Download It's been a deadly year for journalists covering political upheaval around the world.

The latest report from the Committee to Protect Journalists shows more political reporters than war correspondents were killed in 2012.

67 journalists have lost their lives in the line of duty, so far this year, including 28 in Syria. The vast majority were local reporters and camera operators, only six per-cent were foreigners.

Sally Sara from Radio Australia talks to Joel Simon, Executive Director of the Committee to Protect Journalists.

Download Although the practice of female genital mutilation has been banned in the Australia state of New South Wales since 1994, it's only now that someone has faced a charge relating to the matter.

Four people are to face court over procedures allegedly performed in Sydney on two young girls.

The New South Wales Community Services Minister worries that there are plenty of other cases that have not come to the attention of authorities.

Timothy McDonald of Radio Australia reports.

Download The Australian government has introduced new measures to help speed up land rights claims of indigenous Australians under the Native Title Act.

They include abolishing tax on compensation payments, granting new access to parks and reserves, and new powers to ensure groups can negotiate land use claims.

The federal Attorney-General Nicola Roxon says it’s the most significant change to the native title system since a High Court ruling in 1992 paved the way for native title claims.

But the new proposals have received a lukewarm response, with Aboriginal groups calling for more radical changes.

Girish Sawlani has the report from Radio Australia.

Download This year, the Australian Ballet is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

One of its most high profile stars in recent decades was Chinese-Australian Li Cunxin who was immortalised in the film Mao's Last Dancer.

Now a new Chinese-Australian star, Chengwu Guo, is rising through the ranks.

Sarah Dingle of Radio Australia reports.