Preciosa Dumlao

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has handed control of the Northwest Point Immigration Detention Centre (IDC) back to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), following an agreement between both agencies.

A major tobacco-industry funded advertising blitz has backfired, with new research revealing the "It won't work, so why do it" campaign persuaded more people to support the plain packaging of cigarettes than oppose it.

A 21-year-old United States national has been arrested by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) at Sydney Airport for importing three kilograms of cocaine into Australia.

Morningstar, Inc. (Nasdaq: MORN), a leading provider of independent investment research, today released the findings from its 2011 Mutual Fund Stewardship Grade research study, which evaluated more than 1,000 funds from more than 40 fund families on how well each fund treats its fund shareholders' capital.

A new study has found that Australians are embracing mCommerce at an outstanding rate, as it is across Asia and around the world. A majority of 68% of Australian say they plan to use their mobile devices for transaction and payments which is disrupting the retail landscape - the way people shop, pay and get the things done in their lives.

The nation's peak infrastructure industry group, Infrastructure Partnerships Australia, has welcomed the election of the new Coalition Government, saying that a new government allows NSW a clean break in dealing with its infrastructure challenges.

SBS has launched its first iPhone app, The World Game, which will provide fans with up to date information across more than 40 football leagues worldwide.

Australia's Centre for Energy-Efficient Telecommunications (CEET) was formally launched in Melbourne on Tuesday as part one of the world's largest research effort into green telecommunications.

Gaming console giant Nintendo has announced the launch of several new gaming applications which aims to provide entertainment for players of all ages. The company invites players of any to check out new demo versions of games for the WiiWare service - one offering competitive darts challenges, the other giving preschoolers a fun way to learn by interacting with baby animals.

Online shopping giant eBay Inc. (NASDAQ: EBAY) has announced completion of a plan to acquire GSI Commerce (NASDAQ: GSIC), a leading provider of ecommerce and interactive marketing services, for $29.25 a share, or total consideration of approximately $2.4 billion. The acquisition, which will be financed with cash and debt, is expected to close in the third quarter of 2011.

Ratings agency, Fitch Ratings says it does does not expect eBay Inc.'s (eBay) proposed acquisition of GSI Commerce, Inc. (GSI) to have an impact on eBay's ratings.

The Department of Health and Ageing (DOHA) and Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) has issued the following advice on exposure to radiation arising from nuclear incidents in Japan, based on available information and current assessments:

Victorian families have been urged to get their gas appliances regularly serviced and checked to stop accidental carbon monoxide deaths in a new campaign featuring the parents of two children who died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has confirmed that Her Majesty The Queen will travel to Australia for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth later this year.

The International Court of Justice has accepted Australia's choice of Professor Hilary Charlesworth AM as a Judge ad hoc in the Whaling Case taken by Australia against Japan.

A study by scientists at the University of Sydney and the Children's Hospital at Westmead has found has found that some girls are missing out on the vaccination that helps protect against cervical cancer because of fears related to the vaccination process.

An internet security expert has warned that an alarming 20% of passwords used by the different government agencies in Australia, including those used by four federal government agencies, can be easily hacked using "brute force" hacking tools.

The Australian government on Monday launched its new advertising campaign calling on all Indigenous Australians to quit smoking. The new campaign will start hitting the airwaves, newspapers and TV screens today as the Australian Government continues its world-leading action to combat tobacco use.

Optus mobile customers who wish to send donations to relief and rescue operations in New Zealand and Japan can now send their pledges to the Red Cross via SMS.

A recent tuberculosis scare at Liverpool Hospital has made many people realise Australia is not a tuberculosis-free nation, with more than 1100 cases of TB reported in Australia.

A survey by insurance firm SGIO has found that majority or 70% of Western Australian families who drive rely heavily on their cars, yet only 30% have insurance cover with car hire. The study added that car plays a vital role in a household's earning ability.

A group of researchers have warned that salty diets amongst Australian men are damaging their sex lives. The result of the study was presented at the University of Sydney's George Institute for Global Health as part of World Salt Awareness Week.

In the last few years, videoconferencing has been adopted increasingly due to globalization, productivity benefits, mobility and the need to save travel costs. During 2010, the videoconferencing market in Latin America generated revenues of US$78.0 million. With a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2010 to 2017 of 20.9%, this number is likely to achieve US$294 million.

IBM has entered into partnership with academia, government and industry to launch the Smart Transport Research Centre (STRC) based at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), which is being opened by the Minister for Transport, the honourable Annastacia Palasczuk. IBM will contribute its global consulting expertise and technology in developing smarter traffic solutions to help make Australia's transportation infrastructure smarter, improve commuter experiences and reduce environmental impac...

Two independent studies by the Aberdeen Group show that personalization of the in-store customer experience will be a key objective for retailers over the next two years. The studies were sponsored by HP.

The City University of New York (CUNY) and IBM have partnered to develop a new analytics technology that will help K-12 public schools in New York City reduce their energy consumption. The project has been underway for the past 10 months and involves collecting data about weather, energy and building characteristics and performing extensive data analysis, modeling and optimization about the portfolio of schools.

Mobile video software developer Qik, has launched a new iPhone app called Qik Video Connect that enables individuals to stay connected with friends and family through video calling, video messaging, and video sharing. Qik was recently acquired by Skype.

Deakin University and Chinese steel giant, Wuhan Iron and Steel (Group) Corporation (WISCO), have entered into a partnership to set up a research center to map the future of the global car manufacturing industry.

A study by psychology experts from the Deakin University has found that the friends-with-benefits phenomenon appears to be more than a popular plot line for motion pictures and television shows. In fact, the researchers have found that many Australians are enjoying the perks of casual sexual relationships.