This week in politics the parliament has achieved gender parity despite tone-deaf commentary, an independent triumphed after a recount and Dorinda Cox changed her tune. 

Some say supermoons are an "embarrassment to everything else we call super", but astrophysicist Brad Tucker reckons it's still a good excuse to go and have a look at the moon.

Nathaniel Clarke speaks of his horror at how his sister and her children were murdered, while a women's legal service warns there has been an increase in calls from women saying their partners have threatened to kill them the same way.

It's one set apiece in the blockbuster clash between Nick Kyrgios and Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open, after the local hope claims the second 6-3 on Rod Laver Arena. Follow all the action in our live blog.

PRIME Minister Tony Abbott is reportedly open to calling a judicial inquiry into the Martin Place siege.

Hundreds of teary-eyed mourners paddle out in tribute to Alex 'Chumpy' Pullin at the site of his death on a Gold Coast beach as the Olympian's girlfriend, Ellidy Vlug, leads family and friends in a ceremony.

NSW Nationals MP Troy Grant has hit out at alt-right nationalists after an ABC Background Briefing investigation revealed an infiltration of the party by self-described fascists.

A RENEWED fight on the ­federal budget will begin within days as Tony Abbott names a new Assistant Treasurer.

Melbourne hosts top-eight side Fremantle at the MCG to kick off Saturday's AFL action before St Kilda takes on Brisbane, and Geelong travel to Adelaide to take on the Power. Follow all the stats, scores and commentary.

Concerns are raised about the number of people flouting advice not to travel this long weekend, with reports holidaymakers are descending on coastal communities south of Adelaide despite police warnings.

CAMPBELL Newman insists “Queenslanders” are telling him unions are siphoning cash from bikie gangs to fund Labor’s election campaign.

Failures in Tasmania’s $6m air surveillance system are still occurring ­almost monthly.

Australia faces almost certain defeat in the first Test at Pallekele, where Steve Smith was one of two gone quickly.

FEDERAL government-contracted doctors will assess new disability support pension claims from next year as part of a new crackdown.

A Uyghur woman responds to comments made by a Chinese diplomat on Q+A that she and her Australian son prefer to live in Xinjiang instead of Australia.

Opinion is divided about whether men's Test matches should be reduced from five days to four, but the Australian players don't want to see any change to the traditional format.

JOE Hockey is showing signs of learning from his mistakes, and those of Wayne Swan and Julia Gillard.

THE NSW government has announced a string of surplus stretching into the future on the back of Sydney’s surging property market.

Crash investigators return to the wreckage of the C-130 where three US firefighters died, while arrangements are being made for the victims' families to visit the site.

Greens MPs and refugee advocates calling for an increase in migrants live in affluent areas that take just a fraction.

A few years ago, we heard that processed meat was carcinogenic to humans, and red meat probably was too. Then it was "very hot" drinks (but not coffee specifically) — and the list of cancer-causing substances goes on. But what does it all really mean?

An Australian Defence Force plane will head to Vanuatu within days to deliver relief supplies after the country was devastated this week by Cyclone Harold.

Liberal frontbenchers Melissa Price and Peter Dutton join the federal Coalition campaign effort in the battleground of Melbourne as Scott Morrison takes his pitch to voters.

CLIVE Palmer’s media adviser Andrew Crook has been charged over the alleged kidnapping of a bank executive.

Follow all the stats and commentary from the third and final Twenty20 between Australia and Sri Lanka at the Adelaide Oval in our live scorecentre.