Former treasurer Peter Costello's colleagues aren't sure but punters reckon he'll take the federal coalition to the next election.

(AAP) Petrol prices are falling at a snail's pace because of a sharp drop in the dollar and the apparent reluctance of oil companies to pass on the full benefit of lower oil prices.

(AAP) Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan says the retail banks will be putting the economy at risk if they don't match any interest rate cut by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA).

(AAP) The Bulldogs have released Sonny Bill Williams from his five-year NRL contract after negotiating a financial settlement with the want-away star.

(AAP) Aussie music icon AC/DC will release its long-awaited new album Black Ice in October.

It will be the band's first full-length studio album of new material in eight years.

(AAP) Lasseters Corporation Ltd says it is likely to report a full year pre-audited loss on earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and impairment charges of $6.36 million.

It was hugs and tears as families greeted four Australian climbers as they returned home to Sydney after being rescued from atrocious weather on New Zealand's highest peak.

St Kilda coach Ross Lyon refused to let the "F" word out of the bag after watching his AFL side keep their finals hopes alive with a 43-point demolition of Fremantle at Subiaco Oval.

Park has been found dead.

Two men also died in separate skiing accidents at Perisher Blue, reports say.

heavy snow on New Zealand's highest peak for 36 hours.