The Taliban has launched one of the worst attacks on the Afghan capital, Kabul in more than 10 years of war. Gun battles are continuing across the city. Militants have targeted the Afghan parliament, NATO bases and several Western embassies. An Afghan intelligence spokesman says insurgents also tried to assassinate the vice president. 

 

The Foreign Minister Bob Carr has announced Australia will lift some sanctions against Burma. Travel and financial restrictions against hundreds of Burmese, including the president and other politicians will be lifted. Mr. Carr has warned the decision will be reversed if political reforms in the country stall. 

 

Police have shot a man dead at a rural property in northern New South Wales. Police say the man had been threatening people with a knife on a farm near Tenterfield. At least one shot was fired, fatally injuring the man. The homicide squad is investigating. 

 

The federal government has promised to help 350 sacked Toyota workers find a new job. The job cuts at the company’s Altona factory in Melbourne were announced in January and will take effect from tomorrow, from today rather. Toyota blames the high Australian dollar and falling demand for the job losses. 

 

And the comedian Hamish Blake has won this year’s Gold Logie. The ABC picked up eight awards. Spicks and Specks presenter Adam Hills won a Silver Logie. Actress Ashier Keddie who portrayed Ita Buttrose in the ABC drama paper giants was also awarded a Sliver Logie.