The heads of two former Australian prime ministers have been decapitated and more than a dozen others damaged in Victoria’s northwest.

The vandalism in Ballarat comes as security has been increased near statues of significant historical figures.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has condemned the vandalism of bronze statues of former prime ministers Paul Keating and Kevin Rudd at Lake Wendouree in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are advised the following story contains images of those who have died.

Instinctively, one embraces that ancient invocation to “count one’s blessings” when reflecting on the miracle to have been born in Australia.

(Reuters) - Tonga's King Tupou VI has appointed 'Aisake Eke as prime minister, a month after he was selected by lawmakers to ...