Fear drives growth in caesareans: expert (AAP)
Overblown fears about childbirth are a driver of Australia's rising rate of caesarean sections, says a midwifery expert.

Native title proposal wins praise (AAP)
A proposal to give indigenous groups power to jointly manage all Crown land with government would be a step toward real reconciliation, advocates say.

Crisis may boost Defence recruitment (AAP)
Tougher economic times and rising unemployment could be a blessing-in-disguise for the Australian Defence Force, new recruitment figures reveal.

OECD wary of deposit guarantees: Bishop (AAP)
The OECD's warning about the dangers of unlimited guarantees of bank deposits shows the government needs to fix the problem, shadow treasurer Julie Bishop says.

Telstra worker loses discrimination case (AAP)
A worker who claimed he was treated unfairly by Telstra because he was more outspoken than foreign-born colleagues has lost an anti-discrimination case.

Three major bushfires burning in NSW (AAP)
Hot winds, low humidity and soaring temperatures are making three large bushfires burning in NSW difficult to control, the Rural Fire Service says.

Tigers start NAB campaign in Perth (AAP)
Fremantle coach Mark Harvey wants Ben Cousins to return to Perth - albeit for an AFL pre-season encounter.

Morkel punt backfires at SCG (ABC)
South Africa's surprising decision to open with Morne Morkel has backfired with Doug Bollinger claiming his first wicket on day four of the third Test at the SCG.

Webber steps up rehabilitation (AAP)
Australian Mark Webber hopes to be back at the wheel of a Formula One car next month as he steps up rehabilitation from a broken leg.

Australia set Proteas 376 to win Test (AAP)
Captain Ricky Ponting has declared Australia's second innings closed at 4-257 after tea on day four of the third Test, setting South Africa 376 runs to win.

Dementieva battles to clear first round tennis hurdle (AFP)
AUCKLAND (AFP) - World number four Elena Dementieva had to battle back from a big first set deficit to avoid a shock opening round exit at the hands of Taiwan's Yung-Jan Chan in the ASB Classic women's tournament here Tuesday.

Proteas chasing 376 at SCG (ABC)
Australia has set South Africa 376 to win the third Test at the SCG and complete a series clean sweep.