Fire fighters in Victoria have been backburning in an effort to contain a large bushfire in Gippsland in the state'seast. The fire has killed one man and destroyed at least 21 homes. In New South Wales, amassive fire near Coonabarabran in the state's northwest is now contained.

 

Student debt hashit a record high in Australia.A report by the Grattan Institute has found the total debt owed by students hasreached more than 26 billion dollars. It says a quarter of that is likely tonever be repaid. The report also finds there's been an increase in enrolment insome areas where there are skill shortages, like health and engineering.

 

Barack Obama hasbeen officially sworn in for a second term at a small ceremony in the WhiteHouse. Large crowds are expected to attend the public inauguration which willtake place early tomorrow morning, Australian time.

 

There are reportsfive militants involved in Algeria'shostage crisis have been captured alive. The Algerian army has been trying tosecure the remote gas plant since a botched rescue operation ended at theweekend. At least 23 hostages and 32 kidnappers are confirmed dead, butthere're fears the death toll could rise.