Morning poppets! So there’s a lot of heavy stuff going around. Yesterday the big news was that lots of people were yelling at Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott about the carbon tax, but we thought that was a given so instead, here’s some of the other news you might NOT have heard about. Or had the time to brush up on. Sit back. Relax…
1. Katter to run candidates on bat cull platform for state election
Federal Independent MP (from North Queensland) Bob Katter is in the process of registering his ‘Australia Party’ and hopes to stand candidates in the next Queensland state election. One policy? To get rid of bats in urban centres. The animals help spread the deadly Hendra virus, of which there is an outbreak in Queensland and northern New South Wales. How? Any old how! “Whether we shoot them, or what we have to do, that is a decision for the future.”
2. Australia’s News Limited announces internal investigation into its newspapers
News Limited, the Australian newspaper arm of News Corporation, has said it will investigate itself to guard against ‘absurd’ rumours that its titles are also affected by the widening phone hacking scandal in Britain. CEO John Hartigan announced the move late yesterday. In his memo, he noted: “As disturbing events continue to unfold in London I believe it is important to keep you up to date with our position in Australia. Some media outlets, certain commentators and some politicians have attempted to connect the behaviour in the UK with News Limited’s conduct in Australia. This is offensive and wrong … We will be conducting a thorough review of all editorial expenditure over the past 3 years to confirm that payments to contributors and other third parties were for legitimate services.” Last night Australia time, News Corporation announced it was withdrawing its $12.5 billion bid for the BSkyB television in Britain because the big had become ‘politicised’.
3. 10-year anniversary of Falconio death in the Outback, still no body
It’s been a decade and there’s no sign of the body of Peter Falconio, who was murdered in the Northern Territory Outback while travelling in a van with his girlfriend Joanne Lees. Mechanic Bradley John Murdoch was found guilty of his murder in 2005 but the whereabouts of Peter’s remains are a mystery. Ms Lees said it was hurtful that many gossiped about whether she had something to do with Peter’s disappearance that night.
4. Acquitted of murder, Casey Anthony will be released with new identity
Just like a witness protection program, Casey Anthony who was earlier this month found not guilty of the murder of her child Caylee, will be released from prison with a new name. She is also, reportedly, toying with disguises to plausibly alter her appearance. But not cosmetic surgery. Casey’s not guilty verdict shocked America, as it was widely expected to be an open and shut case. She was instead convicted of lying to police, but given time already served in prison will be released soon.
5. WA mum has miscarriage, baby is thrown out as ‘medical waste’.
A Western Australia couple are considering legal action after the Swan District Hospital discarded her miscarried child with the medical waste. The mother was told ‘it is just a foetus’. By law the death would have to be reported if it was beyond 20 weeks. This mother miscarried at 17 weeks. Their lawyer said they were still entitled to take the baby’s body home to bury.
6. Terrorists set off chain of three bombs in India, killing 21
A ‘confirmed act of terrorism’ has killed 21 and injured more than 140 in the Indian commercial centre of Mumbai. It was a coordinated attack as the bombs detonated within 15 minutes of each other. No group has yet claimed responsibility.
7. Court steps in to decide child’s name after parents argue
A Victorian court had to intervene and decide the name of a young girl because her parents, who were fighting, both insisted on calling her a different name. The parent’s relationship had apparently broken down before the birth of the child. You don’t say! The Judge ordered that the first name the mother chose be used, while the kid has the dad’s last name. Of all the troubles in the world…
Top Comments
It's a pretty sad day when Bob Katter looks like a viable alternative to some voters.
I will never understand why murderers, already doing the time, don't tell the victims family where the body is. They want the last bit of juice they can suck out of an evil act.
Casey Anthony. This case just upsets me. Classic case of golden uterus syndrome - women can do no wrong.
As to the miscarriage, if they can offer you your gallstones to take home, I don't see why the offer (and it usually is made) isn't made to have the body to arrange a funeral if the parent's wish.
Poor India, such a beautiful, complex country.
And then the silly parents. There should be more penalties for not registering a birth or naming the father if you do know who it is.
Parents who couldn't decide on their child's first name. Wow! What will their daughter think of these pair. Did the parents' egos get the better of them.
How long will it take for the custody and visitation to be decided?
How long will it take - I'm guessing not long. Dad will be lucky to get every other weekend from when the child is two, judging by the FM's comments.