executives are being paid more than $200,000 a year to facilitate a planned gas industry that some experts doubt will ever stack up economically, particularly as terminals for importing gas from "wherever's cheapest" secure approval on the nation's east coast.

Rain, and lots of it, has fallen across the south-east and is expected to continue for the next few days but what will it mean for the southern cropping season and the drought?

Concerns are raised about Charles Sturt University's spending priorities and credibility after a number of conditions were attached to the facility's registration.

A prodigiously talented, goal-scoring genius of the Long-Rioli family is just one of the dozens of men and women left confused and shocked by the AFL's decision to close the Northern Territory's only top-level side.

The 91-year-old cattle station pioneer who laid the chain up the rock says he is not expecting visitor numbers to dive now the climb has officially been closed.

You'll need a week's worth of supplies, plenty of spare tyres, and a sturdy four-wheel drive would you take on this epic, ancient journey?

The country's top emergency officials today warned of the dangers of the impending bushfire season, but despite all the uniforms, the stern tone and sincerity of the warnings, many of us won't take action.

There are hopes new technology obtained by the Australian National University will put Australia ahead of the curve when it comes to space communications even ahead of NASA.

The measurable economic benefits might not amount to much and the construction could be a nightmare for commuters, but it's what can't be measured that counts.

The new energy storage will help the ACT avoid blackouts and meet its commitment to renewable electricity.

A Canberra brothel owner who was charged with allowing an unlawful citizen to work and gain entry to Australia will spend no further time behind bars after the court found she did not underpay or exploit her employees.

Already waiting for two previous inquiries to be acted upon, support agencies say the new family law inquiry announced last week will require they take resources away from frontline services in order to participate.

You can talk about the 2019 NRL grand final until you feel like you've rubbed your larynx with sandpaper but there are only two words you will ever need to say 'six again'.

If you're a Canberra renter who loves pets and is fond of hanging art, there's good news. New laws coming into effect today will make it easier for renters, but there are fears it could lead to a downturn in rental properties.

Scientists fear Cape York's Iron Range (Kutini-Payamu) National Park could take decades to recover after weekend fires.

Health professionals who say they have seen an increase in the number of "very young children" under the influence of solvents and inhalants warn the consequences of their actions are irreversible.

Australian pro surfer Owen Wright says he hopes others will follow his lead and start wearing safety helmets in the surf, yet one neurologist warns of the "super-hero complex" and says helmets are not a magic bullet.

The owner of a troubled aged care centre, which suddenly closed three months ago amid a pay dispute, says he has lost his licence to operate a high-care facility, and the centre will not reopen.

The misuse of pesticides on Australian farms is threatening overseas markets, according to industry group Pulse Australia.

William Barton, a Kalkadunga man who grew up in Mount Isa, performs on stages all over the world, from Carnegie Hall to Finland, and even for the likes of the Royal family.

The mayor of Woorabinda, a small Indigenous community in central Queensland, says until their land is converted from a government lease to freehold, it is still like living on a mission.

What can retailers learn from the lockdown and could it be the death-knell of the store, asks Tania Oakey, a retail expert at software vendor Cegid?

Transport Minister Andrew Constance admits it will be impossible to find alternatives to move more than 1 million passengers on Sydney's train strike day.

For Edward Daly, who was at a rehab centre on the NSW Central Coast to get over his ice, alcohol and gambling addictions, having his partner involved in his recovery made all the difference.

Fifteen-year-old American qualifier Cori Gauff caused a stunning Wimbledon upset by defeating five-time champion Venus Williams in the first round.

Fifteen-year-old American qualifier Cori Gauff caused a stunning Wimbledon upset by defeating five-time champion Venus Williams in the first round.

When is a lamb a lamb and what difference can it make to the price and the flavour?

Bee populations around the world have started vanishing, in a process known as colony collapse disorder. Scientists have many ideas about what causes colony collapse, including one possible culprit: the varroa mite. Australia is one of the last places on Earth unaffected by varroa. Could this mean that Australia could have the last bees on Earth? What can you do to help bee populations?