Elderly man missing on Bribie Island

AN elderly man has been missing on an island north of Brisbane for six days.

Police say 73-year-old Michael Newbon was last seen walking along the Heathland Street fire break heading towards Banksia Beach on Wednesday morning.

Mr Newbon, who suffers from a medical condition, has not been seen since.

Emergency services have conducted land and air searches, but failed to find any trace of him.

Residents are being asked to continue to check their yards, garages and sheds in the case Mr Newbon is sheltering there.

He's described being 180cm with a slim build and short grey hair.

Mr Newbon was wearing a navy polo shirt, long navy trousers and black dress shoes when he disappeared.

16.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

Average wet season forecast for northwest

RESIDENTS in Western Australia's north are being urged to prepare for the cyclone and flood season, which starts in a fortnight.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) says there is a 55 per cent chance of a near-average wet season, with five tropical cyclones expected in waters off the northwest coast between November 1 and April 30.

Two cyclones are forecast to hit the coast, one of which could be severe, the BoM says.

BoM spokesman Greg Browning urged residents in the northwest, especially between Broome and Exmouth, to begin preparations.

"Although we are forecasting the number of cyclones to be close to average, no one can say if this is going to be the season when your community cops a big hit," he said.

16.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

String of Wheatbelt quakes not a cluster

A SERIES of earthquakes in Western Australia's Wheatbelt is a coincidence and not a cluster, Geoscience Australia says.

On Tuesday, a 2.2 magnitude earthquake struck northeast of Koorda, where two further quakes - magnitude 2.6 and 2.2 - hit the following day.

Geoscience Australia senior seismologist Johnathan Bathgate says there is an active fault in the Wheatbelt, where more than 200 earthquakes have been recorded this year.

That isn't unusual, he says.

While last week's string was notable, it wasn't a cluster or "swarm" of earthquakes, which was defined as dozens of them in a radius of about 10km, he said.

16.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

No deal yet as US debt deadline looms

THE US is still facing a potentially devastating sovereign debt default after senators failed to agree on terms to reopen the federal government and raise the country's borrowing limit.

Republicans and Democrats - at war over the country's finances for more than two weeks - tried to shed a positive light on Sunday on a weekend of talks that despite the threat of global economic censure produced no solution.

The Senate convened a rare Sunday session to try and break the budgetary impasse that prompted the government to shut down on October 1, a move that has since damaged domestic confidence and undermined America's reputation as the world's leading economic superpower.

If the US debt ceiling is not raised by October 17, the Treasury would run out of money and could begin defaulting on its obligations for the first time in history.

Seeking to avert that scenario, Democratic Senate leader Harry Reid spoke with the top Senate Republican, Mitch McConnell, though nothing concrete was disclosed.

"I'm optimistic about the prospect for a positive conclusion," Reid said.

Bank of France Governor Christian Noyer on Monday warned of dire consequences if there was no solution.

A default would be "a thunderbolt on the financial markets" that would set off "extremely violent and profound turbulence worldwide", he told the daily Le Figaro.

In Asia, markets were down in part over the deadlocked talks.

Oil prices also edged lower in Asian trade, with West Texas Intermediate for delivery in November, down 29 US cents at $US101.73 in afternoon trade, and Brent North Sea crude for November down 17 US cents to $US111.11.

And the US dollar slipped in Singapore afternoon trade to Y98.27 from Y98.59 in New York late on Friday. Japanese markets are closed for a public holiday.

"So far, markets have not panicked because both parties have come out to reassure that they are working towards a compromise after every failed vote, keeping alive hopes for a last-minute deal," Singapore-based DBS Bank said in a note.

US Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew earlier told the International Monetary Fund's policy steering committee that Washington understood its reputation as a safe harbour was at risk.

Stock markets are already factoring in a possible default if no deal is reached between President Barack Obama, his Democratic Party and rival Republicans by Thursday night.

Polls released since the shutdown show congress's approval rating at record lows, with Republicans taking most of the blame.

Both parties in recent days indicated a deal must be reached at all cost despite the bitter rancour.

"This is something that's wreaking havoc around the world and will affect economic growth, and I do hope that over the next week we'll reach a conclusion and I think we will," Republican Senator Bob Corker told Fox News Sunday.

Obama earlier rejected an offer by Republicans in the House of Representatives to lift the debt ceiling for six weeks while negotiations would continue on reopening the government, insisting on a longer-term solution.

Following talks with the top House Democrat, Nancy Pelosi, the president said they were not budging from their position.

Obama and Pelosi "reinforced that there must be a clean debt limit increase that allows us to pay the bills we have incurred and avoid default", the White House said in a statement.

"The House needs to pass the clean continuing resolution to open up the government and end the shutdown that is hurting middle class families and businesses across the country."

Senate leader Reid had on Saturday turned down a second compromise proposal, offered by moderate Republican Senator Susan Collins.

It called for lifting the US debt limit for up to a year, reopening the government and repealing a tax on medical devices under Obama's signature healthcare law.

But Collins said her proposal could still become the basis of a deal, telling CNN's State of the Union she had support from a growing, bipartisan group of senators.

Senator Charles Schumer, a key Democratic power broker, said Reid and McConnell "were not that far apart" on Saturday, when they held their first talks of the crisis.

Democrats, meanwhile, have added a demand of their own - that any deal also involve undoing the across-the-board spending cuts known as the sequester that went into effect earlier this year.

Schumer acknowledged it was a "sticking point".

Global pressure for a deal in Washington is mounting.

"The standing of the US economy would, again, be at risk," International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde said on NBC's Meet the Press, comparing the effects of failing to raise the debt ceiling and reopening the government to the 2008 global financial meltdown.

16.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

Let the Labor renewal begin: Shorten

The Labor Party will announce the result of the caucus and leadership ballot on Sunday. Source: AAP

NEW federal Labor leader Bill Shorten is prepared to force a parliamentary showdown with the coalition government over the carbon tax.

Junior minister Jamie Briggs said opposition to Prime Minister Tony Abbott's planned repeal of the carbon tax would show Labor had learnt nothing from defeat in last month's federal election.

But Mr Shorten, who took the ALP's top job on Sunday despite a rebuff from the party's rank and file, is undeterred.

"It is important to maintain a price on carbon pollution," Mr Shorten said.

In a pointed reference to Mr Abbott's tactics as opposition leader, Mr Shorten vowed not to wage a campaign of relentless negativity.

Labor's grassroots members were given a say in electing a party leader for the first time and 60 per cent voted for Anthony Albanese in the historic ballot.

But caucus backed Mr Shorten 55 votes to 31 and, when the two tallies were weighted against each other, Mr Shorten had 52 per cent of the vote.

Despite the conflict, the new leader is confident he has whole-hearted party support and vows to be a consultative leader.

"This ballot shows that there are still things for me to learn," he said.

Mr Shorten's election almost forced his mother-in-law, Governor-General Quentin Bryce into earlier-than-expected retirement.

Mr Abbott revealed Ms Bryce offered to resign to avoid any perception of bias.

"I have thanked her for her magnanimity but declined to accept her resignation," the prime minister said.

The Labor caucus meets again on Monday to elect a deputy leader, likely to be Mr Shorten's pick Tanya Plibersek, and members of the shadow ministry.

Mr Shorten will allocate portfolios on Friday.

Mr Albanese won't be a contender, however.

In an emotional media conference, Mr Shorten's beaten rival told his son Nathan he will instead spend time as deputy coach of the under-14 Rebels Canterbury division six-a-side soccer team.

In a sign of goodwill, former prime minister Julia Gillard, whose dumping by caucus in June was precipitated by Mr Shorten turning against her, tweeted best wishes.

"Congratulations to Bill Shorten on becoming Labor leader. A great honour! I wish Bill all the best. JG"

16.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

Vic boy killed crossing train tracks

A TEENAGE boy has been killed by a train in Victoria as he attempted to change platforms by crossing the tracks.

The boy was at Riddells Creek train station, about 50km north of Melbourne, when he was hit by a train bound for Bendigo about 2pm (AEDT), police say.

He died at the scene.

16.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

Mongols patch over the Finks in WA

The notorious US-based Mongols bikie gang has patched over the Finks in Western Australia. Source: AAP

A POLICE operation has confirmed the notorious Mongols outlaw motorcycle gang has patched over the Finks in Western Australia.

Police Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan flagged concerns last week about the US-based bikie gang taking over the Finks and said police had been monitoring the situation.

There were previously only three Mongols in WA and all are in prison.

There are about 12 Finks members in WA and about half are in prison, while their club house has been frozen.

Deputy Commissioner Chris Dawson told reporters on Sunday that police were monitoring all gangs and played down the threat of the Mongols, who have a violent rivalry with the Hells Angels in the US.

"Irrespective of what they call themselves, police regard them (all) as criminal gangs and will continue to treat them as such," Mr Dawson said.

Laws allowing WA police and the state's corruption watchdog to declare bikie gangs illegal were passed by parliament late last year, but have not yet been proclaimed.

The intelligence was gathered as part of a national day of action against outlaw motorcycle gangs.

Police executed search warrants throughout Perth's metropolitan area on Saturday targeting two club houses and residences in Woodvale, Aveley, Balga, Henley Brooke, Butler, Ocean Reef, Landsdale, Quinns Rock and Wilson.

Seized items included a baton, a tracking device believed to be used for vehicles, 28g of white powder that is yet to be identified, and $56,000 in cash.

Further operations were carried out at licensed premises in Fremantle, Burswood and regional areas.

Charges included disorderly behaviour, five counts of possessing a prohibited drug and possessing a smoking implement.

In a joint operation with the Department of Corrective Services, 71 prison cells occupied by gang members were also searched and prison contraband was seized.

Nationally, 53 people were charged, 79 search warrants were executed and 362 licensed premises were patrolled.

Mr Dawson said the operation was successful despite a small haul in WA.

"The outcome of the operation is not necessarily the volume of what is seized, but it's the effective policing and the gathering of any evidence," he said.

16.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

Property damage reported in NSW fire

Properties have reportedly been damaged as an out of control bushfire continues to blaze in NSW. Source: AAP

PROPERTIES have reportedly been damaged and there are fears some may have been lost as an out of control bushfire continues to blaze in the NSW Hunter region.

The NSW Rural Fire Service says it has received unconfirmed reports that properties have been burned in Port Stephens.

A scrub fire is burning the Tilligerry State Conservation area between Salt Ash and Tanilba Bay and in the Fingal Bay area, also in Port Stephens.

Authorities have set up an evacuation centre at a community hall in Williamtown.

An emergency warning has also been issued for Singleton, where residents are being advised to shelter as the fire-front approaches.

It was 32C in Sydney at 5.45pm (AEDT) on Sunday and the temperature was rising toward the forecast of 36C.

A change sweeping through the state is expected to drop temperatures by as much as 10 degrees when it reaches Wollongong by 6pm and Sydney by 9pm.

The Bureau of Meteorology says the strong cold front will bring damaging winds of around 50 km/h with peak gusts of 90km/h.

The NSW Rural Fire Service has banned the lighting of fires for Sunday in large parts of NSW, including greater Sydney.

Meanwhile, a grass fire near Sydney Olympic Park has been extinguished.

The fire in Homebush in Sydney's west destroyed over 40 cars, Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Ian Krimmer told AAP.

Three people have been treated for smoke inhalation and 1500 were evacuated from a nearby aquatic centre.

Superintendent Krimmer says there are "hundreds and hundreds" of cars parked in the carpark.

Authorities will allow people to access their cars once the area has been declared safe.

16.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

Bali victims remembered 11 years on

The 88 Australians who died in the first Bali bombings 11 years ago have been remembered in Sydney. Source: AAP

LITTLE children clambered around the Bali bombing memorial in Sydney on Saturday, knocking the flowers laid by the friends and family of those killed.

One boy asked his new playmate, "Which one is yours?"

And she, a girl no older than seven, pointed to one of the names of the dead and said "He was my uncle".

They were not yet born when the bombs exploded at Paddy's Bar and the Sari Club on October 12, 2002, but they have grown up in the shadow of the attacks.

Eighty-eight Australians were among the 202 people killed in the attacks on Bali's tourist hub Kuta, and 43 of the dead were from NSW alone.

"The Bali bombing was our September 11," Prime Minister Tony Abbott said in a message read out to the hundreds who gathered at Coogee to mark the 11th anniversary of the blasts.

Randwick mayor Scott Nash said 20 of the dead came from Sydney's eastern suburbs, from Bondi to Malabar, and few locals had not been touched in some way by the attacks.

"The beautiful people that we lost were sons, mothers, fathers, daughters and friends," he said.

"Tough times often bring out the very best in humanity and we can see that today, as we see it each year."

Waves crashed and tourists frolicked on the beach below as mourners gathered at the Dolphins Point headland observed a moment's silence.

Among them was Kristie McKeon, who was just 12 when her mother, big sister and several family friends were killed in the bombings.

She and her father were injured but escaped with their lives.

"It was our last night in Bali," the 23-year-old recalled.

"I remember the bomb going off, being on the floor and trapped under the roof, escaping in panic through a hole and then reaching the back wall and being hoisted over as the fire grew."

The graphic designer said she had been forced to grow up without the two most important women in her life to guide her.

They will not be here to watch her marry next year.

"Family is something I lost, but something I look forward to finding again," she said.

"My only wish is that my mum and sister were here to be a part of it.

"I will never forget.

"I will always remember."

16.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

ALP leadership contest drawing to a close

Mark Latham believes Anthony Albanese (pic) will emerge the victor of the Labor leadership contest. Source: AAP

LABOR has called it historic, democratic and energising, but in less than a day the month-long leadership contest between Anthony Albanese and Bill Shorten will be just one thing - over.

Both the party caucus and rank-and-file members have cast their vote for the next parliamentary leader, with ballots now closed and counting underway before Sunday's announcement.

ALP members and supporters will be the first to know the result when party headquarters sends out an email at about 2pm.

Under reforms introduced by former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, caucus and members are given a 50-50 say in determining who will lead the fight against the Abbott government from opposition.

Mr Shorten is believed to have won the caucus vote and is "quietly confident" grassroots members will back him, while Mr Albanese will be hoping his popularity among the rank-and-file gets him over the line.

After a month of friendly debates and largely similar campaigns, both potential leaders laid low on Saturday ahead of learning their fate.

But former Labor leader Mark Latham had no qualms offering his tips, saying he believed Mr Albanese would prevail.

"I voted for Bill Shorten in the ballot and I'm hopeful he might win tomorrow, but on the balance, probably Anthony Albanese will get the job," he told the Seven Network on Saturday.

"The important thing is for Labor to get behind one leader who will be there at the next election."

Sunday's victor will be the party's seventh leader in four years, but it's hoped the new leadership process will stabilise Labor and end the revolving door of leadership.

Mr Latham said the process was designed to put the "sub-factional warlords" who control Labor's caucus out of business.

Shadow parliamentary secretary Matt Thistlethwaite, who backed Mr Shorten, said the caucus vote had been genuinely open and free of factional interference.

He didn't know who would emerge the victor, but said that was the "great beauty" of the new-look process.

"What we now can say is the Labor Party has a much more democratic, transparent and accountable system for electing our leader," he told Sky News on Saturday.

"I think overall it's been a win for the Labor Party."

About 30,000 of the party's 43,000 members are believed to have voted under the new rules, which senior Labor figures credit with renewed interest in the party in the wake of their election defeat.

ALP president Jenny McAllister said the leadership contest had been "incredibly energising".

"In the process we've also had about 4500 people make inquiries about how to join," she told the Seven network.

"People like to see us talking in positive ways about what we could contribute to the Australian public rather than tearing ourselves apart."

16.57 | 0 komentar | Read More