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Plibersek lashes WA premier

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 02 November 2013 | 19.51

Deputy federal Labor leader Tanya Plibersek (pic) has slammed West Australian Premier Colin Barnett. Source: AAP

DEPUTY federal Labor leader Tanya Plibersek has taken a swipe at West Australian Premier Colin Barnett, saying he has "broken promise after promise" since winning a second term.

Ms Plibersek used much of her address at the state Labor Party's annual conference in Belmont on Saturday to lash the Liberal leader.

"Like the Liberal state premiers in the eastern states, Colin Barnett is showing the people of WA a little preview of what they can expect from a Tony Abbott government," she said.

"You say as little as possible to get elected and you do your worst once you get there."

She lambasted Mr Barnett for cuts to education, closing wheat-belt rail lines, a 12.5 per cent increase in land tax and his government's failure to deliver a pledged redevelopment of Royal Perth Hospital.

"West Australians did not get the Colin Barnett they voted for," Ms Plibersek said.

Also at the conference, there were several references to the need for unity in the party, while Ms Plibersek paid tribute to Labor Senator Louise Pratt, who had endured weeks of stress waiting to find out whether she had retained her seat.

The Australian Electoral Commission will announce the results of the WA Senate recount and distribution of preferences after 2pm (WST).


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Furniture factory ablaze in Sydney

Fifty firefighters are battling a large blaze at a western Sydney furniture factory. Source: AAP

FIFTY firefighters are battling a large blaze at a western Sydney furniture factory.

Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) says no one is feared missing but the fire has spread into the roof of the single-storey factory on Warren Avenue, Bankstown.

The fire has been contained but crews were still working to extinguish the flames on Saturday evening.

One man has been taken to hospital suffering smoke inhalation, a FRNSW spokesman told AAP.

"Firefighters have managed to protect adjoining properties," he said.


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Man injured in Bathurst ute roll

A man has sustained serious head injuries in a ute accident in NSW, police say. Source: AAP

A MAN has sustained serious head injuries in a ute accident on a private property south of Bathurst, NSW.

Police say the ute rolled at a property at Perthville about 4.30am (AEDT) on Saturday.

A 29-year-old local man who'd been travelling in the ute tray was thrown from the vehicle and suffered serious head injuries.

He's been airlifted to Westmead Hospital and is in a serious but stable condition.

The driver, a 33-year-old man from North Richmond, was taken to Bathurst Hospital with suspected rib injuries.

His front-seat passenger, a 29-year-old man from Pokolbin, escaped with bruising.

Police will interview the men once they are deemed well enough.


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Govt embarrassed over Huawei: Labor

Labor says confusion over the coalition government's stance on Huawei's NBN ban is embarrassing. Source: AAP

CONFUSION over whether or not the coalition government would back a ban on Chinese telecoms giant Huawei tendering for work on the NBN was "amateurish and somewhat embarrassing", a senior Labor MP says.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott ruled out overturning the ban this week, despite his Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Trade Minister Andrew Robb earlier indicating it could be reviewed.

The former Labor government instituted the ban based on security advice from spy agencies ASIO and the Defence Intelligence Organisation.

Matt Thistlewaite, Labor's shadow parliamentary secretary for foreign affairs, said Mr Turnbull and Mr Robb were guilty of dangling a carrot in front of the Chinese telco.

"Having Tony Abbott and the Attorney General George Brandis come out and put paid to those arguments I think was a little bit amateurish and somewhat embarrassing for this government," Mr Thistlewaite told Sky News on Saturday.

"I have no argument with the approach that they've taken in terms of the outcome of the policy. The issue I have with is the comments of Andrew Robb and Malcolm Turnbull in the lead up to the decision being made."


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Japan, Russia to expand defence ties

JAPAN and Russia have held their first high-level defence and diplomatic talks and agreed to step up cooperation between their militaries amid regional security concerns such as North Korea and China.

Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera, and their Russian counterparts Sergei Lavrov and Sergei Shoigu also agreed on Saturday to hold joint military and anti-piracy exercises and establish a defence consultation framework. Their countries' defence ties are geared up toward peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and would not affect existing alliances, including one between Japan and the US, they said.

Lavrov told a news conference after Saturday's talks that upgrading defence ties between the two countries could serve their national interests in resolving terrorism and North Korea's nuclear threats, as well as other regional disputes. He welcomed the talks as a landmark development for Russia and Japan, and said that this new cooperation would not interfere with the Japan-US alliance.

Kishida also said that Japan's alliance with Washington remains "the cornerstone" of Tokyo's foreign and security policy.

Earlier Friday, Japan and Russia agreed to continue discussing a territorial dispute that has kept the nations from signing a peace treaty.

"We need to act constructively. We should not be emotional, and avoid provocative remarks," Lavrov said in Friday's news conference.

The diplomats also agreed to hold vice-ministerial talks in late January or February, ahead of Kishida's planned visit to Russia in the spring.


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Qld reef assessment paints grim picture

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 01 November 2013 | 19.51

The federal and Queensland governments have released a new plan to protect the Great Barrier Reef. Source: AAP

FEDERAL Environment Minister Greg Hunt says a new long-term plan will improve the health of the Great Barrier Reef and increase protection, but green groups say it doesn't go far enough.

The long-awaited strategic assessment draws on scientific evidence to give an overview of the state of the reef and outlines a plan to better protect the World Heritage site.

Mr Hunt acknowledged there were some serious concerns, but is hopeful the strategy will ensure the reef's survival.

"What has happened in the past is what we have to live with, but we can control and improve the future of the reef through our actions," he told reporters on Friday.

The assessment concluded the best way to halt and reverse damage to the reef was to put in place a new management framework and examine the "cumulative effect of human activities and natural forces", rather than threats in isolation.

Mr Hunt said the framework would set tougher environmental standards for future developments.

"We make no apology for applying tougher standards going forward," he said.

The report also called for a "net benefit policy", so that any activities along the coast and in the marine park produced an overall benefit to the reef.

It also said a new reef recovery program was needed, involving local communities, industry and indigenous groups, as well as a reef-wide monitoring and reporting program.

Australian Marine Conservation Society spokeswoman Felicity Wishart welcomed the assessment but said developments along the state's coast must be stopped if Australia was serious about protecting the reef.

"If the target is to improve the health of the reef then stop doing anything that's going to damage it," she told AAP.

Ms Wishart called for Mr Hunt to reject a proposal to expand the Abbot Point coal port near Bowen if he was serious about improving water quality.

That project involves dredging three million tonnes of soil and dumping it on the reef.

WWF Australia spokesman Nick Heath said the report confirmed large sections of the reef were in "dire straits".

He said given the assessment showed inshore areas were in either poor or very poor condition, those in power couldn't justify approving inshore dredging projects.

The report found that while corals were in good condition at the northern end of the reef, both inshore and offshore corals in southern areas were in decline.

The biggest threats came from the crown-of-thorns starfish, severe weather, nutrient and pesticide run-off from farms, illegal fishing, bycatch and dredging.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority chairman Russell Reichelt said while many of the impacts of those threats were already widely known, the assessment had looked at their "accumulative impact".

"There needs to be a multi-pronged approach," he said.

"(With this in mind) we can make a difference and restore the damage to the reef."

Queensland Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney said it was important for decisions about the reef to be based on scientific facts, not "alarmist claims" by environmental groups that can't be verified.

The strategic assessment will be open for public comment until January 31.


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Second bikie case postponed in Qld

A SECOND bikie court case has been postponed in Queensland because of comments made by Premier Campbell Newman.

A case in the Cairns Magistrates Court was adjourned on Friday, a day after a Supreme Court judge put a Brisbane bikie bail case on indefinite hold.

The defence lawyer in the Cairns matter asked for the case to be postponed pending the outcome of an appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions against Justice George Fryberg's decision in the Supreme Court.

Justice Fryberg ruled on Thursday there was a risk comments by Mr Newman would be seen to have influenced the outcome and the court's integrity would have been affected.

The premier was quoted in media urging judges to act according to community expectations.

In Cairns, Odin's Warriors bikies Peter Johnson and Mark Filtness, both 47, were the first gang members arrested and charged with offences under the state's new anti-bikie gang laws.

Both were released on bail, but they returned to court on Friday afternoon, where Defence Lawyer Philip Bovey asked for the case be postponed.

"I have asked the magistrate to adjourn pending a consideration of the issue raised by Justice (George) Fryberg in the bail review matter of Brown," Mr Bovey told reporters outside court.

The Cairns case was adjourned until November 15.

In the appeal documents, the DPP argued Justice Fryberg shouldn't have taken into account a media report of the premier's comments as it was irrelevant.

The documents also reject the judge's finding that a reasonable member of the public would perceive the comments would influence the court, and that an appropriate response was to stay the proceedings.

Alleged Bandido Jarrod Brown was granted bail in the Holland Park Magistrates Court on October 18.

He's charged with drugs and ammunition possession, possessing drug paraphernalia and obstructing police.

He faced court a day after strict new laws designed to stop bikies walking free on bail were passed.

The DPP applied for a Supreme Court review of the magistrate's decision last week, but Justice Fryberg put the application on hold until further order because of Mr Newman's comments.


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School kids escape Sydney bus fire

School children have fled a burning bus after it caught fire on the M2 motorway in northwest Sydney. Source: AAP

DOZENS of children from rural NSW had a city excursion to remember, with their bus bursting into flames on a busy Sydney motorway.

All escaped uninjured, but a quick-thinking off-duty policeman who inhaled smoke as he attempted to douse the flames is in hospital under observation on Friday night.

The Transport Safety Bureau will investigate how the fire broke out on the bus as it travelled along the M2 at Baulkham Hills just after 3pm (AEDT).

Inspector Phil Brooks from the NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol Command said the officer was riding his motorcycle home from work when the bus burst into flames.

As teachers led about 35 school children away from the burning bus, the officer ran toward it with a small fire extinguisher.

"He was able to intervene very quickly, and we'll certainly look at acknowledging his efforts," Insp Brooks told the Nine Network.

He said the students and teachers were on their way back to Orange in central NSW after a school excursion.

A Fire & Rescue spokeswoman told AAP the engine compartment of the bus had caught fire and the first emergency call came in at 3.13pm.

Three fire crews extinguished the blaze.

A NSW Police spokeswoman said the Office of Transport Safety Investigations would look into how the fire started.


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WA Senate result to be revealed

Greens senator Scott Ludlam says the AEC should hold off declaring the WA Senate election. Source: AAP

THE result of the West Australian Senate vote recount is set to be revealed this weekend amid concerns that more than 1300 missing ballots may mean the state has to go to a new election.

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) directed a recount of some WA Senate ballot papers, prompted by the close result of just 14 votes for the sixth Senate seat and appeals by the Australian Greens and Australian Sports Party.

During the recount, that looked at informal votes and 1.2 million above-the-line ballot papers, 1375 votes which had been verified in the initial count could not be "located, rechecked or verified in the recount process".

The AEC apologised and has hired former Australian Federal Police commissioner Mick Keelty to independently, and urgently, inquire into the matter.

Meanwhile, the AEC WA manager Peter Kramer says the results of the recount and distribution of preferences will be known on Saturday afternoon and the candidates have been asked if they want to appoint scrutineers to observe the distribution of preferences.

But some politicians including Australian Greens Senator Scott Ludlam, and Palmer United Party leader Clive Palmer have decried the process.

Mr Palmer believes the original election result should stand.

The initial result gave seats to the Palmer United Party's Zhenya Wang, Labor's Louise Pratt and Joe Bullock and the Liberals' David Johnston, Michaelia Cash and Linda Reynolds.

AEC spokesman Phil Diak said there was nothing to suggest an "untoward removal" of the ballot papers.

Special Minister of State Michael Ronaldson did not think it was an "issue of skulduggery", but said it was a disturbing development which required an inquiry.

Independent senator Nick Xenophon thinks there should be a fresh election in WA if the ballot papers cannot be found.

"Better to cost money now than have a result where there is a question mark over those that have been elected," he said.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said WA deserved an explanation and while there was a way to go with due processes, another election could not be ruled out.

"This is a very serious matter," he said in Canberra.


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Bashed man stumbles home after Vic attack

A BLEEDING man who was bashed in a Melbourne park managed to stumble down a road for nearly a kilometre until he reached his parents' house.

The 38-year-old is now recovering in hospital from severe head and facial injuries after his parents heard him collapse on their front doorstep.

Police say the unprovoked and random attack, which occurred last Sunday, left a trail of blood about a kilometre long as the man staggered through the city's south.

"It's absolutely brutal and vicious," Detective Leading Senior Constable Ric Anderson said of the attack.

"If he hadn't have been able to raise the alarm, it certainly could have been life-threatening."

The man remembers hearing someone rapidly approaching from behind before he was struck in the head with a blunt object.

He saw a small, white vehicle parked at nearby tennis courts in Roy Dore Carrum Reserve prior to the attack and also seeing two women in the front of the car carrying torches.

Police say nothing was stolen and there's no known motive for the bashing.

His attacker said nothing before fleeing.


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Obeid 'pressured ministers over leases'

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 31 Oktober 2013 | 19.51

Eddie Obeid lobbied ex-treasurer Eric Roozendaal (pic) for special treatment in regard to leases. Source: AAP

EDDIE Obeid lobbied former NSW treasurer Eric Roozendaal for special treatment in regard to leases in which the Obeid family held an interest, the state's corruption watchdog has heard.

Mr Roozendaal told the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) he was unaware Mr Obeid's family owned properties at Circular Quay.

The ICAC is investigating allegations Mr Obeid lobbied several state ministers to have leases on government land at Circular Quay renewed without going to public tender after their expiration in August 2005.

The Obeids ran two restaurants and a cafe at the harbour through a company owned by a family trust, with associate and relative John Aboud acting as the face of the business.

During his time at NSW parliament from December 2004 until March 2011 Mr Roozendaal held several senior portfolios, including ports and treasury.

He also was a member of Mr Obeid's Terrigal faction.

Mr Roozendaal was ports minister from August 2005 to February 2006, and was ultimately in charge of policy governing the retail leases in which the Obeids had secret interests.

It was while he held this portfolio that Mr Obeid made representations to him on behalf of the lessees.

"He felt they were being poorly treated because they had invested a lot of goodwill into their businesses in the lead up to the Olympics," Mr Roozendaal said, recalling a conversation that likely took place in Mr Obeid's office.

"And that they felt that they should, if there was going to be a market evaluation of their leases, they should get the first right of refusal."

Counsel assisting the commission Ian Temby then asked "did you understand him to be urging that case upon you?"

"Yes," Mr Roozendaal replied.

Earlier on Thursday the ICAC heard Mr Obeid had also told Joe Tripodi, who took over the waterways portfolio from Mr Roozendaal, he wasn't happy expressions of interest would be sought for the leases.

Mr Tripodi's former deputy chief of staff Lynne Ashpole said her boss had told her of discussions he had with Mr Obeid.

"My memory of his exact words were that Mr Obeid wasn't very happy with him for wanting to have an expression of interest process," she said.

Mr Tripodi was initially in favour of putting the leases out to tender when they were to be renewed, Ms Ashpole said.

The decision to seek expressions of interest was later suspended until direct negotiations with tenants for ten year fixed terms were offered in July 2008.

Mr Obeid's lawyer Stuart Littlemore argued that his client "had a go" at Mr Roozendaal on behalf of retailers in general and only mentioned the Circular Quay leases as an example.

"Mr Obeid's position is 'I had a go at Eric about retail leases, generally, yes I had a go at Eric about the way the retail lease regime was working at Circular Quay'," Mr Littlemore said.

"(He) did that because (he) was speaking in general about unfairness. (He) didn't want to disclose to (Mr Roozendaal) that here was a family interest because he might have felt compromised."

The hearing continues before Assistant Commissioner Anthony Whealy.

Mr Tripodi is expected to appear on Friday.


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Drug tunnel found on US-Mexico border

A SOPHISTICATED border tunnel has been discovered connecting San Diego and Tijuana, Mexico, the latest find by investigators who have encountered a number of secret passages in recent years used for drug smuggling.

The passage was recently completed, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement said in a brief statement on Wednesday night.

A spokeswoman, Lauren Mack, declined to elaborate but said more details would be released on Thursday.

Mexican news organisations published photos that show a deep, well-built tunnel near Tijuana's main airport.

Alberto Capella, Tijuana's public safety chief, said a law enforcement operation was under way and he couldn't provide details.

More than 75 tunnels have been discovered along the US-Mexico border since 2008, designed largely to smuggle marijuana to the US.

The tunnels are concentrated along the border in California and Arizona.

San Diego is popular because its clay-like soil is easy to dig, while in Nogales, Arizona, smugglers tap into vast underground drainage canals.

San Diego's Otay Mesa area - site of the latest discovery - has the added draw of plenty of nondescript warehouses on both sides of the border to conceal trucks being loaded with drugs.


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Mixed views on NSW same-sex marriage bill

Same-sex marriage has been described as unconstitutional and evil during debate in NSW parliament. Source: AAP

SAME-SEX marriage has been variously described as unconstitutional, evil and inevitable during debate in the NSW parliament.

NSW on Thursday became the fourth Australian state or Territory, after Tasmania, South Australia and the ACT, to introduce a bill that would allow gay marriage.

If passed, it would erase discrimination from state law and help young people struggling with their sexuality, Labor MLC Penny Sharpe, a member of the working group which drafted the bill, said.

"There are still young people in this state who get up every day hoping that no one notices or no one asks if they are gay, a fag, a poof, a lezzo, a dyke or words much, much worse," Ms Sharpe said.

"I want every person who has struggled simply for being who they are ... to know there are people in the community who won't accept this discrimination."

Liberal MP John Ajaka told parliament state laws would simply create different classes of marriage across the country.

But same-sex marriage was "inevitable" in Australia given growing support in the community, Labor MP Walt Secord said.

Liberal MP Peter Phelps said he'd rather marriage be out of the reach of all governments, while Christian Democratic MP Fred Nile warned the bill threatened to undermine the "sacred institution" of marriage between a man and a woman.

In an article in the Sydney gay community newspaper, The Star Observer, NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell re-stated his preference for national same-sex marriage laws to avoid a "patchwork quilt" of state legislation.

Only a change to the federal Marriage Act would deliver marriage equality, he wrote.

Outside parliament a throng of protesters gathered to rally against the bill, holding up signs reading "God Loves Sinners, But Hates Sin" and singing hymns.

Protester Ken Higgs, 61, of Taree, said same-sex marriage was "evil".

"Of course it's evil. It's a perversion of the concept of marriage," he told AAP.

The ACT passed same-sex marriage laws, to come into effect on November 7 - only to face a possible High Court challenge by December.

On Tuesday an attempt to revive Tasmania's same-sex marriage debate in the state's upper house was voted down.

The South Australian parliament threw out a gay marriage bill after it was introduced in June.

Attempts to allowing same-sex marriage have also been rejected in the federal parliament.

The NSW bill had been carefully drafted to withstand potential High Court challenges, Penny Sharpe told ABC Radio.


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Clive Palmer wins seat of Fairfax

Clive Palmer has won the seat of Fairfax and says he'll have no conflict of interest as an MP. Source: AAP

NEWLY declared federal MP Clive Palmer doesn't have a clue how much money, or how many company directorships or properties he has, but reckons it'll be no problem to declare his pecuniary interests.

"Well, you've got within 28 days from when you've been sworn in, so it will be there," a jovial Mr Palmer told ABC television on Thursday after being declared the winner of the Sunshine Coast seat of Fairfax with a final margin of 53 votes.

Mr Palmer thought he might own up to 20 properties.

He said "who knows, who cares ... don't worry about money" when asked how much he had, and denied he would have any conflict of interest as an MP because of his business interests.

"Conflict of interest only comes if you are a minister of the crown," he said.

He was unable to say how many company directorships he had because he didn't think of them in terms of numbers.

"I wouldn't have a clue, but a lot, maybe 40 or 50," he told the 7.30 program.

Mr Palmer told AAP he was looking forward to the Palmer United Party making a positive contribution to the battle of ideas in Canberra.

"We have three senators and have the balance of power, so I think we can make a significant contribution as a party."

His Liberal National Party (LNP) opponent Ted O'Brien congratulated Mr Palmer, but the party may still challenge the result.

LNP state director Brad Henderson said the validity of any election could be disputed by a petition addressed to the Court of Disputed Returns within 40 days of a declaration.

"Given the sheer scale of this process, in terms of the number and nature of challenges and determinations made, the LNP will now take some time to consider its position", he said in a statement.

Mr Palmer was concerned by the three recounts in Fairfax, one of closest electoral races in Australian history.

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) finally declared him the winner almost eight weeks after the September 7 federal election, and following his party challenging more than 50,000 ballot papers.

Mr Palmer originally finished 36 votes ahead of Mr O'Brien, but the AEC on September 21 automatically ordered a recount because the margin was less than 100 votes.

"I'm very disappointed in the AEC because the first count I won by 36 votes, the second count I won by seven votes and the third count I won by 53 votes," he told AAP.

"That's a bit of a worry, isn't it?"

He said he'd been criticised for challenging the validity of 50,099 of the 89,176 ballots, another Australian record, but the result had vindicated his actions.

The Palmer United Party leader has over the past two months accused both the LNP and AEC of vote fraud and applied for a Federal Court injunction to stop the count in Fairfax.

Mr Palmer also claimed former military officers were controlling the electoral commission and rigging the election.

Despite his grievances, he thanked rival candidates and the local AEC officials "who had a very difficult job and had a great deal of pressure on them from the AEC apparatchik from Canberra and Brisbane".


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Jakarta summons Aussie envoy over spying

INDONESIA has summoned the Australian ambassador in Jakarta over media reports Australian embassies have taken part in secretly intercepting calls and data across Asia.

Indonesia's Foreign Affairs Ministry is demanding an explanation from ambassador Greg Moriarty after media reports alleged the existence of a "tapping facility" in Australian embassies in Jakarta and other countries in the region.

"The Australian ambassador in Jakarta has been summoned to the Foreign Affairs Ministry on Friday for an official explanation from the Australian government regarding the story," a statement from the Indonesian ministry said late on Thursday night.

"As a neighbouring country and friends, such an act as has been reported does not reflect at all the spirit of friendship ... and this is something regarded by the Indonesian government as totally unacceptable."

It has been reported that surveillance collection facilities are in place at embassies in Jakarta, Bangkok, Hanoi, Beijing and Dili, and high commissions in Kuala Lumpur and Port Moresby - without the knowledge of diplomats.

Some of the details are in a secret US National Security Agency (NSA) document leaked by whistleblower Edward Snowden and published by Germany's Der Spiegel magazine.

The document reveals the existence of a signals intelligence collection program - codenamed STATEROOM - and conducted from sites at US embassies and consulates and from the diplomatic missions of other intelligence partners including Australia, Britain and Canada.

The document says the Australian Defence Signals Directorate operates STATEROOM facilities "at Australian diplomatic facilities".

A former Australian Defence Intelligence officer has told Fairfax Media the directorate conducts surveillance operations from Australian embassies across Asia and the Pacific.


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Obeid's son denies using dad's influence

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 30 Oktober 2013 | 19.51

The son of ex-MP Eddie Obeid has denied his family used its influence to get favourable treatment. Source: AAP

THE son of former NSW MP Eddie Obeid has denied his family used its political influence to get favourable treatment in relation to government-controlled leases.

Damian Obeid gave evidence on Wednesday at the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) hearing investigating claims his father lobbied MPs including Michael Costa, Joe Tripodi, Carl Scully and Eric Roozendaal over lucrative retail leases at Circular Quay.

The maritime authority, which controlled the leases, wanted them opened to public tender when they expired in August 2005.

Tenants including the Obeids were unhappy about this and plans to increase rent to recuperate maintenance costs.

The Obeids ran two restaurants and a cafe at the harbour through a company owned by a family trust.

A nephew of Eddie Obeid, property specialist Dennis Jabour, was hired by Damian Obeid to represent the tenants in discussions with the maritime authority.

Mr Jabour then sought help from another consultant, lawyer Paul Scanlan.

The "key part" of the plan by Mr Jabour and Mr Scanlan was to bring government policy into line with the wishes of the leaseholders, counsel assisting the commission Ben Katekar said.

This was denied by Mr Jabour when he gave evidence on Wednesday.

Damian Obeid took the stand after a series of abusive emails between him and Mr Jabour was tabled.

Damian Obeid called his cousin a "c***sucker" and a "half-wit" and said he "did nothing to get it through", which referred to a change in government policy where direct negotiations would be held with leaseholders in place of a public tender.

Mr Jabour responded by calling Mr Obeid "fatboy."

Mr Obeid denied it was his family's political connections that forced the changes they wanted, but rather the "exceptional" lobbying of Mr Scanlan during several years of discussions between lessees and government.

"How you 'got it through' was, I suggest, by using influence within the department," counsel assisting the commission Ian Temby said.

"No, that's not correct," Damian Obeid replied.

It was also revealed that Eddie Obeid and his wife were paid in bundles of cash from the takings of the Circular Quay properties, which earned the family about $2.5 million annually.

The Obeids' interest in the properties was hidden to protect themselves against media scrutiny, Damian Obeid said.

This was because the family felt like targets after Eddie Obeid won a defamation action against The ABC and The Sydney Morning Herald, he said.

He denied that part of the intention was to hide the fact his father had extensive and expanding business interests.

The inquiry heard that Mrs Obeid was for several years paid a "housekeeping fee" of $1000 per week from takings at the cafe and restaurants.

Mrs Obeid was paid because the properties had been purchased with money borrowed against her home, Damian Obeid said.

He denied claims made by business associate Paul Maroon that Eddie Obeid also received payments.

The hearing continues before Assistant Commissioner Anthony Whelan.

Former NSW treasurer Eric Roozendaal is due to appear on Thursday.


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Chrysler Q3 profit up 22% on truck demand

CHRYSLER Group's net income has risen 22 per cent in the third quarter as strong sales of the Ram pickup and Jeep Grand Cherokee masked weaknesses elsewhere in its lineup.

Chrysler said on Wednesday that it earned $US464 million ($A490.82 million) in the July-September period. It was the Michigan-based company's ninth consecutive profitable quarter.

Worldwide vehicle sales for the third quarter were 603,000, up eight per cent from a year ago. The company's sales outside North America jumped 20 per cent to 82,000.

Overall, however, it was a lacklustre quarter in the US, where Chrysler does three-quarters of its business. Chrysler's sales rose 7.7 per cent, lagging the total industry increase of 12 per cent.

The Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram brands saw sales increases, but Fiat's US sales fell 7.5 per cent.

Chrysler didn't gain any US market share during the quarter.

The company delayed shipments of its new small SUV, the Cherokee, so it could fix issues with the vehicle's new nine-speed transmission. The Cherokee was supposed to go on sale in September, but Chrysler finally began shipping last week.

Booming sales of the Ram and Jeep Grand Cherokee, which were both recently updated, helped boost Chrysler's results anyway.

US sales of the Ram rose 23 per cent in the third quarter compared last year, and Chrysler also made more per truck, Kelley Blue Book said. Buyers paid an average of $US36,724 per truck in the third quarter, up 5.3 per cent from a year ago.

Jeep Grand Cherokee sales also rose 30 per cent, and buyers paid 9 per cent more, or $40,175 per vehicle, for the revamped SUV.

Chrysler reaffirmed its full-year guidance. The company expects a full-year profit of between $US1.7 billion and $US2.2 billion on revenue of between $US72 billion and $US75 billion.


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Measles outbreak at Qld jail

QUEENSLAND Health is grappling with a measles outbreak in a prison north of Brisbane.

Queensland Health says four prisoners at the Woodford Correctional Centre, near the Sunshine Coast, have tested positive to the highly-contagious disease.

Another is also highly likely to have contracted the disease.

There are concerns there will be many more measles cases at the jail due to the highly condensed population inside the facility.

Authorities will investigate any links between the prison cases and others in Brisbane and across Ipswich.

To mitigate further risks to staff, visitors and prisoners, a mass immunisation campaign will be rolled out at the jail, according to Queensland Health communicable diseases unit acting director Stephen Lambert.

"We are dealing with a highly condensed population of around 150 staff and 900 prisoners who work and live in close proximity," he said.

"This means more cases are highly likely as a large number of staff and prisoners have potentially been exposed."

Authorities urged anyone born in or after 1966 who has visited the Woodford prison since October 21 to check their immunisation status.

The measles infection causes fever, cough and a red spotty rash.

Anyone that has been at the prison and has symptoms should contact a GP immediately, Queensland Health says.


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Probe launched into reef board

Environment Minister Greg Hunt launched a probe into the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Source: AAP

THERE will be an independent investigation into allegations two Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) board members have a conflict of interest due to ties to mining companies.

Former Townsville mayor Tony Mooney and the director-general of Premier Campbell Newman's department Jon Grayson have both been linked to mining companies.

Documents obtained by the ABC show the GBRMPA has taken an increasingly weaker position on new port developments near the reef.

Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt says, although the appointments were made prior to the current government taking office, it's his job to ensure there is an external independent inquiry.

"Both of the gentlemen in question have strong reputations and I don't want to draw any judgment in any direction," he said.

"My task, our duty, our responsibility is to have them investigated."

GBRMPA makes recommendations to the government on a number of large-scale port developments along the Queensland coastline.

The Greens have called for both men to stand down during the investigation to ensure the public has confidence in the management of the reef.

But federal MP Ewen Jones says Mr Mooney has every right to sit on the board, adding he wouldn't have been appointed because of his coal contacts.

"I think he was appointed to the board because of his long and fantastic commitment to north Queensland and I think any board must have a cross-section of views," he told ABC Radio on Wednesday.

Mr Mooney was the mayor of Townsville for 19 years and ran for federal Labor in 2010.

He's an executive for Guildford Coal and Mr Grayson is reported to own a share of a company called Gasfields Water and Waste Services.


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Sydney Ferries rejects PETA advertisement

Sydney Ferries has knocked back an ad by PETA showing sheep jammed into a filthy stall on a ship. Source: AAP

COMMUTERS are missing out on a chance to relate to live-export animals after Sydney Ferries knocked back a confronting PETA advertisement, the activist group says.

The animal rights group says Sydney Ferries rejected its explicit advertisement showing sheep jam-packed in "filthy stalls" aboard a ship.

The ad reads "Their Commute Is a Real Killer. Ban Live-Animal Export".

In a statement, a Transport NSW spokesman explained contentious or offensive advertising was not permitted.

"Under the contract between Transport for NSW and Harbour City Ferries, the operator must not advertise or permit advertising 'political, religious or other subject matter which is contentious or offensive'," he said.

PETA Australia campaign co-ordinator Claire Fryer said the ad was not particularly graphic.

"It's obviously confronting to see the reality these animals live in," she told AAP.

"However, this is the reality of live-exports."

Ms Fryer said PETA was looking for the same space as any paying advertiser would.

"It's taking away the chance for commuters to relate to the animals," Ms Fryer said.

It was the first time a PETA advertisement of the type had been rejected, she added.


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Kenyan soldiers arrested for looting mall

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 29 Oktober 2013 | 19.51

THREE Kenyan soldiers have been arrested for looting during the deadly four-day siege of a Nairobi shopping mall by Islamist militants last month, the army says.

"The investigation found three soldiers with stolen property. Two have been jailed and dismissed. One is under investigation," army chief Julius Karangi told reporters in Nairobi on Tuesday.

One member of a fire brigade was caught with mobile phones and cameras, while another was caught stealing an abandoned car from the mall's parking lot.

The army previously denied troops had looted and said thirsty soldiers had simply taken water from cafes and supermarkets inside the upscale Westgate Mall.

Karangi said an officer gave eight soldiers clearance to take water.

He called the decision a lapse in judgment and said disciplinary measures would be taken.

Closed circuit footage of soldiers rummaging through shops and leaving a supermarket with bulging plastic bags sparked public outrage.

Numerous shop owners reported their goods were missing when they re-entered the mall.

Somalia-based group al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack, in which the militants killed at least 67 people and injured some 200 between September 21 and 24.

Kenyan police criminal investigations chief Muhoro Ndegwa said one of gunmen had made a phone call to Norway during the siege.

One of the assailants is believed to have held Norwegian citizenship.


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Same-sex marriage fails again in Tasmania

A second attempt at same-sex marriage legislation in Tasmania's upper house has failed. Source: AAP

SAME-SEX marriage is on the backburner in Tasmania after an attempt to re-introduce it to the state's upper house failed.

Independent member Ruth Forrest's motion to have legislation debated for a second time in the legislative council has been defeated 8-6.

Tasmania looked likely to become the first jurisdiction in the country to allow gay marriage when its lower house last year passed a bill, co-sponsored by premier Lara Giddings and Greens leader Nick McKim.

But the audacious bid came unstuck when the upper house voted it down, also 8-6.

The island state has since been beaten to the punch by the ACT, which passed a bill earlier this month.

Ms Forrest said new legal advice from constitutional expert Bret Walker SC showed Tasmania could pass its own laws on marriage.

"Even though the Commonwealth has covered the field of marriage, there is no potential conflict with same-sex marriage and therefore no question of constitutional invalidity," Ms Forrest told the house.

She said a federal government challenge in the High Court to the ACT's move was not relevant to Tasmania because it referred to the law governing territories, not the constitution.

"If we refuse to debate it, we'll look increasingly out of step with a society that is willing to grapple with this issue," Ms Forrest said.

Tasmania's 15-member upper house contains 12 independents, two Liberal members and one Labor MP.

Liberal members in both houses have opposed the bill.

"All of these issues have been canvassed before, so in my view there is nothing new," Liberal MLC Vanessa Goodwin said.

Marriage equality advocate Rodney Croome vowed to fight on, but suggested members were unwilling to accept the reform.

"(The constitutional) concerns have now been addressed, but they still voted against the bill, showing that in reality they just don't want to deal with this legislation," Mr Croome said in a statement.

Save Marriage Coalition spokesman Guy Barnett called it a "victory for common sense".

"Marriage is a bedrock institution between a man and woman worthy of protection," he said.

"It provides an umbrella under which children are nurtured and grow."

Same-sex marriage joined voluntary euthanasia as major attempts at social policy from the Labor-Green state government which have failed this year.

A vote on voluntary euthanasia, also co-sponsored by Ms Giddings and Mr McKim, was narrowly defeated in the lower house earlier this month.

"The legislative council has delivered mediocrity for Tasmania, and they have once again held our community back just when it was ready for change," Mr McKim said.


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Actress's brother jailed over child abuse

US actress Mia Farrow's (pic) brother has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for abusing two boys. Source: AAP

THE brother of actress Mia Farrow has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for sexually abusing two boys in his neighbourhood in the US state of Maryland.

Anne Arundel County Circuit Court Judge Laura Kiessling sentenced John Villers-Farrow on Monday to 25 years in prison with all but 10 years suspended.

In July, Villers-Farrow entered an Alford plea, which allows a defendant to maintain his innocence while admitting prosecutors have enough evidence to convict.

The 67-year-old businessman, husband and father was indicted after two men accused him of sexually abusing them between 2000 and 2008 when they were children.

Prosecutors say Villers-Farrow began abusing one boy when he was nine years old and the second when he was eight.

Villers-Farrow apologised to the victims, who were not in court.


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NBN Co posts $932m operating loss

NBN Co has posted an operating loss of $932m after tax for the financial year ending June 30, 2013. Source: AAP

THE company building the national broadband network (NBN) has posted an operating loss of nearly $1 billion for last financial year.

NBN Co's annual report has just been released, showing the company generated an operating loss of $932 million after tax for the financial year ending June 30, 2013.

And while the company's total yearly telecommunication revenue of $17 million was well up from the $2 million recorded the previous financial year, it fell short of the $18 million target in its corporate plan.

Revenue generated from NBN Co's 70,100 active premises provided an average revenue of $37 per user, per month - which was higher than expected and helped offset the impact of lower than predicted premises activations.

The company made a further $49 million in revenue from interest income.

Operating expenditure for the year came in at $749 million, which was lower than the forecasted $1 billion in the 2012-15 corporate plan, partly due to "the delay in rollout of the NBN".

In a letter written to new NBN Co chairman Ziggy Switkowski, Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Finance Minister Mathias Cormann moved to separate themselves from the financial performance.

"We note that the 2012-13 Annual Report was endorsed by the previous NBN Co Chairman and provided to our Departments ... prior to the 2013 Federal Election," the letter stated.

"It therefore necessarily reflects NBN Co's implementation of the broadband policies of the previous Government."

They also questioned figures contained in the report, with NBN Co claiming 1,115,000 premises had reached the construction commenced or completed stage as of June 30.

"A casual observer might assume this figure just includes premises able to connect to the NBN plus those where physical construction is underway," the letter said.

"In fact, construction commenced also includes premises where high-level design work has been performed but actual physical build work with those designs has yet to commence."

In her opening message of the report, former NBN Co chairwoman Siobhan McKenna said in areas where the network had been operational for more than six months, an average of more than 35 per cent of premises passed had taken up an NBN service.


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No NBN decisions have been made: Huawei

Chinese telecoms giant Huawei is hopeful it will be allowed to tender for NBN contracts. Source: AAP

CHINESE telecoms giant Huawei isn't too concerned by reports the coalition government has already decided to maintain a ban on it tendering for National Broadband Network (NBN) contracts.

Reports emerged on Tuesday that Attorney-General George Brandis had decided to uphold the ban, imposed by the former Labor government in 2012 due to security concerns, on Huawei bidding for contracts on Australia's largest infrastructure project.

"The new government has had further briefings from the national security agencies. No decision has been made by the new government to change the existing policy," Senator Brandis said in a statement on Tuesday.

But it is understood that the wording of the statement has given Huawei hope that an official decision won't be handed down until the completion of several NBN reviews.

"Huawei understands no decisions have been made by the government regarding the NBN, pending outcomes of the strategic review," a Huawei Australia spokesman said in a statement on Tuesday.

Huawei, a major supplier of communications technology around the world, was banned from involvement in the NBN following advice from Australian security agencies.

Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull said in August the ban would be reviewed by the coalition.

China, a major trading partner in negotiations with Australia for a free trade agreement, called for a level playing field when asked about the ban on Tuesday.

"We always oppose countries using national security as a reason or an excuse to interfere in the economy and normal trade co-operation between two countries," Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a news briefing in Beijing, according to the ABC.


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Cascade directors launch legal action

Written By Unknown on Senin, 28 Oktober 2013 | 19.51

Cascade Coal's directors are seeking a judicial review of findings made against them by ICAC. Source: AAP

THE directors of Cascade Coal are seeking a judicial review of findings made against them by the NSW corruption watchdog.

Their action, launched in the NSW Supreme Court on Monday, comes in response to ICAC's report on circumstances surrounding the Mount Penny coal tenement and exploration licence.

"The directors completely reject the Commission's adverse findings against them," the statement says.

"The directors acted properly at all times and complied with all obligations in relation to the disclosure of relevant information to the New South Wales Government."

The action has been launched by Cascade directors John McGuigan, Richard Poole and John Atkinson, who were subject to corruption findings in an ICAC report handed down in July.

In the report, the ICAC also recommended the DPP consider prosecuting former NSW mines minister Ian Macdonald after it found he rigged a 2008 tender process for Mt Penny in the NSW Bylong Valley west of Newcastle.

The coal tenement was owned by the family of his disgraced former colleague Eddie Obeid.

A consortium of investors in Cascade Coal, in which the ICAC found the Obeids had disguised their 25 per cent stake, won the right to explore for coal at Mt Penny.

The statement from Cascade says there is no finding of wrongdoing by any directors involved in the legal action or by the company in relation to the creation of the Mt Penny tenement or the grant of the Mt Penny exploration licence.

"The ICAC report makes it clear that the Mt Penny Exploration Licence was granted by the Department in accordance with procedures and processes laid down by the NSW Government," it says.

The plaintiffs are seeking to have the corruption findings against them struck out and a declaration that ICAC's findings against them were wrong in law.

They also want all findings that they engaged in conduct with the intention of deceiving public officials or public authorities about the involvement of the Obeids struck out.


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Two dead, one missing as storm lashes UK

About 60 flights have been cancelled at Heathrow Airport due to predicted hurricane-force winds. Source: AAP

NEARLY 300,000 homes have been left without power in Britain and France, and trains and planes cancelled as a fierce storm battered the region, leaving at least two people dead.

A 17-year-old girl died after a tree fell on to the static caravan where she was sleeping in Hever, southeast England, and a man in his 50s died when a tree fell on his car in Watford, north of London, police said.

The rough conditions at sea forced rescuers to suspend the search for a 14-year-old boy who was washed out to sea from a beach in East Sussex on England's south coast on Sunday.

More than 450 people were stranded for several hours on two ferries outside the port of Dover after it was closed to sea traffic, as huge waves lashed the coastline on both sides of the Channel.

Winds reached 99 miles per hour (159 kilometres per hour) on the Isle of Wight off the southern English coast, according to Britain's Met Office national weather centre.

Heavy rain and winds of 80 mph elsewhere brought down hundreds of trees, while a crane fell onto the roof of a government building in central London. Police said nobody was hurt in that incident.

The Energy Networks Association, an industry body, said 220,000 homes across Britain were without power, as electricity lines were knocked down across the country.

In northern France the storm left some 65,000 homes without power early on Monday, according to the ERDF distribution network, after wind gusts reached 139 kilometres per hour. Earlier ERDF had estimated 75,000 homes were affected.

Southern England bore the brunt of the storm, with train operators cancelling services across the region in anticipation.

Many commuters delayed their journeys until it passed, leaving central London stations eerily quiet during what normally would have been the rush hour.

The capital's Heathrow airport cancelled 130 flights, about 10 per cent, while delays were reported on the Eurostar cross-Channel train service due to speed restrictions.

Meanwhile more than 30 firefighters were deployed to a gas explosion in Hounslow, west London, after a falling tree caused a gas main to rupture. Three houses collapsed and two others were damaged, the fire service said.

"Clearly this has been a difficult night for many Londoners and continues to be an incredibly trying morning," said Mayor of London Boris Johnson.

He said transport and emergency services were "working flat out in an effort to keep London moving and minimise disruption as far as is possible." Several major bridges were also closed, including the Severn Bridge over the estuary between England and Wales.

The Met Office said 50 millimetres (almost two inches) of rain fell in some areas overnight as the storm tracked eastwards across Britain.

The Environment Agency issued 133 flood alerts and warned that flooding was likely across 12 areas of southwest England, including Devon and Cornwall.

The storm, named St Jude in Britain after the patron saint of lost causes whose feast day was on Monday, had earlier been predicted to be the worst for a decade.

Forecaster Helen Chivers had told AFP the expected damage was likely to be comparable with a storm seen in October 2002, although stronger winds have been recorded since then.

However, the devastation fell far short of that caused by the "Great Storm" of October 1987, which left 18 people dead in Britain and four in France and caused damage worth 1 billion ($1.6 billion or 1.2 billion euros at current exchange rates).

The Met Office had given plenty of warning of St Jude - in contrast to 1987 when BBC weatherman Michael Fish famously assured viewers just hours beforehand that no hurricane winds were expected.

The storm also disrupted life in The Netherlands. A woman was reported dead in the town of Gracht after being hit by a felled tree. Another person died after a tree hit a car.

Public officials said high winds were hampering large parts of daily Dutch life. People were being urged to stay indoors and many flights had been cancelled.

A ferry from Newcastle in Britain with 1000 passengers could not dock at Ijmuiden as planned, leaving the ship to ride out the storm on the water.

However, ferry service between Dover and Calais had been resumed after an interruption.


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Two men rescued in Bass Strait

TWO men have survived hours in freezing and dangerous waters after their ultra-light aircraft ditched in the Bass Strait.

The men, aged in their 20s, were about 30km southwest of Flinders Island when their aircraft went down about 3pm (AEDT) on Monday.

The men were picked up by a small boat after they set off a distress beacon and were rescued in a dramatic and difficult operation by Ambulance Victoria.

Ambulance Victoria MICA flight paramedic Ben Meadley said there were concerns that the downwash from their helicopter was so strong that it could flip the small boat.

"With that in mind, we decided to put the men into a small dingy trailing behind the boat before I was put into the water and swam across to the men," Mr Meadley said.

The men were not seriously injured and suffered moderate hypothermia, some cuts and grazes from the impact and it is possible one of them also had a fracture to their lower leg, Mr Meadley said.

This accident highlighted the value of carrying a beacon, he said.

"They're an incredible asset that allows us to find you with pin point accuracy," Mr Meadley said.

The two men were flown to Launceston Hospital for further treatment.


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Sydney cafe's stolen animals found in Vic

TWO beloved farm animals stolen from a busy Sydney cafe in a midnight break and enter have been found in Victoria.

Police confirmed a pig, dubbed Kevin Bacon, and Bradley the sheep, which were taken from The Grounds at Alexandria earlier this month, have turned up at a vet in Victoria.

In a statement on Monday night, NSW Police said officers had been told the animals were dropped off at a sanctuary near the Victorian town of Orbost on October 16.

The sanctuary then took the animals to a veterinarian for treatment.

NSW Police were told on Monday that the animals had been found.

The Grounds launched a public appeal for its two resident animals after they were taken on October 7.

CCTV footage from the cafe, which includes a large garden area and farm animal pen, shows three people taking the animals at 1am.

A $7000 reward was offered in the search for Kevin Bacon and Bradley.


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Man fractures face in boat backflip

A MAN has sustained head injuries after trying to backflip off the top of a ferry on NSW's Central Coast.

Police responded to reports of drunk passengers on board a ferry at Ettalong Wharf on Saturday night.

Paramedics treated a man with head injuries.

Police say the man, 25, tried to back flip from the top of a ferry but hit his head on the boat railing on the way down.

The man was taken to Gosford Hospital with fractures to his head and face.

NSW Police transport commander Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell labelled the incident as dangerous and stupid.

"It's quite clear alcohol was a factor in this incident, which by anyone's definition was dangerous, foolish and stupid," he said in a statement.

"We remind commuters it is an offence to consume alcohol on public transport or to behave in an anti-social manner as a result of drug or alcohol intoxication."


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Passengers stuck as Melb train breaks down

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 27 Oktober 2013 | 19.51

About 100 people have spent up to two hours stuck in Melbourne's city loop tunnel after a breakdown. Source: AAP

ABOUT 100 passengers have spent up to two hours stuck in Melbourne's city loop rail tunnel after a train breakdown.

Passengers had to be walked out of the tunnel by emergency services personnel, after the Frankston line train broke down when the device connecting it to overhead powerlines developed a fault between Melbourne Central and Parliament on Sunday afternoon.

Passengers, including six mobility impaired people, spent up to two hours stuck on the train as MFB crews rescued them.

A second train was also affected by the breakdown, leaving passengers stuck between Parliament and Richmond stations, Metro spokeswoman Larisa Tait said.

Those passengers were taken to Richmond station.

The trains remain stuck in the tunnel but Ms Tait said the morning peak should not be affected.

"We would be very confident that this will be cleared later this evening and it won't affect tomorrow morning's peak," she told AAP.

Trains on the Frankston, Pakenham, Cranbourne and Sandringham lines are running direct to Flinders St and are experiencing 20 minute delays.

Ms Tait said during the evacuation passengers on the Frankston train had to walk about 500m through the tunnel to Melbourne Central station.

"There is some space in there but there's not a lot, so it can be a delicate task," she said.

An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said no-one was injured as a result of the incident but one person was taken to hospital with a medical condition.


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Teen stabbed at Melbourne party

Two people were injured at a party attended by about 200 youths in Melbourne's western suburbs. Source: AAP

A 15-YEAR-OLD boy has been stabbed during a fight at a large Melbourne party.

Police say the teenager was stabbed twice and a 17-year-old suffered head injuries at a party in a Deer Park hall on Saturday night.

Up to 200 youths attended the party.

Police were called and dispersed the crowd.

The 15-year-old boy was taken to the Royal Children's Hospital in a stable condition.

The 17-year-old was taken to Sunshine Hospital and released early on Sunday morning.

Police are looking for two men who they believe may be able to assist their enquiries.


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Vic opposition slams road compo plans

Victoria's opposition say proposed changes to the road accident compensation scheme are unfair. Source: AAP

PROPOSED changes to Victoria's road accident compensation scheme are unfair and unjust, the state opposition says.

The Victorian government will this week introduce laws to parliament that would change the eligibility for Transport Accident Commission (TAC) payments.

As part of the changes, relatives of victims will face more stringent guidelines for trying to claim compensation for mental injuries suffered as a result of road collisions.

Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews said the government was being unnecessarily cruel.

"They intend to make, I think, some of the worst changes that you could imagine to the way our traffic accident compensation scheme works," he told reporters on Sunday.

"They are bad changes, they are the wrong changes - unfair, unjust and we'll oppose them."

Assistant Treasurer Gordon Rich-Phillips said the laws made reasonable changes, and would provide more counselling for families.

"These reforms will ensure there is a clear, modern definition of what constitutes a serious mental injury for the purposes of lump-sum compensation," he told AAP.

"This legislation will ensure that the TAC continues to provide relevant and appropriate support to victims, preserves their common-law entitlements, and helps to keep the cost of the scheme under control for Victorian motorists."


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Govt must justify $9b RBA payment: Bowen

Labor is demanding Treasurer Joe Hockey justify his reasons for giving the Reserve Bank nearly $9bn. Source: AAP

LABOR is demanding Treasurer Joe Hockey justify his reasons for giving the Reserve Bank nearly $9 billion in what it's calling a bid to score "expensive political points".

The federal government this week announced it would make an $8.8 billion payment to the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to ensure it was in the best shape to face the financial challenges ahead.

Mr Hockey said RBA governor Glenn Stevens had written to him indicating the bank wanted to boost its reserve funds, which had been depleted in recent years by the high dollar and "extraordinary" dividend withdrawals by the former Labor government.

Shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen called on Mr Hockey to publicly release this letter, saying the government was trying to score "expensive political points" instead of justifying its decision.

"If he can't, then he's got something to hide," he told Network Ten on Sunday.

There was a case for allowing the RBA to build up its reserve funds but Mr Hockey had come nowhere near justifying how this payment was necessary, he added.

Mr Bowen said at no point did he or former treasurer Wayne Swan receive advice from the RBA or Treasury suggesting it would be appropriate for such a payment to be made.

"On the contrary, the former Treasurer received explicit advice that that would be a retrograde step," he said.

Labor has also questioned Mr Hockey's other decision this week to seek parliamentary approval to raise the debt ceiling to $500 billion.

Mr Bowen said the treasurer would have to release the midyear economic forecast before putting the legislation to raise the cap to a vote in parliament.

"I don't believe he's come anywhere near yet justifying that extraordinary increase to the debt limit," he said.


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Royals turn out for Opera House 40th

LIKE many Australians, Crown Princess Mary has a fond appreciation for the Sydney Opera House.

The Tasmanian-born Danish Royal even conceded before a crowd of 5000 on Sunday it was one of two things she knew about Denmark before her marriage to Crown Prince Frederik.

Mary told the crowd that turned out for the Sydney Opera House's 40th anniversary about a journalist who asked her what she knew about her new home country before she got engaged to Frederik 10 years ago.

"I replied Hans Christian Andersen and that the Sydney Opera House was designed by a Dane," she said.

"And today we are celebrating the masterpiece of timeless beauty and simplicity designed by that Dane architect Jorn Utzon."

The eager crowd at the Opera House forecourt strained to get a glimpse of Mary and Frederik as they arrived at the celebrations on Sunday night.

In a knee-length white coat and embellished cream and gold dress, Mary told the crowd the Opera House was a symbol of national pride for both Australia and Denmark.

"The Sydney Opera House has the ability to move us, not only with its visual magnificence but also what it holds inside and what it was built for - the arts," she said.

Among the contingent of dignitaries seated near the Royal couple were NSW Governor Marie Bashir, Premier Barry O'Farrell and Jan Utzon.

Opera House chief executive officer Louise Herron said it was an honour to have the royal couple in attendance.

She said it symbolised the enduring links between Australia and Denmark.

While many concert goers would have purchased their tickets before the Danish Royals were revealed as VIP guests, attendees viewed it as an added bonus.

Wollongong mother Tanya Cross said the princess's attendance was the drawcard for her daughters.

"I was telling them about the singers coming but they didn't really care about that," she said.

Daughter Ella, 10, said she was excited the princess was visiting Australia.

"I have only seen her on TV but now I get to see her for real," she told AAP.

The royals were entertained by some of Australia's best musicians, including Megan Washington, John Butler and Sarah Blasko, and internationally renowned director Baz Luhrmann.

The spectacular backdrop of the Sydney Harbour, Opera House and Circular Quay was a striking contrast to the fire-ravaged scenes the royal couple faced earlier on Sunday.

About 200 fans and curious locals gathered at Winmalee's Rural Fire Service station on Sunday to catch a glimpse of the home-grown princess.

The prince, dressed in leather boots and cargo pants, took a back seat as his wife - who at one point had to wave over a minder to relieve her of an armful of bouquets - did the rounds.

Six-year-old Jessica told AAP she'd been practising her curtsy at ballet class, and when the princess came around, she handed over a bunch of pink roses.

"She wanted to cut them out of the garden but there's not many flowers there at the moment," father Peter Berechree said.

"She would've found a few things with petals falling off them and bits and pieces.

"It would've been colourful. But we thought it was a bit more appropriate to go and get something that was a bit more wrapped."

The family is building a house on Singles Ridge Road, a Winmalee street that was devastated in the fires.

"We were very lucky, we didn't get touched but our neighbours did lose part of their property," Mr Berechree said.

Mary thanked volunteer firefighters and took a tour of the station before setting out for nearby Buena Vista Road, where some 40 homes were destroyed by fire.

Mary and Frederik are in Sydney as patrons of the Opera House's 40th anniversary.


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