The Coalition has pledged to increase defence spending by $21 billion over the next five years.

The death of Pope Francis is being mourned around Australia, with masses held in some of the best known Catholic cathedrals.

The Vatican has announced the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88.

The Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has announced a $750 million package to tackle crime.

After days of election campaigning focused on housing policy, the debate turned to skills training and tax reform as the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader targeted key seats.

The Federal Government has criticised the Opposition Leader Peter Dutton for his reaction to a report Russia wanted to station military planes in Indonesia.

Australia is seeking clarification from Indonesia after reports Russia has requested permission to station aircraft at a military airport in the Indonesian province of Papua.

Economists are predicting the new first home buyer policies announced by Labor and the Coalition could worsen the housing crisis.

After recovering yesterday, world markets have dropped again today as concerns grow about a likely trade war between the United States and China.

The US President Donald Trump has backed down on some of his most punishing trade tariffs. A 10 per cent tariff remains on all countries, but heavier "reciprocal tariffs" have been paused, except for those against China.