The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade says it stands ready to provide consular assistance to any Australian citizen affected by powerful earthquakes in Venezuela.

There are fears that tens of thousands of people may have died in the the magnitude 7-point-2 and 7-point-5 quakes -- with an initial toll announced of 32 dead, and 700 injured.

As a massive rescue operation continues, people have been advised to remain outside their buildings over fears of gas leaks.

The US says it's deploying search teams, medical resources, and humanitarian aid.

Fortescue CEO, Dino Otranto, has conceded Australia's mining giants have "more work to do" to address sexual harassment in the workplace.

A landmark class action has been filed against the company in the Federal Court -- joining two other lawsuits against BHP and Rio Tinto -- which allege widespread sexual discrimination and harassment of claimants.

Law firm JGA Sadler says the issue was magnified when the women's complaints were disregarded.

And the federal government's signature budget legislation has passed parliament.

Under Labor's reforms -- which come into effect in July next year -- the current 50 percent capital gains tax discount will be replaced by an inflation-based model -- and negative gearing will be limited to new property builds.

The measures also include a 250 -dollar tax offset for working Australians,  and a one thousand dollar standard deduction for work-related expenses for individuals.

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It’s been another day of high stakes and heartbreak at the World Cup, with some teams securing a place in the knockout rounds while others head home.

And the countdown is on as Australia approaches its final group-stage match against Paraguay.

Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodríguez says severe earthquakes have killed at least 32 people and injured around 700.

Twenty aftershocks have been recorded, following a magnitude 7-point-2 and then a magnitude 7-point-5 quake -- which hit near the capital in quick succession.

Venezuela was celebrating a national holiday, and many people would have been at home when the quakes struck.

US President Donald Trump says the country stands ready to help.

A major law suit has been filed against iron ore giant Fortescue over allegations of toxic and abusive conditions for female staff.

Law firm JGA Sadler says thousands of women have come forward with allegations of violence, assaults, rape, and retaliation when they rejected sexual advances.

Fortescue says it's introduced workplace behaviour programs along with CCTV and a duress app as it commits to provide a safe workspace for women.

Two years ago, Rio Tinto and BHP were slapped with class actions over sexual harassment and rape allegations at outback mines.And Greens leader Larissa Waters says it's not the time for more centrist politics -- following the launch of the new Community Strong party.

Independents Allegra Spender and Zali Steggall launched the party today, positioning it as a "responsible alternative" to the major parties.  

The pair say they'll fight for economic prosperity, climate action, and integrity while platforming community voices.

Senator Waters says if voters want environmental action and a focus on community they should vote for the Greens.

And for more news at any time you can follow the ABC Top Stories podcast.

A state of emergency has been declared in Venezuela ​after two powerful earthquakes struck the country -- with fears of high casualties and widespread destruction.

The initial magnitude seven-point-two earthquake hit west of the capital Caracas, followed less than a minute later by a stronger seven-point-five magnitude tremor.

Interim President Delcy Rodriguez appeared on ‌state television to extend her condolences to the ‌families of those killed -- but ​gave ⁠no death toll or number of injured.

Shadow Home Affairs minister Jonno Duniam says the lifting of a travel ban on a woman with links to the self-declared Islamic State group demonstrates that national security laws need to change.

A 'temporary exclusion order' had been placed on the Australian woman, who's previously been living in a Syrian refugee camp.

But Home Affairs minister Tony Burke says the woman has now been granted a permit to return, following legal advice that the application could not be refused.

And,  resource giant Fortescue is being sued over allegations of systemic sexual misconduct and safety failures across its W-A mine sites.

The case filed in the Federal Court details thousands of allegations that women working at Fortescue mines have been subjected to assaults, rape, and stalking.

The company owned by billionaire Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest says unlawful behaviour has no place at Fortescue.

Mining giants BHP and Rio Tinto are fighting similar class actions.And for more news at any time you can follow the ABC Top Stories podcast.

Two independent Teal MPs have created a new political party that aims to appeal to people looking for a centrist alternative to the major parties. But observers point out the move also have to do with Australia’s incoming political donation laws.

Rescuers are searching the rubble of collapsed buildings in Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes hit the country.

Poultry producers are stepping up biosecurity measures, after three cases of the deadly H-5 strain of bird flu were confirmed in Australia.

Two independent politicians are forming a new centrist  party, 'Community Strong Australia'.

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The Home Affairs minister says he's confident in Australia's security and intelligence agencies, as the final so called ISIS-bride returns from Syria.

Aussie TV star Karl Stefanovic's reportedly leaving Channel Nine after a controversial interview with a far right figure.

Back to back powerful earthquakes have struck Venezuela.

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The last so called ISIS bride in Syria will be allowed to return from Syria to Australia.

Nine Newspapers is reporting that Today show host Karl Stefanovic is expected to leave the network, after controversy over an interview on his podcast.

Australia has suffered a big injury blow a day before its final group stage game in the soccer World Cup.

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Europeans are sweltering through a record-breaking heatwave. 

Data from real estate site Domain says house prices will fall in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra in the coming year.

The US says Iran won't be charging fees for using the Strait of Hormuz under any final peace deal.

Europe is sweltering through a heatwave, with temperature records broken in the UK and France.

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