National News

The federal government should avoid short-term funding cycles for welfare programs, a parliamentary committee suggests.

Scott Morrison says he won't be drawn into a political "slanging match", as he remains under pressure to preference One Nation last at the next federal election.

Relocating a Sydney team to Queensland won't work, Ipswich-based Western Corridor NRL bid chairman Steve Johnson says.

Despite a booming economy and record infrastructure spending, NSW is facing political deadlock as voters struggle to decide between a relatively uninspiring premier and an at-times bumbling opposition leader.

The 50 Muslim worshippers "gunned down like sheep" at New Zealand mosques could have limited the carnage if they were carrying their own firearms, a leading American gun supporter said.

The largest evacuation before a cyclone in the Northern Territory's history is underway with Cyclone Trevor due to make landfall on Saturday.

Stopping Michael Morgan will be a key to victory against North Queensland on Friday, according to Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold.

A salmonella scare has prompted a recall of some egg brands across four states and the destruction of hundreds of thousands of hens.

New Zealand will urgently ban military-style semi-automatic rifles, with the government announcing a buyback just days after a shooting at two mosques killed 50 people.

Canterbury players have defended their team's attitude and insist it won't be an issue after coach Dean Pay put it at the centre of their round-one flogging.