Children aged 3 to 5 don't need to do formal academic assignments in early childhood education to hit their milestones, writes Wendy Boyd.

Australians are being gouged by under-regulated monopolistic airports abusing their market power, according to former competition watchdog boss Graeme Samuel.

Despite the vastness of Australia, a fascination with something much bigger inspires thousands of people across the country to look to the stars as part the ABC's Stargazing Live event.

Former prime minister Tony Abbott signs petition saying the Federal Government should lobby Cambodia to release James Ricketson, who has been in prison on charges of espionage for almost a year.

Ann Sudmalis was facing a pre-selection challenge in her marginal New South Wales seat of Gilmore but the ABC understands Treasurer Scott Morrison and MPs Alex Hawke and Trent Zimmermann have worked behind the scenes to shore up her support.

Bill Shorten pledged to set up a federal anti-corruption body if elected, but the Coalition argues there has not been enough detail provided by Labor.

The National Union of Workers says workers from Vanuatu were paid as little as $8 an hour and experienced "bleeding episodes" after breathing in chemicals on a farm in Victoria.

Schools are warning parents about the dark content of a new series of popular Netflix series 13 Reasons Why and looking at ways to support kids who want to talk about the graphic content it features, including sexual violence and suicide.

Schools are warning parents about the dark content of a new series of popular Netflix series 13 Reasons Why and looking at ways to support kids who want to talk about the graphic content it features, including sexual violence and suicide.

The Australian Federal Police have asked for the extra powers, but the penalty for non-compliance is still being "worked through".