Ben Atherton

Billionaire mining tycoon Clive Palmer has announced he will stand for a Queensland federal seat in September’s election, declaring he wants to be elected prime minister.

Authorities in Boston say no motive has emerged nor has anyone claimed responsibility for twin bomb attacks that targeted the city’s prestigious marathon. Three people are dead, including an eight-year-old boy, and more than 140 injured after runners and spectators were cut down by flying debris from the near-simultaneous explosions. The FBI has launched what it calls a potential terrorist inquiry while president Barack Obama vowed to bring those responsible to justice. In the aftermath, Bost…

Julia Gillard has declared Labor's leadership ructions "completely at an end" after being elected unopposed as leader following a farcical Caucus leadership spill. Labor once again revealed its deep internal divisions as the spill, called for 4:30pm AEDT, fizzled out following former PM Kevin Rudd's announcement that he would not run. The Prime Minister was duly re-elected unopposed and unanimously, along with her Deputy Wayne Swan. The spill was called after a dramatic intervention from party elder Simon Crean, who demanded the leadership be put to a vote to end the "disunity" which he said was killing the party.  But just 10 minutes before the ballot, Mr Rudd said he would not dishonour his previous promises not to stand. Follow our live blog for up-to-date coverage.

Julia Gillard has declared Labor’s leadership ructions “completely at an end” after being elected unopposed as leader following a farcical Caucus leadership spill. Labor once again revealed its deep internal divisions as the spill, called for 4:30pm AEDT, fizzled out following former PM Kevin Rudd’s announcement that he would not run. The Prime Minister was duly re-elected unopposed and unanimously, along with her Deputy Wayne Swan. The spill was called after a dramatic intervention from part…

Catholics around the world celebrate as Argentina’s Jorge Mario Bergoglio, a Jesuit with a reputation as a champion of the poor, is named as Pope Francis - the first non-European pontiff since the 8th century.

New Victorian Premier Denis Napthine says there is no “blood on the floor” after his shock takeover from Ted Baillieu.

Disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong is under pressure to name the people behind the systematic doping program which delivered him a record seven Tour de France yellow jerseys.

Lance Armstrong has admitted he used EPO and other banned drugs to fuel all seven of his Tour de France victories.

Archbishop of Sydney George Pell has accused the media of waging a persistent campaign against the Catholic Church over child sex abuse claims.

Look back at how reaction to the federal budget unfolded throughout the day.