NewsRoo.com.au

A compact weekly review of Aussie news for Australians abroad
By Vince Chadwick and Benjamin Hope

August 23rd 2008

Covering Australian News of 16/08/2008 to 22/08/2008













Opposition Leader Dr Brendan Nelson

Costello cryptic as Nelson flounders

Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson's popularity continues to slide after a new poll found for the first time a majority of voters disapproved of him as Opposition leader. The Age/Nielsen poll found just 17% of voters supported Nelson, well below rivals Malcolm Turnbull (27%) and former treasurer Peter Costello (44%). Despite reported internal pressure for him to contest the leadership Mr Costello has rebuffed the notion saying "Well, I'm not. Everybody knows that". However, the former treasurer did not repeat his previously stated intention to leave politics, and left it unclear whether he would contest the leadership should Dr Nelson quit.

Cotton Plant
Image: Aileen's Pics

Libs would trial GM crops in WA

The Liberal Opposition in West Australia would allow the planting of genetically modified (GM) cotton as well as commercial-size trials of GM canola should it win the September 6 state election. The policy, to be carried out in the northern Ord River irrigation area, is at odds with the current Labour government's position which permits only "strictly controlled research trials" of GM products. The government maintains the use of GM crops potentially risks damaging public health and lucrative export markets while the Opposition claims the government is unnecessarily stifling industry. Currently Victoria and NSW are the only other states which permit GM crops.

Australia and the Pacific

Government to tap Pacific workforce

The Rudd Labour Government will offer up to 2,500 visas to workers from surrounding Pacific Islands as part of a three-year pilot scheme targeting the non-skilled labour shortage in the horticulture industry. Under the scheme, workers from Kiribati, Tonga, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea will be eligible to work up to seven months in any 12 month period, provided employers demonstrate they first tried to employ Australians. The government said the policy also aided Pacific Islanders learn valuable skills as Prime Minister Kevin Rudd prepared to attend the Pacific Forum in Niue. Fiji will not attend, drawing criticism it was seeking to avoid scrutiny over previous promises to hold elections.

Qantas Plane
Image: planegeezer

Investigation into falling performance and incident response at Qantas

The department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has released its June report, showing Qantas services falling to 68.7% of on-time flights from 81.3% in May. A Qantas spokesman attributed the poor performance to a lack of available jets due to ongoing overtime bans by engineers. The report follows several maintenance issues with Qantas jets as well as accusations that Qantas failed to comply with a maintenance directive from Boeing in 2003. Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority has launched an investigation into the airlines maintenance programs and incident responses but maintains it has no evidence suggesting falling safety standards.

Mine
Image: benketaro

BHP's record profit boosts Rio Tinto take-over bid

BHP set an Australian corporate record with the release of its June-year profit of US $15.4 billion ($A17.72 billion,) up from US $13.4 billion for 2006-07. Chief Executive Marius Klooper attributed the result to a strong demand for its commodities and record oil prices. Despite an anticipated slow in commodity demand, high energy prices and increasing interest rates, BHP maintains that the global economic outlook is positive. Shaw Stockbroking commented that although it is likely the European Union will block attempts by the mining giant to acquire rival Rio Tinto, the surplus could be used as a cash ‘sweetener’ for the 3.4-for-1 share offer.

Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan
Image: NewsRoo CC, originally james_tCA

Small business sees growth decline

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has released the Small Business Survey, calling for a cut in interest rates as small businesses are being hit hard by a slowdown in the domestic economy. The expected economic performance index dropped to 32.2 from 37.7 in the previous quarter, indicating more than half of Australian small businesses believe growth is in decline. The board of the Reserve Bank of Australia contemplated a reduction in the official 7.25% cash rate but decided to hold off for a month to further analyse data. The National Bank pledged to meet any interest rate movement by the reserve, following a warning from Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan that the retails banks would put the economy at risk if they fail to match any reduction.

Men Outnumber Women 5 to 1

Mt Isa calls for Ugly Ducklings

Mt Isa Mayor John Molony came under fire this week after suggesting 'beauty-disadvantaged women' should consider moving to the Queensland town to rectify a gender imbalance where women are out-numbered 5 to 1. Around 100 women converged on the lawns of the Civic Centre calling for Molony’s resignation and claiming the comments ‘put everyone down.’ Following the protest Molony apologised for the gaff, acknowledging his words have caused offense. Outspoken Federal MP for the area, Bob Katter has defended the comments, suggesting the interpretation of the towns humour has been demonised.

Beijing 2008
Image: http2007

Aussie battlers see silver lining in Beijing

Australia has won a number of surprise medals at the Beijing Olympics. Jared Tallent became the first Australian male track and field athlete in more than 100 years to win two medals at one Olympic Games, after finishing second in the men's 50km walk and third in the 20km event. 21-year-old Sally McLellan also won silver in a photo finish in the women's 100-metre hurdles. Away from the track cyclist Anna Meares won a courageous silver in the women's sprint, just seven months after a crash almost left her a paraplegic. Australia is ranked fifth on the medal tally with 39 medals.

Navigation Menu

Copyright © 2008 NewsRoo