Australia's first party representing Muslims intends to contest senate seats at the next federal election.

Australia will no longer appoint knights and dames under the honours system, PM Malcolm Turnbull says.

Multi-millionaire former banker Malcolm Turnbull is sworn in as prime minister of Australia on Tuesday, just hours after masterminding a coup against conservative leader Tony Abbott, and pledging a new style of leadership.

Australia is to have a new prime minister following Tony Abbott’s defeat to Malcolm Turnbull in a hastily-arranged Liberal leadership vote.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has said the refugee and migrant crisis in Europe is proof of the need for tough asylum policies.

Australian PM Tony Abbott urges Asia Pacific nations to fight jihadist groups, saying Islamic State (IS) has global ambitions.

Australia plans to pass a law within weeks to give the government power to strip citizenship from dual nationals who are suspected terrorists even if they are not convicted of a crime, the prime minister says.

Australia's foreign minister offers a prisoner swap in a last-ditch attempt to save two Australian men on death row in Indonesia