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2 Ford units to be shut in Australia in Oct 2016

Thu, 23 May 2013 16:26:07 -0400

MELBOURNE - Ford Motor Company Wednesday announced plans of closing its local manufacturing operations in Broadmeadows and Geelong in October 2016 thereby forcing 1,200 people out of work. Spelling the end of the iconic Ford Falcon in the country, Ford Australia president Bob Graziano announced that the carmaker would shut its Victorian facilities in October 2016, bringing an end to nearly ...

Prince Harry names himself ginger queen

Fri, 24 May 2013 01:30:03 -0400

Prince Harry dubbed himself the "Ginger Queen" in a bowling match against Australian singer Natalie Imbruglia on Friday. The 28-year-old royal, who snuck with Imbruglia into a bowling alley to have some fun, mocked his own strawberry-blond hair when he inputted 'Ginger Queen' as his name on the electronic scoreboard, the Daily Star reported. Later Sam Branson, 27, playboy son of billionaire ...

Oz cricketer apologises for calling woman accusing rugby star Teo of assault as psycho bad news

Fri, 24 May 2013 01:30:03 -0400

An Australian cricketer has offered an apology for a tweet in which he called a woman accusing Australian rugby league star Ben Te'o of assaulting her, as 'bad news' and 'psycho'. Following on the footsteps of the David Warner Twitter fiasco, batsman Chris Lynn, who plays for the domestic Queensland Bulls, became the centre of another firestorm following the tweet in which he insulted the woman ...

Twitter ranting Warner calls for ban on IPL spot-fixers

Fri, 24 May 2013 01:10:03 -0400

Australian Test batsman David Warner has said that the Indian players caught in the Indian Premier League (IPL) spot-fixing scandal should be banned from cricket. In a candid interview with Malcolm Conn, one of the journalists, whom Warner insulted on Twitter along with another journalist Robert Craddock for an article by Craddock on the seedier side of the IPL, the cricketer appeared to move on ...

DC comics win court case over Melbourne gyms Superman workout

Thu, 23 May 2013 09:00:02 -0400

DC Comics has won a Federal Court case against a Melbourne gym over the term 'Superman Workout' which the company used to promote its products, allowing the fitness company to register 'superman workout' as a trademark. The gym Cheqout had had been using the phrase to describe its workout DVDs and video clips, but DC Comics challenged the trademark, saying Cheqout's consumers would think it was ...

Australia India strengthen agriculture skills ties

Thu, 23 May 2013 08:00:02 -0400

Australia and India today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop and strengthen cooperation in skills training in the agriculture sector. The MoU results from the joint commitment of the Australian and Indian Prime Ministers in October 2012 to build bilateral partnerships between skills councils in key industry areas, including telecommunications, retail, mining, ...

Brazilian girls bid to sell virginity now turns into reality TV series

Thu, 23 May 2013 06:50:05 -0400

Australian filmmaker Justin Sisely, who controversially filmed 'Virgins Wanted,' a documentary where a man and a woman auctioned off their virginity, has transformed the film into a reality series. The project in the beginning was supposed to be a feature-length documentary but now Sisely is promoting it as a reality TV series - set to debut at MIPCOM, an entertainment trade fair in October in ...

Ford to close manufacturing operations in Australia slash 1200 jobs

Thu, 23 May 2013 06:30:05 -0400

Ford will close its manufacturing operations in Australia and 1200 workers will lose their jobs in October 2016. Ford Australia president and CEO Bob Graziano said that the company would shut the Geelong engine factory, costing 510 jobs, and the Broadmeadows car assembly line, shedding another 650 positions, reports News.com.au. Sacked workers have been offered a 39 million-dollar rescue ...

Oz pace attack shaking in their boots after ominous English swing against Kiwis at Lords

Thu, 23 May 2013 06:30:04 -0400

Australia's much-vaunted pace attack had to sit up straight and take notice of England's prowess with the swing and seam bowling at the first day of the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's. Although captain Michael Clarke does not want his team losing focus and getting too engaged in England's series with New Zealand, but Stuart Broad's ominous second-innings spell in the first Test against ...

Aussie Hughes says English mentor to play key role in Ashes preparation

Thu, 23 May 2013 06:00:03 -0400

Australian Test cricketer Phillip Hughes has said that English county mentor who reinvented him as a Test batsman will play a key role in his preparation for the Ashes. Crediting his Worcestershire coach Steve Rhodes with rejuvenating his career in 2012 after he was dumped from the Test side midway through the 2011/12 summer, Hughes said that Rhodes helped him believe in himself again after ...

Australia looks into allowing Sikhs to wear turban at work

Thu, 23 May 2013 04:10:01 -0400

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has said that she would look into the issue of allowing Sikhs in her country to wear the turban while at work and also while riding motorcycles. "We will work with your community to help make the necessary changes requested on cultural and religious grounds," the Blacktown Sun quoted her as saying Thursday during a visit to Gurdwara Sahib in the Sydney ...

Casual Khawaja set to prove critics wrong with worthy performance in Ashes

Thu, 23 May 2013 03:50:01 -0400

Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja has said that he is often misunderstood by some in the Cricket Australia hierarchy, saying that he will prove them wrong by proving himself on the field and bringing home the Ashes. Khawaja has been largely stranded on the periphery in the past two years, playing only six Tests since his debut in an Ashes Test in Sydney in 2011, and against England, the Sydney ...

Clarke not worried by Englands winning performance against Kiwis in first Test

Thu, 23 May 2013 03:30:01 -0400

Australian captain Michael Clarke has said that he is not worried by the fact that England's highly rated swing and seam bowlers demolished New Zealand for just 68 this week. England opening bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad were almost invincible as 14 wickets fell on the scheduled fourth day of the first Test, in which New Zealand, which was chasing 239 for victory in a low-scoring match ...

Oz girls team coach says more women to pursue cricket career following pay rise

Thu, 23 May 2013 02:00:05 -0400

Australian under-15 girls team coach Em Preston has said that more girls will look forward to pursue a career in cricket in the near future following Cricket Australia's (CA) decision to introduce pay hike in the new funding scheme. Preston played for the women's team ACT Meteors and was an age representative for her country before retiring three years ago, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. ...

Angered Harris calls for ban on crooked spot-fixing players for turning cricket into joke

Thu, 23 May 2013 02:00:04 -0400

Australian paceman Ryan Harris has said that cricketers found to be indulging in spot fixing should be banned for life and wiped from record books for turning the game into a 'joke'. Rajasthan Royals trio S.Sreesanth, Ankeet Chavan and Ajit Chandila were arrested for alleged spot fixing in 2013 Indian Premier League fixtures, News.com.au reports. Wanting the maximum punishment for a player ...

CA chief Sutherland says IPL not a concern for Oz Ashes bid

Thu, 23 May 2013 02:00:04 -0400

Cricket Australia (CA) chief executive James Sutherland has said that Australia's Ashes bid in England will not be compromised by the Indian Premier League (IPL). Two members of the Ashes party, Shane Watson and James Faulkner, remain on the subcontinent with their team, Rajasthan Royals, who will play in an elimination semi-final in Delhi, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. Describing the ...

Whites Brumbies desperate for a win

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:34:12 -0400

Brumbies coach Jake White is desperate to avoid what would be a first for him - a third consecutive loss in Super Rugby. It will be anything but easy for White's Brumbies, who will line up against an equally desperate sixth placed Blues side on Saturday night at the intimidating Eden Park. "We're obviously desperate for a win. They want to make sure they keep their campaign ...

Retailer bid to cut horrific costs

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:34:10 -0400

"They (need to) feel comfortable their jobs will be intact and they can go out and spend and buy whatever they need." Mr Gillespie also called for more infrastructure to make the economy productive, to cut red tape, restrain wages and penalty rate increases, and for more transparent national retail tenancy laws. "The cost of doing business in Australia is horrifically high. A big ...

NRL announces new drug measures

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:34:08 -0400

The NRL has announced a number of new steps to outlaw drug cheats from the game, including the immediate introduction of a biological passport program. With the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) currently investigating possible doping violations across the code, the NRL has moved to ensure it is on the front foot in the future. The Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) program ...

AFL players stalker wanted romance court

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:34:07 -0400

A Melbourne man who stalked AFL player Alex Rance organised a "gay orgy" at Rance's family home because he could not cope with being rejected, a court has heard. Scott Thomas, 35, of Prahran, befriended the Richmond defender in 2011 after creating a fake profile on Facebook using photos of a UK-based male sports model, the Melbourne Magistrates Court heard on Friday. Prosecutor ...

CFMEU Vic blockades in contempt of court

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:34:06 -0400

A construction union has been found guilty of contempt of court over a blockade at a building site which choked inner Melbourne. Victorian Supreme Court Justice Anthony Cavanough ruled the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) ignored court orders by blocking Grocon workers from entering the Emporium site last year. Justice Cavanough found the union was in contempt for five ...

PM welcomes Tasmanias education budget

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:32:22 -0400

Tasmanian Premier Lara Giddings, who is also the state's treasurer, handed down her third budget on Thursday, earmarking $83 million for education over four years, with the state expected to sign up to the Gonski school reforms.Ms Gillard on Friday told reporters it was a positive step."The premier of Tasmania has said that provision's been made available in the budget," she ...

Labor to run quality candidate in Dobell

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:32:21 -0400

PRIME Minister Julia Gillard says Labor still has time to put forward a blue-chip candidate to take on Craig Thomson at the federal ...

Opposition wants review of Qld breakout

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:32:18 -0400

OPPOSITION immigration spokesman Scott Morrison says an "organised gang" involved in the sophisticated breakout of asylum seekers from a remote Queensland detention centre have taken things "to a whole new ...

Mans body found on Brisbane street

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:32:16 -0400

The body was found at 6pm (AEST) on Thursday on Maynard St in Woolloongabba.Police say it appears he died of a head injury but they are unable to say what caused his death.Officers are investigating whether the death is ...

Hazel Hawke remembered in home state of WA

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:32:13 -0400

BIPARTISAN tributes have flowed for Hazel Hawke in her home state of Western Australia, where she is being remembered as gracious lady who captivated a ...

NSW ferry ticket prices up by nearly 39

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:32:11 -0400

REGULAR Sydney ferry users will pay more than $800 extra each year following plans to hike the price of some journeys by almost 39 per ...

More staff to police bad tenants

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:32:09 -0400

Department of Housing has appointed 35 new staff to deal with bad tenants in public housing after a record number of drug labs found in public ...

Ford what well miss what we wont

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:32:03 -0400

Ford will still export vehicles here and there will still be 1500 staff and 200 dealers sporting that distinctive blue logo. But Ford will no longer be an Aussie car.The question is: is this a good thing or a bad thing? Well, a bit of both. STUFF WE'LL ...

The sweet smell of success for MC’s Sydney Rose

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:28:24 -0400

An account manager with ad agency M&C Saatchi has been crowned the new Sydney Rose of Tralee. Newly crowned Rose, Fiona O’Sullivan (pictured), ...

Gillard holding summit on Ford closure

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:17:20 -0400

PRIME Minister Julia Gillard and Treasurer Wayne Swan will meet with unions and business leaders on Friday to discuss the fallout from the Ford closure. The meeting of the national panel for economic reform will be held in Sydney at 2.30pm (AEST). Ford announced on Thursday about 1200 workers would lose their jobs at its two plants in Victoria by October 2016. The company's profits have been ...

Sea World bares all as polar bears bond

Thu, 23 May 2013 23:59:18 -0400

IT'S so cute, it's almost too much to bear. Six cameras installed in a polar bear den at Sea World amusement park on the Gold Coast are recording the magical bond developing between mother Liya and her newborn cub. Sea World marine sciences director Trevor Long says they have been monitoring the cub's progress since its birth on May 9. But he says staff have enjoyed it so much, ...

Severe weather warning for Gold Coast

Thu, 23 May 2013 23:54:09 -0400

A SEVERE weather warning has been issued for the Gold Coast and hinterland with gale force winds up to 90 km h expected this afternoon.The Bureau of Meteorology issued the warning this morning, saying a low pressure system offshore from northern NSW was expected to deepen before shifting northeast this afternoon and evening.Damaging southerly winds, with peak gusts of around 90 km h, are possible ...

Adult obesity rates in Australia reach high level report

Thu, 23 May 2013 23:53:49 -0400

The adult obesity rates in Australia continue their climb, rising from 24.4 percent of Australians to 28.1 percent over the fours years to 2012, a latest report from the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Reform Council showed Friday. This report, COAG Reform Council's fourth report on the National Healthcare Agreement, shows that in 2011-12, 63 percent of Australians were either ...

Reds back to scene of Super triumph

Thu, 23 May 2013 23:39:15 -0400

The Queensland Reds are taking confidence from their best away win in the past decade into Sunday morning's (AEST) crucial Super Rugby clash in Cape Town. The last time the Reds visited Cape Town two years ago they ended a record 10-match home streak by the pace-setting Stormers with a 19-6 upset in front of a packed Newlands crowd. It was the pressure-filled victory that announced Ewen ...

Souths hope Teo investigation is quick

Thu, 23 May 2013 23:39:14 -0400

Ben Te'o's South Sydney teammates say assault allegations levelled against the NRL player haven't impacted their preparations for Monday's clash with Cronulla, but admit they want to see the issue resolved quickly. Te'o is at the centre of an NRL investigation after a Brisbane woman claimed he punched her in the face last month, fracturing her eye socket. Te'o ...

Liberals arrogant about election Gillard

Thu, 23 May 2013 23:37:47 -0400

PRIME Minister Julia Gillard says arrogance within the Liberal party about its prospects of winning the federal election is getting "out of ...

Senators to put budget under microscope

Thu, 23 May 2013 23:37:44 -0400

But just when you thought no more could be said about Treasurer Wayne Swan's sixth budget, senators will spend the next two weeks tearing into it.Upper house politicians will spend 12 hours a day grilling heads of commonwealth departments and their key staff, government agencies and ministerial senators as the budget is put under the microscope during Senate estimates.One of the key events ...

Aussies admired Hazel Hawkes courage PM

Thu, 23 May 2013 23:37:36 -0400

Australia's former first lady died on Thursday aged 83, after a long battle with the disease.Ms Gillard said Australians held Mrs Hawke in high esteem."Hazel Hawke has been a figure of real affection and I believe everybody has admired her dignity and her courage as she's dealt with such a dreadful illness," Ms Gillard told reporters on the NSW Central Coast."With the ...

$10m Powerball winner in Esperance

Thu, 23 May 2013 23:37:34 -0400

LOTTO fever has gripped the south coastal town of Esperance after a winning $10 million Powerball ticket was sold at a local ...

3D guns coming to a street near you

Thu, 23 May 2013 23:37:31 -0400

IT'S only a matter of time before homemade guns turn up on the streets of NSW, thanks to a free blueprint on the internet and 3D printers anyone can ...

New Labor MP linked to Eddie Obeid

Thu, 23 May 2013 23:37:30 -0400

Chinese businessman Ernest Wong was sworn into the upper house this week, taking the seat of former treasurer Eric Roozendaal.He was recruited from the Unity Party into the ALP's right faction by former Labor powerbroker Eddie Obeid, according to News Ltd.Mr Obeid and his family are the subject of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC)'s largest ever ...

Carr pledges more support for Syrians

Thu, 23 May 2013 23:37:28 -0400

Foreign Minister Bob Carr says the money will help the efforts of international relief agencies in Syria as well as Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey.Speaking from the Faour refugee camp in Lebanon, Senator Carr said the new funding lifted Australia's overall support since the Syrian crisis began to more than $78 million.The Syrian civil war has killed more than 80,000 people and created 1.5 ...

Unions claim victory on Qld workers compo

Thu, 23 May 2013 23:37:23 -0400

QUEENSLAND unions are claiming victory after a state parliamentary committee recommended keeping the majority of the workers' compensation scheme ...

Four years jail for son who strangled mum

Thu, 23 May 2013 23:37:21 -0400

These were the words Terrence David Kain uttered to his sister after killing their mother in their southern NSW home.Now, more than two years later, Kain has been sentenced to a minimum of four years for the manslaughter of his 74-year-old mother Beverly Kain, whom he strangled in her bedroom.In handing down the sentence in the Supreme Court on Friday, Justice Michael Adams said Ms Kain was a ...

UPDATE 1-Australias Crown sells Echo stake focus on Sydney casino plan

Thu, 23 May 2013 23:20:18 -0400

Thu May 23, 2013 11:20pm EDT * Crown sells Echo stake for $255 mln * Crown, Echo in fight to capture Asian gamblers in Sydney * Crown planning VIP casino; Echo seeking exclusive licence (Recasts; adds company, analyst quotes) By Jane Wardell and Maggie Lu Yueyang SYDNEY, May 24 (Reuters) - Australian casino company Crown Ltd sold its 10 percent stake in rival Echo Entertainment Group, ...

Langham Sydney’s makeover in 2014

Thu, 23 May 2013 23:00:52 -0400

The Langham, Sydney's luxury makeover has been set down for 2014. When the property was purchased from Orient-Express in August 2012, Langham Hospitality Group CEO Brett Butcher said the hotel would undergo a significant makeover ...

New South Wales name new CEO

Thu, 23 May 2013 22:58:02 -0400

Andrew Jones, the former Cricket Australia head of strategy, has been named as the new chief executive of Cricket New South Wales. Jones will take up the role vacated by David Gilbert, who spent 11 years in the position ...

NSW police raid Hells Angels clubhouse

Thu, 23 May 2013 22:53:16 -0400

A RAID on a Hells Angels clubhouse in Sydney has turned up evidence of illegal alcohol sales. Police raided the Granville premises, in the city's west, about 8pm (AEST) on Thursday. Officers seized Hells Angels paraphernalia and evidence which suggests the illegal sale of alcohol may have taken place on the property. No one was at the clubhouse but police arrested a 29-year-old rival ...

NSW Police terrified 3D plastic guns will be used in Australia

Thu, 23 May 2013 22:51:00 -0400

POLICE are terrified a frightening new weapon, a plastic gun made from downloading a file off a 3D home computer, will eventually be used in Australia. Known as “The Liberator” more than 100,000 people worldwide including Australia have downloaded the instructions on how to make the gun. The 3D guns are made of thermo-plastic or synthetic material which makes them undetectable in ...

The transformation of Hazel Hawke

Thu, 23 May 2013 22:45:17 -0400

20-7-1929 — 23-05-2013 The debilitating haze of Alzheimer's disease began its capricious descent on Hazel Hawke in 2001 and three years later she noted in typically laconic Australian style on her 75th birthday: ''It's a bugger. It's just bad luck. It's an illness which is unpredictable, and when it comes you've just got to cope with it. It's like ...

$A in retreat after overnight gains

Thu, 23 May 2013 22:45:16 -0400

The Australian dollar is back on a downward spiral, reversing solid gains made overnight, as markets continue to react to recent statements from US Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke. The currency rose as high 97.50 US cents early on Friday, up sharply from 96.23 US cents on Thursday afternoon. But by 1200 AEST the Australian dollar had retreated back to 96.65 US cents. ForexCT head of ...

Vic premier sees light for Geelong

Thu, 23 May 2013 22:45:15 -0400

Victorian Premier Denis Napthine has pledged to work with the Geelong community to create opportunities in new industries in the wake of the mass job loss announcement at Ford. Dr Napthine says the only testing facility in the Asia Pacific would remain at Lara in the Geelong region. "That is some light at the end of the tunnel," he told a meeting of a dozen industry, community and ...

Echo shares plunge after Crown pull-out

Thu, 23 May 2013 22:45:15 -0400

Shares in Echo Entertainment have plunged to a record low after Crown sold its stake in its casino-operating rival. At 1155 AEST, Echo shares were down more than 10 per cent to $3.09, a slight improvement on their low of $3.03 shortly after the Australian market opened on Friday. James Packer's Crown on Friday confirmed it had sold its 10 per cent interest in Echo for $264 million, less ...

Stocks to watch at noon on Friday

Thu, 23 May 2013 22:45:14 -0400

Stocks to watch on the Australian stock exchange at noon on Friday: AAC - AUSTRALIAN AGRICULTURAL COMPANY LTD - down 0.5 cents, or 0.45 per cent, at $1.095 Australia's largest beef cattle producer has blamed the suspension of live exports and lower rainfall for a $46.5 million loss. CWN - CROWN LTD - down 13.00 cents, or 0.99 per cent, at ...

Hawke remembers Hazel with deep affection

Thu, 23 May 2013 22:45:10 -0400

Former prime minister Bob Hawke says he remembers his ex-wife Hazel with deep affection. Mrs Hawke died on Thursday aged 83, after a battle with dementia. "I remember Hazel with deep affection and gratitude," Mr Hawke said in a statement on Friday. "She was more than a wife and mother, being father as well during my frequent absences as I pursued an industrial then political ...

Wonderful Aussie Hazel Hawke dies

Thu, 23 May 2013 22:43:41 -0400

FORMER first lady Hazel Hawke has been remembered as a wonderful, gutsy and compassionate Australian who touched the lives of everyday ...

Vic teenager stabbed in robbery

Thu, 23 May 2013 22:43:21 -0400

Police said two men entered the store in Ashwood about 8pm (AEST) on Thursday and demanded staff hand over cash.A scuffle broke out and one of the men produced a knife.Police said the 17-year-old Glen Waverley boy suffered cuts to his torso.An Ambulance Victoria spokeswoman said the teenager was taken to The Alfred hospital in a stable condition with multiple stab wounds.The thieves stole a phone ...

Poll says Katter wont get a Senate seat

Thu, 23 May 2013 22:43:19 -0400

Polling firm JWS Research sampled the views of 2252 voters in April in regional Queensland, NSW, Victoria and Western Australia, where the Katter's Australian Party (KAP) is most likely to pick up votes.Senate support in the regions averaged two per cent, peaking at five per cent in Mr Katter's home state of Queensland.Support was two per cent in Victoria and one per cent each in NSW ...

Disturbance at Tas detention centre

Thu, 23 May 2013 22:43:17 -0400

A disturbance occurred at the facility at around 10pm (AEST) on Thursday, the immigration department says.Tasmanian police were called to the centre, which is around 30km north of Hobart, to deal with the situation."The groups were separated and the situation calmed relatively quickly," a department spokeswoman told AAP."The mood at the facility this morning is calm."The ...

Qld bikie charged with gun drug offences

Thu, 23 May 2013 22:43:10 -0400

Saleh Atasoy, 26, applied for bail in the Southport Magistrates Court on Friday.He was arrested on Thursday after police allegedly found a loaded gun, amphetamines and illegal steroids at two homes on the Gold Coast.Officers searched one home at Oxenford on May 16 and then another at Biggera Waters on May 23.Atasoy is charged with four counts of possession of a dangerous drug, one count each of ...

Mentally ill dying decades younger

Thu, 23 May 2013 22:43:03 -0400

PEOPLE with mental health problems are dying decades younger than the general population while their physical health has become a national ...

Man 72 caught in street sex bust

Thu, 23 May 2013 22:42:54 -0400

A 72-YEAR-old man is among nine men who have been charged following an overnight police operation targeting street prostitution in ...

Live export ban blamed for $46.5m loss

Thu, 23 May 2013 22:42:40 -0400

Live shipments to Indonesia were temporarily suspended in June 2011 after footage of cattle being tortured at overseas abattoirs was aired.This prompted Indonesia to more than halve its quota of Australian cattle.Australian Agricultural Company (AACo) managing director David Farley said the Federal Government's suspension of the live export trade was continuing to suppress domestic cattle ...

Cop brawl like a game show addict

Thu, 23 May 2013 22:39:38 -0400

AN ice addict who assaulted two police and then tried to steal their divisional van claimed he thought he was taking part in a reality game show, a court has ...

Human ashes in forgotten hotel items

Thu, 23 May 2013 22:39:35 -0400

Staff at Peppers in Broadbeach Amanda Cane, Adam Taloni (GM), Chris Dignan, Janet Saunders and Juliet Meek look over items that guests have left behind at the hotel. Picture: Luke ...

Agencies light up winter at Sydneys Vivid Festival

Thu, 23 May 2013 22:38:20 -0400

From 6pm tonight Sydney will once again be transformed into a winter wonderland of lights and music, simultaneously becoming a haven for innovation and ideas as Vivid Sydney kicks off. The festival will run from this evening until June 10 and is perhaps best known for, or at the very least most photographed for, the lighting of the Opera House’s sails. The sails will be transformed into ...

New genetic study hopes to cure anorexia

Thu, 23 May 2013 22:34:17 -0400

WHEN June Alexander was 11 years old, she felt so guilty about eating that she would leave her school lunch untouched. While she was slowly wasting away, her mother wondered why she wasn't like all the other girls. But more than 50 years later, Ms Alexander has triumphed in her battle with anorexia nervosa and is taking part in a world first study to investigate the genetic links behind the ...

Gillard seeks Ford help for workers

Thu, 23 May 2013 22:33:24 -0400

PRIME Minister Julia Gillard has called on Ford Australia to chip in to an assistance package to help workers and communities affected by the company's 2016 shutdown of car making. Ford announced on Thursday it would shed 1200 workers and close its factories in Victoria in October 2016. The federal and Victorian governments have pledged $50 million in assistance through two programs to help ...

Australians travelling without a will

Thu, 23 May 2013 22:02:04 -0400

Not enough Australians are updating or preparing their will before they travel, according to new research. The State of Trustees research has revealed that last year, there were more than 8.2 million short term overseas holidays undertaken by Australians. While 1000 Australians died overseas last year, less than 20 percent of travellers updated or prepared their will before departing on ...

Sydney a favourite among travellers

Thu, 23 May 2013 22:02:03 -0400

Sydney has leapt four places this year to make a top ten appearance in the global Traveller’s Choice Destination awards. Paris and New York were listed as the top two travellers’ destinations, as revealed in TripAdvisor’s fifth annual Destination awards. ‘The City of Lights’ rose three spots from last year’s rankings to beat out the ‘Big ...

The toughest holiday Australias first Biggest Loser Retreat

Thu, 23 May 2013 22:02:02 -0400

Golden Door Health Retreat’s parent company, Cypress Lakes Group has teamed up with the producers of the Biggest Loser to launch Australia’s first-ever dedicated weight-loss retreat. Following in the footsteps of The Biggest Loser Resorts in the US, the Gold Coast’s Golden Door Health Retreat will be rebranded from July this year to The Biggest Loser Retreat. Much like the ...

Air New Zealand offers improved check-in with new Melbourne kiosk service

Thu, 23 May 2013 22:02:01 -0400

Air New Zealand customers travelling trans-Tasman and Pacific Island routes have flocked to use the new check-in kiosks introduced this week at Melbourne ...

CFMEU found guilty of contempt of court over Grocon blockade at Melbourne Emporium site

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:57:13 -0400

Melbourne 3000 The Supreme Court of Victoria has found Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) in contempt of court for its blockade of a Grocon building site in Melbourne's CBD. Legal action was taken by the construction giant when the union continued its protest outside the Myer Emporium site despite a court injunction in August last year.The blockade involved violent ...

Traders back two-hour North Adelaide carpark restrictions

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:55:00 -0400

TRADERS have welcomed the new parking plan for North Adelaide saying the two-hour restrictions will still allow for people to shop and dine in the precinct. North Adelaide Precinct president David Johnson said there was no doubt the 6000 extra cars on game days once the Adelaide Oval redevelopment is finished in 2014 would create more parking issues. But he said the crowds would be great for ...

Port punt on Butcher against Cats in AFL

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:48:05 -0400

Port Adelaide admit they're taking a selection punt on John Butcher, who will play his first AFL game in 10 months in Saturday's home match against Geelong. Butcher has been summoned to replace injured ruckman Matthew Lobbe, who rolled an ankle at agility training on Thursday night. Butcher hasn't played an AFL game since July 7 last year and has been out of sorts in SANFL ranks ...

Manly desperate to end home losing streak

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:48:00 -0400

It's been nearly a decade since Manly last lost three consecutive matches at Brookvale Oval, and that record has the Sea Eagles ready to fight for their turf this Saturday. Back-to-back losses to South Sydney and Sydney Roosters in the past month have Manly on the verge of losing three on the trot at Brookvale for the first time since July 2005 when the Sea Eagles went down 26-24 in the ...

Aust shares open marginally weaker

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:47:59 -0400

Australian shares are a little weaker as the market follows Wall street into negative territory. Still, IG market strategist Chris Weston said, the futures market had been expecting an even worse session in the US, where the broad-based S&P 500 finished 0.28 per cent weaker. "We were expecting a pretty negative day in Europe and the US, and clearly there's calm ahead prevailing ...

Hird Bombers AFL coach for long time

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:47:58 -0400

James Hird says he plans on coaching Essendon for a long time despite suggestions he should follow chief executive Ian Robson in resigning from the AFL club. Robson quit on Thursday, saying while he didn't know of the irregular practices taking place with the Bombers supplement program last year, his position made him accountable for them. That has prompted the question of whether football ...

Dan ready to be the man for NRL Roosters

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:47:57 -0400

Utility Daniel Mortimer is ready to step up and take control of the Sydney Roosters during the State of Origin period should teammates Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney get NSW call-ups. Mortimer has carved out a key role as the Roosters impact player under rookie coach Trent Robinson, but he still believes his future lies in the halves. And he'll get an opportunity to showcase that over ...

Samo Lance back for Reds in Super Rugby

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:47:56 -0400

Queensland cult hero Radike Samo will start his first Super Rugby match of the year while fullback Jono Lance returns from injury for the Reds' clash with the Stormers on Sunday morning (AEST). Wallabies veteran Samo will start at No.8 at Newlands in Cape Town, with Jake Schatz moving to blindside flanker and Ed Quirk dropping to the bench. The 36-year-old has been plagued by a knee injury ...

Taufua assault case adjourned in Qld

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:46:04 -0400

Taufua, who plays for the Manly Sea Eagles, allegedly spat at a police officer on the Gold Coast last October.He has been charged with assault.The 21-year-old was not present for Friday's hearing in Southport Magistrates Court, where his lawyer sought a final adjournment on the matter.The case is due to return to court on June ...

Man questioned over WA fire damage

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:46:03 -0400

A 46-YEAR-OLD man is being questioned over three fires in the northern WA town of Broome, believed to have been deliberately lit and causing more than $1 million ...

David Wenham nominated for US TV award

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:46:00 -0400

The Jane Campion-directed mini-series has received five nominations with Wenham up for Best Supporting Actor in a Movie or Miniseries for his role as Detective Al Parker.The Sydneysider was one of three actors from Top Of The Lake nominated in his category.Also nominated were James Cromwell (American Horror Story: Asylum), Peter Mullan (Top of the Lake), Zachary Quinto (American Horror Story: ...

WA man charged with murder and robberies

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:45:58 -0400

A 24-YEAR-OLD man has been charged with the murder of Richard Travis Holloway, who was killed in his South Perth home this ...

NSW letterbox thief caught on train

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:45:55 -0400

The 28-year-old woman was arrested on a train near Maitland about 5.10pm (AEST) on Thursday.She had credit cards and other government-issued cards printed with different names.Several of the cards were traced to recent letterbox thefts in the beachside suburb of Merewether.Police transport command officers were initially tipped off when they allegedly found her in possession of a pension ...

Australia shares fall market volatility hits investor confidence

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:45:45 -0400

Thu May 23, 2013 9:45pm EDT (Adds details, comments, stocks on the move) SYDNEY May 24 (Reuters) - Australian shares reversed early gains to fall 0.9 percent as faltering banks and market volatility hit investor sentiment on Friday, sending the benchmark index tumbling further from one-month lows touched a day earlier. "There's also a lot of volatility from a macro perspective from Japan, ...

Shots fired at Qld coal seam gas protest

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:45:37 -0400

Protest group Stop CSG Tara says 45 activists have been blockading Queensland Gas Company (QGC) operations, near Dalby, for five days, stopping workers leaving their camps or entering a worksite.CSG Tara president Dayne Pratzky said three shots were fired close to where protesters were blocking the main road heading into the Kumbarilla State Forest.He believes the shots weren't fired at ...

600 state jobs go in company collapse

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:45:09 -0400

They are among almost 2500 workers employed nationwide by Swan Services, which appointed Pitcher Partners as voluntary administrators on Wednesday night.The 43-year-old company had debts of about $2.8 million and 583 staff in Queensland, according to Pitcher Partners director Anthony Elkerton.About $2.5 million is owing to the company and attempts will be made to collect that money.The blow to ...

Australia stocks extend selloff

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:43:56 -0400

LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) -- Australian stocks fell in early trade Friday, extending a selloff that pushed the benchmark to a one-month low Thursday after disappointing data from China, Australia's largest export market. The S&P/ASX ...

Shocking Gold Coast assault on film

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:41:52 -0400

SHOCKING video has emerged of the moment the two attackers lured police toward them by dragging their butchered victim into the middle of the road before they were shot at eight ...

Melbourne indie gets stake in Sydney outdoor market

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:41:01 -0400

The company claims to be Melbourne’s largest independent large format outdoor advertising operator, and the move follows an announcement in March it was to expand into Brisbane and Queensland in a partnership with ...

Queensland Reds name Radike Samo Jono Lance for Stormers encounter

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:00:25 -0400

South Africa Queensland has named veteran number eight Radike Samo and full-back Jono Lance in its side to take on the Stormers in Cape Town on Sunday morning (AEST).Samo will make his first starting appearance of the season in the Republic after a season limited by injuries, while Lance missed last weekend's loss to the Cheetahs with a shoulder concern.The Reds' back row will shuffle ...

Falling dollar to help auto industry govt

Thu, 23 May 2013 20:50:13 -0400

Australia's falling dollar provides powerful export assistance to the automotive industry, Trade Minister Craig Emerson says. Dr Emerson said the Australian dollar, which this month slipped below parity with the US dollar, has increased the competitiveness of Australian industry. He said Ford, unlike Holden which had identified production out to at least 2022, lacked an export strategy. ...

Local production costs high Holden boss

Thu, 23 May 2013 20:50:12 -0400

The cost of making cars in Australia is high and the loss of manufacturing by Ford should focus attention on the industry, says Holden boss Mike Devereux. GM Holden's chairman and managing director said news Ford will end local manufacturing operations in three years was a sad day for the industry. "It should only focus everyone's attention on the importance of it," Mr ...

Crown confirms Echo sale

Thu, 23 May 2013 20:50:11 -0400

James Packer has sold his stake in rival casino owner Echo Entertainment to pursue his plan for a second casino in Sydney. Mr Packer's Crown sold its 10 per cent interest in Echo on Thursday for $264 million, less than it paid for the shares. Just two weeks ago, Crown received regulatory approval to increase its stake in Echo to 23 per cent. Mr Packer on Friday said Crown wanted to pursue ...

Aust bonds weaker in volatile trade

Thu, 23 May 2013 20:50:10 -0400

Westpac senior market strategist Damien McColough said there was a lot of volatility and uncertainty in markets at the moment. "The Australian bond market opened with a little bit of weakness but I don't think that will be extended during the day," he said. "I think we'll probably have narrower ranges today. "The Australian market is very much influenced by global ...

Australia may save millions on fighter jet

Thu, 23 May 2013 20:48:18 -0400

AUSTRALIA may save millions on state-of-the-art combat aircraft after defence company Lockheed Martin trumpeted the first ever fall in the cost of the controversial F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) ...

Five charged over Qld detention escape

Thu, 23 May 2013 20:48:13 -0400

The group are understood to have climbed over a fence at the Scherger detention centre, about 15km east of Weipa, on Thursday.It's believed they then managed to board a plane at Weipa airport and fly to Cairns, 400km away.Queensland police told AAP all the detainees were caught in Cairns later in the day and handed over to the Department of Immigration.A spokeswoman said Queensland police ...

Man charged over South Perth death

Thu, 23 May 2013 20:48:10 -0400

Mr Holloway, 42, was found dead in his Albert Street unit 10 days ago.The 24-year-old man is also facing a string of other charges after it is alleged he was involved in four incidents this month involving a firearm.The first of the four incidents occurred on May 12 when it is alleged he entered a Japanese restaurant in Belmont, produced a firearm and asked for food before leaving the store ...

Australian market opens higher

Thu, 23 May 2013 20:48:00 -0400

THE Australian share market has opened higher despite falls on major overseas markets following Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke's testimony to congress and the release of the central bank's policy meeting ...

Aussie reversed from a new low for the uptrend

Thu, 23 May 2013 20:46:22 -0400

The financial markets increased their appetite for risk in the US session on Thursday after dissecting Wednesday's Federal Reserve reiteration of the likely scaling back its asset purchase program in June. All foreign currencies turned higher, including the Aussie, which reversed from a new low for the uptrend. The US stock indexes recouped most of their early losses and the oil and gold ...

Cyclist Marc on an epic journey from Normandy to Adelaide

Thu, 23 May 2013 20:43:00 -0400

MARC Richard must have the toughest pair of thongs ever made. The Frenchman this month completed an epic 33,000km cycling journey across more than 30 countries from Normandy to Adelaide. He rode the last 11,000km in thongs after his riding shoes disintegrated from walking his bike through a tough stretch of Cambodian jungle. A door-to-door fruit and veg salesman, Mr Richard left his home village ...

US military fears taking on Assads troops in drawn-out Syrian war says Bob Carr

Thu, 23 May 2013 20:39:04 -0400

Foreign Minister Bob Carr has told a group of Syrian refugees in Lebanon that the United States military does not want to risk a drawn-out war with the Syrian army. Senator Carr spoke with the refugees during a visit to their camp in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, on the border with Syria. The refugees urged Senator Carr to back military intervention to bring the civil war in Syria to an end. ...

Australian shares slip Echo drops on Crown stake sale

Thu, 23 May 2013 20:32:30 -0400

Thu May 23, 2013 8:32pm EDT (Updates with movements in early trade) SYDNEY May 24 (Reuters) - Australian shares edged lower on Friday, losing further ground after weak manufacturing data from China sent the benchmark index tumbling to one-month lows a day earlier. Echo Entertainment Group, the operator of Sydney's sole casino, tumbled 12.5 percent on news that rival Crown Ltd has sold its ...

Call for crisis talks on car manufacturing

Thu, 23 May 2013 20:12:44 -0400

FORD Australia says it will contribute to a government package to assist workers who are set to lose their jobs, as unions urged the government to hold crisis talks on the future of local car manufacturing. Victorian Premier Denis Napthine says the car maker needs to outline its plan to financially help 1200 sacked workers after announcing it will cease its manufacturing operations at its ...

Aussies Kiwis saw tornado shred Oklahoma

Thu, 23 May 2013 20:11:21 -0400

AS the atmospheric conditions brewed perfectly outside Oklahoma City earlier this week to create the monster killer tornado, Australians and New Zealanders from all walks of life watched nearby in fear and awe. There were amateur storm chasers like Perth couple Melissa and Brayden Marshall, Brisbane's Dean Naromore and Kiwi Neill Ellis, who, for their holidays, travelled to America's ...

Packer wants second Sydney casino

Thu, 23 May 2013 20:02:19 -0400

JAMES Packer has sold his stake in rival casino owner Echo Entertainment to pursue his plan for a second casino in Sydney. Mr Packer's Crown sold its 10 per cent interest in Echo on Thursday for $264 million, less than it paid for the shares. Just two weeks ago, Crown received regulatory approval to increase its stake in Echo to 23 per cent. Mr Packer on Friday said Crown wanted to pursue its ...

An historic Boer War discovery for Adelaides Tony Stimson

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:50:00 -0400

TONY Stimson was dumbfounded when he came across the grave of a man his grandfather had shot dead in the Boer War. He says on June 20, 1900, his grandfather Captain Alfred Norton took down what he thought was a Boer soldier "with a fluke shot over 1100 yards (1km)", only to discover he was an observer from the Imperial Russian Navy who had joined the Boers in their guerilla efforts ...

Foreign Affairs Minister Bob Carr meets with Syrian refugees at Lebanon camp

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:48:18 -0400

Syrian Arab Republic Foreign Minister Bob Carr has told a group of Syrian refugees in Lebanon that the United States military does not want to risk a drawn-out war with the Syrian army.Senator Carr spoke with the refugees during a visit to their camp in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, on the border with Syria.More than 1.5 million people have fled across Syria's borders to escape the civil ...

Cricket NSW appoints former Cricket Australia executive

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:48:16 -0400

Sydney 2000 Cricket New South Wales has confirmed the appointment of former Cricket Australia head of strategy Andrew Jones as its new chief executive.Jones comes into the position during a tumultuous time for cricket in the state after former chief Brad Gilbert had stood down in January following 11 years in the role.The Blues firstly sacked coach Anthony Stuart last season but that led to ...

Your say Ford Australia to close plants in 2016

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:48:15 -0400

it will close its Australian manufacturing plants in October 2016 , with the possible loss of hundreds of job.Ford president Bob Graziano said approximately 1,200 workers would lose their jobs when the Broadmeadows and Geelong plants were shut down.How will the closures affect you?Have your say ...

Fires cause $3m damage in Broome

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:37:08 -0400

Two houses have suffered significant damage and a factory in a light industrial area has also been badly affected, with an estimated $2 million damage bill. The blaze in the industrial area took firefighters about an hour to bring under control, but they were then called to a fire which completely destroyed a house, valued at $250,000.Resources were stretched when they were called to another ...

Train network running after early hitch

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:37:06 -0400

Services were restored on all lines just after 6.30am after the disruptions threw the network into chaos from the start of scheduled services this morning. Initially, only one train was able to operate on the Fremantle line and that was terminating at West Leederville.The Joondalup line was running, but terminating at West Leederville.The Mandurah line was terminating at the Esplanade.The Midland ...

Holden handouts good deal for Australia

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:37:02 -0400

HOLDEN boss Mike Devereux says his company will seek more government help to keep the Australian auto industry viable - and that the handouts are a great deal for the ...

McDonalds grilled by shareholders

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:36:53 -0400

MCDONALD'S has again faced criticism that it's a purveyor of junk food that markets to children at its annual shareholder ...

Ford to help sacked workers

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:36:50 -0400

FORD Australia will work with governments to see how it can contribute to a transition package for workers who lose their jobs in 2016, the company's president and CEO Bob Graziano ...

Wild swings and an Aussie snapback

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:35:30 -0400

What a wild day the last 24 hours have been - there will be plenty of traders licking their wounds this morning after stocks, currency and commodity markets moved through wide ranges before snapping ...

Aussie dollar slides how far can it fall

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:27:48 -0400

With Aussie dollar hitting 11 month lows and price barreling towards 1 year lows of .9602 set last June. This is your target to re-load the gun after taking ...

Australia shares seen firmer after sharp sell-off

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:16:18 -0400

SYDNEY | Thu May 23, 2013 7:16pm EDT SYDNEY May 24 (Reuters) - Australian shares are seen edging up from a one-month low on Friday after weak manufacturing data from China knocked the market down 2 percent in the previous session. A rise in gold prices may lend support to miners. * Local share price index futures rose 0.3 percent to a 23.6-point premium to the underlying S&P/ASX 200 ...

Exports solution for car industry Abbott

Thu, 23 May 2013 18:57:15 -0400

GREATER exports are the way forward for the local car industry, with the loss of manufacturing by Ford a "kick in the guts", Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says. Ford's announcement it will end local manufacturing operations in three years will result in the loss of 650 jobs at Broadmeadows, in northern Melbourne, while 510 will be put out of work at the company's Geelong plant. Mr ...

Ford will help workers who lose jobs CEO

Thu, 23 May 2013 18:51:17 -0400

Ford Australia will work with governments to see how it can contribute to a transition package for workers who lose their jobs in 2016, the company's president and CEO Bob Graziano says.But Mr Graziano would not say how much Ford might contribute to the multimillion dollar government package."I want to get with the governments to understand what they are proposing and then we will come ...

Australia coal firms dig in for years of mine closings job cuts

Thu, 23 May 2013 18:50:27 -0400

A bucket wheel reclaimer collects ore at the BHP Billiton iron ore loading facility in Port Hedland, about 1,600 km north of Perth, in this May, 2008, file photo. Australian coal miners are steeling themselves for years of production cuts, job reductions and asset sales as swelling shipments from international rivals lower hopes of a recovery in prices for coal. (TIM ...

Rolf Harris bailed again until August

Thu, 23 May 2013 18:48:16 -0400

Rolf Harris' hopes that police were about to drop their investigation into sex abuse allegations have been dashed, with his bail renewed until ...

ACTU calls for emergency talks on car industry after Fords decision to close Australian plants

Thu, 23 May 2013 18:35:53 -0400

The news that the Ford plants at Broadmeadows and Geelong will shut in 2016 has prompted calls for high level government and business talks, as well as an emergency boost to tariffs on imported cars.The ACTU is urging the Prime Minister, the industry and unions to convene urgent talks to draw up a survival strategy for Australia's car industry and to minimise job losses.The focus is now on ...

Fatal milk truck crash causes traffic chaos on Sydneys Parramatta Road

Thu, 23 May 2013 18:35:48 -0400

Croydon 2132 Sydney's Parramatta Road is closed this morning after a milk truck crashed into a shopfront in the city's inner west late last night, killing the driver.Police say the truck ploughed into the shop in Croydon and burst into flames about 11:30pm.The accident has closed the major arterial in both directions and diversions are in place.Dave Wright from the Transport ...

More tributes for the late Hazel Hawke

Thu, 23 May 2013 18:26:41 -0400

Hazel Hawke has been remembered as a beautiful soul and a great Australian, as tributes continue following the death of the ex-wife of former prime minister Bob Hawke. Mrs Hawke died on Thursday aged 83, after a battle with Alzheimer's disease. "She had a special grace and a beautiful soul," opposition communications spokesman Malcolm Turnbull told the Nine Network on Friday. He ...

$A bounces up from one-year low

Thu, 23 May 2013 18:26:40 -0400

The Australian dollar has surged more than one-and-a-half US cents higher from Thursday's low point, as the US dollar lost ground against all the major currencies. At 0700 AEST on Friday, the Australian currency was trading at 97.52 US cents, up from 96.23 cents at Thursday's close. It was up 1.58 US cents from its low of 95.94 US cents on Thursday afternoon, the Australian ...

Stocks to watch on Friday

Thu, 23 May 2013 18:26:39 -0400

Stocks to watch on the Australian stock exchange on Friday, May 24: AAC - AUSTRALIAN AGRICULTURAL COMPANY LTD - down one cent at $1.10 Cattle farmer Australian Agricultural Company (AACo) is continuing to negotiate the sale of a major piece of land in Queensland after it was passed in at auction. BTU - BATHURST RESOURCES LTD - steady at 17.5 ...

$A rebounds from one-year low

Thu, 23 May 2013 18:26:37 -0400

Tributes flowing for Australias first lady

Thu, 23 May 2013 18:26:36 -0400

View all 17 photos One of Australia's most loved figures, Hazel Hawke, has died at the age of 83. Her daughter, Sue Pieters-Hawke, announced on behalf of the family on Thursday night that Mrs Hawke had died peacefully, surrounded by family. The family had been with Mrs Hawke during her last days as she finally succumbed to complications of dementia, Ms Pieters-Hawke said. ''The ...

Sydney may miss out on major events oppn

Thu, 23 May 2013 18:24:44 -0400

MAJOR events could bypass Sydney, costing the state hundreds of millions of dollars, because a deal to construct a temporary convention centre has ...

Suspended ABC caller reinstated after joke

Thu, 23 May 2013 18:24:42 -0400

ABC rugby league caller David Morrow has been reinstated after being suspended earlier this month for broadcasting remarks condemned as ...

Dollar rebounds from one-year low

Thu, 23 May 2013 18:24:30 -0400

THE Australian dollar has surged more than one-and-a-half US cents higher from yesterday's low point, as the US dollar lost ground against all the major ...

Ford to retire Falcon when Australia plant closes in 2016

Thu, 23 May 2013 18:17:27 -0400

Ford Motor Co. will shed 1,200 jobs when it ends auto manufacturing in Australia in 2016, but ...

RPT-Australias Crown selling entire 10 pct stake in rival Echo-source

Thu, 23 May 2013 17:54:48 -0400

Thu May 23, 2013 5:54pm EDT (Repeats story from late Thursday; no change to text) SYDNEY May 23 (Reuters) - Australian casino company Crown Ltd is selling its entire 10 percent stake in rival Echo Entertainment Group, the operator of Sydney's sole casino, a source with knowledge of the sale said. Crown is seeking in a book build through UBS to sell 82.5 million Echo shares at A$3.20 each, or ...

Govt supports car industry says Bradbury

Thu, 23 May 2013 17:37:46 -0400

The federal government is committed to continuing its support for the car industry despite Ford's decision to cease operations in Australia, Assistant Treasurer David Bradbury says.Ford Australia will cease its manufacturing operations at its Broadmeadow and Geelong plants in October 2016, after making after-tax losses of $141 million in the past financial year, and a $600 million loss over ...

As Ford quits Australia a challenge for Canada

Thu, 23 May 2013 17:36:55 -0400

Ford Motor Co.'s decision to pull the plug on its Australian auto-making operations highlights the struggles of that country's manufacturing sector in the face of a currency bloated to the point of uncompetitiveness by its excessive exposure to commodity ...

Australia to PH aid totals P5.7B

Thu, 23 May 2013 17:28:28 -0400

Australian ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddell (right) with former Australian premier John Howard. Tweddel said the Australian government is increasing its aid to the Philippines this year. AFP FILE PHOTO/SAEED KHAN MANILA, Philippines--The Australian government is increasing its aid to the Philippines this year to pour greater funding into basic services, education reform, ...

Cadel Evans left behind as Nibali extends Giro dItalia lead

Thu, 23 May 2013 17:22:04 -0400

Italy Vincenzo Nibali took a giant step towards his maiden Giro d'Italia triumph by smashing his rivals on his way to winning a rain-soaked 18th stage uphill time trial from Mori to Polsa on Thursday.Australian Cadel Evans began the day only one minute, 26 seconds behind the Italian, but the 2011 Tour de France champion flattered to deceive on his way to a 25th place at 2:36 ...

Demise of Ford leaves nations car industry in peril

Thu, 23 May 2013 17:12:43 -0400

Australia's loss-making car industry is under threat and risks closure following Ford's move to end nearly 100 years of local manufacturing. The decision comes as Ford revealed fresh losses of $141 million and as the ACTU warned of up to 10,000 jobs being shed across the industry. The iconic Falcon brand will cease to exist. Despite receiving hefty government subsidies, the three ...

Man dies after Sydney truck crash

Thu, 23 May 2013 17:10:49 -0400

Police say the crash happened about 11.30 pm (AEST) on Thursday on Parramatta Road at Croydon.The truck driver, who was trapped inside the wreckage, died at the scene.Parramatta Road will remain closed for "the immediate future" while the truck is removed, police say.The Transport Management Centre (TMC) expects the road to stay closed in both directions for several hours."(It) may ...

ACTU wants crisis talks on car making

Thu, 23 May 2013 17:04:14 -0400

AUSTRALIA'S trade union movement wants the government to hold a crisis meeting on the future of local car manufacturing following Ford's decision to end domestic production. Ford announced on Thursday around 1200 workers would lose their jobs at the US company's Australian subsidiary's two plants in Victoria by October 2016. Australian Council of Trade Unions secretary Dave Oliver ...

A look at weekend Thoroughbred racing

Thu, 23 May 2013 16:58:28 -0400

The Memorial Day weekend kicks off summer and, with no Triple Crown hopes to extend the spring, also kicks off a "second season" of racing. There are important turf races at Churchill Downs, Belmont Park, Hollywood Park and Arlington Park. Some of the nation's top steeds will be on display in the Grade I Met Mile at Belmont. Fillies and mares are in action from coast to coast and ...

Vietnam nationals caught after Qld escape

Thu, 23 May 2013 16:48:22 -0400

SEVEN Vietnamese nationals who broke out of a remote Cape York detention centre have been caught in Cairns. The group are understood to have climbed over a fence at the Scherger detention centre, about 15km east of Weipa, on Thursday. "The circumstances of how they escaped are still unclear," a Department of Immigration spokeswoman told AAP. It's believed the group then managed to ...

Qantas enlists authors to write books that match flight times

Thu, 23 May 2013 16:02:17 -0400

Calling the airplane the final bastion for the old-fashioned paperback novel, Aussie airline Qantas is launching a series of specially written books that can be read from start to finish within the duration of the flight. Aimed at appealing to the carrier's frequent flyers -- most often business travelers -- the strategy is meant to strengthen the brand's image as a sophisticated, ...

Hazel Hawke dies after battle with dementia

Thu, 23 May 2013 15:57:03 -0400

Prime Minister's statement Hazel Hawke has died peacefully after succumbing to complications of dementia, her family announced on Thursday. She died surrounded by family, who had been with her in her last ...

$20m upgrade for Qantas jets

Thu, 23 May 2013 15:07:38 -0400

Qantas has finished a $20 million makeover of 15 of its 265-seat Boeing 767 jets, which are used on routes such as Perth to Brisbane and weekend flights to Melbourne and Sydney.The makeover includes leather seats in business, in-flight entertainment for all passengers, new carpets and lighting. Qantas domestic chief executive Lyell Strambi said it was done to provide the best travel ...

Flintoff set for big bash with Aussies

Thu, 23 May 2013 15:04:28 -0400

Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff may no longer be a member of the England side but that won't stop him from returning to cricket duty for Twenty20 action with an Australian twist.With the Ashes underway, Flintoff -- victorious in his one-bout boxing career -- will be back on more familiar territory with two Twenty20 matches involving English and Australian cricket stars of yesteryear.Also ...

Cairns regions Avenue of Hounour a national memorial

Thu, 23 May 2013 14:52:52 -0400

The Avenue of Honour, near the tiny township of Yungaburra, will be the first national memorial for our troops in Afghanistan. And within a month, thousands of citizens, defence personnel, politicians and dignitaries will visit this extraordinary site, near the banks of Tinaroo Dam.It has been a labour of love, a community achievement, and a story of how grassroots determination and focus can, ...

Gavin the parrotfishs grin wows tourists to Cairns

Thu, 23 May 2013 14:52:51 -0400

A SPOTLIGHT-loving parrotfish from the Great Barrier Reef is creating a name for himself all over the world, shamelessly hijacking tourists' happy snaps with his impressive pearly ...

Amnestys lethal haul of weapons in Cairns

Thu, 23 May 2013 14:52:50 -0400

A MACHINE gun capable of blowing up an armoured truck or an aeroplane was among a swag of weapons handed in to Far North police stations and arms dealers during the recent ...

Bird strike a flight fright in Cairns

Thu, 23 May 2013 14:52:50 -0400

Melbourne-bound flight JQ947 had only just taken off when a bird struck the Airbus A320's left engine just after 10.40am.Passenger Jason Greenardi said the engine started to vibrate and made a loud "burring" sound as the crew tried to return to the airport."We got up to a certain level and the captain came on to let us know they had struck a bird and we'd have to do a ...

Global appeal to save Cairns natural wonders

Thu, 23 May 2013 14:52:49 -0400

A VIDEO showcasing the Far Norths' natural wonders and the importance of protecting them will be sent to philanthropists around the world in a new fundraising push by the region's only environmental non-profit legal ...

Birds Of Tokyo announce Cairns show with chance to win tickets

Thu, 23 May 2013 14:52:49 -0400

The ARIA Award-winning Perth five-piece are arguably Australia's hottest live rock outfit this year, enjoying a massive run of success off the back of their new album March Fires, which debuted at No. 1 in March and has produced the hit singles Lanterns and This Fire, alongside their latest effort When the Night Falls Quiet.Landing in Cairns and Townsville on the eve of their show at the ...

SA recovering from long dry

Thu, 23 May 2013 14:48:41 -0400

SOUTH Australia is thankful for a month of recovery after the long dry spell, with some areas exceeding their autumn average rainfall. But there are areas still well behind where they would normally be in an average season. Parts of the West Coast and Yorke Peninsula have exceeded their autumn average rainfall, including Streaky Bay, which has had 104 millimetres; Cleve, 108mm; Kimba, 89mm; and ...

Land of milk and money

Thu, 23 May 2013 14:48:41 -0400

"We would like to gain a significant share of the 700m litres of daily pasteurised milk sold in NSW," said Murray Goulburn shareholder relations general manager, Robert ...

SA foreign ownership call

Thu, 23 May 2013 14:48:40 -0400

TOP PRIORITY: Hobby farmer Christine Diotti, Keyneton, says a national register for foreign ownership of land should be a priority. "Nobody's got their head around foreign ownership," she ...

DAFF oversees Egyptian slaughter

Thu, 23 May 2013 14:48:38 -0400

THE Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has taken steps to ensure the welfare of the Australian cattle remaining in Egyptian feedlots. "The welfare of the remaining animals is a priority," a spokesperson said. Footage of animal mistreatment in Egyptian abattoirs was provided to DAFF on May 1 by activist group Animals Australia. Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig was ...

MLA seeks methane expert

Thu, 23 May 2013 14:48:37 -0400

MEAT and Livestock Australia is looking for advisers to help cut emissions of methane from livestock, particularly cattle. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, though it ranks well behind water vapour (the dominant greenhouse gas) and carbon dioxide in quantitative effect. It accounts for 10 per cent of overall human-induced greenhouse gas emissions in Australia, two-thirds of the total attributed ...

Miners Vale Rio Tinto neglecting locals

Thu, 23 May 2013 14:38:24 -0400

MINING giants Vale and Rio Tinto have neglected thousands of Mozambicans who have been moved from mining areas and resettled without proper homes or income, Human Rights Watch has ...

Slaughter of Horses in Australia Described as Inhumane

Thu, 23 May 2013 13:44:46 -0400

Canberra, May 23 (Prensa Latina) Animal rights groups described as inhumane and cruel the governmental procedure to slaughter thousands of wild horses in the outback, 300 kilometers southeast of Alice Springs city. The Australian organization of animal defenders said that the killing of 100,000 individuals by shooting them from a helicopter will make those wounded suffer a lingering death, ...

Selectors will get green light on Teo

Thu, 23 May 2013 13:35:01 -0400

Queensland rugby league selectors will be given the green light to pick Ben Te'o in the State of Origin squad as the South Sydney forward continues to weather assault allegations. Katie Lewis has accused the backrower of hitting her during a scuffle at the home of Brisbane Broncos fullback Corey Norman last month. Another Queensland player, Darius Boyd, was also alleged to be present. ...

ET on Titan You can’t be serious

Thu, 23 May 2013 13:35:00 -0400

Astrophysicists know full well that the biggest of Saturn’s retinue of moons, Titan, is one of our solar system’s most mysterious worlds. Might it one day turn out to harbour extraterrestrials, albeit of the most elementary kind? With its organic-rich chemistry and Earth-like processes sculpting the surface, Titan resembles a frozen version of the Earth, billions of years ago, ...

Shortlists weekly album reviews

Thu, 23 May 2013 13:34:58 -0400

(Sony) ★★★Snoop Dogg, or Snoop Lion as he is known on this contentious album, says he is the reincarnation of Bob Marley. While the journey to Jamaica to ...

6000 images seized in Vic child porn bust

Thu, 23 May 2013 13:21:59 -0400

A VICTORIAN man has been charged after police seized computers and hard drives allegedly containing more than 6000 child pornography images and ...

MasterChef set to carve up rivals

Thu, 23 May 2013 13:18:45 -0400

MASTERCHEF Australia is set to go to war against some of Australia's highest rating TV shows when it returns in just over one week's ...

Australia-India ink MoU for skills training in agri sector

Thu, 23 May 2013 13:13:54 -0400

NEW DELHI: India and Australia today signed an agreement for skill development in the agriculture sector. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between ...

Australians believe economy is fair

Thu, 23 May 2013 12:07:00 -0400

Australians overwhelmingly see their country as prosperous and fair, yet most think the next generation will be worse off, according to a new international comparison. The opinion poll conducted across 39 countries for the Washington-based Pew Research Centre found that only in three countries did a majority say their economic system was ''fair to most people''. And among the ...

Its over shock and sadness as era ends

Thu, 23 May 2013 12:06:55 -0400

In these Victorian boom times as many as 8000 people were employed at Geelong alone. The XM, XP and XR Falcons were released during the swinging 1960s. Mario Kontelj was not only making a go of it as a migrant but was also thriving. ''I became floor superintendent in the press shop then I was leading hand then I was senior supervisor. ''It was a good place to work. It was ...

Older than Vegemite DJs birthday spread marks 175 years

Thu, 23 May 2013 12:06:53 -0400

Harking back to the pomp and ceremony of David Jones' heyday, when crystal sparkled and furs flounced, Sydney's glitterati gathered at the department store's headquarters to celebrate the chain's 175th birthday. Delta Goodrem sang, 400 bottles of Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve were popped and fairy lights lit the way for the 350 guests on Thursday. David Jones is the ...

Industry to seek ban on spruiking of odds in games

Thu, 23 May 2013 12:06:52 -0400

The online betting industry has caved in to public pressure and will push for a ban on the promotion of live odds in sports broadcasts. Gambling industry bosses will hold a crisis meeting with TV representatives on Friday to present an 11th-hour proposal to stop betting spruikers interrupting football coverage. To succeed, the proposal needs the support of the TV networks and wagering giant ...

Kudo Higashinamed to squad for Australia match

Thu, 23 May 2013 12:02:15 -0400

Kashiwa Reysol’s in-form striker Masato Kudo and FC Tokyo midfielder Keigo Higashi received their first callups as Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni named a 26-strong squad on Thursday for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Australia. Kudo has scored 13 goals in the J.League and the Asian Champions League this season, including Kashiwa’s third in a 3-2 win over Jeonbuk Hyundai ...

Search continues for Canadian hiker missing in Australia for more than one week

Thu, 23 May 2013 11:17:47 -0400

Kosciuszko National Park is seen in this undated handout photo. The Canberra Times reports that an air search for Prabhdeep Srawn is focusing on a specific location within the Kosciuszko National Park, about 350 kilometres southwest of Sydney. Srawn, a 25-year-old Brampton, Ont., man hasn't been heard from since parking his rental car May 13 in the village of Charlotte Pass. (Westpac Life ...

Clarke not to muzzle Aussies Flower-style from talking about Ashes

Thu, 23 May 2013 11:13:09 -0400

Sydney, May 23 : Australian captain Michael Clarke has said that he will not 'muzzle' his players and ban them from talking about the Ashes after pacer James Pattinson revealed the bowlers' plan to 'open up' England by targeting their captain and best batsman Alastair ...

Four Carriers to Launch China-Taiwan-Australia Service in June

Thu, 23 May 2013 11:10:49 -0400

will launch a joint China-Australia-Taiwan service on June 7.The CAT service will employ six 4,250-TEU container vessels, including two each from Evergreen and Yang Ming and one each from PIL and Sinotrans.The port rotation is as follows: Ningbo, Shanghai and Shekou in China; Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in Australia; and back to Kaohsiung and Ningbo. The roundtrip voyage is ...

Ford Motors to Leave Australia After 90 Years

Thu, 23 May 2013 11:09:50 -0400

Ford Motor Company announced Thursday that it would stop making cars in Australia within two years because high costs and low volumes mean it cannot compete with imported vehicles. Ford Australia chief Bob Graziano said that closing its plant in Melbourne and the other 60 kilometres further south-west in Geelong would see 1,200 workers laid off by October 2016. "Our costs are double ...

Garuda launches chauffeur-drive limousines for Brisbane flights

Thu, 23 May 2013 11:03:45 -0400

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Number of obese Australians reaches staggering proportions says COAG report

Thu, 23 May 2013 11:03:01 -0400

Australia The number of Australians who are obese has reached "staggering" numbers according to a key government report.The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Reform Council has released its fourth report on the National Healthcare Agreement.It shows that in 2011-12, 63 per cent of Australians were either overweight or obese - that has increased 2 per cent in the past four years ...

Year 7 rethink for Sydney Boys

Thu, 23 May 2013 10:53:42 -0400

One of Sydney's top selective high schools could relax entry requirements to make it easier for high-achieving local students to enrol, in a significant break from existing policy. NSW Education Minister Adrian Piccoli said he had received a proposal from the principal of Sydney Boys High for a change to its year 7 entry requirements, in an effort to boost the number of boys from the local ...

In short a Man Booker winner

Thu, 23 May 2013 10:53:42 -0400

An author who pens stories the length of a sentence won this year's Man Booker International Prize. American writer Lydia Davis has written some short stories of conventional length but most range from one to three pages, while others are just a paragraph or a sentence long. Davis was picked from a short list of 10 names to win the fifth Man Booker International Prize, which is presented ...

The houses that Ford built

Thu, 23 May 2013 10:53:41 -0400

Heyday: Ford's new factory at Broadmeadows in the 1950s. Mario Kontelj is 75 and lives in Bell Post Hill, Geelong. The house that he shares with his wife Ivanka is the house that Ford built; Kontelj worked hard at the car factory for 29 years while raising his three children and making a go of it as a first-wave migrant. He and his wife came from Slovenia in the 1950s straight to the ...

Era of the Aussie car over

Thu, 23 May 2013 10:53:40 -0400

The worst candidate for government help

Thu, 23 May 2013 10:53:39 -0400

Ford was always going to fold. Management expert Professor Roy Green served on the Prime Minister's manufacturing taskforce and her manufacturing leaders advisory group. He says it was the ''weak link'' in the Australian manufacturing chain - the only firm with plainly dismal prospects. Green believes in targeted government support to help Australian industry, but he ...

Obesity increase prompts warning to govts

Thu, 23 May 2013 10:53:36 -0400

Governments are being urged to tackle the growing problem of obesity, as a new report finds increased number of Australian adults suffering from the condition. The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Reform Council will on Friday release its fourth report on the National Healthcare Agreement, showing an improvement in some areas such as smoking rates, but other areas deteriorating. Adult ...

Remembering Hazel the life of the party

Thu, 23 May 2013 10:53:35 -0400

Hazel Hawke, gone now, was long the life of the party; a saviour when the chips were down for her husband, Bob. During the 1990 election, a tight contest against Opposition Leader Andrew Peacock, Prime Minister Bob Hawke organised a mysterious treat for the travelling media. Flying across Australia, he arranged to have the VIP Boeing 707 land at Alice Springs. The reason, at least ostensibly? ...

2500 lose jobs as debt sinks cleaning firm

Thu, 23 May 2013 10:51:39 -0400

"That is what led to the appointment of the administrators."Mr Elkerton said some staff had moved immediately to new companies, while others were being contacted about Swan Services going out of business."There were a number of customers of Swan who had anticipated the appointment of the voluntary administrators and had contingency plans in place, which they enacted this ...

Educating asylum kids costs $55m

Thu, 23 May 2013 10:49:19 -0400

EDUCATING asylum seeker children will cost more than $55 million over four years amid a record number of minors arriving on ...

Abbott a certainty Costello

Thu, 23 May 2013 10:49:18 -0400

EVEN if Tony Abbott were caught streaking naked down Collins Street in Melbourne the Coalition would probably still win the looming election, former Federal Treasurer Peter Costello ...

Slipper still enjoying silver service

Thu, 23 May 2013 10:49:18 -0400

Disgraced MP and former Speaker of the House of Representatives in Parliament House, Peter Slipper, appeared in the local Magistrates Court in Canberra. He left in a Silver Service Taxi. Picture: Ramage ...