Unis go to war in battle for the best

Ansley Tan from Singapore has just completed sports science at UWA. She wanted to study in Perth because she had heard about it from her friends. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

WA'S five universities are locked in a multimillion-dollar battle to attract the brightest students in the state and lure cashed-up foreigners to their campuses next year.

They are spending millions on marketing and promoting their courses both here and overseas and increasingly turning to the digital world to get their message out there.

And they are claiming everything from being the largest, oldest or newest campuses to boasting about having the brightest academics and the smallest class sizes.

With just three weeks until almost 16,000 WA school leavers will find out their university entrance scores, the major tertiary institutions are making their final pitch before main-round offers are made next month.

They have visited hundreds of schools and invited thousands of Year 12 students to their campuses, even offering face-to-face support as they compete for the high-school leavers who will represent up to 70 per cent of their enrolments next year.

Edith Cowan University vice-chancellor Kerry Cox said ECU was turning increasingly to digital marketing, such as the award-winning Me Project that matched students' interests with potential courses.

"ECU is the newest public university in the state, with modern facilities and courses relevant to the needs of our communities and industry," Professor Cox said.

"Our marketing reflects these unique strengths. Our target markets are going online for information on tertiary education now more than ever, so that is the space we need to be in."

ECU spent $8.4 million on advertising and marketing in 2011, followed by Curtin University $5.9 million, the University of WA $4.44 million and Murdoch University, just over $4 million.

Notre Dame University admissions and student services executive director Rommie Masarei said Notre Dame based acceptances on applicants' academic record, potential, contribution and interview. It offered "a personalised approach to education and relationships with staff", and smaller classes to support its commitment to pastoral care.

Murdoch University domestic recruitment and liaison director Tim Martin said Murdoch courses were "widely recognised internationally", with veterinary science the best-known. It also had the largest university campus in Australia, at 227ha.

A University of Western Australia spokesman said UWA used radio, TV, cinema, online, outdoor and print advertising to persuade school-leavers to consider studying at "the state's only world top 100 university".

Curtin University corporate relations and development vice-president Valerie Raubenheimer said Curtin reached out to high-school students as early as Year 10 through school visits, campus events, course guides and social media. Its new law degree was a particular focus.

Tertiary Education Minister Chris Evans said "going to university is a major investment of time and resources", so students should make sure they chose the one that best matched their needs.

"Above all, students should follow their interests and passions when they choose a course," he said. "Doing something they enjoy is more likely to lead to a rewarding career."

He urged students to log on to the "one-stop-shop" website My University.

From December 31, Year 12 students will be able to log on to the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre to obtain their Australian Tertiary Admission Rank. Main round offers for a university place will be made from January 17.

WHAT THEY WANT TO BE KNOWN FOR:

Curtin University: The Curtin Business School and its MBA, which is ranked in the top 50 in the world by The Economist, health sciences, humanities, science and engineering.

Edith Cowan University: Engineering, law, teaching, the WA Academy of Performing Arts, nursing, health science and sport science. Listed in the The Times Higher Education Top 100 Under 50 for 2012.

Murdoch University: Veterinary science, law, and the new Sir Walter Murdoch School of Public Policy and International Affairs, which opens next year.

Notre Dame University: Law, business and values-based education with a strong pastoral care program.

University of WA: WA's only university named in the world's top 100, after being ranked 96th in the 2012 Academic Ranking of World Universities.

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WA company boss in tax bill battle

THE executive chairman of a WA-based company is locked in a battle with the Australian Tax Office over an alleged outstanding tax bill totalling almost $10 million.

A writ has been lodged in the Supreme Court by the Deputy Commissioner of Taxation against Allan Blood, the founder of Latrobe Fertiliser Holdings Ltd, which wants to use gas derived from coal as a fuel source to help make urea fertiliser.

The writ alleges Mr Blood, whose company is listed as being based in Hovea, owes the tax office $9,941,626.20 in unpaid income tax for the financial years of 2003, 2004 and 2005.

It says half ($4,984,233.09) is for the tax and added interest he owes for the past three years, while $1,583,715.47 is for failing to pay the shortfall interest charge and the rest $3,307,939.03 is for administrative penalties, plus interest.

Mr Blood was the founder of Australian Power and Energy Ltd, which was involved in the development of the $5 billion coal to gas to liquids and power project in Victoria in the late 1990s.

APEL was then bought by Anglo American Group.

Mr Blood then set up Australian Energy Company and developed the Latrobe Fertiliser project.

The Sunday Times contacted Mr Blood about the tax office claim.

He said he was unaware of the writ being lodged, but confirmed he was having ongoing discussions with the tax office.

"I have an ongoing situation with them," Mr Blood said. "The last I heard and this was just a week ago was that there would be some sort of appeals process and (they would) not decide until sometime in January this year.

"But I know nothing of it (the writ). We obviously will get some sort of official advice.

"We have an ongoing discussion with them (the tax office) and we will continue to have that ongoing discussion."

The Sunday Times contacted the tax office but was told, by law, it was unable to comment on any matter concerning a person's tax liabilities.

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Stars tune into gas rally

Rally at Cottesloe Beach against the James Price Point gas hub in the Kimberley. Picture: Stewart Allen Source: PerthNow

LOCAL music stars John Butler and Missy Higgins were among hundreds of people at Cottesloe Beach who protested over the proposed $35 billion James Price Point gas hub near Broome.

The rally, held in the heart of Premier Colin Barnett's electorate, was one of five throughout the nation as part of efforts to stop the development. Others were held in Adelaide, Melbourne, Hobart and Broome.

Last month, the state's environmental watchdog approved the proposed gas hub, but those who oppose it have raised concerns about damage to the coastline, dinosaur footprints and marine life.

Wilderness Society spokesman Peter Robertson said the event was just the start.

"As we move into the state election, groups like the Wilderness Society are pretty determined to make sure that James Price Point and the Kimberley feature in the campaign," Mr Robertson said.

He said 2013 was also the year Woodside and the joint-venture partners would have to make a decision about whether to invest in the project further or ask for an extension to their lease, which expires in June.

He claimed there was already strong indications that the companies were not favouring the site following the release of a report by industry analyst J.P. Morgan which said using a floating LNG plant as an alternative would save about $9 billion.

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'Gyrating' Buswell at it again

Troy Buswell was involved in a scuffle at a party. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: PerthNow

TREASURER Troy Buswell was left nursing his wounds after a scuffle with a prominent Perth businessman in another drunken joke-gone-wrong.

Today, The Sunday Times can reveal details of the incident involving Mr Buswell and Kailis Bros managing director Nicholas Kailis, which until now has been a closely guarded secret.

Just 12 months after promising Premier Colin Barnett he would be on his best behaviour following a series of embarrassing pranks, including the infamous chair-sniffing scandal, the then-housing and transport minister jokingly forced himself on Mr Kailis at a function in December and "dry-humped" him, allegedly moaning in mock sexual pleasure.

Worse for wear after a day on the grog, Mr Buswell refused to get off and Mr Kailis retaliated.

The Sunday Times was told a dazed Mr Buswell his glasses bent from the tussle then got off Mr Kailis before being taken away by his then-girlfriend, Fremantle independent MP Adele Carles.

Ms Carles this week declined to comment on the altercation, but after The Sunday Times confronted her with details, she confirmed it happened and said it had been a major factor in her decision to break off her two-year-relationship with Mr Buswell in March this year.

"The incident shocked me," she said. "I lost respect for Troy and I ended our relationship soon afterwards."

Mr Buswell yesterday responded: "I confirm I attended a private function with friends, over 12 months ago. I have no further comments about my private life other than to categorically deny this version of events."

On the day of the incident Mr Buswell and a group of Perth businessmen, which included property developer Nigel Satterley, mining magnate Chris Ellison and Mr Kailis, attended a lunch hosted by property tycoon Russell Gibbs.

They then went back to Mr Satterley's Peppermint Grove mansion, where wives and partners were lunching.

Ms Carles said her former partner had phoned her to pick him up from the Satterley mansion.

She said the incident happened about 20 minutes after she got there.

"I was at my home he rang me and asked me to pick him up from Nigel's," Ms Carles said.

"He (Mr Buswell) was drunk."

She said Mr Buswell was on top of Mr Kailis in Mr Satterley's lounge room. "He (Mr Kailis) was wrestling with him and yelling that kind of stuff. I don't recall the exact words Mr Kailis used but it was to the effect of, 'get off, get off'.

"He was trying to get him off.

"I did attempt to pull Troy off of Kailis and I called to Troy, 'get off him, get off him', but to no avail.

"I was no match for Troy and neither was Kailis."

She said Mr Buswell was "dazed" after being struck on the side of his face, and was left with damage to his eye glasses.

"He then got off of Kailis", she said, and they left.

Ms Carles said she warned Mr Buswell on the way home that she would not cover up the incident if it became public. "He didn't say a whole lot in the car."

"I said to him, 'if this gets out, I won't protect you. I won't be covering this up'."

Ms Carles added: "The next morning I said to Troy as soon as he woke up: 'You better apologise to Nigel and Nicholas and the other people at the party. And then he got up and started making calls."

When contacted by The Sunday Times on Friday, Mr Kailis said: "I am at a staff party at the moment and I don't have time to discuss what you are talking about.

"And what you have just said is incorrect." When told of the eyewitness account, he said: "I just said, I don't care what you have."

Mr Satterley confirmed Mr Buswell and a group of business people had been at his home in December last year, but said he knew nothing of the incident.

"I know nothing," he said.

Mr Buswell has had a controversial career since entering politics in 2008.

He has previously admitted snapping a Labor staffer's bra as a drunken party trick.

And in 2008, he lost the leadership of the Liberal Party after revelations by The Sunday Times that he sniffed the chair of a female staffer as part of a prank.

In 2010, he resigned as Treasurer after his affair with the then-Greens MP was revealed.

Despite resistance within his own ranks, Mr Barnett reinstated Mr Buswell to his Cabinet in December 2010 before promoting him to Treasurer this year saying, according to sources, "this is your last chance".

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Off-duty cop's car impounded

A SPEEDING off-duty cop has been caught doing more than double the legal limit in in Melbourne's south-east.

The Leading Senior Constable from a southern region police station has been suspended with pay after being detected speeding in Clayton last night.

Highway Patrol police clocked the officer, allegedly travelling at 122kmh in a 50kmh zone in Garden Rd around 10.15pm.

His car will be impounded for 30 days and he's expected to be charged on summons with driving offences.

The Ethical Standards Command today suspended the officer from duty with pay.

The officer will be subject to an internal disciplinary inquiry.

Road Policing Command Superintendent Neville Taylor said everyone in the community had a duty to uphold the road laws.

"We expect all motorists to behave responsibly on our roads, regardless of who they are," he said.

"No one is above the law and if you do the wrong thing you will be caught and penalised."

 
 

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Fatal pursuit passenger jailed

The scene of the fatal crash that left a mother dead after police pursued a stolen car. Source: PerthNow

The scene of the fatal crash that left a mother dead after police pursued a stolen car. Source: PerthNow

Lashay and Sharon D'Ercole. Source: PerthNow

A MAN who set fire to a stolen car involved in a fatal police pursuit hours earlier has been jailed for more than five years by a Supreme Court judge.

James Stuart Edmonds, 22, was the passenger in the stolen Audi being chased by police through Perth earlier this year.

As officers sped after the V6 sedan, their car ploughed into a car driven by Dianella mother Sharon D'Ercole.

The 50-year-old was killed and her 16-year-old daughter Lashay injured when the police Ford Territory allegedly ran a red light and slammed into their Toyota Corolla while pursuing the Audi in the northern Perth suburb of Dianella on April 12.

The Supreme Court was today told that in the aftermath of the crash, Edmonds took the car to a street in East Perth and set it alight using tissues stuffed into the petrol tank.

Spraying perfume onto the flames to accelerate the blaze, Edmonds then left in a taxi.

The court was told he was later caught after a photo of the blaze was found on his phone, although the 22-year old denied that in court.

Edmonds admitted starting the fire, and also pleaded guilty to various other charges.

Prosecutor Darryl Carlson told the court Edmonds was clearly trying to destroy any link between him and the crash that had killed Mrs D'Ercole when he set the fire.

"He was well aware of the accident. That was at the forefront of his mind,'' Mr Carlson said.

"The car was burned in an attempt to cut off any chance of him being associated with the car and the pursuit.''

The court was told that before and after the fatal crash, Edmonds had been caught by police driving another stolen car, in possession of stolen property and in possession of drugs on three occasions.

He also admitted being unauthorised to drive either of the stolen cars as he was on a learners permit at the time.

Defence lawyer Henry Sklarz said Edmonds was a recovering drug addict whose addiction had reached crisis point in the weeks leading up to the crash.

Burning the car had been a "futile attempt'' to hide his involvement, Mr Sklarz said.

"The attempt only drew attention to the vehicle,'' he said

Judge Ralph Simmonds sentenced Edmonds to four years in prison for the arson, and a further one year and seven months for the other offences.

He was also fined $200 and disqualified from driving for 12 months.

He will be eligible for parole in three years and seven months, backdated to October.

A senior WA constable is facing charges of dangerous driving causing death following the chase.

A 41-year-old man was charged with stealing the Audi involved in the pursuit, but the charge was dropped in September 2012 due to a lack of evidence.
 

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Milk industry 'struggling to survive'

PRICE WAR: Farm gate prices have to increase to ensure the sustainability of the industry, farmer says.  Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

WA DAIRY farmers are being paid so little for their milk that the industry will struggle to survive, a new report has found.

A report prepared for the dairy section of the WA Farmers Federation has found that farm returns in the 2012 financial year were "inadequate to sustain the industry" because the farm gate milk price was between 40 and 42.5 cents a litre.

Though the report did not recommend an acceptable return for the industry, it did suggest farmers needed between 45 and 65 cents a litre for their milk.

To maintain cash flow throughout the 2012 financial year, the report found a "typical" family operate dairy farm did three things:

* Reduce personal remuneration or cut back on paid labour

* Allow assets to depreciate without replacement

* Sold assets such as replacement heifers to fund working capital.

"All three strategies create problems in the future – health/life balance issues,  rundown equipment and reduced herd numbers," it said.
 
"These problems in turn create an inability to respond positively to improved milk prices and the businesses become self limiting."

 WA Farmers dairy section president Phil Depiazzi said the report confirmed what farmers already knew and proved that farm gate prices had to be increase to ensure the sustainability of the industry.

He said he would be take the report to the major processors – Brownes, Harvey Fresh and Lion – as well as the major supermarkets.

"We will seek meetings with these companies to ensure they are fully aware of the effect their policies and strategies are having on the farm," he said.

"I ask Western Australian consumers to support local farmers by purchasing WA-based processor-branded dairy products," Mr Depiazzi concluded.
 

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WA bushfire started by humans

Bremer Bay Volunteer Marine Rescue Service on the water at the Doubtful Island Peninsula fire on the South Coast of WA. Picture Bremer Bay Volunteer Marine Rescue Service Source: PerthNow

Pictures from the Bremer Bay Volunteer Marine Rescue Service of the fire at Doubtful Island Peninsula on the South Coast of WA. Picture Bremer Bay Volunteer Marine Rescue Service Source: PerthNow

A BUSHFIRE on a remote West Australian peninsula was likely caused by humans, not lightning as initially thought, the incident controller says.

The fast-moving bushfire on Doubtful Island Peninsula triggered an emergency alert on Friday morning and efforts were swiftly under way to evacuate eight people staying there in a fishing shack as firefighters worked on containment lines.

All eight campers who rushed to the beach for refuge were offered evacuation by boat, but by late afternoon, the fire had burnt out the peninsula and the immediate danger had passed.

Incident controller Roger Armstrong said it was a positive outcome thanks to the work of firefighters and favourable winds that pushed the blaze to where it could burn no more vegetation.

"The ignition point was in a fortunate position for us. If it had been slightly further to the west, it would have been more difficult,'' Mr Armstrong told AAP.

"The wind was particularly in our favour.

"Basically, it started in a narrow neck of a peninsula that bumps out into the sea and the wind was pushing it straight down the peninsula, so all we had to do was keep it on that peninsula and not let it get back onto the mainland.''

The fire was initially thought to have been started by a lightning strike - considering that's what happened in nearby Bremer Bay earlier this week - but it was now clear humans had caused it, Mr Armstrong said.

The fire began close to the shack where the eight campers, who had been there for several days, were staying, he said.

"We've got a fire cause investigation going at the moment,'' Mr Armstrong said.

"Now that we've got a bit more intelligence, it's likely to be a human-caused fire.''

Mr Armstrong said the experts who investigated fire causes could determine the point of ignition to ``within metres''.

It was likely the cause would be confirmed on Saturday, he said.

Mr Armstrong said he was confident remaining spot fires would remain contained.

"We'll mop it up tomorrow and hand it back to local government,'' he said.

The sight of smoke had been worrying for Bremer Bay residents, who had only just been let back home after the much bigger bushfire near the town this week, Mr Armstrong said.

Are you near the fire? Do you have any pictures? Email us here

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Innocent man dies after highway feud

Customs officer Mark Noormets, a volunteer firefighter, was killed in the Byford crash. Picture: Supplied. Source: PerthNow

The scene of a fatal crash in Byford today taken by the Nine News Perth helicopter.PICTURE: Nine News Perth Source: PerthNow

An altercation between two drivers near Perth has led to the death of another man, whose vehicle collided head-on with one of their cars.

POLICE are continuing investigations into a suspected road rage incident between two drivers in Byford that led to the death of an innocent man, whose vehicle collided head-on with one of their cars.

Police believe two men in seperate vehicles were involved in an incident shortly before 2pm yesterday.

One of the vehicles, a Great Wall ute, then drove off and shortly after smashed into another car, a Nissan X-Trail SUV, that was travelling in the opposite direction along South Western Highway in Byford, on Perth's southeastern fringe.

The driver of the Nissan X-Trail, 51-year-old father-of-two Mark Noormets, was killed in the crash.

The 35-year-old driver in the other car was airlifted to Royal Perth Hospital.

The 61-year-old driver who was involved in the earlier altercation left the area and is now helping police as Major Crash officers continue their investigations today.

Anyone with information or who saw the incident is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Twist in WA man's Malaysian drug case

Perth man Dominic Bird is facing the death penalty in Malaysia. Source: Supplied

THE police officer behind the arrest of a Perth man facing a possible death sentence in Malaysia has admitted to selling the drugs, which he allegedly obtained from the accused, to his informant.

Serious allegations of corruption have been levelled in court against Inspector Luther Nurjib, the undercover police officer who arrested Perth man Dominic Bird, 32, in March for allegedly supplying 167 grams of methamphetamine.

Bird faces a mandatory death penalty if convicted.

Insp Nurjib today admitted he had taken RM1200 ($A375) from an informant which he used to allegedly buy a five gram sample of methamphetamine from Bird.

He then gave the drugs to the informant.

Insp Nurjib did not report the transaction to his superiors.

Asked by Bird's lawyer, Muhammad Shafee, if the informant had played a "key role'' in the alleged drug deal, the police officer replied: "Correct.''

"When you took the RM1200, did the informer know you would give him the five grams?'' Mr Shafee asked.

Insp Nurjib replied: "Correct.''

"You confirm on this day you bought the drugs and sold them to the informer?'' Mr Shafee asked.

Inspector Nurjib again replied: "Correct.''

Earlier in the Kuala Lumpur High Court trial, questions were also raised about the lengths the undercover officer went to in pressuring Bird to supply the drugs.

Insp Nurjib also admitted on Friday to having faced disciplinary action in the past for having stolen a Rolex watch from a suspect in another case.

The revelations are likely to have implications for Bird's chances of winning an acquittal, with Mr Shafee later saying Insp Nurjib's credibility had been destroyed.

"The way (the police) behave with informants is so loose,'' Mr Shafee said outside the court.

"He took the money from the informer who may be a drug trafficker himself.''

"So a police officer is dealing with a drug trafficker in order, according to him, to fix another drug trafficker.''

Mr Shafee said there were also now questions over the possibility of more widespread corruption in certain sectors of the police force.

"It's total abuse in the worst form in an anti-narcotic unit,'' he said.

The trial was adjourned until February 13.

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Barge still grounded off WA coast

A MASSIVE barge that has been grounded off the WA coast for a week is not seriously damaged, but is still stranded on a limestone reef near Cervantes.

The 90-metre barge ran aground in rough weather conditions last week, loaded with 1800 tonnes of construction equipment, and carrying about 300 litres of diesel fuel and 1000 litres of hydraulic fluid.

The barge, contracted by American energy giant Chevron, was travelling to Barrow Island from the industrial port of Henderson, south of Perth, when its tow line broke in severe weather.

The barge's operators, Offshore Marine Services Alliance, said divers had inspected the hull and found only minor damage.
Salvage experts from the US have reportedly been enlisted to help in the recovery.

The salvage is being closely monitored by the WA Department of Transport.

Peter Bengtsson, chief executive of Offshore Marine Services Alliance, said there were attempts being made to refloat the barge today.

``It is delicate, and it is being done after extensive modelling and analysis and assessment of the hull,'' Mr Bengtsson told ABC radio.

He also said the company did not know yet if there had been any damage to the surrounding marine environment.

``Our environmental experts are looking into it, and we believe it has been managed well,'' Mr Bengtsson said.

``There is always a risk, but I am hoping and thinking it will be very minor.''

Mr Bengtsson said there had been no leakage of any of the material on board the barge, and that a full investigation was continuing into why the decision was made to allow the ship to sail in the fierce weather conditions.
 

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John Holland wins $1.2bn kids hospital job

GRAND PLAN: A concept image of Perth's new children's hospital. John Holland has been awarded the contract to build the $1.2 billion hospital. Source: PerthNow

THE WA Government today announced John Holland has been awarded the Stage Two contract to complete the design and construction of the $1.2billion new children's hospital.

Health Minister Kim Hames said there had been a vast amount of work in the past 18 months to ensure the hospital would be delivered on time and within the allocated budget.
 
"This is a major milestone for the project which is on schedule, with the design almost finalised and construction well under way," Dr Hames said.
 
Since being awarded Stage One of the contract in July 2011, John Holland has worked closely with the staff at Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) towards completing the hospital's design and starting building.
 
The Minister said construction work on the 274-bed hospital was on track after extensive consultation, a review of best available technological innovations and detailed design planning.

 
"An enormous amount of work has gone into the design process for the new hospital to ensure it is one of the highest standards and meets the needs of the children and teenagers of WA for generations to come.  More than 400 staff and the Youth Advisory Committee have taken part in the design of the hospital," he said.
 
"PMH is such an integral part of the Western Australian community - more than 575 families attend the hospital each day for in-patient, out-patient or emergency visits - so the Government plans to get it right.
 
"The design maximises views of neighbouring Kings Park and draws inspiration from WA's native flora and fauna and other natural elements, including the Pinnacles, Bungle Bungles and salt plains."
 
The hospital is due for completion in late 2015.  It will remain a public hospital.

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Man, 80, caught in Broome drug raids

NEVER TOO OLD: An 80-year-old Broome man has been charged with selling cannabis. Source: PerthNow

DETECTIVES in Broome have charged 14 people -- including an 80-year-old man -- with 57 drug offences after methamphetamine, ecstasy and cannabis were seized in a series of raids.

The 80-year-old Broome man has been charged with selling cannabis.

He will be appearing in Broome Magistrates Court on December 21.

The arrests follow a long-term operation conducted by police which resulted in the seizure of 407 grams of methyl amphetamine, 5 grams of MDMA (ecstasy) and 4.55 kilograms of cannabis.

Those arrested also include a 44-year-old Broome man, who appeared in the Broome Magistrates Court yesterday, facing numerous drug trafficking charges.

His assets have been frozen, including a $210,000 bank account and a $120,000 stretch limousine.

Police say they anticipate further arrests and charges to be laid.

 

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Cop charged after 'unauthorised pursuit'

A WA Police officer has been charged with dangerous driving as a result of his actions during an alleged ''unauthorised'' police pursuit in September.

It is alleged the 23-year-old constable, who had a detainee in the pod of his police vehicle, became involved in the pursuit of a stolen vehicle when he was not authorised to do so.

Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan's office revealed today that the constable had been charged by summons with dangerous driving following the chase in September.

His actions resulted in the pursued vehicle crashing into the front of his police vehicle which he had parked across Bennett Springs Drive, Bennett Springs, near West Swan.

The constable, his police partner and the detainee were in the vehicle at the time of the crash. There were no injuries requiring medical treatment.

The officer will appear in the Midland Magistrates Court on January 9 next year charged with dangerous driving.

He has been stood aside from operational duty pending the outcome of an examination of the case by Professional Standards.

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Altercation before fatal crash

An altercation between two drivers near Perth has led to the death of another man, whose vehicle collided head-on with one of their cars.

The scene of a fatal crash in Byford today taken by the Nine News Perth helicopter.PICTURE: Nine News Perth Source: PerthNow

AN altercation between two drivers near Perth has led to the death of another man, whose vehicle collided head-on with one of their cars.

Police said it was believed two men in separate vehicles were involved in an incident shortly before 2pm.

One of the vehicles then drove off and shortly after smashed into another car that was travelling in the opposition direction along South Western Highway in Byford, on Perth's southeastern fringe.

The man in the third vehicle died, while the 35-year-old driver in the other car was airlifted to Royal Perth Hospital.

The 61-year-old driver who'd been involved in the earlier altercation left the area.

He is now helping police with their inquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The South Western Highway has been closed in both directions, between Thomas Road and Larsen Road.

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Severe storms tipped - but Perth spared

WILD SHOW: Thunderstorms delivered a stunning lightning display over Fremantle and southern suburbs last night. Picture: Ben Clark Source: PerthNow

WILD SHOW: Thunderstorms delivered a stunning lightning display over Fremantle and southern suburbs last night. Picture: Ben Clark Source: PerthNow

WILD SHOW: Thunderstorms delivered a stunning lightning display over Fremantle and southern suburbs last night. Picture: Ben Clark Source: PerthNow

WILD SHOW: Thunderstorms delivered a stunning lightning display over Fremantle and southern suburbs last night. Picture: Ben Clark Source: PerthNow

WILD SHOW: Thunderstorms delivered a stunning lightning display over Fremantle and southern suburbs last night. Picture: Ben Clark Source: PerthNow

WILD SHOW: Thunderstorms delivered a stunning lightning display over Fremantle and southern suburbs last night. Picture: Grahame Kelaher Source: PerthNow

SEVERE thunderstorms will hit the state's north and inland, skipping Perth, after a spectaculr lightning display lit up the city overnight.

The severe thunderstorm warning for the area bounded by Kalbarri to Minilya to Morowa to Albany to Bridgetown to Dwellingup to Gingin to Jurien Bay, including the Perth metropolitan area, has been cancelled.

But residents in an area bounded by Newman to Wiluna to Bremer Bay to Morawa to Kalbarri to Minilya to Millstream to Newman are warned there is a risk of severe thunderstorms continuing into the evening.

This includes the towns of Newman, Meekatharra, Southern Cross, Narrogin, Katanning, Albany and Dalwallinu.

The Bureau of Meteorology is warning of heavy rainfall, which may lead to flash flooding, as well as large hail and damaging winds.

"Bureau of Meteorology advises that there is a risk of severe thunderstorms developing late morning and continuing into the evening,'' the Bureau warns.

"This is not unusual  weather for this time of year but could damage homes and make travel dangerous."

38C scorcher gave way to spectacular storm

PERTH'S 38C scorcher yesterday turned into a stunning lightning display late last night as spectacular thunderstorms swept over the southern suburbs.

Fremantle and the Rockingham area was treated to a stunning lightning show late last night as the storms lit up the sky.

Perthnow readers captured some of the magic, with Ben Clark, of Palmyra, photographing a series of savage lightning bolts over Fremantle Harbour and the Maritime Museum.

"These were taken around Fremantle's Harbour on 4th/5th December. Amazing storm, and eventually the lightning and thunder was going off like the Australia Day fireworks,'' Mr Clark said.

Yesterday the mercury hit 38.2C before thunderstorms rolled in late in the day from the north.

Overnight the storms delivered isolated falls across the metro area with Jandakot getting just over 4mm. Perth has had 2mm overnight. Swanbourne got 4mm and Anketell, in the southern suburbs, recorded 6mm.

Perth had a cloudy day today with showers, isolated thunderstorms and a maximum of 28C.

Tomorrow is forecasted to be cloudy with isolated showers during the morning and a maximum of 24C.

Meanwhile, residents of Nullagine, in the Shire of East Pilbara, have been warned to prepare for flooding expected on today and Thursday.

There is said to be no immediate danger but the Nullagine River is currently above the minor flood level.

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Elderly man charged with drug dealing

An elderly man has been arrested over cannabis. Source: AFP

AN 80-year-old man has been arrested for selling drugs in a police operation in Broome.

More than 50 WA police, including organised crime and proceeds of crime officers, have served 14 search warrants over the past two days, resulting in 14 people being charged with 57 offences.

Police have also seized drugs and property worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The 80-year-old man has been charged with selling cannabis and is due in court on December 21.

A 44-year-old man has already appeared in Broome Magistrates Court on numerous drug trafficking charges, with assets seized including a bank account containing $210,000 and a $120,000 stretch limousine.

Police said they seized 407 grams of methylamphetamine, five grams of ecstasy and 4.55kg of cannabis from various properties.

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Lucky escape after school bus flips

ONE child suffered minor leg injuries after a school bus flipped onto its side near Southern Cross this afternoon.

Police said seven children, one adult, and the female driver were on the bus at the junction of Bullfinch Road, around 370km east of Perth, when the bus tipped onto its side around 3.50pm.

Officers said one child suffered minor leg injuries, while several others escaped with minor scratches.

St John's Ambulance also reported the driver suffered an injury to her leg as she attempted to kick open the emergency exit of the bus.

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Stars show support for vilified blind singer

Famed Australian Aboriginal singer Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu was refused a taxi after a performance in Melbourne last night. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

The blind singer, Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu, is seen performing in October. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

ABORIGINAL stars have rallied to support racism victim Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu following the Melbourne cab controversy.

"I'm disgusted, I'm shocked, I'm shattered," popular singer Archie Roach said.

"Gurrumul is a national treasure. To be treated this way is an absolute disgrace."

Gurrumul, an award-winning blind singer who has performed for the Queen, was refused a taxi ride after playing a show with Missy Higgins in St Kilda on Tuesday.

His managers, Michael Hohnen and Michael Grose, say they had asked a taxi driver to wait for Gurrumul and two friends outside the Palais Theatre.

Mr Hohnen said the taxi driver was happy to wait, but when he saw Gurrumul emerge from the venue, he refused and drove away.

"When the cabbie saw Gurrumul coming, he said, 'Nah, mate,' and drove off," Mr Hohnen said.

"This happens to us a lot. The cabbies see Gurrumul, they feel uncomfortable for whatever reason, I can only speculate, and they don't stop."

Mr Grose said: "I can only say that ... he saw the colour of Gurrumul's skin and said 'I'm not taking that person'."

Roach and former Yothu Yindi frontman Mandawuy Yunupingu - ejected from a St Kilda bar in a racism incident 20 years ago - were furious at the treatment given to Gurrumul.

Roach said: "He is a beautiful human being who has travelled the world.

"He has probably been driven in better vehicles and limousines than a stinking Melbourne taxi."

Yunupingu said: "It's very disappointing we still live with a portion of the Australian community displaying the same behaviour that saw me refused service at the Catani Bar in St Kilda in the early 1990s.

"It's time we moved on as a nation.

"It's almost unthinkable that ... a high profile national artist like Gurrumul is refused service by taxis in Melbourne."

Gurrumul, a two-time ARIA Award winner lauded by Sir Elton John and Sting, bunkered down in a recording studio, before playing another show with Higgins at the Palais.

Higgins said in a statement: "As a proud Melburnian, it makes me both sad and angry.

"I'm sure the vast majority of our cab drivers would feel the same way.

"If this was a racist action it goes to show we still have a ways to go with racism and reconciliation in our country."

Taxi inquiry boss Prof Allan Fels said the standard of service needed to be lifted to prevent racial discrimination.

The Victorian Taxi Directorate is investigating and, if caught, the driver could face a minimum $305 fine for fare refusal.

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Bremer Bay residents can return to homes

A bushfire emergency has unfolded in WA, as 130 fire fighters tried to keep a blaze away from Bremer Bay.

Authorities are increasingly confident they can save Bremer Bay after winds which threatened to force the fire over containment lines were not as fierce as expected.

UNDER THREAT: Firefighters are confident they can save Bremer Bay, but the town remains on high alert with strong winds still a chance to force the fire over containment lines. Picture: Nine News Source: PerthNow

UNDER THREAT: Firefighters are confident they can save Bremer Bay, but the town remains on high alert with strong winds still a chance to force the fire over containment lines. Picture: Nine News Source: PerthNow

UNDER THREAT: Firefighters are confident they can save Bremer Bay, but the town remains on high alert with strong winds still a chance to force the fire over containment lines. Picture: Twitter Source: PerthNow

BREMER Bay residents who left their homes with the impending threat of a bushfire have been told they can return as weather conditions ease.

There were fears today the fire, which was started by lightning, could break through containment lines and pose a possible threat to lives and homes due to strong winds.

Bremer Bay Primary School was closed for the second day and many of the town's residents left to take refuge elsewhere.

Improved weather conditions have seen the threat downgraded from a Bushfire Watch and Act warning to a Bushfire Advice alert.

The alert from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services includes people in areas south of Devils Creek Road and Pabellup Drive, including the Bremer Bay townsite, and areas south to the coast, south west of Point Ann Road, and east of Meechi Road to the coast in the Shire of Jerramungup.

Residents who have left can now return to their homes.

Motorists should be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site and proceed with caution.

Although there is no immediate danger, residents are urged to be aware and keep up to date.

The threat to southern containment lines has eased with improved weather conditions, but fire crews will continue to patrol the fire perimeter.

The fire has burnt through 11,170ha and has crossed the Bremer River and Gordon Inlet Road, and parts of Doubtful Islands Road.

The western portion of the Fitzgerald River National Park has been closed.

A  second bushfire, roughly 7km west-north-west of Augusta, in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, is generating a lot of smoke but poses no immediate danger.

Authorities plan on updating residents again on both fires by 11am.

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Bremer Bay on alert as winds fan wildfire

FIRE THREAT: A bushfire continues to burn out of control 3km north of Bremer Bay on the south coast. Source: PerthNow

A BUSHFIRE that has burned more than 11,000 hectares just north of Bremer Bay on the south coast could put lives at risk, authorities are warning.

A Watch and Act alert has been issued by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) for the Bremer Bay townsite, areas south to the coast, south west of Point Ann Road, and east of Meechi Road to the coast in the Shire of Jerramungup.

"The fire has not been fully contained or controlled," a spokeswoman said.

"There is a possible threat to lives and homes as conditions are changing. There are north-east and north-west winds forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday that will test containment lines on the southern boundary of the fire. These winds will push any escapes towards the town."

So far 11,170 hectares have been burned in the fire, which was caused by lightning.

There is heavy smoke in the area, which has led to the closure of several roads.

Bremer Bay Primary School was shut today and will also be closed on Wednesday.

The fire had a break around its perimeter but this afternoon east-north-easterly winds may put pressures on containment lines that have been put in place to protect the town.

The fire has crossed the Bremer River and Gordon Inlet Road and parts of Doubtful Islands Road and has entered the Fitzgerald River National Park. The western part of the national park is now shut.

If the fire breaks out from containment lines and burns into Bremer Bay, the Point Henry area is not considered to be defendable by either firefighters or householders.

Residents of both the Point Henry and Bremer Bay areas have been advised to leave early and stay with relatives or friends.

The Boxwood Hill Sports Club has been opened for those needing somewhere to stay until conditions improve. The Bremer Bay Sports Club would be used as a last resort.

About 130 firefighters are currently dealing with the blaze, with water bombers helping ground crews.

A bushfire advice was issued for people in the Moresby Range area, 20km north of Geraldton in the state's Mid West region.

The fire is burning in the proposed Moresby Range Conservation Reserve south of Wells Road and north of White Peak Road east of the North West Coastal Highway.

Shire boss praises firefighters

Shire of Jerramungup president Robert Lester praised the firefighting efforts of DEC and the local volunteers, saying it had been immense.

He said residents and authorities in the area were being "very cautious" with the wind changes today and tomorrow.

"With that, because it (the wind) is coming from a different direction  . . . he fire too could blow in a different direction so it's that initial bit to see if we are going to have a problem," Mr Lester said.

"As far as the town goes, there are a lot of retirees in the town . . . there are a lot of people who have decided it might be time to do a bit of Christmas shopping and have left the area.

"The chances are probably fairly slim (the fire will reach the town.)

"But we are just being very cautious."

Bushfire burning south of Gingin

Firefighters are also battling a bushfire 15km south of Gingin which has crossed busy Brand Highway.
 
A bushfire advice has been issued for motorists on Brand Highway, with the fire crossing the highway from east to west.
 
The fire started about 1km south of the intersection of Brand Highway and Airfield Road, near the railway line, and is now burning in a western direction away from the highway.

Visit www.dec.wa.gov.au, www.dfes.wa.gov.au, or call 1300 657 209 to find out more information about the fires.

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Retractions ordered in Woodside case

Former senior executive at Woodside, Jill Mustard. Picture:KERRIS BERRINGTON Source: PerthNow

A COURT has forced a former Woodside executive to retract parts of a defamation case against the oil and gas giant.

Jill Mustard, who was one of the company's top-ranking female executives until 2009, in May last year won a $170,000 sexual discrimination claim against her former employer, which demoted her after she took maternity leave.

In March this year, Ms Mustard launched another case against Woodside, claiming its former chief executive Don Voelte had defamed her in front of delegates at the 2011 Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association conference.

She seeks a payment of $50,000 and a letter of apology to settle the matter.

Ms Mustard also said in her statement of claim that she was defamed in a March 2011 media statement by Woodside.

She said the media statement inferred she was a liar, by disputing her claim the sexual discrimination matter had been settled, when it was not yet settled.

Today Supreme Court judge Rene Le Miere ordered that this part of her argument be struck out of her statement of claim, finding Woodside had not suggested Ms Mustard was a liar by saying the settlement had not occurred.

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Bikie acquittal another bloody nose for CCC

Brian Burke outside court with his wife after one of several CCC hearings. Source: PerthNow

AN Iranian acquaintance of a senior Coffin Cheater has been cleared of misleading Western Australia's corruption watchdog after he was accused of giving false evidence about a vicious bikie brawl.

In another bloody nose for the Corruption and Crime Commission, Mohammed Alamdar from Mosman Park was acquitted of a charge of giving false or misleading evidence during two CCC inquisitions in 2010 and 2011.

Mr Alamdar was ordered to give evidence about the showdown between the Coffin Cheaters and the Finks at the Kwinana Motorplex racing venue in late 2010.peThe brawl left Finks members Stephen Wallace with three fingers missing, David Marrapodi with a gunshot wound and Troy Smith with serious head injuries.

At a trial at Perth Magistrates Court, video interviews of Alamdar at the CCC were shown, where he claimed his memory was impaired after being dropped on his head as a child.

He consistently said he could not remember details of his association with the Coffin Cheaters.

Later, he appeared to admit that was not true, saying he had been scared for himself and his family in giving evidence.

With Farsi being Mr Alamdar's first language, the defence said he sometimes struggled to communicate, citing various instances during the CCC hearings where he had sought clarification of a question or said he was unsure of the answer.

His lawyer Laurie Levy argued the Iranian may have misinterpreted what he was being asked, and may have initially only suspected a brawl had occurred, suspicions that were confirmed when he watched the news the next day.

And after a two-day hearing, magistrate Peter Malone agreed, saying the prosecution had not proved at any point Mr Alamdar had witnessed the actual fight - so in turn had not proved he lied to the CCC about what he knew.

Mr Malone also said Mr Alamdar's understanding of English was not "objectively good''.

"Extreme caution is necessary before one could rely on a literal understanding of what the accused may have stated,'' Mr Malone said.

"There are multiple questions within questions and it gives rise to doubts as to what the accused is saying in answering.''

Mr Alamdar was also awarded costs totalling more than $14,000.

After the verdict, he criticised the tactics of CCC investigators who raided his house in the days following the brawl.

"It was awful. If they want to raid the house they should let us know, because we have kids (there). It was not very nice,'' Mr Alamdar said.

Today's acquittal comes a day after former West Australian premier Brian Burke was found not guilty of illegally obtaining official secrets, arising from a CCC investigation.

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Chocolate warnings don't work on women

WARNING women that eating chocolate can make them fat may actually drive some to eat more, research from the University of Western Australia shows.

The joint study with the University of Strathclyde in Scotland found low restraint eaters - those not on a diet - showed a strong impulse to eat chocolate when presented with negative messaging, including warnings that chocolate could lead to obesity.

Women on a diet were also prone to rebel against attempts to scare them off chocolate, particularly by ads featuring thin models.

Researchers found dieters shown ads featuring thin models displayed an increased desire to eat chocolate coupled with greater feelings of wanting to avoid consumption, or indulged in higher consumption - and ultimately felt more guilt.

Lead author Professor Kevin Durkin said the reaction of a warning having a contrary effect was known as "reactance''.

"Reactance could be more marked among the low-restraint participants because they are generally less preoccupied with regulating their food intake and thus find external attempts to intervene in freely determined behaviour more jarring,'' Prof Durkin said.

The study involved 80 female participants between the ages of 17 and 26, categorised into low or high restraint and scored on a specifically designed "chocolate questionnaire'' developed by UWA-based psychologist Professor Werner Stritzke.

The research was published in the journal Appetite, which specialises in behavioural nutrition and the cultural, sensory, and physiological influences on intake of foods and drinks.

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Spin legend says he's no 'King Warne'

Shane Warne returns to cricket on Friday, captaining the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League season opener against Melbourne Renegades. Picture: Foxtel Source: Supplied

HIS conversion to trim, designer-dressed metrosexual shocked the nation but Shane Warne insists he is still an average couch potato who loves nothing more than watching TV in his trackies - as does his wife-to-be.

The spin king has hit back at suggestions that he and Liz Hurley live like "lord and lady of the manor'' in their recently purchased $9.4 million country pile in England, with its 13 bedrooms, five bathrooms and private lake. 

"Elizabeth and I bought a nice house,'' he told News Ltd.

"I'm not King Warne sitting in a big chair. I still lie on the couch in my tracksuit pants and watch the telly.''

Warne said people related to him because he was "just like them'' and Hurley was the same: "She loves wearing her tracksuit pants and Ugg boots.''

Shane Warne credits Elizabeth Hurley with his new look,  saying she keeps him away from junk food and feeds him "meat and steamed vegetables''.

In a revealing interview in today's Switched On, Warne credits Hurley with his new look and trim physique saying she keeps him away from pizzas, pies and beer and feeds him "meat and steamed vegetables''.

Hurley's work with Estee Lauder and extensive beauty routine has also seen Warne take more of an interest in personal grooming.

He's developing his own men's skin care range, a fashion range and a line of Spinners underwear.

He said the couple intend to marry next year, although there's "nothing locked in.''

Warne said his children from his first marriage to Simone -  Brooke, Jackson and Summer  spend 140 days a year with him.

He'd love to have more time with his children but says that would be unfair on their mother.

The interview comes ahead of Warne's return to cricket on Friday, captaining the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League season opener against Melbourne Renegades.

Warne said he was back on top form. After a recent practice session he came to the realisation: "That's the best the ball has come out of my hand since I retired from international cricket five years ago.''

Switched On is available in News Ltd metropolitan newspapers today

Take our television survey to tell us your likes and dislikes

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School closed as Bremer Bay keeps burning

FIRE THREAT: A bushfire continues to burn out of control 3km north of Bremer Bay on the south coast. Source: PerthNow

MORE than 100 people are battling a bushfire which continues to burn out of control just north of Bremer Bay, about 515km south-east of Perth.

The fire, which started on Thursday, has burnt bushland about 3km north of the Bremer Bay township and 5km south-west of Quaalup.

Bremer Bay Primary School will be closed tomorrow and Wednesday due to the current situation.

FESA says the fire is not contained and not controlled. It has crossed the Bremer River and Gordon Inlet Road and Doubtful Islands Road in parts and has entered the Fitzgerald River National Park.

The western portion of the national park is closed. Approximately 10,230 hectares have been burnt.

Neighbouring landowners have been notified of the fire and people camping along Doubtful Islands Road and Gordon Inlet Road have been asked to leave the area.

There is no threat to lives or homes but those in and around the area need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.

Bushfire advice remains for people in the Bremer Bay and Quaalup townships in the Shire of Jerramungup.

A number of roads have been closed including Ocumup Road between Borden-Bremer Bay Road and Swamp Road and the Gordon Inlet Road, also known locally as the sandbar crossing.

Motorists should avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site.

Road closures are likely to remain in place until the end of the week.

About 120 personnel from local bushfire brigades, WA Police, the Forest Products Commission and the DEC are trying to put the blaze out.

People need to be aware of the potential for the situation to change with the forecast for north-east winds on Tuesday and north-west winds on Wednesday and to stay alert for changes to the bushfire information being issued.

There will be a community meeting today at 5.30pm at the Bremer Bay Primary School.

A lightning strike is believed to have caused the fire.

Visit www.dec.wa.gov.au, www.dfes.wa.gov.au, or call 1300 657 209 to find out more information about the blaze.

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Perth shoppers dish out retail love

Perth shoppers are spending more than three times the national figure, as retailers cross their fingers for another rate cut tomorrow to spur on Christmas shopping. Source: AFP

PERTH shoppers are spending more than three times the national figure, as retailers cross their fingers for another rate cut tomorrow to spur on Christmas shopping.

New figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show West Australian's spent nearly $2.7 billion at cash registers in October - up nearly 1 per cent from September, seasonally adjusted.

Retail sales in the state have grown by nearly 10 per cent compared to October 2011 - much faster than the national growth of 3.1 per cent.

The only state to out grow WA in October was the Northern Territory, which after three months of contraction, grew by 1.5 per cent.

Meanwhile national retails sales were flat with no growth between September and October - leaving businesses hoping for an early Christmas present from the Reserve Bank of Australia tomorrow.

Locally shoppers are tipped to spend $3.4 billion during the Christmas period - up 7.8 per cent on last year, according to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA, which believes the states booming population is aiding the growth.

Nationally, though, the Australian Retailers Association is estimating shoppers will spend just 3.9 per cent more than last year totalling $41.2 billion on presents before Christmas Day.

Last month the RBA left the country's official cash rate at 3.25 per cent, after cutting the rate by 25 basis points in October.

Australian's have enjoyed a full percentage point cut to rates in 2012 to date.

But Australian Retailers Association executive director Russell Zimmerman said the banks hadn't been quick enough to pass on the last rate cut, and today's retail figures showed another cut was necessary to get shoppers spending.

He said the national year on year growth of 3.1 per cent was evidence retail growth had come to a "grinding halt".

"Consumers (are) reigning in their spending as household budgets are pressured by increased costs associated with utilities and the carbon tax introduction," he said.

"A rate cut tomorrow might be just what consumers need to be able to get out there and start their Christmas shopping. In fact, retailers are now relying on any consumer relief in order to save the silly season.

"Many retailers have started Christmas trading feeling positive about what they can bring to their customers and having invested in offering the best possible shopping experience- the investment is a leap of faith as they wait with bated breath for key regulatory changes and sensible decisions regarding monetary policy."

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Perth man 'offered drugs to undercover cop'

Perth man Dominic Bird is facing the death penalty in Malaysia if convicted of a serious drug charge. Source: PerthNow

PERTH man Dominic Bird remains in good spirits despite facing a mandatory death sentence if convicted by a Malaysian court on drugs charges.

The 32-year-old appeared in the Kuala Lumpur High Court today for the first day of what is likely to be a lengthy legal process.

Bird has pleaded not guilty to two charges, the most serious of which relates to drug dealing and carries a mandatory death sentence.

He has also been charged with drug use.

Bird was arrested in a police sting on March 1 at Old Town White Coffee, a cafe on Jalan Dang Wangi in central Kuala Lumpur.

It's alleged he offered to sell undercover police 167 grams of methamphetamine.

The drugs Bird had allegedly been carrying in a Mr Potato chips container were presented to the court today.

Handcuffed and dressed in a black pinstripe suit and wearing a white and grey-striped tie, Bird was accompanied in court by his father and sister, as well as a number of close friends, who sat huddled behind him.

Earlier, before the trial began and during an adjournment, they chatted with an apparently upbeat Bird, who smiled at times and shared an occasional joke.

Despite the prospect of a death sentence hanging over him, Bird appeared to be in good spirits.

The prosecution will call eight witnesses, and is expected to complete its case by Friday.

Prosecutor Ahmad Akram Gharib told AAP that it was highly likely a verdict would not be delivered until next year.

Mr Gharib has vowed to appeal if Bird is acquitted.

He said he expected Bird's legal team would also appeal if he is convicted, ensuring a lengthy legal process.

The appeals process would mean that it would be 2014 at the earliest before Bird learns his fate.

The trial has been adjourned until tomorrow.

Malaysia has executed three Australians for drug offences.

Kevin Barlow and Brian Chambers were arrested in 1983 at the airport on the Malaysian resort island of Penang and charged with drug trafficking after they were caught with 141.9 grams of heroin.

They were hanged in July 1986 in Kuala Lumpur's notorious Pudu jail.

Another Australian man, Michael McAuliffe, was executed in June 1993.

However, recent history suggests Malaysia has moderated its use of the death penalty.

Out of the more than 100 people given death sentences in 2010, it's understood that only one person has been executed.

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Brother stabbed over 'prophet insult'

A YOUNG man tried to stab his brother to death for insulting a Muslim prophet, a court has heard.

Safaa Allami, 22, is accused of attempting to murder his older brother Ali Allami during a row at their Cloverdale home in Perth's eastern suburbs.

Ali Allami was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries, prosecutor Nicholas Cogin said.

It is claimed he was stabbed seven times in the chest, back and flank, suffering a pierced liver and kidney that could have cost him his life.

A Supreme Court jury heard on Monday that Safaa Allami left the family home shortly after the stabbing on October 12, 2010, before police arrived.

Mr Cogin said he went to the home of his friend Elyas Ali, his clothes stained with his brother's blood, and was recorded confessing to the crime later that day.

Safaa Allami, who was born in Iraq and denies he attempted to kill his brother, then tried to make a getaway and bought a ticket to Brisbane the following day, the jury was told.

"The state says that Safaa Allami is a very religious man, but his brother wasn't, and that his brother defamed the prophet,'' Mr Cogin told the court.

"As a result of that, that was the final straw that caused Safaa Allami to stab his brother.''

During the recorded admission made to Mr Ali, Safaa Allami is alleged to have said he ''would do it again'' if the opportunity arose, the court was told.

Ali Allami has never said his brother stabbed him, defence lawyer Steven Shadgeet said.

The defence claims Ali Allami was involved in organised crime and threats had been made against him earlier in October 2010.

His brother did not want the perpetrator to know police had been called over the stabbing, Mr Shadgeet said.
It is claimed he made the comments to Mr Ali in a bid to avoid any retribution.

Mr Ali is said to have thought his friend was ``exaggerating and making things up as he went along'', however.

The trial, due to last eight days, continues.

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Bikie's mate scared to reveal all to CCC

The United Motor Cycle Council bike ride on the freeway from Yanchep to Mundajong. Picture: Ross Swanborough Source: PerthNow

A FRIEND of a senior Coffin Cheater bikie is on trial for giving false evidence to Western Australia's corruption watchdog over a vicious gang brawl that led to one man being shot and another having three fingers sliced off.

Mohammed Alamdar, of Mosman Park, is accused of giving false and misleading evidence to the Corruption and Crime Commission at secret hearings in 2010 in 2011, following the bikie brawl at the Kwinana Motorplex in Perth's south.

The showdown between the Coffin Cheaters and the Finks at the motor racing venue in late 2010 left Finks members Stephen Wallace with three fingers missing, David Marrapodi with a gunshot wound and Troy Smith with serious head injuries.

The Perth Magistrates Court was told today that Alamdar had struck up friendships with two Coffin Cheaters, including Paul Martino, while installing security windows and doors at their headquarters in Bayswater.

He was summonsed to appear before CCC hearings twice, after investigators established he was present at the Motorplex on the day of the brawl.

Video recordings of Alamdar's evidence to the CCC were played to magistrate Peter Malone, in which he claimed his memory was impaired after being dropped on his head as a child and consistently said he could not remember details of his association with the Coffin Cheaters.

He initially told the CCC he was not that close to the Coffin Cheaters members, before admitting he had spent time in his native Iran with Martino and the bikie had stayed in the home of his deaf, elderly mother while there.

He was charged with misleading the CCC after giving evidence to former commissioner Len Roberts-Smith that he had not spoken to Martino the day before the brawl, had not travelled with him to the motorplex and had not witnessed the violence.

But phone intercepts revealed he had arranged to drive Martino to the event and even took advice from Martino as to what to wear on the day.

When directly questioned about whether it was his voice on the intercepted phone call, Alamdar said: "That's not me, buddy."

Mr Roberts-Smith warned Alamdar at the time that his vague answers could be regarded as "constructive refusal" to answer, and that he could face criminal charges.

A guilty finding could result in a $100,000 fine, or a five-year jail term, or both.

Finks members and associates Smith, Stephen Laurence Silvestro, Clovis Chikonga and Tristan Roger Allbeury have already been jailed for two years on contempt charges relating to the CCC hearings.

Coffin Cheaters members Benjamin Ortin and David Reid were also called before a CCC hearing and refused to answer questions, but avoided charges after the CCC dropped the case.

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Aussies less educated than Kiwis

The report was designed to help identify the common elements of effective education that lead to better social outcomes. Source: Herald Sun

AN Aussie, a Kiwi and an Irishman walk into a pub ...

According to the latest rankings in the global education index, it might be Australia's turn to be the butt of the joke, after ranking behind New Zealand, Ireland and ten other countries in a global education index.

Published in a report called The Learning Curve by worldwide education firm Pearson, the index compares the cognitive skills and education attainment of 40 countries.

Finland tops the list, followed by South Korea, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore.

The UK is ranked at number six and New Zealand, Canada and Ireland also rank above Australia, which languishes at 13 in the list.

But we can take comfort in the fact that the United States falls behind Australia at number 17.

Pearson said the report was designed to help policy makers and educators identify the common elements of effective education that lead to better social and economic outcomes.

Pouring money into schools and increased family incomes do have a positive affect on educational outcomes, the report said.

But the more valuable factor was the cultural importance placed on education, as indicated by the results out of Finland, Canada and South Korea.

"On the surface, money and education seem to create a virtuous circle, with rich countries and individuals buying good educations for their children who, in turn, benefit economically," it said.

"A closer look, though, indicates that both higher income levels and better cognitive test scores are the result of educational strategies adopted, sometimes years earlier, independently of the income levels existing at the time."

There was no substitute for having a good teacher, the report added.

"Having a better one is statistically linked not only to higher income later in life but to a range of social results including lower chances of teenage pregnancy and a greater tendency to save for their own retirement," it said.

But the biggest problem was that there is no "universal recipe" for finding them.

The index was based on research carried out by the Economist Intelligence Unit, and used Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) data.

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Schoolboy, 14, jumps in to stop brawl

Jack Slater, 14, jumps in to pull off one of the alleged attackers from a security guard. Picture: CCTV Source: Supplied

A SCHOOLBOY, 14, stepped in to a "frightening" brawl at a shopping centre and helped pull off one of the alleged thugs who attacked security guards.

Jack Slater has been praised and rewarded for his bravery. Wearing his school uniform, he dived in as shocked shoppers looked on as the brawl ensued at The Mall Chequers in Maidstone, Kent, in the UK, KentOnline reported.

Four security guards were punched, kicked, head-butted and bitten after a group of four men were asked to lave the shopping centre for being drunk and causing a nuisance.

The security guards struggle to control the group of four men who punched, kicked, bit and head-butted them. Picture: CCTV Source: Supplied

Jack, who was with a friend, was given $77 (£50) in shopping vouchers during a special presentation at his school Oakwood Park Grammar.

"The security guards were getting flung around a bit and one of them looked like he was getting overcome," he said at the presentation.

"I ran over and grabbed the shoulders of the person he was struggling with and pulled him away.

"I've never done anything like this before and it was only afterwards I thought, 'I could've been hurt there'.

"My friend tried to stop me and said I was stupid for getting involved but it was a spur of the moment thing."

Police have launched an appeal for witnesses to the brawl. Four men have been arrested and charged.

The security guards try to control the group of four men in the shopping centre in Maidstone, Kent. Picture: CCTV Source: Supplied

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Adults tried to spear croc which took boy, 12

TRAGEDY: A boy, believed to be 12, has been taken by a crocodile in the Northern Territory. Source: The Daily Telegraph

A 12-YEAR-OLD boy has been taken by a crocodile in the Northern Territory.

The attack happened about 12.30pm while the boy was swimming with a group of people at Port Bradshaw, about 80km south of Nhulunbuy.

Superintendent Michael White said adults within in the group tried to save the boy by spearing the croc.

"But the crocodile dragged the child out to deeper water," he said.

"Officers from Nhulunbuy Police Station are currently at the scene of the attack and searching for the boy and the crocodile."

"Members of the local sea rangers will also assist the search this evening, with the hope of a positive outcome."

"This is a tragic circumstance for the child's family and friends and highlights the dangers of swimming in waterways in the Top End."

It's the second attack on a child in recent weeks.

On November 17, a seven-year-old girl was taken by a 3m saltie at Gumarrirngbang outstation, near Maningrida.

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Women thrown through Fremantle restaurant

INJURED: A man was taken to Peel Health Campus overnight after being hit in the head with a weapon. Picture: Theo Fakos Source: The Sunday Times

TWO women required medical treatment when they were thrown through the front window of a Fremantle restaurant during an argument over a purse early today.

The incident happened about 4am in Queen Street.

Police say a 20-year-old woman was claiming her purse had been stolen and she became involved in a verbal altercation with a number of people.

The situation escalated when the 20-year-old woman and a 19-year-old woman both ended up going through the front glass window of a restaurant.

The 20-year-old woman was taken to Fremantle Hospital for treatment to her injuries which are believed to be minor.

The 19-year-old woman initially refused treatment by paramedics however police took her into custody and took her to Fremantle Hospital where she is receiving treatment for her injuries which are believed to be more serious.

Inquiries are continuing into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
 

Man struck in head in Mandurah

A MAN who was attacked in Mandurah overnight may have been hit in the head with a pole or a stake, police say.

The 32-year-old man was assaulted near the Old Mandurah Bridge on Pinjarra Road about 11pm.

He had just left a nearby tavern when he was attacked by another person who may have been part of a group of people.

"It is believed the victim was struck to the head with some kind of pole or stake," a police spokesman said.

The victim was taken to Peel Health Campus for treatment to his injuries.

Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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WA's 'party bus' called to Beechboro riot

TO THE RESCUE: WA Police didn't have to wait long for their new "party bus'' to be called into action, just days after it was launched. Source: PerthNow

FIFTEEN juveniles were rounded up onto the new WA Police "party bus" during a wild party in Beechboro overnight during which bottles were hurled at officers.

Police were called to the disturbance at the corner of Altone Road and Thorburn Avenue. Beechboro, about 10pm last night after reports that up to 50 people were in the street, shouting and arguing.
 

Mounted police and officers from the Canine Squad also attended.

Officers attended and dispersed the group from the area.

The new Police Transport Vehicle, otherwise known as the "police party bus", was used for the first time at the scene of the disturbance and 15 juveniles were detained and put onto it.

One of the juveniles was arrested in relation to an outstanding bench warrant and a further two were arrested for disorderly conduct.

The juveniles were deemed to be "at risk" given the time, location and circumstances surrounding their detention and they were taken to the Midland Police Station where arrangements were made for responsible adults to collect them.
 

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