PM

The Australian dollar has comfortably pushed passed 80 US cents, and could now be on its way to a 2.5 year high. A weaker US dollar, higher commodities prices and buoyant financial markets, are all helping to support the local currency. While it's good news for travellers hoping for a bit of extra holiday cash, exporters are getting increasingly anxious about the rising dollar.

Embattled former minister Matt Canavan says he's standing by his story about how he acquired Italian citizenship, amid calls for him to step down from parliament. The Greens, who are leading that call, suggest a parliament-wide audit of all members to ensure no-one else has fallen foul of the constitution's citizenship rules.

'Insidious'; that's how the governor described the prospect of an indefinite period of low wages growth. But that's a real prospect for the Australian economy, despite the Reserve Bank keeping its foot firmly on the interest rate accelerator. Governor Philip Lowe told a gathering in Sydney the bank is waiting for wages to rise before tightening the screws on borrowers. But economists say the Reserve Bank could be waiting a while.

Maverick independent MP Bob Katter says former Resources Minister Matt Canavan 'needs to come up with something better' for his explanation about how he acquired Italian citizenship. Senator Canavan says his mother applied for citizenship on his behalf and without his knowledge, forcing him to resign yesterday from cabinet. Mr Katter's also casting doubt on One Nation Senator Malcolm Roberts's citizenship status, saying he needs to provide more than a statutory declaration to prove he doesn't have British citizenship.

Cardinal George Pell has appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court to face multiple charges relating to historical sexual offences. He strenuously denies any wrongdoing. His QC Robert Richter told the court Cardinal Pell will plead not guilty to all charges. The matter will return to court on October the 6th.

China reignited decades-old tension over contested land at the border of India and Bhutan last month when it sent in an army construction crew to build a road. India responded by sending in its military, with video emerging earlier this week said to show opposing sides at the site shoving and jostling each other. It's escalated further with a senior Chinese defence official quoted as saying to India, 'do not push your luck'. PM speaks to Ajai Shukla, a retired army colonel and strategic affairs editor at India's Business Standard.

NRL superstar Billy Slater says he's making a full recovery from a brutal high tackle at the weekend, and will return to the field in justT one week. But incredibly, the Storm fullback still can't remember the hit or any of the previous fortnight including playing in State of Origin three. It's put the spotlight back on the way contact sports like the National Rugby League manage players who have been concussed.

Dr G Yunupingu's manager has tearfully remembered the talent of his friend and colleague. Described as a quiet genius, with a wicked sense of humour behind closed doors, the international star passed away yesterday aged just 46.

The Australian consumer watchdog has accused Ford of selling cars with faulty gearboxes to tens of thousands of customers, and blaming poor driving for their problems. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has launched court proceedings alleging the car maker engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct. Customers of certain models, complained of shuddering, a sudden loss of power and excessive noise. But Ford Australia has rejected the allegations and says it will challenge them.

After becoming the first playwright in Australia to win the Victorian Prize for Literature last year, Darwin writer Mary Anne Butler has returned to the Top End for the world premiere of her new play. The Sound of Waiting explores the continued experiences of asylum seekers around the world as they put themselves in danger in the search for safety.