The Federal Opposition is demanding answers over revelations one of the Prime Minister's media advisers leaked details of the Opposition Leader's whereabouts near the Aboriginal tent embassy on Australia Day.

The Government will not say who the media adviser - named as Tony Hodges - gave the information to, but says the adviser has now resigned.

Tasmanian police have confirmed they twice strip-searched a 12-year-old girl during a drug raid in Hobart.

Authorities are on alert in central Queensland where a monsoonal low is expected to cause heavy rain this weekend.

The Federal Opposition is demanding answers over revelations one of the Prime Minister's media advisers leaked details of the Opposition Leader's whereabouts near the Aboriginal tent embassy on Australia Day.

The Government will not say who the media adviser - named as Tony Hodges - gave the information to, but says the adviser has now resigned.

Tasmanian police have confirmed they twice strip-searched a 12-year-old girl during a drug raid in Hobart.

Authorities are on alert in central Queensland where a monsoonal low is expected to cause heavy rain this weekend.

Novak Djokovic booked an Australian Open showdown with Rafael Nadal with a thrilling five-set win over Andy Murray.

The Bureau of Meteorology predicts Tropical Cyclone Iggy off the West Australian coast will intensify to a category-four system by tomorrow night.

Oil from a stricken cargo ship has again started washing up at Christmas Island's Flying Fish Cove.

The Italian company that operated the capsized Costa Concordia cruise ship has offered passengers nearly $14,000 each in compensation.

The New South Wales State Emergency Service has made five flood rescues this evening as floodwaters remain in the north and storms hit the far west.

A car bomb near a funeral procession outside a hospital in east Baghdad has killed at least 31 people and wounded 60.

Spain's unemployment figure has topped 5 million, the highest rate for 17 years.

Australia requires just four more wickets on day five to wrap up a convincing series whitewash over India.