Qld rapist Fardon to apply for release (AAP)
Serial rapist Robert John Fardon, who has spent most of his adult life in jail, will have a hearing in less than three months to see if he can be released.

Swan rules out changes to negative gearing (AAP)
Treasurer Wayne Swan says making changes to negative gearing tax deductions is an idea of the opposition, not the government.

Live betting odds to be banned on free TV (AAP)
Free TV Australia says a new industry code, banning the advertising of live betting odds, will probably come into effect within weeks.

Gay marriage stance not politicking: Rudd (AAP)
Kevin Rudd says his change of heart over gay marriage was because he wanted the public to know his stance before an upcoming vote in June.

Moves to ally fears over toxic town water (ABC)
Tasmania's Health Department has dismissed suggestions of a link between contaminated water on the west coast and illness among some residents.

Police push for limit on takeaway grog sales (ABC)
Police are calling for new limits on takeaway alcohol sales at the remote Northern Territory town of Borroloola in a bid to tackle shocking rates of suicide and domestic violence.

Hawks' Franklin dismisses form queries (AAP)
Hawthorn forward Lance Franklin has dismissed criticism about his form this year, saying it's good that the team has a spread of goalkickers.

NRL's Storm sold to consortium: report (AAP)
NRL premiers have reportedly been sold to a private consortium assembled by New Zealand entrepreneur Bart Campbell.

Gambling promotions during sports broadcasts to be banned by commercial TV (ABC)
Australia's peak commercial television group has opposed South Australia's move to ban promotion of gambling during televised sport, but says it will have a new national code enforcing a ban in place by August.

GC Suns re-sign Lonergan, Schade (AAP)
The Gold Coast Suns have gotten a boost ahead of this weekend's AFL match against Hawthorn after re-signing two young players.

Booth excited about Pukekohe changes, as long it's not wet (Fuseworks)
Ahead of the third round of the 2013 BNT V8 SuperTourers series, Andy Booth is confident the Woodstock Racing Commodore will be competitive at the revamped Pukekohe circuit, but is concerned about safety with some of the revised track if it’s wet.

NRL's Storm sold to consortium: report (NZ Newswire)
NRL premiers have reportedly been sold to a private consortium assembled by New Zealand entrepreneur Bart Campbell.