Israel’s President Shimon Peres attempted to top the international responses to the news of the royal birth yesterday.

Former prime minister attacks new policy as ‘an abdication of our basic humanity’

In an extraordinary turnaround in political fortunes, Australia's former prime minister, Kevin Rudd, wrestled the top job back today from Julia Gillard, who ousted him nearly three years ago to the day.

Some called it a farce, some called it a charade, and others used less printable terms. But at the end of a dramatic and bizarre day in Australian politics, Julia Gillard remained Prime Minister tonight after she called a leadership vote in which no one stood against her. 

Julia Gillard remains Australia's prime minister after she threw her job open to a leadership ballot but no one was willing to run against her.

The election is more than six months away, but both leaders are already trying to look female friendly as they chase critical votes

Australia's foreign minister has resigned amid an ongoing leadership squabble, saying he cannot continue in his role without the support of prime minister Julia Gillard.

Worst offending companies will have to pay tax penalty from next year

The Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, defended her job yesterday after newspapers reported rifts over her leadership and a failed plan on asylum seekers.

Australia's Foreign Minister will be out of action for two months while he recovers from successful open heart surgery, his cardiologist says.

The crisis in the Horn of Africa is a looming catastrophe. But it's a catastrophe the international community can avoid. If we learn lessons from the past and act fast, we can save hundreds of thousands of lives.

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard's unpopular leadership is facing a new problem, with speculation that the man she toppled a year ago wants his old job back.

Outlook The timing of Chinese President HuJintao's arrival at the White House yesterday was rather neat. Just as the television cameras began beaming pictures of Mr Hu glad-handing well-wishers in the White House gardens round the world, the Treasury published data that makes one wonder about the long-term relationship between the US and China – and what might happen in the financial markets should it ever deteriorate.