The Socceroos have edged 10-man Syria 2-1 in extra time to progress to the intercontinental World Cup qualifying play-off after a tense stand-off in Sydney.

A senior cabinet minister in charge of media is refusing to explain why he accepted a gift from Foxtel days after a major reform bill passed the Senate.

The US National Rifle Association says it would oppose an outright ban on bump stock devices, like those used in the Las Vegas shooting which left 59 people dead, including the gunman.

As in-fighting consumes the British Government, Europeans have stepped up quiet preparations for a possible collapse of Brexit talks that could see Britain crash out of the EU without a deal 18 months from now.

Cyber thieves hacked into the computer system of a national security contractor last year, the Federal Government will today reveal.

Kurds have voted in an independence referendum in northern Iraq, ignoring pressure from Baghdad, threats from Turkey and Iran, and international warnings that the vote may ignite yet more regional conflict.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has announced he plans to dissolve parliament this Thursday and take the country to the polls next month.

John Howard has denied muddying the waters in the same-sex marriage debate by pushing for religious freedoms and parental rights to be included in any legislation.