Australia's High Court has disqualified the country's deputy prime minister and four senators from sitting in Parliament in a unanimous ruling that could cost the government its slender majority.

Australia's parliament could legalise gay marriage this year if the government is allowed to let the public vote in a referendum, a senior minister has said.

Australia should not spend any more money on World Cup bids until FIFA’s corruption investigation has been completed, independent senator Nick Xenophon has urged.