(AAP) Australia's largest bank says it is looking forward to a cut in interest rates as Treasurer Wayne Swan warns it and other lenders they have no excuse but to follow the Reserve Bank's expected

(AAP) The Rudd government will give 2,500 visas to Pacific Islanders each year for the next three years so they can come to Australia to harvest fruit and vegetables.

(AAP) Canberra have continued their late season surge, moving into sixth spot on the NRL ladder after a crushing 38-18 victory over fellow finals aspirants Newcastle at Canberra Stadium.

(AAP) Richmond coach Terry Wallace believes his young side showed a new level of maturity and poise in their shock 16.9 (105) to 10.16 (76) AFL win over Hawthorn at the MCG.

(AAP) Adelaide United captain Travis Dodd sent the Reds to the top of the A-League table after sealing a 1-0 home win over Perth Glory with a thumping first-half strike.

(AAP) - 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.

(AAP) - A young skier killed under an avalanche of snow and ice high in the Kosciuszko National Park was the victim of "bad luck", an experienced rescuer said.

(AAP) 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.

West Coast Eagles coach John Worsfold has slammed former coaches, now media identities, Stan Alves and Grant Thomas following his club's 34-point loss to Melbourne at the MCG.

In a contest dominated by mistakes, the New Zealand Warriors have run out 18-4 winners over the Cronulla Sharks to add weight to their NRL finals aspirations.