People around the world have welcomed in the new year, more than 1.5 million people gathered in Sydney to watch the famous firework display. Seven tons of fireworks colored the sky above the Harbor bridge. Party goers in other capital cities were also treated to some spectacular light shows.

 

Secret cabinet documents have shed light on the inner workings of Hawke government, papers from the 1984, 1985 cabinet have been released by the National Archives. They've revealed an disgreement over taxes in 1995, marked the start of the relationship breakdown between Bob Hawke and Paul Keating.

 

A number of changes to welfare benefits will come into effect today. Some single parents will be moved onto the new start allowance when their youngest child turns eitht. Eligible families can now receive the school kids bonus and new dads will be able to take paid parental leave.

 

At least 22 people have been killed and dozens injured in a series of bomb blasts in Iraq, Seven people including women and children were killed south of Baghdad when a home of an army officer was attacked. Five people were killed when a car bomb exploded in the capital.