ABC NewsMail - afternoon edition

Afternoon Edition. Tue 25 Jan 2011
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Top Stories	More Top Stories >
Navy sex report won't change culture: father The father of a soldier who committed suicide after being humiliated during his time with the Defence Force says he has little confidence an investigation into sexual misconduct aboard HMAS Success will effect change. Accused people smugglers in custody Three Indonesian men have made a brief appearance in the Perth Magistrates Court charged in relation to the December boat accident that left about 50 asylum seekers dead. Qantas plane in mid-air scare Qantas is investigating what caused a plane to lose pressure in the middle of a flight from Adelaide to Melbourne this morning. Russia vows to hunt down airport attackers Russian president Dmitry Medvedev has vowed to hunt down those behind a suspected suicide bombing that killed at least 35 people at Moscow's busiest airport. CPI figure comes in below expectations The latest inflation reading has defied most economists' forecasts and has come in well within the Reserve Bank's target band, removing the immediate threat to interest rates.
The Drum	More from The Drum >
The week the levy broke In the space of a week, the prospect of a federal flood levy has inched its way round from being "not outside the realms of possibility" to "virtual certainty". When the PM was first pelted with questions about whether she would consider raising a direct flood tax on citizens, she demurred with the observation that it was really a bit early to be ruling things in or out. One short week later, the idea of a levy has become part of the furniture. Inflation figures: what you need to know Australia's December 2010 quarter inflation numbers are reported at 11.30am today. What does this really mean for mums and dads? And what is inflation? The most significant long-term driver of inflation will be what are known as 'capacity constraints', mainly labour shortages: We simply do not have enough skilled workers in Australia. This pushes up wages, which pushes up the costs of goods and services. Micromanagement in the regulatory state Another year, another 6,369 pages of law. Spread over 150 acts, that was the Commonwealth's total new legislation in 2010. Not a bad effort considering their usual legislative binge was interrupted by an election. The Australian Government has been massively, overwhelmingly, and comprehensively expanding its intervention into all aspects of the economy. New Year, same politics? Leaders in a revolving door, the machinations of the machine men, politics over policy... If you liked political year 2010, you'll love 2011. Community spirit of a civilian army Jade. Glen. Hannah. On paper they're just names; names you might have considered calling your child or the name of your daughter's best friend. This month, they became so much more. Each of them told a story, one it's difficult to describe without feeling the torment behind the water torrent that swept across the state, without discrimination. The selflessness of many during the Queensland floods is a bit hard to fathom for the rest of us but it showed itself over and over again.
World	More World Stories >
Snowdon meets troops in Tarin Kowt Defence Science and Personnel Minister Warren Snowdon has visited Australian troops in Afghanistan. Anti-abortion movement finds renewed energy Buoyed by conservative victories in the mid-term elections, the pro-life movement is renewing its aggressive anti-abortion agenda in Washington. Call to bring Australia's 'birth certificate' Down Under On the eve of Australia Day, a campaign has been launched to have the British government give up a historic map, considered by some to be Australia's "birth certificate".
Science & Technology	More Science & Technology Stories >
Court told of eBay fraud scheme A court has heard a man defrauded 28 people through a complex scheme on the trading website, eBay. Critical research at fishing tournament A federal research arm has taken advantage of the Blue Water Classic Gamefishing Tournament on the New South Wales far south coast to conduct a critical study. Rogue gene may help cancer spread British scientists believe they have discovered a rogue gene which helps cancer spread through the body.
Environment	More Environment Stories >
Fracking for gas worries councillor A Ballina Shire councillor says he is worried about the impact of nearby gas mining on local waterways. Pre-trial hearing opens into Pacific Adventurer oil spill The District Court in Brisbane has heard the prosecution of those blamed for one of Queensland's worst offshore oil spills will hinge on the relevant legal definition of "damage". Botanic gardens joins bid to save rare eucalypt One of the country's rarest eucalypt trees is being conserved at the Australian National Botanic Gardens (ANBG) in Canberra.
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