This Week

Abbott: new front bench announced (Tuesday 8 December 2009)
   New federal opposition leader Tony Abbott has named his new shadow ministry.
   (read full story and biography...)

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Turnbull: coalition committed to ETS (Tuesday 24 November 2009)
   Opposition leader Malcolm Turnbull has said that he is confident the coalition will vote for the amended emissions trading scheme this week.
   (read full story...)

Jennings: State prepared for fires (Monday 23 November 2009)
   Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Gavin Jennings, has said that is more than ready for the upcoming fire season.
   (read full story...)

Flannery: population enquiry needed (Friday 20 November 2009)
   Renowned environmentalist Tim Flannery had called on the government to launch an enquiry into the effects of population growth
   on the environment.
   (read full story...)

Radford receives French honour (Thursday 19 November 2009)
   Director of the National Gallery of Australia, Ron Radford, has been awarded France’s highest cultural honour.
   (read full story...)

Rudd opens Capital Wind Farm (Wednesday 18 November 2009)
   Prime Minister Kevin Rudd today opened Australia’s largest wind farm, the Capital Wind Farm, near Bungendore in New South Wales.
   (read full story...)

McGorry named Australian of the Year finalist (Tuesday 17 November 2009)
   Professor of Youth Mental Health at The University of Melbourne, Patrick McGorry, was last night named Victoria’s Australian of the Year.
   (read full story...)

Rove calls it a day (Monday 16 November 2009)
   TV stalwart Rove McManus has pulled the plug on his long-running talk show.
   (read full story...)

Terracini: art is too predictable (Tuesday 10 November 2009)
   Opera Australia’s new director Lyndon Terracini has blasted Australia’s arts community for becoming predictable and conservative.
   (read full story...)

Redmond still wants to be shot with Taser (Monday 9 November 2009)
   South Australian Leader of the Opposition, Isobel Redmond, still remains keen to be shot with a Taser gun.
   (read full story...)

Judge: No more lip-synching (Friday 6 November 2009)
   Minister for Fair Trading, Virginia Judge, has called for new laws that alert concert goers if the concert they have paid to see is a live
   performance, or will be lip-synched by the artist.
   (read full story...)

Scott seeks ABC boost (Thursday 5 November 2009)
   Mark Scott, Managing Director of the ABC, has launched plans to expand the broadcaster’s overseas services to rival the likes of the BBC.
   (read full story...)

Brown contests Melbourne Cup winnings (Wednesday 4 November 2009)
   Greens Senator, Bob Brown, has called for a freeze on the prize money earned yesterday’s Melbourne Cup third place winner Mourilyan.
   (read full story...)

Le wins PM’s literary prize (Monday 2 November 2009)
   Nam Le has been awarded the $100,000 Prime Minister's Literary Award for his book of short stories, The Boat.
   (read full story...)

Sarah Murdoch takes a stand (Tuesday 27 October 2009)
   Sarah Murdoch, presenter of ‘Australia’s Next Top Model’, has taken a stand against digital airbrushing in women’s magazines, asking
   to appear as is on the latest cover of ‘The Australian Women’s Weekly’.
   (read full story...)

Zorbas: Breast cancer deaths down (Monday 26 October 2009)
   The chief executive of the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre, Dr Helen Zorbas, says that although there are higher rates of
   breast cancer detection in Australia, there are fewer deaths.
   (read full story...)

Swan says don’t pilfer pension (Friday 23 October 2009)
   Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan has warned states and territories not to reduce the increased payment to pensioners.
   (read full story...)

Kidman speaks to US congress (Thursday 22 October 2009)
   Nicole Kidman has given an impassioned speech at a congressional hearing in Washington DC in her capacity as a goodwill ambassador
   for the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM).
   (read full story...)

Kosky: Burton exhibition coming to Melbourne (Wednesday 21 October 2009)
   Victorian Arts Minister, Lynne Kosky, has announced that Melbourne is to host an exclusive Tim Burton exhibition next year.
   (read full story...)

Dutton to fight for Dickson (Tuesday 20 October 2009)
   Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing, Peter Dutton, has confirmed he will fight to retain his seat of Dickson at the next election.
   (read full story...)

Roxon: Doctors charge too much (Monday 19 October 2009)
   Federal Health Minister, Nicola Roxon, has said that she is disappointed that the Australian Medical Association has asked GPs to raise their fees.
   (read full story...)

Howard: NRL role not out of the question (Friday 16 October 2009)
   Former Prime Minister John Howard remained coy amid speculation he would be taking a position with the National Rugby League.
   (read full story...)

Bligh loses on Masterchef (Thursday 15 October 2009)
   Queensland Premier, Anna Bligh, has failed to make the semi-finals on Network Ten’s Celebrity Masterchef.
   (read full story...)

Ellis: TV for tots up to parents (Wednesday 14 October 2009)
   Federal Early Childhood Education Minister Kate Ellis has said that the government is unlikely to support a move to restrict television
   viewing for toddlers.
   (read full story...)

Corbett named Fairfax chairman (Tuesday 13 October 2009)
   Former Woolworth’s chief executive, Roger Corbett, has been named as Fairfax Media’s new chairman.
   (read full story...)

Milne: scrap car salary loophole (Monday 12 October 2009)
   Greens Senator Christine Milne has called on the government to end tax concessions for people who obtain a car through salary sacrifice.
   (read full story...)

Wong demands climate talks (Friday 9 October 2009)
   Federal Minister for Climate Change, Penny Wong, has urged the Opposition to negotiate in good faith concerning the emissions trading scheme.
   (read full story...)

Morrison: Indigenous housing overhaul needed (Thursday 8 October 2009)
   Scott Morrison, the shadow minister for housing and local government, has said that Indigenous housing across Australia
   is in dire need of being fixed.
   (read full story...)

Costello quits (Wednesday 7 October 2009)
   Former treasurer Peter Costello has today announced he is quitting politics.
   (read full story...)

Blackburn wins Nobel Prize (Tuesday 6 October 2009)
   Australian scientist Elizabeth Blackburn was overnight awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine, becoming the first Australian woman
   to win the honour.
   (read full story...)

Fifield calls for emissions vote delay (Monday 5 October 2009)
   Senator Mitch Fifield has publicly disagreed with Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull about when changes to the emissions trading scheme should
   be negotiated.
   (read full story...)

Garrett: no croc safari (Friday 2 October 2009)
   Federal environment minister Peter Garrett has shot down a plan to introduce crocodile safaris in the Northern Territory.
   (read full story...)

Turnbull threatens to resign (Thursday 1 October 2009)
   Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull has threatened to resign over the Emissions Trading Scheme.
   (read full story...)

Clark: food looming as the next challenge (Wednesday 30 September 2009)
   Megan Clark, CSIRO’s chief executive, has said that food production will be one of the great tests of the next 50 years.
   (read full story...)

Taylor: Indigenous more likely to go blind (Tuesday 29 September 2009)
   Professor Hugh Taylor, Harold Mitchell Chair of Indigenous Eye Health at The University of Melbourne, has found that Indigenous Australians
   are six times more likely to go blind than non-indigenous people.
   (read full story...)

Evans wins world championship (Monday 28 September 2009)
   Australian cyclist Cadel Evans has won the world cycling championships in Switzerland overnight, becoming the first Australian to win the title.
   (read full story...)

Rudd shows his support (Friday 25 September 2009)
   The AFL grand final parade was in full swing in Melbourne today, with fans turning out in their thousands to see the players from St Kilda
   and Geelong before the match tomorrow.
   (read full story...)

McClelland flags justice overhaul (Wednesday 24 September 2009)
   Federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland has outlined a new plan to make justice more affordable for all Australians.
   (read full story...)

Rann: international uni eyes Adelaide (Wednesday 23 September 2009)
   SA Premier Mike Rann today signed an agreement partnering Adelaide University with the Washington Post owned Kaplan University, a
   move that aims to create another 5000 university places for students in Adelaide from 2011.
   (read full story...)

Jackman backs climate talks (Tuesday 22 September 2009)
   Australian actor Hugh Jackman has weighed in to the climate change debate, calling on world leaders at this week’s United Nations talks in
   New York to make progress on the issue.
   (read full story...)

Toni Collette wins first Emmy (Monday 21 September 2009)
   Toni Collette has won her first Emmy today for her role in the United States of Tara.
   (read full story...)

Sweeney’s Screen Worlds opens at the ACMI (Friday 18 September 2009)
   Tony Sweeney, director for ACMI, launched his new exhibit in Melbourne yesterday, heralding a new direction for the centre.
   (read full story...)

Beazley appointed US ambassador (Thursday 17 September 2009)
   Former federal opposition leader Kim Beazley was today named Australia’s new ambassador to the United States, taking up the position
   in February next year.
   (read full story...)

Nelson retires (Wednesday 16 September 2009)
   Former Leader of the Opposition, Dr Brendan Nelson, thanked his family and supporters in his valedictory speech to the federal
   parliament today.
   (read full story...)

Garnaut: pass ETS now (Tuesday 15 September 2009)
   Professor Ross Garnaut, one of Australia’s most respected authorities on climate change, has said that our credibility is at stake if an
   emissions trading scheme is not passed by the senate.
   (read full story...)

Bligh: Water prices will rise (Monday 14 September 2009)
   Queensland Premier Anna Bligh has said that water prices will rise if the Federal Government does not approve the Traveston Crossing dam.
   (read full story...)

Brookes: Myer set to re-list (Friday 11 September 2009)
   Myer chief executive officer Bernie Brookes has announced the iconic department store will re-list on the Australian Stock Exchange
   at the end of this year, following a better than expected profit in the last 12 months.
   (read full story...)

Switkowski: Australia stands alone (Thursday 10 September 2009)
   Ziggy Switkowski, Chairman of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, has said that Australia stands alone
   in claiming that we can meet greenhouse reduction targets without a nuclear power industry.
   (read full story...)

Trickett considering retirement (Wednesday 9 September 2009)
   Australian Olympic hero Libby Trickett has said she is taking an extended break from swimming, and has not ruled out retirement.
   (read full story...)

Father Bob refuses to retire (Tuesday 8 September 2009)
   Parish Priest of Saints Peter and Paul Church in South Melbourne, Father Bob Maguire is refusing to retire upon his 75th birthday on Monday,
   in defiance of Church law.
   (read full story...)

Atkinson: state funeral for Vietnam vet (Monday 7 September 2009)
   South Australian veterans’ affairs minister Michael Atkinson us urging South Australians to attend today’s state funeral for Flying Officer
   Michael Herbert, who is to be laid to rest nearly 40 years after disappearing in Vietnam.
   (read full story...)

Evans: Australia and Japan in nuclear rift (Friday 4 September 2009)
   Co-Chair of the International Commission on Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament, Gareth Evans, has commented on Australia
   and Japan’s disagreement over the use of nuclear weapons in war, with Japan determined that they should remain a deterrent.
   (read full story...)

Holding back on the job (Thursday 3 September 2009)
   Victorian water minister Tim Holding is back in the office, just days after surviving two freezing nights lost in Victoria’s alpine region.
   (read full story...)

Barnett: Gas plant won't affect whales (Wednesday 2 September 2009)
   Western Australian Premier, Colin Barnett, has said that he will do all he can to protect whales from being affected by a gas development
   in the Kimberley.
   (read full story...)

Gillard: Australia cracking down on “shonky” operators (Tuesday 1 September 2009)
   Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Julia Gillard is on a trip to meet with India’s Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to help restore Australia's
   reputation as a safe place for overseas students.
   (read full story...)

Brumby: Holding missing (Monday 31 August 2009)
   Victorian Premier John Brumby has expressed his concern over missing State Government Minister Tim Holding, who has been missing since
   going for a hike on Mount Feathertop at the weekend.
   (read full story...)

Young inducted into ARIA Hall of Fame (Friday 28 August 2009)
   Australian pop veteran John Paul Young was last night inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame at a ceremony at Melbourne’s Forum Theatre.
   (read full story...)

Shorten: Costello for premier? (Thursday 27 August 2009)
   Federal Labor MP, Bill Shorten, has stated that touting Peter Costello as the next Victorian premier will only damage the Liberal party.
   (read full story...)

Kennett: Melbourne needs the VCA (Wednesday 26 August 2009)
   Former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett is leading a charge of former arts ministers in a protest against the controversial merger of the
   Victorian College of the Arts with the University of Melbourne.
   (read full story...)

Nelson to retire (Tuesday 25 August 2009)
   Former Opposition leader Dr Brendan Nelson has confirmed he is leaving politics at the end of next month.
   (read full story...)

Jasper to retire (Monday 24 August 2009)
   Longtime Victorian Nationals parliamentarian Ken Jasper has announced that he will retire at the next election.
   (read full story...)

Brown: Children in Senate (Friday 21 August 2009)
   Leader of the Australian Greens Senator Bob Brown’s push to make the rules about bringing infants into the upper house more flexible has been
   rebuffed.
   (read full story...)

Elstone: ASX posts full year profit (Thursday 20 August 2009)
   Chief executive of the Australian Stock Exchange, Robert Elstone, has reported a full year after tax profit of $313.6 million, 14 per cent down
   on its earnings last year.
   (read full story...)

Howes calls for nuclear energy (Wednesday 19 August 2009)
   National Secretary of The Australian Workers' Union, Paul Howes, has said the Federal Government should lift its ban on a nuclear power industry.
   (read full story...)

Esplin supports voluntary evacuation (Tuesday 18 August 2009)
   Victoria’s Emergency Services Commissioner Bruce Esplin has voiced his support of the Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission’s recommendation
   that emergency agencies facilitate early voluntary evacuations from fire areas.
   (read full story...)

Davis: Fairer student entry system (Monday 17 August 2009)
   Glyn Davis, Vice-Chancellor of The University of Melbourne, has stated that the University may overhaul its current student
   selection process, admitting that tertiary entry scores can be false academic measures.
   (read full story...)

Wood: NT Labor holds power (Friday 14 August 2009)
   The Northern Territory Labor government has secured the backing of Independent MLA Gerry Wood to hold power.
   (read full story...)

Wong: Day of reckoning (Thursday 13 August 2009)
   Federal Minister for Climate Change, Senator Penny Wong, has said that today will be a "day of reckoning" concerning the
   Government's emissions trading legislation.
   (read full story...)

Rann bans MPs from appearing in ads (Wednesday 12 August 2009)
   South Australian Premier Mike Rann has banned all ministers from appearing in television and radio commercials from today.
   (read full story...)

Ferguson: Gorgon project huge investment (Tuesday 11 August 2009)
   Federal Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson has said that the new long-term LNG deal with India is a positive step
   for the Gorgon gas project in Western Australia.
   (read full story...)

Radford: NGA to host van Gogh and Gauguin (Monday 10 August 2009)
   Ron Radford, director of the National Gallery of Australia, has announced that a huge collection of post-impressionist masterpieces
   will be on show in Canberra this summer.
   (read full story...)

Geyer back singing (Friday 7 August 2009)
   Acclaimed singer Renee Geyer has returned to the stage just three days after being treated for breast cancer.
   (read full story...)

Harley: Red Dog on track to be filmed (Thursday 6 August 2009)
   Screen Australia's chief executive Ruth Harley has said that Louis de Bernieres' bestselling novel Red Dog will receive funding to be
   made into a feature film.
   (read full story...)

Howard: Hollingworth treated unfairly (Wednesday 5 August 2009)
   Former Prime Minister John Howard has said that former Governor-General Peter Hollingworth was treated harshly and unfairly by
   the Australian media.
   (read full story...)

Garrett announces new heritage sites (Tuesday 4 August 2009)
   Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett has added four new sites to the National Heritage List.
   (read full story...)

Morand: Booklet for single mothers (Monday 3 August 2009)
   Victorian Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development, Maxine Morand, has commented on a new booklet released by the
   state government aimed to help single mothers.
   (read full story...)

Bird: treat international students with kindness (Friday 31 July 2009)
   Federal MP Sharon Bird has told the ALP National Conference it is imperative that Australians support and welcome overseas students.
   (read full story...)

Broderick: Revise age discrimination laws (Thursday 30 July 2009)
   Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, has called for Australia’s age discrimination laws to be strengthened.
   (read full story...)

Holmes: rain is not helping lower acid levels (Wednesday 29 July 2009)
   South Australian Environment Department chief executive Allan Holmes has said that winter rains are increasing the spread of
   acid sulphate soils in the drought-stricken Murray River.
   (read full story...)

Carr unveils “Buy Australia” alternative (Tuesday 28 July 2009)
   Federal Minister for Industry, Kim Carr, has announced that $19 million will be spent on measures to promote Australian products, in rival
   to the unions’ “Buy Australia” idea.
   (read full story...)

Harvey: worst of the crisis over (Monday 27 July 2009)
   Gerry Harvey, chairman of Harvey Norman, has predicted that the worst of the global financial crisis is over.
   (read full story...)

Mundine: Keep nuclear debate alive (Friday 24 July 2009)
   Prominent Indigenous leader Warren Mundine, has said we still need to have the debate about nuclear power plants if Australia is serious
   about addressing the threat of climate change.
   (read full story...)

Griffin: Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels officially recognised (Thursday 23 July 2009)
   Veterans' Affairs Minister Alan Griffin today presented the first official commemorative medallion to recognise the contribution of
   Papua New Guinea’s ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’ to the Australian WWII war effort.
   (read full story...)

Pesce: Indigenous health to be prioritised (Wednesday 22 July 2009)
   President of the Australian Medical Association, Andrew Pesce, says improving the life expectancy of Indigenous Australians should be
   the number one national priority.
   (read full story...)

Nixon: look into other methods of giving (Tuesday 21 July 2009)
   Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority chief, Christine Nixon, told an emergency management conference yesterday
   alternative methods of donation should be investigated in future disaster situations.
   (read full story...)

Olver: Bowel cancer stats bleak (Monday 20 July 2009)
   Professor Ian Olver, Chief Executive Officer of the Cancer Council Australia has found that Australian bowel cancer patients are
   more likely to die of the disease within five years than their UK counterparts.
   (read full story...)

Roxon: Vaccine soon available (Thursday 16 July 2009)
   Health Minister Nicola Roxon has said that a vaccine for swine flu developed by Pharmaceutical CSL should be available soon.
   (read full story...)

Hill: SA optimistic on swine flu vaccine trials (Wednesday 15 July 2009)
    South Australian Health Minister, John Hill, said that he is hopeful that planned human trials of a swine flu vaccine will prove successful.
   (read full story...)

Bowen: Stress awareness campaign (Tuesday 14 July 2009)
   Federal Minister for Human Services, Chris Bowen, has commented on Lifeline’s "Stress Down" day, to be held this Friday.
   (read full story...)

Webber wins German Grand Prix (Monday 13 July 2009)
   Australian Formula One driver Mark Webber has won the German Grand Prix, his first win from 130 starts and eight years on the circuit.
   (read full story...)

Griffiths wins PM’s prize (Friday 10 July 2009)
   Professor of History at the Australian National University, Tom Griffiths, has been announced as the joint recipient of the Prime Minister’s
   Prize for Australian History for 2008.
   (read full story...)

Rees bans bottled water(Thursday 9 July 2009)
   New South Wales Premier Nathan Rees has banned all state government departments and agencies from buying bottled water, effective
   immediately.
   (read full story...)

Tester develops salt tolerant plants (Wednesday 8 July 2009)
   Dr Mark Tester from the Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics at The University of Adelaide has developed salt tolerant plants
   using a new type of genetic modification.
   (read full story...)

Rudd visits Europe (Tuesday 7 July 2009)
   Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has started a tour of Europe that will see him visit Germany, Italy and Switzerland.
   (read full story...)

Hewett: Climate poverty impending risk (Monday 6 July 2009)
   Executive Director of Oxfam Australia, Andrew Hewett, has said that climate-related hunger will become a problem around the world if
   environmental issues are not deal with immediately.
   (read full story...)

Flannery: larger carbon offsets needed (Friday 3 July 2009)
   Former Australian of the Year, Tim Flannery, has said that the government’s planned carbon legislation needs to allow more offsets or there
   will be no benefit for agriculture.
   (read full story...)

Hewitt’s almost victory (Thursday 2 July 2009)
   Lleyton Hewitt has lost his Wimbledon bid to American Andy Roddick, in a match that fluctuated for nearly four hours.
   (read full story...)

Barassi named Victorian of the Year (Wednesday 1 July 2009)
   AFL great Ron Barassi was today named the 2009 Victorian of the Year at a ceremony at Melbourne Town Hall.
   (read full story...)

Terracini new Opera Australia director (Tuesday 30 June 2009)
   Entrepreneur and singer, Lyndon Terracini, has been named Opera Australia’s new artistic director.
   (read full story...)

Middelberg: swine flu vaccine breakthrough (Monday 29 June 2009)
   The University of Queensland’s Anton Middelberg is leading the Australian charge to create a swine flu vaccine, with the team making
   a major breakthrough this week.
   (read full story...)

Meldrum honours Jackson (Friday 26 June 2009)
   Australian music personality, Molly Meldrum, has honoured music sensation Michael Jackson after his sudden death.
   (read full story...)

Rowe wins Walter Bourke Prize (Thursday 25 June 2009)
   Danielle Rowe, a principal artist with the Australian Ballet, has won the second Walter Bourke Prize for ballet.
   (read full story...)

Xenophon delays emissions vote (Wednesday 24 June 2009)
   Independent Senator Nick Xenophon has pushed to defer a vote on an emissions trading scheme.
   (read full story...)

Evans: reduction in nuclear weapons will take time (Tuesday 23 June 2009)
   Gareth Evans, co-chair of the International Commission on Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament, has said that now is the time
   to push to abolish nuclear weapons, but results will take time.
   (read full story...)

Crombie to speak at NFF congress (Monday 22 June 2009)
   President of the National Farmers' Federation (NFF), Mr David Crombie, is to speak at a conference in Brisbane today concerning
   the country's role in feeding the world and how it can better prepare for the future.
   (read full story...)

Winton wins fourth Miles Franklin (Friday 19 June 2009)
   Australian author Tim Winton has won the Miles Franklin Literary Award for a record fourth time with his recent novel Breath.
   (read full story...)

Madden wants to lead Labor (Thursday 18 June 2009)
   Victorian Minister for Planning, Justin Madden, has stated that he will be moving to the Lower House seat of Essendon, declaring
   himself a possible future premier.
   (read full story...)

Bligh: Voyage of the Dawn Treader comes to Queensland (Wednesday 17 June 2009)
   Queensland Premier Anna Bligh has announced that filming of C S Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader will
   take place in Queensland this year.
   (read full story...)

Costello bows out (Tuesday 16 June 2009)
   Former federal treasurer, Peter Costello, has announced that he will not be standing again for his seat of Higgins next year.
   (read full story...)

Lowy: Australia to bid for soccer World Cup (Monday 15 June 2009)
   Football Federation of Australia (FFA) Chairman Frank Lowy has officially launched Australia’s bid to host the FIFA World Cup.
  (read full story...)

Roxon says swine flu to remain contained (Friday 12 June 2009)
   Federal Minister for Health, Nicola Roxon, has said that although WHO has named the swine influenza as a global pandemic Australia is to remain at
   the contain alert level.
   (read full story...)

Abbott: Gillard for PM (Thursday 11 June 2009)
   Opposition frontbencher Tony Abbott has endorsed Labor’s Julia Gillard as the next Prime Minister of Australia.
   (read full story...)

Crossin says town camps need improving (Wednesday 10 June 2009)
   Labor Senator Trish Crossin says the Northern Territory and Federal Governments need to intercede to improve the living conditions of Aboriginal
   town camps in Darwin.
   (read full story...)

Danby and ministers to visit Dalai Lama (Tuesday 9 June 2009)
   Victorian MP Michael Danby will lead a delegation of Australian politicians to meet the Dalai Lama next month.
   (read full story...)

Stosur goes down fighting (Friday 5 June 2009)
   Sam Stosur has lost the semi-final of the French Open to Russia's Svetlana Kuznetsova in a tight three-set battle.
   (read full story...)

Wong: Carbon trading scheme to go to Senate (Thursday 4 June 2009)
   Federal Minister for Climate Change, Penny Wong, says the Government still intends on putting its carbon trading scheme to the Senate this month.
  (read full story...)

Garrett: National Reserve System (Wednesday 3 June 2009)
   Federal Minister for the Environment, Peter Garrett, has told of the Government’s aim to increase the amount of protected park land and reserves
   by 25 per cent in the next four years.
   (read full story...)

Brown backs ACTU executive salary cap (Tuesday 2 June 2009)
   Australian Greens leader Senator Bob Brown has applauded a plan by the ACTU to cap executive salaries.
   (read full story...)

Smith: USA still to appoint ambassador (Monday 1 June 2009)
   Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Smith is unconcerned that the United States is yet to appoint an ambassador to Australia.
   (read full story...)

Carr: government to boost CRCs (Friday 29 May 2009)
   Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr this week said that the Rudd government will boost funding to Cooperative Research Centres, or CRCs.
   (read full story...)

Pretty defends art college merger (Thursday 28 May 2009)
   Dean of the new Faculty of the VCA and Music at The University of Melbourne, Professor Sharman Pretty, has defended the merger and changes
   to the curriculum.
   (read full story...)

Savvides: Medibank still healthy (Wednesday 27 May 2009)
   Medibank Private managing director, George Savvides, has said that despite the GFC, Medibank is continuing to thrive.
   (read full story...)

Pell visits Wadeye (Tuesday 26 May 2009)
   Roman Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell, is to visit the Northern Territory community of Wadeye today to launch a training
   program for Indigenous teachers.
   (read full story...)

Macklin: camps are appalling (Monday 25 May 2009)
   Federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, says those living in Aboriginal town camps in Alice Springs are tolerating appalling conditions.
   (read full story...)

 Bishop: swift action needed on swine flu (Friday 22 May 2009)
   Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Jim Bishop, will speak about the latest developments in swine flu cases at this afternoon’s
   Australian Public Health Committee meeting.
   (read full story...)

Lucas: worst floods since 1974 (Thursday 21 May 2009)
   Queensland Deputy Premier Paul Lucas has said that south east Queensland’s flood disaster is the worst seen in the state in more than 30 years.
   (read full story...)

Stevens: economic recovery within months (Wednesday 20 May 2009)
   Reserve Bank Governor Glenn Stevens has predicted Australia’s recovery from the global financial crisis could occur far sooner than first thought.
   (read full story...)

Nossal honoured (Tuesday 19 May 2009)
   Former Victorian chief scientist and Australian of the Year, Sir Gustav Nossal, is to have a new select-entry state school for high-performing
   students named after him.
   (read full story...)

Costello still to decide on future (Monday 18 May 2009)
   Former Howard government treasurer, Peter Costello, has again fuelled speculation over his political future, saying he has not decided
   whether to stay in politics.
   (read full story...)

Turnbull opposes budget (Friday 15 May 2009)
   Federal Leader of the Opposition, Malcolm Turnbull, has opposed the means testing of the private health insurance rebate in his budget
   reply speech.
   (read full story...)

Borger: NSW Government to buy 1000 houses (Thursday 14 May 2009)
   NSW Housing Minister David Borger has revealed the government is in the market for up to 1,000 houses and units, to rehouse public
   housing tenants whose homes are making way for redevelopment.
   (read full story...)

Allport supports federal budget (Wednesday 13 May 2009)
   President of the National Tertiary Education Union, Dr Carolyn Allport, supports the Federal budget’s education package.
   (read full story...)

Swan to deliver budget (Tuesday 12 May 2009)
   Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan is to deliver Australia’s budget tonight, with leaked reports estimating a $58 billion deficit, the largest
   seen in Australia's history.
   (read full story..)

Broderick backs paid parental leave (Monday 11 May 2009)
   Elizabeth Broderick, the federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner, has backed the government’s new paid parental leave scheme.
   (read full story...)

Nelson: don't change IVF funding (Friday 8 May 2009)
   Former federal opposition leader, Brendan Nelson, has warned the Rudd government not to change access to publicly-funded IVF procedures.
   (read full story...)

Murdoch: Online news users to pay (Thursday 7 May 2009)
   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of News Corporation, Rupert Murdoch, has revealed a plan to charge users to view its news
   websites.
   (read full story...)

Rush nominated for Tony Award (Wednesday 6 May 2009)
   Australian actor Geoffrey Rush is in the running for American theatre’s top honour, with his acclaimed role in “Exit the King”
   earning him a Tony Award nomination.
   (read full story...)

Durie greening Melbourne (Tuesday 5 May 2009)
   TV presenter and celebrity gardener, Jamie Durie, is planning on making Melbourne greener by creating rooftop gardens.
   (read full story...)

Gibney takes out the Gold Logie (Monday 4 May 2009)
   Long-time TV favourite, Rebecca Gibney, has won her first Gold Logie at last night’s Logies ceremony at Crown Casino in Melbourne.
   (read full story...)

Ramsay: VFF future uncertain (Friday 1 May 2009)
   President of the Victorian Farmers Federation, Simon Ramsay, has said the group faces an uncertain future and is worried about its
   long-term sustainability.
   (read full story...)

Gower: Australian War Memorial makeover begins (Thursday 30 April 2009)
   Australian War Memorial director, Steve Gower, has said that works are underway to upgrade Canberra’s most popular tourist attraction.
   (read full story...)

Nixon questions national parks (Wednesday 29 April 2009)
   Christine Nixon, Head of the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority, has questioned the size of national parks.
   (read full story...)

Conroy reveals ABC budget plans (Tuesday 28 April 2009)
   Stephen Conroy, Federal Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, has indicated extra funds for the ABC
   in this year’s budget.
   (read full story...)

Sherry: MPs get pay rise (Monday 27 April 2009)
   Federal Minister for Superannuation, Nick Sherry, has said that federal politicians are to receive $4,700 more a year in electorate
  allowances.
   (read full story...)

Griffin announces Anzac war memorial (Friday 24 April 2009)
   Federal Veterans Affairs Minister Alan Griffin has announced plans for a $10 million war trail to be built in Northern France,
   to commemorate Australian soldiers who fought and died on the Western Front.
   (read full story...)

Swan: Unemployment may rise (Thursday 23 April 2009)
   Federal Treasurer, Wayne Swan, has said there are no guarantees that unemployment will not rise to above 10 per cent.
   (read full story...)

Jackman honoured in footprint ceremony (Wednesday 22 April 2009)
   Australian movie star Hugh Jackman has had his hand and footprints immortalised in concrete in a ceremony at Hollywood’s iconic
   Grauman's Chinese Theatre.
   (read full story...)

Pike: Koori students to stay mainstream (Tuesday 21 April 2009)
   Victorian Minister for Education, Bronwyn Pike, has backed the government’s decision to place Koori students into mainstream schools.
   (read full story...)

Wood leads marathon surgery on asylum seekers (Monday 20 April 2009)
   Former Australian of the Year, Dr Fiona Wood, is leading a team of surgeons at Royal Perth Hospital to treat 23 patients who were
   injured after a boat carrying asylum seekers exploded last week.
   (read full story...)

Moylan backs Rudd on asylum policy (Friday 17 April 2009)
   Western Australian MP Judi Moylan has backed the Government's claim that global issues are responsible for a recent rise in those
   seeking asylum in Australia.
   (read full story...)

White says we need more troops (Thursday 16 April 2009)
   Professor Hugh White, Visiting Fellow at the Lowy Institute for International Policy, has said that Australia needs to extend its
   weaponry and battalion capacity.
   (read full story...)

Gillard to look after the kids (Wednesday 15 April 2009)
   Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard has vowed to help find new places for those children displaced by the recent closure of former
   ABC childcare centres.
   (read full story...)

Smith: No plan to evacuate Australians (Tuesday 14 April 2009)
   Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Stephen Smith, says there is no plan to evacuate Australian tourists from Thailand despite
   the current volatility in the nation’s capital.
   (read full story...)

Joyce open to broadband negotiation (Thursday 9 April 2009)
   Barnaby Joyce, the Nationals’ Senate leader, has said that his party would rather amend the government’s proposed $43 billion
   than vote against it in the Senate.
   (read full story...)

Jennings: spend cash on saving energy (Wednesday 8 April 2009)
   Victorian Environment Minister Gavin Jennings has urged Victorians to consider spending their stimulus money on energy saving
   measures to help reduce greenhouse emissions.
   (read full story...)

Sprent: Immune system suppressed (Tuesday 7 April 2009)
   Professor Jonathan Sprent, Senior Principal Research Fellow at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, has made a discovery that may
   remove the need for immunosuppressive drugs after organ transplants.
   (read full story...)

Symond: some will still fall behind (Monday 6 April 2009)
   Aussie Home Loans chairman John Symond has joined financial analysts warning consumers that the government’s mortgage relief scheme
   may not save every home.
   (read full story...)

Bryce says position redundant (Friday 3 April 2009)
   Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, HE Quentin Bryce believes the job she holds may become redundant in the future.
   (read full story...)

de Kretser speaks on global warming(Thursday 2 April 2009)
   Governor of Victoria, HE Prof. David de Kretser has urged Victorians to reduce energy consumption and help save the planet by building
   smaller homes and stop drinking bottled water.
   (read full story...)

Evans: 457 visa to have further changes (Wednesday 1 April 2009)
   Federal Immigration Minister Chris Evans has revealed the Government will make further changes to the 457 work visa program.
   (read full story...)  

Huegill: Drink wisely (Tuesday 31 March 2009)
   Geoff Huegill has relaunched his swimming career and spread his new message of health to a national conference on binge drinking.
   (read full story...)

Swan visits Tokyo ahead of G20 (Monday March 30 2009)
   Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan has embarked on a visit to Japan ahead of this week’s G20 leaders’ summit in London,
   to discuss the effects of the GFC on the Asia-Pacific region.
   (read full story...)

Browning back in Melbourne (Friday 27 March 2009)
   Australian actor Emily Browning has returned to Melbourne on a promotional circuit for her new movie The Uninvited.
   (read full story...)

Macklin: Australia to endorse UN Indigenous rights declaration (Thursday 26 March 2009)
   Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin will make a statement next week after it was revealed that Australia will officially
   endorse the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
   (read full story...)

Bligh’s female front bench (Wednesday 25 March 2009)
   Premier of Queensland, Anna Bligh, has named eight new ministers for the front bench, half of them female.
   (read full story...)

Costello: we must be selfless with foreign aid (Tuesday 24 March 2009)
   World Vision chief executive Tim Costello has applauded Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and American President Barack Obama for maintaining
   financial aid to poorer countries, in spite of the global financial crisis.
   (read full story...)

Beattie: Qld advancing women (Monday 23 March 2009)
   Former Premier of Queensland, Peter Beattie, says Queensland is Australia’s leading state in the advancement of women after Anna
   Bligh’s election victory.
   (read full story...)

Vaughan delighted The Bar is in its rightful place (Friday 20 March 2009)
   The National Gallery of Victoria’s director, Gerard Vaughan, has unveiled the NGV’s newest acquisition: iconic Melbourne painting
   The Bar by John Brack.
   (read full story...)

Young: Murray-Darling reduced (Thursday 19 March 2009)
   Adelaide University's Professor Mike Young has called for the Murray-Darling river system to be reduced and reconfigured.
   (read full story...)

Norris: CBA to freeze mortgages for the unemployed (Wednesday 18 March 2009)
   The Commonwealth Bank of Australia’s CEO, Ralph Norris, has announced plans to help those affected by the rising jobless rate,
   with CBA to freeze repayments on mortgages if clients lose their jobs.
   (read full story...)

Brumby: Docklands not working (Tuesday 17 March 2009)
   Premier John Brumby has accepted the Docklands is not working as well as it should and agrees that it is in need of improvement.
   (read full story...)

Garrett delighted to be a part of Sound Relief (Monday 16 March 2009)
   Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett has said he and his Midnight Oil bandmates were "delighted and thrilled" to be
   a part of the Sound Relief concert at the MCG on Saturday.
   (read full story...)

Gudinski: Sound Relief once-in-a-lifetime (Friday 13 March 2009)
   Sound Relief co-organiser Michael Gudinski has commented on the amazing line-up planed for this weekend’s concerts.
   (read full story...)

Scott: ABC funding to provide more services (Thursday 12 March 2009)
   The managing director of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Mark Scott, said he is hopeful of securing
   more government funding for the national broadcaster despite the world’s financial crisis.
   (read full story...)

Capolingua: AMA supports alcopop tax (Wednesday 11 March 2009)
   Australian Medical Association president Rosanna Capolingua has backed the government’s tax on pre-mixed drinks.
   (read full story...)

Higgins opposes gas plan (Tuesday 10 March 2009)
   Australian singer Missy Higgins has expressed her opposition to the Western Australian Government’s plans for a gas processing hub.
   (read full story...)

Bjelke-Petersen to fight mining company (Friday 6 March 2009)
   Lady Flo Bjelke-Petersen, widow of former Queensland premier Sir Joh, will fight plans from Cougar Energy to mine her
   family property in Kingaroy, south-east Queensland.
   (read full story...)

Brown: SBS preserving social harmony (Thursday 5 March 2009)
   Shaun Brown, Managing Director of SBS, has said that the broadcasting service helps to preserve social harmony during the
   current economic crisis.
   (read full story...)

Garnaut: don’t delay emissions trading scheme (Wednesday 4 March 2009)
   Professor Ross Garnaut, the federal government’s climate change adviser, believes that the global financial crisis should not
   be used as an excuse to delay the emissions trading scheme.
   (read full story...)

Rees: $230m for child protection (Tuesday 3 March 2009)
   New South Wales Premier, Nathan Rees, said the Government will spend at least $230 million on an overhaul of the state’s child
   protection system.
   (read full story...)

Esplin: Victoria needs to be prepared (Monday 2 March 2009)
   Victorian Emergency Services Commissioner, Bruce Esplin, has asked Victorians to prepare for what could be the worst conditions
   for bushfires since Black Saturday.
   (read full story...)

Brumby says hold onto staff (Friday 27 February 2009)
   Victorian Premier John Brumby has asked employers to avoid job cuts at all costs, despite the current global economic crisis.
   (read full story...)

Trujillo set to leave Telstra (Thursday 26 February 2009)
   Sol Trujillo, Telstra’s high profile chief executive, is set to leave at the end of June after four years with the telecommunications company.
   (read full story...)

Chambers to perform at fire benefit (Wednesday 25 February 2009)
   Australian singer/songwriter Kasey Chambers is to perform at the Sound Relief concert, to raise $5 million for victims of the Victorian
   bushfires and Queensland floods.
   (read full story...)

Wong defends emissions trading scheme (Tuesday 24 February 2009)
   Climate Change Minister Penny Wong has defended the Government’s emissions trading scheme, after questions were raised
   regarding the benefits to a proposed rebate on household insulation.
   (read full story...)

Hugh hosts the Oscars (Monday 23 February 2009)
   Australian actor Hugh Jackman will today host 81st Academy Awards, the first Australian to ever do so.
   (read full story...)

Blair: more enrolments in government schools (Friday 20 February 2009)
   The Australian Secondary Principals Association has released the results of a national enrolment survey, with president Andrew Blair
   saying government school principals are reporting higher enrolments as the financial crisis worsens.
   (read full story...)

Sharp to be writing centre’s leader (Thursday 19 February 2009)
   General Manager of Sadler's Wells Theatre in London, Chrissy Sharp is to run Melbourne’s new Centre for Books, Writing and Ideas.
   (read full story...)

Forrest: jobs being jeopardised by bureaucrats (Wednesday 18 February 2009)
   Fortescue Metals Group chief executive, Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest, has called on the government to end the bureaucratic
   handling of the Australian Employment Covenant, a scheme designed to provide jobs for up to 50,000 Indigenous Australians.
   (read full story...)

Bishop quits treasury role (Tuesday 17 February 2009)
   Deputy Opposition Leader Julie Bishop has resigned as Treasury spokesperson, opting to instead take up the foreign affairs portfolio.
   (read full story...)

Rudd joins locals one week on (Monday 16 February 2009)
   One week on from the fires that devastated Victoria, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has joined the community of Wandong to reflect
   on the tragedy.
   (read full story...)

Calma: Sorry brings positive change (Friday 13 February 2009)
   Tom Calma, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, has said that government attitudes towards indigenous
   people have shifted dramatically.
   (read full story...)

Webber back and racing (Thursday 13 February 2009)
   Australian Formula One driver Mark Webber took to the track this week for the first time since badly breaking his leg in November.
   (read full story...)

Nixon to lead recovery (Wednesday 11 February 2009)
   Chief Commissioner of Police, Christine Nixon, will head the state-federal effort to rebuild communities destroyed by fire.
   (read full story...)

Gillard: one of the darkest days of Australia's peacetime history (Tuesday 10 February 2009)
   Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard yesterday described the events of Saturday’s bushfires in Victoria as “one of the darkest days
   of Australia's peacetime history”.
   (read full story...)

Freier: Darwin uniting science and religion (Monday 9 February 2009)
   Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne Philip Freier this week celebrates the birth of Charles Darwin 200 years ago and the 150th
   anniversary of The Origin of Species.
   (read full story...)

Rhiannon set to bid for Senate seat (Friday 6 February 2009)
   New South Wales Greens leader, Lee Rhiannon, has announced that she will quit state politics to stand for federal pre-selection.
   (read full story...)

Freeman supports Indigenous Sports Program (Thursday 5 February 2009)
   Former Olympian Cathy Freeman supported an Indigenous Sports Program held at Jan Juc beach yesterday.
   (read full story...)

Ponting shares fourth Allan Border Medal (Wednesday 4 February 2009)
   Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has been named joint Allan Border medallist, the sport’s highest honour.
   (read full story...)

Atkinson: Cross-Border Justice Bill (Tuesday 3 February 2009)
   South Australian Attorney-General Michael Atkinson says the new Cross-Border Justice Bill will aim to stop alleged criminals
   escaping across the outback.
   (read full story...)

Kirby to retire from High Court today (Monday 2 February 2009)
   High Court judge Michael Kirby will retire from the bench today, after an illustrious career spanning four decades.
   (read full story...)

McKibbin: Halve the GST (Friday 30 January 2009)
   Warwick McKibbin, Board Member of the Reserve Bank and Australian National University economist, has suggested halving
   the GST until February next year.
   (read full story...)

Brown voices concern for threatened species (Thursday 29 January 2009)
   Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown has voiced concern after anti-logging campaigners in Victoria claim to have discovered
   four threatened species in old-growth forest earmarked for harvesting.
   (read full story...)

Bligh discusses economy (Wednesday 28 January 2009)
   Premier of Queensland, Anna Bligh, is today meeting with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to discuss the federal economy.
   (read full story...)

Dodson named Australian of the Year (Tuesday 27 January 2009)
   Indigenous rights campaigner Mick Dodson was this weekend named Australian of the Year.
   (read full story...)

Elliot’s film opens Sundance (Friday 23 January 2009)
   Melbourne director Adam Elliot’s feature film, Mary and Max, has been chosen to open the Sundance Film Festival this year.
   (read full story...)

Burrow: ACTU calls for stimulus package (Thursday 22 January 2009)
   Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) President Sharan Burrow has called on the government to release a stimulus package
   aimed at saving jobs recently lost in the mining sector.
   (read full story...)

Bryce: Surprise visit to Afghanistan (Wednesday 21 January 2009)
   Governor-General Quentin Bryce has made a visit to Afghanistan, surprising Australian troops in the war-torn country.
   (read full story...)

Gantner reminisces as Bowl turns 50 (Tuesday 20 January 2009)
   Victorian Arts Centre Trust President Carrillo Gantner, like most Melburnians, has fond memories of the Sidney Myer Music Bowl,
   which will turn 50 next month.
   (read full story...)

Kelly: Women make NSW police history (Monday 19 January 2009)
   Police Minister Tony Kelly has said that NSW Police history will be made today when Catherine Burn and Carlene York take on the shared
   positions of deputy commissioner in the force.
   (read full story...)

Heron advises companies not to panic (Friday 16 January 2009)
   Susan Heron, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Institute of Management, is asking businesses not to panic after the recent
   fall in job figures.
   (read full story...)

Kosky feels heat over transport (Thursday 15 January 2009)
   Victorian Minister for Public Transport Lynne Kosky has denied responsibility for the meltdown on Victoria's rail network yesterday.
   (read full story...)

Rees: Nancy-Bird Walton to have state funeral (Wednesday 14 January 2009)
   NSW Premier Nathan Rees has offered to honour Australian aviation pioneer Nancy-Bird Walton with a state funeral.
   (read full story...)

Hayden retires (Tuesday 13 January 2009)
   Champion Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden today announced his retirement from cricket, after a career that saw him represent
   Australia in 103 test matches, in which he scored 8,625 runs at an average of 50.73.
   (read full story...)

Hindmarsh: Australia to withdraw diggers by 2012 (Monday 12 January 2009)
   Major-General Michael Hindmarsh, the commander of Australian forces in the Middle East, has indicated that the Australian Defence
   Force may withdraw troops from Afghanistan by 2012.
   (read full story...)

Macklin: more Australians receiving the age pension (Friday 9 January 2009)
   Federal Community Services Minister Jenny Macklin has revealed that the number of Australians receiving the age pension has risen
   by 1,000 a week since October.
   (read full story...)

Hewitt prepares for the Australian Open (Thursday 8 January 2009)
   Lleyton Hewitt’s preparations for the Australian Open are well under way after an arduous Hopman Cup campaign in Perth last week,
   just months after major hip surgery.
   (read full story...)

 McClelland: Federal Government supports Aboriginal land rights overhaul (Wednesday 7 January 2009)
   Federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland has said a proposed overhaul of Aboriginal land rights has the backing of the Federal government,
   in a move that could streamline and simplify native title claims in the future.
   (read full story...)

Howard awarded Medal of Freedom (Tuesday 6 January 2009)
   Former Australian Prime Minister John Howard is to be awarded America’s highest civilian honour, the Medal of Freedom.
   (read full story...)

Edwards: Pulp mill to be approved (Monday 5 January 2009)
   The chief executive of the Forest Industries Association, Terry Edwards has said that Environment Minister Peter Garrett will most likely 
   approve Gunns’ Tasmanian pulp mill.
   (read full story...)

Garrett: Whaling ultimatum for Japan (Friday 19 December 2008)
   Minister for the Environment, Peter Garrett has said that Japanese whalers may face international legal action if they do not leave the 
   Southern Ocean.
   (read full story...)

Watts names son (Thursday 18 December 2008)
   Hollywood Actress Naomi Watts and fiancé Liev Schreiber are celebrating the birth of their second child on Saturday.
   (read full story...)

Greer’s grim review (Wednesday 17 December 2008)
   Prominent writer and reviewer Professor Germaine Greer has criticised Melbourne University's Professor of Australian Indigenous Studies,
   Marcia Langton, for her praising review of Baz Luhrman’s film `Australia.’
   (read full story...)

Bell new High Court judge (Tuesday 16 December 2008)
   Justice Virginia Bell has been appointed as the new High Court judge, replacing Justice Michael Kirby.
   (read full story...)

Davis tackles the `Melbourne Model’ (Monday 15 December 2008)
   Vice-chancellor of Melbourne University Glyn Davis announced that the university will revamp its `Melbourne Model’ after complaints
   that areas of the curriculum are not challenging enough of many students.
   (read full story...)

Nicholson to the rescue (Friday 12 December 2008)
   The CEO of not-for-profit YMCA, Bob Nicholson, has announced that the company is considering rescuing around 100 of the
   collapsed ABC Learning child-care centres.
   (read full story...)

Williams: Who will replace Kirby? (Thursday 11 December 2008)
   Professor George Williams of the University of NSW has raised the question of who will replace Justice Michael Kirby who is set to 
   retire early.
   (read full story...)

Baillieu requests inquiry (Wednesday 10 December 2008)
   State Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu is requesting a public inquiry into the Victorian Funds Management Corporation (VFMC)
   investment decisions, citing that it is important for Victorians to be aware of all state investments.
   (read full story...)

Wheeler supports Ring Cycle (Tuesday 9 December 2008)
   Co-founder of the Lonely Planet travel publishing business, Maureen Wheeler, is reported to be investing in staging Wagner's opera
   Ring Cycle in Melbourne.
   (read full story...)

Albanese votes to keep Qantas (Monday 8 December 2008)
   Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Anthony Norman Albanese has explained that Qantas
   ought to remain an Australian owned airline for security purposes.
   (read full story...)

McPhail practices what he preaches (Friday 5 December 2008)
   Dr Ian McPhail Victoria's Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability practices what he preaches.
   (read full story...)

Smith warns against Thai travel (Thursday 4 December 2008)
   Foreign Minister Stephen Smith has announced that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has upgraded its travel warnings for
   Thailand, suggesting that terror threat is high.
   (read full story...)

Pike: Pay teachers based on merit (Wednesday 3 December 2008)
   Education Minister Bronwyn Pike has introduced a new system which will pay Victorian teachers based on merit and not on years of service.
   (read full story...)

Strong investigates top-secret leak (Tuesday 2 December 2008)
   The Office of Police Integrity director Michael Strong is working with Victoria Police to investigate the leak of top secret Victoria Police file
   to suspected criminals.
   (read full story...)

Doyle new Lord Mayor (Monday 1 December 2008)
   Former Liberal Party state leader Robert Doyle has been voted Melbourne's new lord mayor.
   (read full story...)