NewsRoo.com.au: A compact weekly review of Aussie news for Australians abroad

Turnbull takes on Liberal Party leadership

Former merchant banker Malcolm Turnbull is the new leader of the Liberal Party after a 45-41 vote in his favour on Monday night. Out-going leader Dr Brendon Nelson called the surprise vote in response to recent leadership speculation, hoping the decision will deliver a strong opposition to take on Kevin Rudd at the 2010 election. Turnbull stressed that as a child of a single-parent family he had ‘done it tough’ and was in touch with Australian families, vowing to lead a ‘cohesive and united team.’ Dr Nelson intends to continue to push for a stronger line on climate change from the back bench.

WA first state to fall for ALP

There has been a change of government in Western Australia after Liberals leader Colin Barnett negotiated a power-sharing deal with the Nationals. The Nationals leader Brendon Grylls said a key a factor in his decision to side with the Liberals was the ability to form a stable government, without requiring the support of the Greens in the Upper House. Under the deal National MPs will reserve the right to vote against the government on issues of importance to regional voters. The end of nationwide Labor governments comes just before elections due to be held in the ACT next month, and Queensland early next year.

Image: karanj

Australia feels effect of global financial turmoil

The Reserve Bank injected $3.015 billion into the banking system on Thursday after about $13 billion (or nearly 3%) was wiped off the value of the ASX amid the growing global economic crisis. Macquarie Bank was amongst the hardest hit, with its share price falling 23.22% to $26.05, a five-year low. Treasurer Wayne Swan cited Australia’s 'strong Budget surplus', 'high terms of trade' and a 'well-regulated and well-capitalised banking sector' as positive signs, while Prime Minister Kevin Rudd chastised Opposition leader Malcolm Turnbull for disagreeing with Reserve Bank chairman Glenn Stevens’ characterisation of the Australian economy as 'light years' away from overseas institutions affected by the crisis.

Image: borya

ALP faces pension pressure

As the Opposition prepares to push for a $30-a-week pension rise in the senate this week, the Melbourne Institute revealed more than half of elderly Australians have been living below the poverty line. Leader of the Opposition Malcolm Turnbull was criticised by Federal Community Services Minister Jenny Macklin for a lack of decision, insisting he must either endorse the bill spearheaded by former Liberal Party Leader Brendon Nelson, or support Labor’s proposal for a comprehensive pension review. The Prime Minister accused the Opposition of opportunism, saying they had the opportunity to increase the pension when it came before the Cabinet last year, but did not act.

Image: Badjonni

Remote Australia a ‘failed state’

A group of prominent academics, politicians, mining executives and public servants this week likened remote Australia to a ‘failed state’ with endemic poverty, financial mismanagement and high rates of homicide and violence. The Remote Focus Group produced a prospectus outlining the extent of the crisis, calling for urgent national debate in what Dr Peter Sherigold, of the Centre for Social Impact in Canberra, claims has been a ‘failure of vision and policy’ by all governments. Former West Australian governor John Sanderson said remote Australia needed more population and civilian infrastructure to allow a broad range of economic activity and effective regional governance.

Image: User:Adz under GNU FDL

Benbrika and five followers convicted of terrorism charges

Muslim sheikh Abdul Nacer Benbrika and five followers have been convicted of belonging to a terrorist organisation pursuing violent jihad after a controversial trial in the Victorian Supreme Court. In total the jury returned 16 convictions and 10 acquittals but were unable to decide the fate of one of the accused, Shane Kent who faces a retrial. Federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland was criticised by the judge, Justice Bongiorno, after McClelland welcomed the initial convictions while the jury was still deliberating on other charges. The acquitted men have claimed they were mistreated during their detention in what defence lawyers claimed were 'Guantanamo Bay conditions'.

Image: Charlie Brewer

Rudd tackles housing affordability crisis

The Prime Minister launched a $520 million housing affordability grants scheme on Monday to provide some relief to low-income earners. The scheme will grant up to $10,000 per property for high-demand affordable housing and aims to streamline planning and infrastructure costs. Robin Turner, President of the Real Estate Institute of South Australia said the initiative should provide an incentive to create new housing in ‘one of the most expensive countries in the world’ to buy a house. Housing minister Tanya Pilbersek says the fund is only one part of the government’s plan to tackle housing affordability which also includes a $623 million rental affordability scheme and a $1.2 billion first home saver account program.

Image: Jake Ji

Aussies triumphant in 'greatest Paralympics ever'

International Paralympic Committee chief Philip Craven has brought 'the greatest Paralympic Games ever' to an end in Beijing. Australia finished fifth on the medal tally with 23 gold medals and 79 overall while host nation China finished top with 211 medals including 89 gold. Stars for Australia included swimmer Matt Cowdrey, who won five gold medals and three silver, and the Aussie Rollers basketball team who defeated Canada 72-60 to win gold. Meanwhile runner Tim Sullivan became Australia's most successful Paralympian ever, winning his tenth career gold medal after coming from behind to win with the 4x100 metres men's relay team in world-record time.

NewsRoo.com.au

A compact weekly review of Aussie news for Australians abroad

Navigation Menu

September 20th 2008

Covering Australian News of 13/09/2008 to 19/09/2008