Surging South Dragons stamped themselves as legitimate NBL title contenders in a round which highlighted the sport's contrasting fortunes in Australia's two biggest cities.

A price war in Australia's mortgage market is underway with National Australia Bank (NAB) following ANZ Banking Group (ANZ) and Aussie Home Loans in reducing its interest rates on home loans.

The A-League field has bunched up considerably after all four round eight matches finished in upsets this weekend.

As Peter Besseling celebrates his by-election victory in Port Macquarie, the independent's endorsement by federal Liberal members during campaigning has left the National Party confused about coali

Senior federal bureaucrats are likely to come under intense pressure this week to reveal advice given to the government before it announced its $10.4 billion economic stimulus package.

Labor has been sent a clear message by voters in NSW and the ACT, federal frontbencher Jenny Macklin says. But Ms Macklin said the Saturday's polls reflected "particular state and territory

Early counting in the ACT election indicates neither the Labor or Liberal parties
will win enough seats to govern alone and will have to rely on support from the

NSW Labor has been sent a clear message by voters in today's by-elections, with
large swings against the government and a rout by the Liberal Party in the Sydney
seat of Ryde.

Veteran Stuart O'Grady finally sealed the elusive Jayco Herald Sun Tour on Saturday
when he safely negotiated the final stage criterium in Melbourne.

Swimmers have been warned to swim between the flags after dangerous sharks were
caught at some of Australia's most popular surf beaches.