PRESS DIGEST-Australian General News - Dec 2
THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD (www.smh.com.au)
Sydney's ferries remain unattractive to commuters despite a A$1.6 million revamp by the New South Wales Government. According to the latest performance figures from Sydney Ferries, the number of marine accidents jumped 60 percent from last year to 109. Patronage declined by 171,000 commuters, or 1.2 percent, despite greater demand for public transport. Cancellations also continued to plague the ferries, with 430 service cancellations between September and last week. Page 1.
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Tim Serisier, who five years ago bought cricket legend Don Bradman's baggy green cap after winning A$250,000 on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, is set to sell the iconic cap. Auctioneer Charles Leski expects the cap, worn by Sir Don on the 1948 "Invincibles" Ashes tour, to fetch between A$600,000 and A$750,000. "I defy anyone to tell me anything in Australian sport that is more important or has a higher status," Mr Leski said yesterday. A Bradman bat recently sold for A$145,000 - a world record. Page 2.
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A splinter group from a parliamentary committee on Australian immigration detention policy has criticised year-long detentions recommended by the committee and called for detainees to be given legal rights. The dissenting members, including Liberal senators Alan Eggleston and Petro Georgiou and Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young, said detentions should be capped at 30 days and Government officials should not have the "unfettered power to detain." Page 2.
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The Therapeutic Goods Administration has warned there is growing evidence that quit-smoking pill Champix, a brand name for the generic drug varenicline, may cause aggression, depression and suicidal thoughts. The drug regulator said in a communication to doctors yesterday that there have been 339 reports of adverse reactions including serious neuro-psychiatric symptoms since the drug was placed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule in January. Page 3.
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THE AGE (www.theage.com.au)
Secret Victoria Police files have been leaked to alleged criminals, it emerged yesterday. In the latest in a series of corruption scandals that have hit the state police force in recent years, the leaked files came from the police surveillance squad, which keeps a watch on crime targets. Recipients of the information included alleged drug boss John Higgs and other members of his gang, another suspected drug trafficker, and an alleged killer. The Office of Police Integrity said information security in Victoria "has long been of concern." Page 1.
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Incoming Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle has run up against opposition to his pledge to reopen a key street to cars. Two days before Mr Doyle was to be sworn in as Lord Mayor, newly elected councillor Ken Ong said yesterday "even my children are telling me it's a stupid idea" to allow vehicles on Swanston Street. Other councillors and urban planners have also criticised the proposal, which is in conflict with the State Government's policy of reducing the number of vehicles coming into the central business district. Page 1.
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Australians stranded in Thailand because of anti-government protests in Bangkok are being flown out by special flights. The first Qantas Airways plane was to ferry 300 people from Thailand to Singapore last night. Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce said the carrier would make more aircraft available if required. Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has upgraded its travel advice to Bangkok. DFAT yesterday advised "avoid necessary travel to the area around Government House and other demonstration sites." Page 2.
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Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard has accused Opposition shadow treasurer Julie Bishop of misrepresenting her studies at Harvard University in the United States in the mid-1990s. Contradicting Ms Bishop's claim two years ago that she had been an international student at Harvard, Ms Gillard said yesterday "the truth is she was there for a summer program, for a course that now costs A$60,000." Ms Bishop asserted the course was the "most prestigious" in Harvard's executive management program. Page 2. --
