Former treasurer Hockey named ambassador to Washington
Former Australian Treasurer Joe Hockey was named ambassador to the United States on Tuesday at a time of intense cooperation on issues from the fight against Islamic State militants to Chinese assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific region..
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U.S., allies call for new UN meeting on North Korea human rights
The United States and eight allies on the United Nations Security Council on Thursday called for reviving discussions on human rights in North Korea, which has been accused by a U.N. inquiry of abuses comparable to Nazi-era atrocities.
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First small sign of climate accord on five-year review of carbon cuts
Climate negotiators in Paris are drawing close to resolving one of the sticking points for a breakthrough emissions pact by favoring a five-year review period on promised greenhouse gas cuts.
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Police investigation after 'ISIS' and 'Allah Akbar' spray painted onto NSW church
A church in New South Wales, Australia, was victim of an arson attack on Saturday, when vandals also sprayed the words \"ISIS\" and \"Allah Akbar\" onto the side of the church, according to Central Western Daily.
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ANZAC war graves in London desecrated for second time this year
Graves of Australian and New Zealand soldiers killed in World War One have been daubed with graffiti for the second time in seven months in London.
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ISIS 'aggressively' seeking to develop chem weapons, US and Iraqi officials warn
The Islamic State \"is aggressively pursuing development of chemical weapons\'\' and is forming a team of dedicated experts who can help attain its leaders\' dream of developing the weapon, US and Iraqi intelligence officials say.
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It's unconstitutional to display a Nativity scene, US federal judge rules
There will no longer be a Nativity scene on an Arkansas courthouse lawn after a federal judge ruled that it is unconstitutional.
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Planned Parenthood CEO Cecile Richards bares own abortion experience: 3 'was as big as our family needed to be'
Planned Parenthood CEO Cecile Richards has said the decision to abort her fourth baby wasn\'t all that difficult, and there were no regrets on her part.
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Western Australian pastor jailed for 10 years for raping a 13-year-old
A pastor has been jailed for 10 and a half years for drugging, blindfolding and raping a 13-year-old girl.
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Walmart slammed for pulling out Israeli soldier's costume but keeping devil's outfit for Halloween
A lot of eyebrows were raised and angry criticisms made after Walmart decided to pull out the Israeli Defence Forces soldier\'s costume from its Halloween sale racks while retaining the devil\'s outfit.
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Australia bans 'flush Qur'an down toilet' ads for atheist campaigner
Billboard adverts for a speaking tour of Australia by atheist campaigner Sam Harris have been banned, leading to protests by promoters arguing that the ban amounts to censorship.
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Company running offshore refugee detention camps denies abuse
The company running Australia\'s offshore immigration detention camps rejected on Wednesday suggestions its staff were involved in rights abuses on isolated Pacific islands as the United Nations stepped up criticism of the facilities.