The Latest Breaking News from Geoffrey Watson

Tasmania's opposition political parties have furiously opposed a move by the government which may restrict them from naming public servants under parliamentary privilege.

Gina Rinehart's company Hancock Prospecting declares a $150,000 political donation 444 days after the legal deadline, following questions from the ABC.

Corruption watchdog found no evidence that Northcote MP knew donations were allegedly solicited from developer

Gina Rinehart's company, Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd, was behind a $150,000 payment to the Liberal Party, transferred via a third party, and not declared by the mining giant.

Is your dog afraid of storms? The Top End's cyclone season can be a frightening time for some dogs and anxious owners trying to protect them.

The South Australian Law Society has renewed calls for a review of anti-corruption laws after suggestions there is a loophole in changes to the law that were rushed through parliament last year.

A new ICAC report could put paid to a belief popular among some MPs that using public money for political purposes is normal practice.

A prominent barrister says the public should be "outraged" by changes that will allow members of parliament, police and public servants in South Australia who are charged after anti-corruption probes to slug taxpayers for their legal fees, even if they are convicted.

Tasmanian Liberal MPs were patrons or members of at least seven organisations that won taxpayer-funded grants after pre-election promises — but the government is adamant the local community does not expect organisations to be ineligible "simply because a candidate is a patron".

Labor plans to introduce a bill for an anti-corruption commission this year – and it could investigate billions of dollars in Morrison government grants.

Law expert Prof Anne Twomey calls for grants to be made on merit and based on clear criteria