 Sydney Morning Herald | Mining boom fuels wages surge Sydney Morning Herald Torrential rain in Queensland in December and January have compounded concerns about labour shortages. The storms flooded about 30000 properties, shut coalmines, cut rail lines and damaged crops. Reconstruction is expected to cost $20 billion, ... and more » |
Mining boom fuels wages surge - Sydney Morning Herald
Mining boom fuels wages surge - Sydney Morning Herald: "
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Next Wk/US: Cent Bank Decisions,Non-Mfg ISM, Consumer Credit - IMarketnews.com
Next Wk/US: Cent Bank Decisions,Non-Mfg ISM, Consumer Credit - IMarketnews.com: "
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Next Wk/US: Cent Bank Decisions,Non-Mfg ISM, Consumer Credit IMarketnews.com The Bank will probably keep the cash rate at 4.75% unless there have been further negative impacts from the Queensland floods, or in the global economy which could result in deterioration in the domestic economy. In its February 1 announcement, ... and more » |
Preview of next week's economic data - Trading Room
Preview of next week's economic data - Trading Room: "
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Preview of next week's economic data Trading Room Last result: The number of jobs advertised online and in newspapers rose for the tenth straight month in February, suggesting that demand for labour was accelerating as reconstruction in Queensland continued. Total job advertisements on the internet ... |
Bizarre legal case: Queensland farmer fined $6000 for cutting calves' ears but if he had shot them, it would have been OK
A north Queensland cattle farmer has been fined $6000 after being found guilty of animal cruelty charges for cutting off the ears of two calves with a butcher knife.
Daniel James Francis, of Edmonton, was found guilty in Cairns Magistrates Court on charges of animal cruelty and breaching his duty of care to the calves.
The court heard the two calves were attacked by dogs in September 2009, leaving their ears shredded.
Defence solicitor Bebe Mellick said his client was faced with two choices - euthanase the animals immediately by shooting them or attempting to clean up their wounds and he chose the option he believed to be the most humane.
However, prosecutor Jim Henry told the court Francis cut the calves' ears off with a butchers knife and without seeking the advice of a vet.
He said Francis cut the ears so close to the skull it would have severed muscle and cartilage which would have exacerbated their pain.
"My client was not motivated by any means to deliberately inflict cruelty on these animals," he said.
"He did what he thought was in the best interests of the calves."
His neighbour complained to the RSPCA a few days later after noticing the poor condition of the animals.
The calves were taken to a vet who told the court they reeked of rotting flesh and one had more than 100 maggots in an ear cavity and so he decided to euthanase them.
Acting Magistrate Scott Luxton fined Francis $6000 and ordered him to pay $2000 in court costs.
Outside court Francis said he'd tried to do the best thing for the cows but now accepted that he should have shot them.
"I just thought tidying them up was the right thing to do, no one's more upset about it than me," he told reporters.
www.BrisbaneTimes.com.au
Campbell Newman rules out daylight saving for Queensland including the southeast corner
On channel 7 News tonight, Brisbane Lord Mayor - for 2 more days - Campbell Newman has ruled out daylight saving for Queensland including a split time zone for southeast Queensland.
He said you can't have a split time zone even though it works effectively in Broken Hill in western New South Wales which is on South Australian time.
In the US, several states operate successfully with split time zones.
In 2007, Campbell Newman supported daylight saving.
People who think Campbell Newman might be a breath of fresh air with progressive ideas for Queensland if he becomes Premier now realise he is just a lot of stale, hot air.
Brisbane business man Harold Shand sentenced to 15 months jail for making corrupt payment to Gordon Nuttal
BRISBANE businessman Harold Shand has been jailed for 15 months for arranging a secret commission to disgraced politician Gordon Nuttall.
However, Judge Milton Griffin, SC, said because of the mitigating circumstances, Shand's sentence would be suspended after four months - saying Shand was convicted of poor judgment rather than greed.
Shand is only the second businessman in Australian history to be jailed for making a corrupt payment to a government cabinet minister.
Millionaire George Herscu was jailed for five years for paying former National Party minister Russ Hinze a $100,000 bribe, but he faced a more serious charge than Shand.
A District Court jury yesterday found Shand had arranged a corrupt payment to former Industrial Relations Minister Nuttall on April 12, 2002.
Mr Shand, who turns 60 on Monday, had pleaded not guilty to giving a secret commission to the now-jailed former minister.
The jury heard Mr Shand, a former executive of the mining company which ran central Queensland's Jellinbah mine and its supply company, had no legitimate reason for arranging $60,000 be paid into Nuttall's account.
The payment was made by bank cheque after Nuttall approached Mr Shand's effective boss Jim Gorman, a major player in Jellinbah, for money.
Judge Griffin adjourned Shand's trial until today so he could receive further submissions on what basis to sentence.
He said it gave him no pleasure to sentence someone who had given so much to the community and the business world.
Judge Griffin said he would sentence Shand on the basis he had been a participant in the betrayal by Nuttall of Nuttall's duty to the Queensland public.
"I view the offending as more serious than mere business morality," he said, but added there were many balancing factors.
Judge Griffin found Shand did not seek a benefit and no benefit was actually given because of his actions.
He said it was a single payment of a substantial sum consistent with the verdict at the instruction of Mr Gorman.
"I find Nuttall was not corrupted by Shand but rather Nuttall was deeply corrupted beforehand," he said.
Judge Griffin found the payment was made primarily after brazen and bold importuning of Mr Gorman by Nuttall with the requests being in the light of possible antipathy from Nuttall.
He said it was to protect against no disfavour being shown to Mr Gorman's business interests.
Judge Griffin said the Shand had been a person of very good character who had given considerable public service to the community.
He noted Shand had been suffering depression, had endured a delay in his case being finalised, and had suffered humiliation, in particular in the business community.
"I find it was a case of poor judgment and was not motivated by greed," Judge Griffin said.
He said after balancing all the factors he would reduce the sentence to 15 months and to suspend it after four months.
www.couriermail.com.au
Australia Boom Pays Men Without Degree More Than Bernanke - Bloomberg
Australia Boom Pays Men Without Degree More Than Bernanke - Bloomberg: "
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Australia Boom Pays Men Without Degree More Than Bernanke Bloomberg Torrential rains in Queensland during December and January have compounded concerns about labor shortages. The storms flooded about 30000 properties, shut coal mines, cut rail lines and damaged crops. An area the size of Egypt was declared a disaster ... |
Fraudsters target exhibitions - Toowoomba Chronicle
Fraudsters target exhibitions - Toowoomba Chronicle: "
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Fraudsters target exhibitions Toowoomba Chronicle Detective Superintendent Brian Hay of the State Crime Operations Command Fraud and Corporate Crime Group says this new scam has the potential to net these fraudsters a large amount of money. “The person making contact will ask for the organisers to ... |
Great rail deal for Gold Coast's international visitors
Transport and Multicultural Affairs
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk
01/04/2011
Great rail deal for Gold Coast's international visitors
The Queensland Government is aiming to lure international tourists to Brisbane with a ticket to ride, Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said today.
The special Queensland Coastal Pass is exclusive to overseas visitors and allows them to go all the way by train between the Gold Coast and Cairns for just $219 one way with unlimited stops in one direction.
Ms Palaszczuk said the limited offer is aimed particularly at backpackers and will get them back to the popular tourism destinations which took a hit during the recent natural disasters.
"There are also many work opportunities up north as communities move to rebuild," she said.
"The Queensland Coastal Pass is great value and the most flexible, easy and versatile way to discover the coast of Queensland.
"The Queensland Rail travel network provides the gateway to all the tourism hotspots including the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Fraser Coast, The Whitsundays, Townsville and Cairns."
Ms Palaszczuk said the Queensland Coastal Pass offers international visitors the freedom to hop on and off coastal rail services as they explore all the wonders this state has from beaches to the rainforests and The Great Barrier Reef.
The latest Tourism Research Australia figures show the number of international visitor numbers to Queensland and particularly the Gold Coast has increased for the first time in three years.
"Korean visitation has increased 22 per cent, Chinese visitation increased by 17 per cent and the region also enjoyed growth from Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.
The Queensland Coast Pass is available to international visitors to Australia only and for purchase up to 31 May 2011. Travel must be completed by 22 June 2011.
For further information log on to www.queenslandrail.com.au or call 1800 TRAINS (872 467)
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk
01/04/2011
Great rail deal for Gold Coast's international visitors
The Queensland Government is aiming to lure international tourists to Brisbane with a ticket to ride, Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said today.
The special Queensland Coastal Pass is exclusive to overseas visitors and allows them to go all the way by train between the Gold Coast and Cairns for just $219 one way with unlimited stops in one direction.
Ms Palaszczuk said the limited offer is aimed particularly at backpackers and will get them back to the popular tourism destinations which took a hit during the recent natural disasters.
"There are also many work opportunities up north as communities move to rebuild," she said.
"The Queensland Coastal Pass is great value and the most flexible, easy and versatile way to discover the coast of Queensland.
"The Queensland Rail travel network provides the gateway to all the tourism hotspots including the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Fraser Coast, The Whitsundays, Townsville and Cairns."
Ms Palaszczuk said the Queensland Coastal Pass offers international visitors the freedom to hop on and off coastal rail services as they explore all the wonders this state has from beaches to the rainforests and The Great Barrier Reef.
The latest Tourism Research Australia figures show the number of international visitor numbers to Queensland and particularly the Gold Coast has increased for the first time in three years.
"Korean visitation has increased 22 per cent, Chinese visitation increased by 17 per cent and the region also enjoyed growth from Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.
The Queensland Coast Pass is available to international visitors to Australia only and for purchase up to 31 May 2011. Travel must be completed by 22 June 2011.
For further information log on to www.queenslandrail.com.au or call 1800 TRAINS (872 467)
Insurance Council of Australia calls on Bureau of Meteorology to deliver more timely flood warnings
THE Insurance Council of Australia has called for a major overhaul of the weather bureau so it can better collect and distribute flood information.
And the Gold Coast City Council wants more intensive training for staff faced with emergency situations following the state's summer of disasters.
Submissions to the Flood Inquiry have included numerous attacks on Wivenhoe Dam operators, who have been blamed for the Brisbane and Brisbane Valley flooding.
The Insurance Council was not critical of the weather bureau's reports on flooding during January.
But it recommended a change in the law to give the bureau greater responsibility for monitoring floods and warning of their approach.
The council said the January flooding highlighted the need to both predict flood events and warn of their approach.
"Governments, the community and the insurance industry have a shared interest in ensuring that everything that can be known about flooding is known by all those involved in its risk management," the submission said.
The council said the weather bureau was best placed to assume overall responsibility for flood information.
To extend the bureau's roles to include overall responsibility for floods, the Water Act 2007 would need amending to give it power to collect existing flood data from both state and local governments, the council said.
The bureau would then be required to maintain, update and publish flood information so the public could access it.
"To assist in expanding the BoM's (Bureau of Meterology's) flood information responsibilities and capabilities, further funding of the BoM by the Australian Government will be required," it said.
The Gold Coast City Council said that, while it was not heavily affected by the disaster, it had to work with southeast Queensland councils during the weather event.
Some staff at Lockyer Valley and Somerset regional councils had completed induction level training in disaster management but few had completed appropriate operational training, the council said.
A "concerted commitment" to develop operational courses was needed, it said.
The head of Queensland's Reconstruction Authority yesterday said disaster victims had to accept the road to recovery would be long. Major General Mick Slater said there would be no quick fixes.
"If you look at that same pothole in the road that you drive to work every morning, you keep looking at that one pothole and focusing on it saying why isn't it getting fixed, you're going to suffer yourself and it'll shape your attitude towards other things," he said.
He was speaking while checking on Bundaberg flood recovery efforts.
Police wish to speak to woman punter over betting plunge - Sydney Morning Herald
Police wish to speak to woman punter over betting plunge - Sydney Morning Herald: "
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 ABC Online | Police wish to speak to woman punter over betting plunge Sydney Morning Herald ... alleged NRL betting scam. The images were captured at a Browns Bay betting outlet in Auckland, New Zealand, between 4.50pm and 5.15pm on August 20 last year - the day before the game between the Bulldogs and North Queensland Cowboys, police said. ... NZ mystery in NRL betting scandalABC Online all 146 news articles » |
NZ clue to Australian rugby scandal - Australia Network News
NZ clue to Australian rugby scandal - Australia Network News: "
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NZ clue to Australian rugby scandal Australia Network News The woman, in her 20s, allegedly made suspicious bets in Auckland on a North Queensland Cowboys-Canterbury Bulldogs match last August. But Detective Superintendent Ken Finch says police have exhausted their attempts to identify her. ... and more » |
Hurdles ahead for Qld economy - Sydney Morning Herald
Hurdles ahead for Qld economy - Sydney Morning Herald: "
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Hurdles ahead for Qld economy Sydney Morning Herald Mr Evans also said difficult times were ahead for the housing and construction market in Queensland as the mining boom would lead to higher interest rates and falling house prices, which would affect consumer confidence. "We expect the strength of the ... and more » |
Year of Friendship between Korea and Australia provides real opportunities for ... - Media Newswire (press release)
Year of Friendship between Korea and Australia provides real opportunities for ... - Media Newswire (press release): "
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Year of Friendship between Korea and Australia provides real opportunities for ... Media Newswire (press release) “Queensland's clean green produce has an incredible reputation in South Korea to be of high-quality, healthy and attractive to the discerning consumer,” Mr Mulherin said. “Yesterday I met with a Korean trade delegation from the Shinsegae Group, ... |
Brisbane businessman Harold Shand has been found guilty of making a secret payment to Gordon Nuttall
Harold Shand.
BRISBANE businessman Harold Shand has been found guilty of arranging to pay a $60,000 secret commission to disgraced politician Gordon Nuttall.
A District Court jury in Brisbane, took exactly two days to find Harold Warner Shand had corruptly paid former Industrial Relations Minister Gordon Nuttall $60,000 on April 12, 2002.
Mr Shand, 59, had pleaded not guilty to giving a secret commission to the now-jailed former minister Nuttall.
The jury had indicated at noon it was deadlocked, but after being given the so called "Black Direction" by Judge Milton Griffin, SC, the jury resumed deliberations and returned just after 2pm.
Mr Shand was to be sentenced late today.
Nuttall is serving 12 years jail after being convicted at two unrelated trials of receiving corrupt payments from various businessmen.
Before Mr Shand's trial started, the jury was told to ignore the fact Nuttall was corrupt as it did not necessarily mean Mr Shand had acted in a similar way.
The jury heard allegations Mr Shand, a former excecutive of the mining company which ran central Queensland's Jellinbah mine and its supply company, had no legitimate reason for arranging $60,000 be paid into Nuttall's account.
It was after Nuttall approached Mr Shand's effective boss Jim Gorman for money.
Prosecutor Ross Martin, SC, told the jury to examine closely what Mr Gorman had said to implicate Mr Shand which Mr Martin claimed was little.
Mr Martin said in the end it didn't matter if Mr Shand had acted at the instigation of Mr Gorman.
"There is no "I was told to do it defence" in this case," Mr Martin said.
He said Mr Shand had told four fundamental lies to Crime and Misconduct Commission hearings which showed Mr Shand had something to hide.
However, in his address to the jury, Mr Glynn attacked Nuttall's behaviour in approaching millionaire businessman Gorman for money in an outrageous and shameless way asking for a block of land, cash and expensive houses.
Mr Glynn said the jury might think Mr Gorman had eventually hoped to get Nuttall off his back by telling Mr Shand to pay Nuttall the $60,000.
"Mr Gorman may well have thought it was worth it to avoid constant embarassment," Mr Glynn added.
He said the jury should also look at whether Mr Shand had a motive to have a cabinet minister in his pocket when he had resigned and had only a few months left in the job while a replacement was found.
Mr Glynn said it was "pretty plain" what Mr Shand did he did it at the request of Mr Gorman.
In his summing up to the jury, Judge Milton Griffin, SC, said the jury should be very cautious about acting only on the evidence of Mr Gorman.
Judge Griffin said Mr Gorman had much to gain by giving favourable evidence for the prosecution and Mr Gorman knew of the value of a certificate to prevent him being prosecuted if he gave evidence.
www.CourierMail.com.au
Councillor claims human rights violation
Embattled councillor Nicole Johnston has referred Brisbane City Council to the Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission over her perceived treatment at council meetings.
Reconciliation talks between Cr Johnston, who was elected as a Liberal Party candidate in 2008, and the council executive are set to start on April 9.
There are three issues where Cr Johnston said she was not being treated fairly - being forced to make payments to council out of her own pocket; not being provided with adequate office space; and not being given access to media monitoring.
Cr Johnston said she was being asked to personally pay back a $1789 debt because her Tennyson Ward operating budget blew out.
She first discovered her pay had been reduced by the figure when she went to the bank before Christmas.
"They initially took a lump sum and when I complained about that, they returned that immediately to my account," she said.
"Then I was advised in writing by the CEO that he would be deducting $150 each week.
"Every other councillor who overspent their budget last year had it waived by council," she said.
Ten Labor and LNP councillors had their budget over-runs covered by the council because there was money left over from other ward projects, she said.
A council spokesman said it was not the first time a councillor had had to pay back over-spends on their ward budget.
Councillors Sutton, Abrahams and Newton had also been required to pay back over-runs in 2007-08, but sources said other ward offices in their party covered the costs.
Cr Johnston argued this was an example of unfair treatment as an independent councillor.
She also said she did not have access to media monitoring services like all other councillors and that she had been asked to share the ALP's party room.
Media monitoring concerns were raised after answers to councillors' questions on notice were published in the council agenda on November 9, 2010.
Answers to which ward budgets "over-spends" had to be paid back are contained in the council's August 3 2010 meeting agenda notes.
It shows in 2009-10, Cr Johnston overspent her $27,846 budget by $1789. It also shows no other councillor had to pay back money in 2009-10, 2008-09 or 2007-08.
Cr Johnston, who now sits as an "independent liberal" since she split from Lord Mayor Campbell Newman's LNP administration, said it was ridiculous that she was asked to share the ALP's party room.
"Council in my view, by excluding me from the arrangements they make for all other councillors, is discriminating against me," she said.
"I don't know how to say it more clearly than that. They have done it financially, they have done it with office space and they have done it with services."
Cr Johnston said she had written to former local government minister Desley Boyle in September to try to get an office in the council's Ann Street headquarters.
While Ms Boyle acknowledged her first letter, she did not follow her inquiry, she said.
"Every other councillor has office space that reflects their political allegiance at 157 Ann Street. I don't. I sit in a corridor," she said.
Brisbane City Council would not comment on issues to be raised in the Human Rights hearings.
Labor's Opposition Leader Shayne Sutton yesterday said the deteriorating relationship between the LNP and Cr Johnston needed to be resolved.
"Someone needs to provide a 'circuit-breaker' and I think that should be the LNP council, who needs to step up and be the bigger party here," Cr Sutton said.
"They need to show a little more goodwill, for example giving her an office in at 157 Ann Street, which she currently doesn't have."
Cr Sutton said it was clear to her that Cr Johnston simply wanted to represent her ward.
A spokeswoman for Cr Newman said no action was going to be taken against Cr Johnston "at this time" for refusing to leave the council chambers on Tuesday night.
Four police officers had to escort her from the premises.
www.BrisbaneTimes.com.au
QUEENSLAND CONSUMER WATCH COMMENT: LNP Councillor Matthew is a young, intelligent councillor who apparently believes in political decency and a sense of fair play. Perhaps, he should use his renowned negotiating skills to broker a truce in this matter between the LNP and Cr Nicole Johnston. After all, Cr Bourke's long held ambition to be the Lord Mayor of Brisbane would only be enhanced if he were to offer his services to resolve this difficult, political mess.
Research and Markets: Australia - Telco Company Profiles - Austar United ... - SYS-CON Media (press release)
Research and Markets: Australia - Telco Company Profiles - Austar United ... - SYS-CON Media (press release): "
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Research and Markets: Australia - Telco Company Profiles - Austar United ... SYS-CON Media (press release) ... being watched by the ACCC. AUSTAR is the sole provider of subscription television services in substantially all of its markets - in regional NSW, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria, and covers all areas in Tasmania and the Northern Territory. ... and more » |
Police release new footage in NRL plunge investigation - Warren Advocate
Police release new footage in NRL plunge investigation - Warren Advocate: "
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Police release new footage in NRL plunge investigation Warren Advocate ... an alleged NRL betting scam. The images were captured at a Browns Bay betting outlet in Auckland, New Zealand between 4.50pm and 5.15pm on August 20 last year - the day before the game between the Bulldogs and North Queensland Cowboys, police said. ... |
Retail sales rise in February - Inside Retailing
Retail sales rise in February - Inside Retailing: "
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Retail sales rise in February Inside Retailing By Inside Retailing Australian retail sales showed a small recovery in February, despite the impact of Queensland floods on consumer sentiment. According to ABS data released Thursday, in trend terms, Australian turnover rose 2.3 per cent in February ... and more » |
Social justice call for gamblers - Catholic Leader
Social justice call for gamblers - Catholic Leader: "
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Social justice call for gamblers Catholic Leader Queensland's St Vincent de Paul Society vice-president Robert Leach made the comment after representing the Heads of Churches at a recent meeting of the State Government's Responsible Gambling Advisory Committee (RGAC). Mr Leach said problem gambling ... and more » |
Calamity-hit owners in mortgage struggle - Adelaide Now
Calamity-hit owners in mortgage struggle - Adelaide Now: "
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Calamity-hit owners in mortgage struggle Adelaide Now Genworth Financial, which issues lenders' mortgage insurance, has reported a 70 per cent rise in "hardship applications" during the past quarter with Queensland residents accounting for most claims. Genworth CEO Ellie Comerford said the aftermath of ... Qld home owners struggling after floodsSydney Morning Herald all 15 news articles » |
Insurance industry boast: Only 3% insurance claims rejected - What planet are they on?
ONLY about three per cent of insurance claims made by victims of January's floods and Cyclone Yasi have been rejected, according to an insurance body.
But the claim has been questioned by Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale, who said a large number of claims were still outstanding awaiting a decision and that many people had been rejected.
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) yesterday said $2.31 billion worth of flooding claims have so far been approved by insurance companies.
The group said that figure was 100 per cent of the amount the 49,400 claims had applied for.
In a statement, the ICA said the $2.31 billion in approved claims showed insurance companies were helping residents rebuild after the flood disaster.
"As at March 25, about $625 million has been paid to flood and cyclone victims in Queensland which is further evidence of the important role insurers are playing in the recovery process," spokeswoman Sandra Van Dijk said.
"In fact payments to the community have exceeded $15 million each working day since the last update on February 24, 2011.
"This is a considerable financial injection to the Queensland community and the rebuild."
But Cr Pisasale said the figures could be "smoke and mirrors" while many people still waited for claims to be processed.
"All I know is that a lot of people I have spoken to haven't heard, or are just starting to hear back from their companies," Cr Pisasale said.
"Some of the good companies are doing the right thing, but there are others who aren't.
"There are a lot of people still hurting out there."
The ICA said the $625 million of payments it had made "clears away any talk of smoke and mirrors and proves that insurers are playing a central role in the rebuild".
The group said it would be months before they could say how many cases were outstanding, because dispute resolution could take a long time.
Flood victims who have been refused payouts by their insurance companies have been urged to appeal the decisions by Legal Aid.
Legal Aid Queensland consumer protection lawyer Catherine Uhr said up to 35 per cent of claims could be overturned.
The ICA said so for Cyclone Yasi claims, $868 million has been approved for 59,990 claims.
About $86 million had been approved for 6609 flood claims and $299 million for 38,984 storm claims in Victoria while the Perth fire had $35 million approved for 410 claims.
QUEENSLAND CONSUMER WATCH COMMENT: The insurance industry must be smoking opium if they are saying that all but 3% of flood victims' and Cyclone Yasi claims have been approved. Insurance companies have proved they are nothing but greedy commercial predators whose main interest is to serve shareholders and not policyholders. With the exception of Suncorp and its affiliated companies, every other insurance company has acted in a dishonourable way towards its claimants in the past three months. Tight-fisted, high-living corporate executives in their ivory towers in downtown Brisbane and Sydney should come to places like Goodna and Ipswich and see the hurt people are going through. It has been said there are "lies, damned lies and statistics" but now we are witnessing "liars, damned liars and insurance companies".
Will Campbell Newman introduce daylight saving across Queensland if he becomes premier?
Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman has been challenged to reveal if he would introduce daylight saving across Queensland if he becomes premier at the next election.
Long-time daylight saving advocate Ipswich City Councillor Paul Tully said Campbell Newman owes it to the people of Queensland to reveal his intentions on the issue before the state election.
"Voters deserve to know where Campbell Newman and the LNP stand on this issue."
"In 2007, Campbell Newman supported a daylight saving referendum saying the benefits to Brisbane were quite marked.
"This week Campbell Newman said he would be scrapping all LNP policies, so voters have the right to know if this includes the LNP's long-standing opposition to daylight saving."
Cr Tully said LNP members of parliament on the Gold Coast who supported daylight saving were overcome with excitement with the prospect of Campbell Newman introducing daylight saving.
"Campbell Newman needs to come clean with the people of Queensland on this issue which has divided Queenslanders for decades," Cr Tully said.
Lord Mayor Campbell Newman on 15 September 2007:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/09/15/2033797.htm
Qantas continues to tinker with the levers - Sydney Morning Herald
Qantas continues to tinker with the levers - Sydney Morning Herald: "
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 Moneycontrol.com | Qantas continues to tinker with the levers Sydney Morning Herald Yesterday Qantas furnished another update on the losses associated with a series of unfortunate events, including the New Zealand earthquake, the tsunami and earthquake in Japan and the cyclone/floods in Queensland. An additional $70 million was added ... Qantas cuts flights to counter high fuel pricesFinancial Times all 537 news articles » |
Greens co-founder granted bail after blockade arrest
Greens co-founder Drew Hutton has been granted bail, a day after he was arrested and charged over his role in an anti-coal-seam-gas blockade in southwest Queensland.
Mr Hutton, a veteran environmental campaigner who co-founded the Australian Greens and Queensland Greens, was among a group of protesters on a property near Tara in southwest Queensland yesterday.
Police charged him with the "obstruction of a petroleum authority holder" and he was kept in custody ahead of his appearance in the Chinchilla Magistrates Court today.
Mr Hutton's wife, Greens spokeswoman Libby Connors, confirmed he had been granted bail ahead of his next court date on April 13.
Comment has been sought from Mr Hutton.
The drama came after landowners near Tara, west of Dalby, warned that protesters would form a blockade to stop a Queensland Gas Company pipeline coming into the community.
Dr Connors said yesterday the "Lock the Gate" blockade took place on a private property with the landowner's permission, but legislation meant the company had right of access.
She said her husband was arrested after refusing to move.
Fellow protester, 70-year-old great grandmother June Norman, also appeared in the Chinchilla Magistrates Court today.
She was arrested on March 15 and charged with disobeying police orders after she stood in front of a truck carrying a bulldozer outside the QGC station. She was fined $200 but no conviction was recorded.
Friends of the Earth member and fellow campaigner Cassie McMahon said Mr Hutton was among about 25 people at the site when police arrived yesterday.
"They told us under ... the Petroleum and Gas Act that we were not allowed to be there and that we had to leave the premises," she said yesterday.
"The remainder of us were in the process of departing when he [Mr Hutton] was arrested."
Mr Hutton had refused initial police bail conditions that he not return to the property or nearby public roads, Dr Connors said.
A Queensland Gas Company spokesman last night said the company had the necessary approvals for its work and the protest was unhelpful.
www.BrisbaneTimes.com.au
CONSUMER WATCH COMMENT: The Queensland Gas Company is acting in an anti-Queensland and anti-environment manner over this issue. By calling in the police, they have inflamed a very sensitive issue and, at the same time, have shown that they are past masters in putting profits ahead people and the good management of our state.
legal info for Grantham victims - Lokyer & Brisbane Valley Star
legal info for Grantham victims - Lokyer & Brisbane Valley Star: "
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legal info for Grantham victims Lokyer & Brisbane Valley Star “People in flood affected areas have a range of legal issues to deal with including insurance, tenancy issues, and access to electricity and other services damaged by the floods,” Legal Aid Queensland consumer protection lawyer Catherine Uhr said. ... |
Beef boom is pain for consumer - Lismore Northern Star
Beef boom is pain for consumer - Lismore Northern Star: "
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Beef boom is pain for consumer Lismore Northern Star The end of the drought and recent major flooding in Queensland and Victoria have seen demand for beef skyrocket, leading to an increase in shelf prices. “We're seeing our best sales in 10 years,” director of the Lismore saleyards Ron Chittick said. ... |
Abano Continues International And Domestic Growth - Voxy
Abano Continues International And Domestic Growth - Voxy: "
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Abano Continues International And Domestic Growth Voxy ... compounded by the natural disasters in both New Zealand and Australia which have had an enormous financial impact on the economies, business and consumer confidence in both countries. The January 2011 floods in Queensland, Victoria and New South ... Abano keeps dividend unchanged in face of one-off costsScoop.co.nz (press release) all 14 news articles » |
Coast real estate agent fined $7k - Gold Coast Bulletin News
Coast real estate agent fined $7k - Gold Coast Bulletin News: "
CONSUMER WATCH COMMENT: The Queensland Office of Fair Trading should be congratulated over its vigilance in protecting consumers across the state.
Coast real estate agent fined $7k Gold Coast Bulletin News In a media statement this week, Office of Fair Trading executive director Brian Bauer said Keyte was an experienced real estate agent and knew the possible consequences of his actions. Consumers can check to see if a real estate agent is licensed by ... and more » |
Shock NSW election result: Pauline Hanson ahead of Greens candidate
FORMER Ipswich politician and controversy magnet Pauline Hanson is in line for a shock return to politics.
Hanson, the former One Nation Party leader, has edged ahead of a Greens candidate in the Upper House election for New South Wales State Parliament.
Ms Hanson, who now lives north of Newcastle, was last night ahead of third Greens candidate Jeremy Buckingham.
Labor's sixth candidate, Andrew Ferguson, had slipped behind them both.
The first votes counted in the Upper House were from Sydney and metropolitan areas and saw Ms Hanson's stock dwindle, but the former fish and chip shop owner performed better in votes that were counted yesterday in rural NSW.
However, the Greens were still a good chance of winning the final spot last night because they could benefit from any Labor preferences.
Ms Hanson will need to increase her lead over the Greens and Labor candidates to secure the last seat.
On current figures, 17 seats have been clearly decided, 10 for the Coalition, five for Labor and two for the Greens.
NSW Labor powerbrokers said a Greens decision not to preference the ALP in the Upper House could become the primary reason for Ms Hanson to win.
Ms Hanson was an Ipswich councillor in 1994 before winning the 1996 federal seat of Oxley, which covered Ipswich at the time.
Just before that election, Ms Hanson told The Queensland Times that she supported the cutting of government assistance for Aborigines above what was available for other Australians.
That stance was reported as one of the major reasons for her election victory.
Home Loan Approvals Skyrocket For Early 2011 - Daily Rosetta
Home Loan Approvals Skyrocket For Early 2011 - Daily Rosetta: "
"
 Daily Rosetta | Home Loan Approvals Skyrocket For Early 2011 Daily Rosetta “It's encouraging to see some improvement in our figures but consumer confidence is still markedly subdued,” he said. The latest Australian Bureau of Statistic home loan approvals data showed Queensland had a 16.4 per cent drop in January but Mr. ... |
Power firms given free rein to gouge public - The Australian
Power firms given free rein to gouge public - The Australian: "
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Power firms given free rein to gouge public The Australian ... increases electricity prices . . . all of that is just passed right on to consumer. It's a very big deal." He cited state-owned network providers in Queensland and NSW that had significantly outspent their privately owned counterparts in Victoria. ... and more » |
Warning over car boot sales issued - Mackay Daily Mercury
Warning over car boot sales issued - Mackay Daily Mercury: "
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Warning over car boot sales issued Mackay Daily Mercury ... your letterbox or door if you do not want to be harassed at home by door-to-door sales people.” Get a sticker or report suspicious activity of a trader to the Office of Fair Trading by visiting www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or calling 13 QGOV (13 74 68). |
Zaetta's website of intrigue - Sydney Morning Herald
Zaetta's website of intrigue - Sydney Morning Herald: "
"
 Sydney Morning Herald | Zaetta's website of intrigue Sydney Morning Herald This week Queensland's Office of Fair Trading confirmed it was investigating the organisation, which still features Zaetta on its website days after it was revealed to be operating unlawfully without authority from the Australian Tax Office. ... |
Rio lowers bar - and surprises miner's top holders - The Australian
Rio lowers bar - and surprises miner's top holders - The Australian: "
"
 Moneycontrol.com | Rio lowers bar - and surprises miner's top holders The Australian ACCC approval came through on March 17 and last Friday ACMA also gave its approval, subject to the sale of two radio licences in Queensland. On Monday SCM sent a "hurry up" message to VRL by advising that it would declare its offer unconditional within ... BREAKFAST DEALS: Rio reward?Business Spectator all 294 news articles » |
Cementer's Proposed Fly Ash Agreement in QLD Gets Red Light From ACCC - News 4 Us
Cementer's Proposed Fly Ash Agreement in QLD Gets Red Light From ACCC - News 4 Us: "
"
 News 4 Us | Cementer's Proposed Fly Ash Agreement in QLD Gets Red Light From ACCC News 4 Us TEC owns Tarong Power Station and Tarong North Power Station in the south east Queensland region. TEC manages Tarong Power Station, while Tarong North Power Station is operated by Tarong North Pty Ltd. Broadly, the ACCC may grant an authorisation when ... |
Drivers confused by Queensland road rules according to police
QUEENSLAND drivers are so ignorant of road rules some motorists
believe it is illegal to drive barefoot while others think you cannot
wear sunglasses because they hide your eyes.
believe it is illegal to drive barefoot while others think you cannot
wear sunglasses because they hide your eyes.
Questions posed to the Queensland Police Service and Transport and
Main Roads' driving examiners highlighted confusion about what is
permitted on the roads.
A senior driving examiner, who did not want to be named, said
sometimes the fault lay with driving instructors who themselves were
unaware of all the rules.
"Applicants often ask if it's OK to drive in bare feet which is
understandable, but it is interesting how many driving instructors
think it's illegal," he said.
"Another common one asked is, 'Is it OK to wear sunglasses as you
can't see my eyes?'."
The QPS addressed the barefoot issue on its Facebook page recently, to
reinforce the message that it is not illegal to drive without shoes,
and acting Superintendent Craig Hanlon said sunglasses were
recommended by police, except at night.
"You've got to be able to drive with a clear view of the road," he
said. "A lot of young kids wear sunglasses at night and that may be an
offence because it impairs their ability to see the road."
He said another misconception was that mobile phones were only off
limits if they were being used to speak to someone.
"You could be using your phone as a Google map and that's still using
a phone," Supt Hanlon said.
"The thing for all drivers to know is don't hold your phone in your
hand when you're driving for any reason."
The driving examiner said other road rules that were either unknown or
misunderstood related to merging, arrowed intersections and
roundabouts.
"Many motorists think they have the right of way when merging on to a
main road," he said.
"There's also a lot of people that can't or don't know how to turn
right and sometimes left at a green traffic light.
"They are waiting for the green arrow when there's not one there."
Even basic road rules, such as the default speed limit in a built-up
area and indicating when entering and exiting a roundabout, were cause
for confusion, he said.
Supt Hanlon said anyone confused or in doubt about the road rules
should contact their local police station or email the QPS via their
website.
"There is a substantial amount of traffic legislation, so there is
always going to be some confusion and misconceptions about the road
rules," he said.
Showbags come under scrutiny by Office of Fair Trading
WITH kids and the young at heart getting ready for the annual Heritage
Building Society Toowoomba Royal Show, the Office of Fair Trading is
keen to ensure there are no nasty surprises lurking in this year's
show bags.
Building Society Toowoomba Royal Show, the Office of Fair Trading is
keen to ensure there are no nasty surprises lurking in this year's
show bags.
Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine said product safety inspectors
each year visited shows across Queensland inspecting thousands of toys
from hundreds of show bags for potential safety concerns.
"Every year inspectors look for toys that may fail safety standards.
This includes toys for very young children, dangerous projectile toys
and banned toys," Mr Shine said.
"The show bag industry works co-operatively with safety regulators and
takes a very proactive approach to safety.
"Product safety is a shared responsibility between government, trader
and consumer and we must all play our part.
"Parents have an important role to play in ensuring their child's
safety. I encourage parents attending to consider the safety of items
and only buy show bags labeled as suitable for their child's age."
In addition to checking show bag contents at the Toowoomba Royal Show,
Office of Fair Trading inspectors also will be ensuring all security
guards at the show are appropriately licensed and business names are
properly registered.
Queensland Flood inquiry hears call for new dams from Brisbane engineer Wayne Land
A BRISBANE civil engineer who lost two properties in the January
floods, says the city needs new dams solely for water supply to allow
Wivenhoe to fulfil its original flood mitigation role.
floods, says the city needs new dams solely for water supply to allow
Wivenhoe to fulfil its original flood mitigation role.
Wayne Land, who lost his family home and a rental property in the
floods, has made a public submission to the Queensland Floods
Commission of Inquiry.
The inquiry has begun releasing public submissions on its website this week.
In his submission Mr Land said the Brisbane flood was a "totally
avoidable event".
"Another major dam is required to provide for Brisbane's water supply
security, so that Wivenhoe's flood compartment capacity can be
increased," he said.
"No new dams have been built in the last 22 years in southeast
Queensland, since 1989.
"Ironically, 1989 was also the same year that the Goss government
decommitted from the proposal to build the Wolfdene Dam."
Mr Land said the Wolfdene Dam proposal should have gone ahead.
"(It) was regarded by engineers as a near-perfect dam site and clearly
the best dam site to provide water security to southeast Queensland
... the proposed capacity of Wolfdene was to have been around that of
Wivenhoe," said.
Mr Land said the Brisbane floods could have been much worse.
"Had Wivenhoe's dam wall been breached, we may have been looking at a
large-scale human tragedy in Brisbane, not just through the flooding,
but also through the aftermath of a lack of ongoing water supply to
service the (remaining) population," he said.
He said there were also minimal flood mitigation plans surrounding
southeast Queensland rivers and creeks.
"There appears to be few, if any, public documents which exist on the
subject of flood mitigation strategies for either the Bremer River or
Lockyer Creek, both of which were major contributors to the 2011
Brisbane flood," he said.
Mr Land said the Queensland Water Act 2000 needed a revamp.
"(It) is woefully deficient in laying out more specific
responsibilities on the Queensland Water Commission, DERM or other
agencies for flood mitigation and development of specific
plans/strategies," he said.
"From discussions with water-planning personnel employed by the
government, the philosophy seems to be 'all rivers and streams flood,
our strategy is to let them. All we can do is to have local councils
prescribe proper building controls to mitigate the effects of
flooding'."
He said this philosophy was an "abject failure of our government, its
leadership and investment priorities, and fails to exploit the
strategic role of the engineering profession, being to solve problems
for our society."
"There is a total lack of focus, culture and hence genuine strategy
development within our government entities on real flood mitigation
strategies," Mr Land said.
"Instead, through lack of state government leadership, councils then
become forced to use the "blunt instrument" of development controls,
most typically the Q100 building regulations which force property
owners, at their own expense, to build above flood levels.
"This is not the way to go. Instead, this culture must change and real
work and real investment must be made on flood mitigation solutions."
Mr Land also called for clearer insurance definitions for flooding.
Public hearings will begin in Brisbane on April 11.
The commission is due to report back its initial findings and
recommendations in August, ahead of the 2011-12 wet season.
Submissions can be viewed at www.floodcommission.qld.gov.au/.
Brisbane City Council in uproar: Police called to eject LNP councillor Nicole Johnston
POLICE have been called to the Brisbane City Council chambers to eject Cr Nicole Johnston after she refused to leave after being suspended.
Cr Johnston, who has been suspended several times since leaving the LNP in May last year, was suspended by Chair Cr Krista Adams after allegedly interjecting numerous times.
Cr Adams called a 20 minute adjournment and asked Cr Johnston to leave but she refused.
Cr Adams then asked for the police to be called.
'I won't take this any more," Cr Johnston said through tears.
Council was then adjourned for 90 minutes to allow for the police to be called and staff to take a dinner break.
www.CourierMail.com.au
Harold Shand jury begins deliberations
A jury has retired to consider its verdict in the case of a businessman who allegedly paid Queensland government minister Gordon Nuttall a secret commission.
Mining investor Harold Warner Shand, 59, is on trial in the Brisbane District Court, accused of paying Nuttall $60,000 as a secret commission in April 2002.
Shand has pleaded not guilty to the charge.
During the trial the crown alleged the payment was made in the hope that Nuttall - then the industrial relations minister - would use his influence in government to help advance the business dealings of the company Capregin.
The jury began deliberations this afternoon.
www.BrisbaneTimes.com.au
Greens founder Drew Hutton arrested near Tara during environmental protest as QGC act disgracefully
Drew Hutton with fellow Greens co-founder and wife Libby Connors last year.
Veteran environmental campaigner Drew Hutton has been arrested and charged after protesting against the coal seam gas industry on a property near Tara in southwest Queensland.
Police this evening confirmed Mr Hutton had been charged with the "obstruction of a petroleum authority holder" and would appear in the Chinchilla Magistrates Court tomorrow.
He had been arrested about 2.20pm at Wieambilla, north of Tara.
Landowners near Tara, west of Dalby, had warned that protesters would form a blockade to stop a Queensland Gas Company pipeline coming into the community.
Mr Hutton's wife, Greens spokeswoman Libby Connors, earlier told brisbanetimes.com.au her husband was arrested after refusing to move and remained in custody this afternoon.
She said the "Lock the Gate" blockade took place on a private property with the landowner's permission, but legislation meant the company had right of access.
Mr Hutton was a co-founder of the Australian Greens and Queensland Greens.
It was the second consecutive day of drama at the Tara Estate protest.
Yesterday, protesters formed a human barricade in an attempt to prevent the Queensland Gas Company from building a 16-kilometre pipeline to take coal seam gas from five wells on the estate to the nearby Kenya gas processing plant.
Friends of the Earth member and fellow campaigner Cassie McMahon said Mr Hutton was among about 25 people at the site today.
Ms McMahon said a large number of police officers arrived on the scene this afternoon.
"They told us under ... the Petroleum and Gas Act that we were not allowed to be there and that we had to leave the premises," she said.
"The remainder of us were in the process of departing when he [Mr Hutton] was arrested.
"Drew Hutton has refused the bail conditions and could be in custody for 30 days at the Toowoomba watch house."
Ms McMahon, who yesterday chained herself to a bulldozer as part of the protest, said campaigners were undeterred by the developments today.
"I'm very surprised that landholders do not have the ability to invite people to stay on their property to protect their property," Ms McMahon said.
"It leaves us feeling even more determined that we need people power to prevail and force the current laws to be changed to protect property holders' rights, as long as the long term impact on our land and water."
A QGC spokesman said the company had been happy to sit down with people to discuss their concerns.
"We do not believe that the protest is helpful either to us or the protesters themselves – we don't believe this is the way to resolve anything," he said this evening.
"And in relation to the approvals, the works that we are doing are approved under Queensland legislation. Half of the work that we are doing is on QGC property; the remainder is done on property for which we have entered agreements to access with the landholders, including compensation arrangements."
www.BrisbaneTimes.com.au
COMMENT: This is the same heavy-handed approach taken by the police over a legitimate environmental cause which they took at Redbank in 1989 when protesters took action against a proposed radioactive waste dump in the suburb. The State Member for Bundamba Bob Gibbs, the Environment Minister Pat Comben and the local Councillor Paul Tully were among those arrested during a 12-month campaign against the National Party State Government, a campaign which was ultimately successful. QGC are acting disgracefully over this issue.
ABC's Spencer Howson tops the radio ratings - www.CourierMail.com.au
ABC'S Spencer Howson has continued his dominance in Brisbane radio securing a comfortable win in the first radio survey of 2011.
Howson's breakfast shift is listened to by an average of 61,000 listeners, an impressive 14.7 per cent of the audience - 2.2 per cent better than the final survey of 2010.
On the FM channels, B105 clawed back its lead from Nova, who won the last survey, but it was a close race.
Nova scored 11 per cent of listeners for its breakfast show with Mishell, Tim and Marty while B105's Camilla, Labrat and Stav scored 11.3 per cent .
Triple M placed fourth with 10.7 per cent audience share, 97.3 were the fifth most listened to station.
4BC's new look breakfast program scored an impressive leap, picking up a full 1 per cent taking them to 8.5 per cent of the total audience share.
Business can afford wage increase: Qld Govt - Australasian Bus and Coach
Business can afford wage increase: Qld Govt - Australasian Bus and Coach: "
"
Business can afford wage increase: Qld Govt Australasian Bus and Coach ... consumer confidence and help maintain household incomes. In its submission, the Government says Queensland's weekly minimum wage should be increased to the level of the national wage which is currently $569.90. The state wage is currently $568.20. ... and more » |
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