April 3, 2013 Victims of clergy child-sex abuse and others will be given free legal advice so they can engage with the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, which holds its first hearing on Wednesday in Melbourne.

April 3, 2013 Australia's enthusiastic approach to extending the life of pharmaceutical patents has cost the economy 'billions of dollars', an independent review has found.

April 3, 2013 The Australian Navy has made one of its biggest drug seizures at sea, intercepting a ship allegedly carrying half a tonne of heroin worth an estimated $100 million.

April 3, 2013 Seven children sit in rapt attention in Dale Brittle's class at Christmas Island. But these kids - aged between five and seven - aren't like the others at the island's school. When they go home to their families, they'll return to the fences of their secure detention facilities.

April 3, 2013 A military policeman has been cleared of charges he tried to cover up the apparent beating of an Afghan prisoner by Australian soldiers.

April 3, 2013 State schools would receive $390 million less in federal funding next year than last year if the government fails to put in place the Gonski reforms, analysis shows.

April 3, 2013 The meat pie has always been a strong contender as Australia's national dish. But its popularity is slipping among petrol station and convenience store customers who are opting instead for its rather unfashionable cousin, the sausage roll.

April 3, 2013 The director of the National Gallery of Australia has weighed into a stoush between Australia and Britain over two iconic paintings.

April 3, 2013 Members of a Greek political party widely regarded as neo-Nazi - and which has been linked to dozens of violent protests - may visit Melbourne with a view to opening a local office.

April 3, 2013 The stakes, and the expectations, are high for the royal commission into child sexual abuse, which begins today.