World number three Dinara Safina has given Russia a 1-0 lead in the Hopman Cup tie against Chinese Taipei in Perth.

The United States is out of contention for the Hopman Cup, going down to Germany 2-1 in Perth.

The ambulance union says it is disappointed the State Government has again refused to legislate for mandatory jail sentences for people who assault its members.

A Virgin Blue plane on its way to Brisbane has been forced to return to Perth after a crack was found in one of its windscreens.

Lleyton Hewitt has embraced his gruelling Hopman Cup schedule as perfect preparation for the Australian Open.

Arson Squad detectives are continuing to investigate links between a firebombing at a medical centre in Mosman Park and anti abortion graffiti scrawled on the building.

The Perth Wildcats have signed former Singapore Slingers point guard Shane McDonald for the rest of the NBL season.

Western Australian captain Marcus North says he has not given up hope of playing Test cricket despite being overlooked for the current series against South Africa.

A shark has been reported swimming close to Perth's southern coast as a memorial service for a 51 year old shark victim was underway.

The Mayor of Cockburn, Stephen Lee has resigned.