A report has found people who live in the city fare better in terms of health, education, employment and wealth than their rural counterparts.

The local share market is on track for its lowest close since November, as worries about the stability of Greece and Spain spark a sell off.

The Federal Court has heard Speaker Peter Slipper is deeply distressed over sexual allegations made by former adviser James Ashby.

Justice Stephen Rares has started hearing the civil case that political adviser James Ashby lodged against Mr Slipper and the Commonwealth.

Mr Ashby alleges Mr Slipper only hired him in order to pursue a sexual relationship.

A report has found people who live in the city fare better in terms of health, education, employment and wealth than their rural counterparts.

The local share market is on track for its lowest close since November, as worries about the stability of Greece and Spain spark a sell off.

The Federal Court has heard Speaker Peter Slipper is deeply distressed over sexual allegations made by former adviser James Ashby.

Justice Stephen Rares has started hearing the civil case that political adviser James Ashby lodged against Mr Slipper and the Commonwealth.

Mr Ashby alleges Mr Slipper only hired him in order to pursue a sexual relationship.

Australian research has found that an experimental cancer drug could prolong survival for sufferers of advanced melanoma.

A former political staffer and reality television show contestant has been jailed for up to 16 years for attempted murder in New South Wales.

A New Zealand jury has found one of the so-called accidental millionaires guilty of 30 charges of fraud and money laundering.

NSW teachers have held a stop-work meeting, voting to ramp up industrial action unless the state government reviews its education reforms.

A glittering lunch to be held to celebrate the diamond jubilee of Queen Elizabeth has been marred by protests that the guest list includes "blood-stained despots".

Queensland coach Mal Meninga cancelled a scheduled training run on Friday to keep his Origin players fresh and relaxed before game one.