Chinese snap up Perth property

Chinese interest in the Perth property market is booming. Picture: Supplied

CHINESE interest in the Perth property market is rising rapidly with buyers targeting apartments in South Perth, Canning Vale, East Perth and Thornlie.

According to the founders of what claims to be the biggest Asian website for Mandarin speakers buying international property, searches for Perth listings soared by more than 1000 per cent in the first half of this year.

The Shanghai-based directors of Juwai.com, Andrew Taylor and Simon Henry, originally from Queensland, said that 12 months ago Perth didn't rate at all. But since then it had experienced the biggest gains in listing searches in Australia.

Mr Henry said buyers were attracted by Australia's stable government and economy, reputation for a good lifestyle and good education centres.

"And everything just got 20 per cent cheaper with the devaluation of the Australian dollar," he said.

 He predicted mid-range apartments in Perth ($300,000 to $800,000) would be increasingly popular among the growing Chinese upper-middle class buying accommodation for their children.

"Those buyers are putting about 70 per cent of their disposable income into their children's education and sending them to universities overseas," he said. "They're mostly looking to buy, rather than rent."

Australian foreign investment laws prohibit the sale of established homes to overseas investors unless they plan to demolish the home and build new. Off-the-plan apartments and new dwellings may be bought, but foreign applicants must first apply to the Foreign Investment Review Board.

Mr Henry said with that in mind, off-the-plan apartments and new builds were both popular, though established homes for students who would be temporary residents were sometimes bought through a local family.

"They will buy through a family already resident, so the sale might start with an overseas client and the transaction will go through a local Chinese resident," he said.

L.J. Hooker was one of the first WA agencies to advertise with Juwai.com.

Hooker's regional manager, Ken Preston, said education was one of the main reasons Chinese buyers were looking at Perth. The most sought-after areas were close to universities and strong local amenities, he said.

"Murdoch and Nedlands are popular and to a lesser extent Joondalup," he said.

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

WA voters kept in dark on light-rail election promise

Voters were not told of a review of the WA Government's light rail plan in the lead up to the state election. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

COLIN Barnett's showpiece light-rail election promise was under review in the lead-up to the March 9 poll - but the concerns of transport officials were kept secret from voters.

A document obtained by The Sunday Times reveals that on February 1 the Department of Transport launched an investigation into whether a cheaper rapid bus service was a better option than light rail between Perth and Mirrabooka.

"It is necessary to consider the option of providing an equivalent public transport service using a Bus Rapid Transit model over the currently proposed 22km light-rail route," the document says. "A BRT option was discounted previously in the early stages of the development of the Public Transport Plan for Perth, however, more investigation is now required to understand if the earlier assessment is correct."

The investigation  with an evaluation phase of four to six weeks  was to determine if the bus system could be built cheaper and faster and still carry the same number of passengers.

The Sunday Times has been told the evaluation is "ongoing".

But well-placed sources claim the bus system could save taxpayers up to $800 million  money that could go towards putting another storey on the new children's hospital.

Opposition Leader Mark McGowan said the Barnett Government lied to voters during the election campaign by not revealing that light rail was still up in the air.

"Why wasn't the public told about these inquiries? Instead, they were told the light rail was a sure thing," he said.

"It was a significant election issue and these reviews are done at public expense (so) I think the public deserved to be told."

Mr McGowan called on the Barnett Government to immediately release the findings of the DOT investigation when it was concluded. The document was obtained by The Sunday Times under a Freedom of Information request. Initially, the application was totally denied, but on appeal the newspaper was granted access to three out of 28 relevant documents.

Transport Minister Troy Buswell said he was aware that the department was putting together a comprehensive business case for the light rail.

But he said the Government was committed to delivering light rail and BRT "is not an option".

"Light rail is more efficient than a bus rapid transport system in areas of congestion and $15.8 million has already been allocated by state and federal governments to the engineering and design studies," he said.

A DOT spokeswoman said the February investigation was commissioned as part of standard business case process.
 
 

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

WA drivers can't deal with rain

Wet weather makes it more dangerous on the roads. Picture: Alf Sorbello Source: PerthNow

IT'S no longer an urban myth - West Australians can't drive in the wet.

Figures released by Main Roads show there are 16 per cent more crashes in winter than summer.

Are WA drivers the country's worst wet-weather drivers? Leave a comment below

That's why the RAC, the state's biggest car insurer, is calling for drivers to adjust their road habits to cope with the wet weather.

"The roads are going to be slippery, you're going to need extra distance to stop and visibility will be reduced," RAC head of member advocacy Matt Brown said.

 Readers used the PerthNow Facebook page yesterday to vent their frustration with careless wet-weather drivers.

"Safer to stay off the roads, too many speeding soccer mums in SUVs that don't know how to control their vehicle," John Dix posted.

Kerrie-Lea James said drivers on the Kwinana Freeway were easily the most dangerous.

"It's the people that slow down too much that cause the problems," she wrote. "If people don't have the confidence and defensive driving skills to maintain their speed at least within 20km/h of the limit, then they shouldn't have a licence."

Another user, Liam Lk Kenny, posted: "The amount of people who drive around with their lights off and then flip you off when you flash them really baffles me."

Mr Brown said that on rainy days drivers should be extra vigilant of motor bike riders, cyclists and pedestrians, who should do everything they could to make themselves more visible.

 "Everybody needs to be extra cautious when driving in wet conditions. Turn your lights on so others can see you, be courteous to other road users and be patient," he said.

The Main Roads statewide data show there were 10,294 crashes in winter last year compared with 8871 in summer.

The seasonal increase was more pronounced in the metropolitan area, where there were 8757 crashes in winter compared with 7441 in summer.

Parts of the state were battered by a double-barrelled storm this week, which brought destructive winds and heavy rain.

SES crews received nearly 40 calls for help for storm damage in the past three days.

About 60 volunteers were called out on Friday night to make temporary repairs to homes, fix roof damage and remove fallen trees from homes, cars and fences. Damage was reported in Banksia Hill, Heathridge, Beldon, Swan View, Halls Head and Silver Sands.

Strong winds and heavy rain also caused damage in Kalgoorlie, Moora and York.

A dangerous weather warning is active this weekend between Lancelin and Windy Harbour, in the state's south.

The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that a deep low-pressure system could bring 100km/h winds, hail and possibly thunderstorms.

Are WA drivers the country's worst wet-weather drivers? Leave a comment below

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

MPs given script for claims scandal

MPs were sent scripts on how to deal with questions about Deputy Premier Kim Hames' accommodation claims errors. Picture: Supplied

DUMPED tourism minister Kim Hames is a "very loyal" and "wise" member of the Barnett Government leadership team who "let himself down" by falsely claiming accommodation allowances, according to a PR script created for Liberal MPs to use if asked about his demotion.

The spin cheat sheet, emailed to MPs on Monday by Premier Colin Barnett's media gurus, tells them to refer to the disgraced minister as an "effective" tourism minister who had made an "impressive impact" in the portfolio during his reign.

The script also advises politicians to stress that there was a silver lining to the demotion as Dr Hames would now be able to "concentrate" on his other portfolio  health.

Meanwhile, the Barnett Government "has been a stable, honest and determined" team.

The script said politicians should say: "We have always striven to maintain the highest standards of accountability and ethical standards."

Under the heading, "Dr Hames background in tourism", it said: "Kim Hames has made an impressive impact in the tourism portfolio. He has ensured events get the funding they deserved.

"On his watch there has been millions of dollars of additional funding pumped into a whole new range of unique WA events."

Under the heading, "Points for local members," the document said: "Kim Hames has been a very loyal and effective minister, but he admits he has let himself down by not meeting the standards the Premier has set for our government.

"The Premier said Dr Hames has been a wise deputy, and a key member of our leadership group which makes today's decision all the more difficult and disappointing.

"This Government has set the bar very high for all members in terms of ethical and accountable behaviour. The Premier has consistently insisted on the highest levels of propriety. In this instance, by Minister Hames's own admission, he hasn't met those standards."

Under the heading "Dr Hames to concentrate on Health", it said: "The Government has undertaken an unprecedented building and refurbishment program, with $7 billion allocated to hospital projects.

"Dr Hames has ensured a record investment in the health budget."

A Liberal source told The Sunday Times the leaked email had been sent to MPs to "tell them what to say to the public".

The Government yesterday confirmed it had sent the email to its MPs, but claimed it "simply outlines the facts of the issue, rather than MPs having to rely on media reports".

"It does not, in any way, purport to tell MPs what to say," a spokesman for the Premier said.

Opposition Leader Mark McGowan yesterday called for an independent inquiry into the allowances scandal. Dr Hames admitted to The Sunday Times last weekend that there were four occasions when he falsely claimed accommodation allowances  including claiming $1013 for staying in Perth when he was overseas, interstate or in the north. Mr Barnett sacked him as tourism minister on Monday, but allowed him to keep the health portfolio and remain as Deputy Premier.

The email, sent to Liberal MPs on Monday, also alludes to "one or two" further instances of Dr Hames falsely claiming accommodation allowances. Yesterday, Dr Hames admitted to The Sunday Times he claimed a further $240 for being in Perth when in truth he was in Kalgoorlie on March 25, 2009.

"The review of my claims is still under way," he said. "However, other errors, including the claim made on March 25, 2009, have been identified and will be included in a public statement I will release when the review is finalised.

"This statement will also provide the full amount of what I will refund."

THE PR GUIDE GIVEN TO LIBERAL MPS BY THE PREMIER'S OFFICE TO DEAL WITH QUESTIONS ABOUT KIM HAMES:

Points for local members :

-    Kim Hames has been a very loyal and effective Minister, but he admits has let himself down by not meeting the standards the Premier has set for our government
-    The Premier said Dr Hames has been a wise deputy, and a key member of our leadership group… which makes today's decision all the more difficult and disappointing.
-    This Government has set the bar very high for all members in terms of ethical and accountable behaviour.
-    The Premier has consistently insisted on the highest levels of proprietary … in this instance, by Minister Hames's own admission, he hasn't met those standards.
-    Dr Hames has advised there may be one or two further instances but he and his office are continuing to scrutinise and review all his claims to double check that there are not any further errors

Background:

-    This has been a stable, honest and determined government.
-    We have always striven to maintain the highest standards of accountability and ethical standards
-    November 2010 – Colin Barnett tells Parliament the imprest system (introduced 1980) will be retained but modernised to tighten up eligibility for the scheme
-    August 2013 – a general determination from the SAT is due
-    Premier has now undertaken to do a review of the living away from home allowance which allows members to claim for nights they must spend away from their electorate in order to attend to parliamentary business in Perth.

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Essendon chief quits after breakdown

David Evans has stood down as Essendon chairman. Source: Getty Images

A PHYSICAL breakdown in the changerooms after Essendon's match against Hawthorn on Friday night helped prompt Bombers chairman David Evans to resign.

Mr Evans was treated by club medical staff after complaining of breathlessness, having a light head and struggling with his vision after the match.

The stress of the five-month investigation into alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs, combined with revelations that he and coach James Hird were at loggerheads over conversations leading up to Essendon "self-reporting", led to Mr Evans' health deteriorating.

His stunning resignation happened less than two weeks before the ASADA-AFL investigation report is to be completed.

Bombers at risk of being gutted

Players rally behind Evans

Kick 'pests' out of the game

It has left Essendon reeling - it now has lost its chief executive and chairman within a matter of months.

Mr Evans did not refer to personal issues or his disagreement with Hird.

He described the events as a tragedy, but was confident the club would survive.

"I strongly believe that the best thing for the club at this stage is for a new chairperson in order to see through the next phase of this challenging and difficult time for our club," Mr Evans said.

"Leadership is tough at times and I have tried to lead with fairness and integrity and at the same time acknowledging responsibility to make the right decisions.

"I am confident that this decision is one of those."

Bombers' night of crisis

Drugs saga will affect lives: Hird

Hird, Evans now at loggerheads

Evans says Hird a friend for life

"What is happening at our club right now is a tragedy, but I know that it will survive," Mr Evans said.

Bombers officials have been deeply concerned with Mr Evans' stress levels for several days.

An emotional Hird was referring to Mr Evans at his post-match press conference on Friday night when he referred to the doping investigation "affecting people's lives permanently".

Hird left Mr Evans' side in the medical room to attend the press conference.

"It has got to the point that, if it's not over very quickly, it's going to affect people's lives permanently," Hird said.

---

DAVID EVANS' FULL STATEMENT

"I am announcing tonight my resignation from the Essendon Football Club board, effective immediately.

I appreciate very much that this will cause some consternation amongst the Essendon family.

However, I strongly believe that the best thing for the Club at this stage is for a new Chairperson in order to see through the next phase of this challenging and difficult time for our club.

The ASADA report is close to finalisation, and I believe that I have put the interests of the players and their families first in this process, and I have been guided by my duty of care to them and to the Club throughout the last 5 months.

I remain extremely hopeful that our players will be treated with fairness and dignity through the next stage, and I do trust the process that we have been subject to.

Leadership is tough at times and I have tried to lead with fairness and integrity and at the same time acknowledging responsibility to make the right decisions. I am confident that this decision is one of those.

My involvement, and indeed my family's involvement over many years at both Essendon and the AFL have given me great strength during the last 5 months, because many of the people that I deal with are close friends. 

This has given me great insight and assisted in making tough decisions, but those decisions now may be seen to be clouded by those relationships or be seen as a conflict, and I am not prepared to have my decisions reflect poorly on the Club either now or in future. 

It is also for slightly selfish but important reasons. I have significant responsibilities to the 100 people who work at my firm.

They have stepped up to the plate admirably and very capably and the business is thriving but it is important that I return, and this means I cannot give to Essendon what it needs over the coming months.

My business is 6 years old, and I have a clear vision of its future, and I need to get back to the business to prosecute that vision.

What is happening at our club right now is a tragedy, but I know that it will survive. I believe in the Essendon Football club and its people and it will get through this crisis with people like Paul Little, James Hird and Ray Gunston as its leaders.

The Essendon Football Club is a great institution that is bigger than all of us, and survives and thrives because of the passion of our members and supporters, and the commitment of our players and our staff.

Those of us lucky enough to serve the club must always keep in mind that we owe the club our best, not the other way around.

I would like to acknowledge the players who have been my inspiration over the last few months. 

They have displayed much integrity, honesty and passion for their club. They have such a desire to play for each other.  

I would also like to acknowledge the players parents.  I have come to know these people and understand they have been through a lot. I thank them for their trust in me and I promise I will continue to watch over their boys in the coming months. 

I urge all involved in the next stage of this process to put the interest of the players first and foremost.

I will remain a loyal servant to this great club and will be available to help the club through the final stages of the investigation. 

This decision is also, finally, about my family, whose support has been unwavering, but who have also had to bear much of the stress of the last 5 months. 

This process has taken its toll on me, and on those around me, and I owe it to them to hand over now for the next phase. 

I will make no further comment until further notice." 

---

Hird on Saturday night did not want to comment on his friend's resignation.

However, others paid tribute to Mr Evans.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said Mr Evans had shown outstanding leadership and tremendous personal courage through a confronting, difficult period.

"David has paid a heavy personal toll with the interruption to his family and business life, with his commitment and love for his club, and the AFL applauds his efforts to make the welfare of Essendon's players his absolute priority throughout this difficult time and the AFL wishes him the very best as he steps back into private life," he said.

Essendon interim chief executive Ray Gunston said: "It is with great regret that the Essendon Football Club board has accepted the resignation of David Evans."

Essendon great Tim Watson said the players especially would miss Mr Evans.

"They see him as an outstanding leader and he's been fantastic through this whole episode," he said.

"They've not only lost the club president, they've lost a friend and a real ally."

Mr Evans had been under increased pressure since the Herald Sun on Thursday revealed differing versions of a telephone call he had with Mr Demetriou at Mr Evans' home on February 4, the night before the Bombers announced they wanted an investigation into the drug-taking claims.

On Friday, the Herald Sun revealed the differences between Mr Evans and Hird.

Mr Demetriou again denied he had tipped off Essendon about the then-impending Australian Crime Commission report into drugs in sport and that Essendon was the club named in the report.

Mr Demetriou, who is to fly to America on Sunday for a fact-finding mission, said the AFL would be taking legal action against the Herald Sun over its reporting of the situation.

In recent days, Mr Demetriou said he couldn't have tipped off Essendon because he didn't know which club was in ASADA's sights.

He said the call with Mr Evans did not include discussion about Essendon being the club named in the ACC report.

"He rang me to see if I knew any more and I said, 'I don't know any more David, I don't know who the club is'," Mr Demetriou said.

"I returned his phone call at 9pm that night.

"To say that I rang David Evans that night and said, 'I'm tipping you off that ASADA's about to investigate you' ... it simply didn't happen."

- with Michael Warner

---

AFL STATEMENT

The AFL tonight said it wished to acknowledge the service of Essendon Chairman David Evans, who this evening announced his resignation from his role.

AFL Chief Executive Andrew Demetriou said that Mr Evans had shown outstanding leadership and tremendous personal courage through a confronting, difficult period for his club and the wider game and had made a significant contribution to the Essendon Football Club.

''Essendon has been faced with one of the great challenges in the history of a proud establishment club in our competition and David has led the way over the last six months to guide the welfare of his player group and the wider club,'' Mr Demetriou said.

"These are difficult and complex matters that have been investigated, through the ASADA enquiry, and at all times David has sought to discover the facts, act in the best interests of all those under him at the club and to provide leadership on a challenging issue.''

Mr Demetriou said members and supporters of Essendon, as well as the wider football family, should acknowledge his wider work in expanding the club's base to its new home at Tullamarine and guiding the rebuild of the club to its current position entrenched in the top four.

''David has paid a heavy personal toll with the interruption to his family and business life, with his commitment and love for his club, and the AFL applauds his efforts to make the welfare of Essendon's players his absolute priority throughout this difficult time and the AFL wishes him the very best as he steps back into private life,'' he said.

ESSENDON STATEMENT FROM INTERIM CEO RAY GUNSTON

It is with great regret that the Essendon Football Club Board has accepted the resignation of David Evans.

David joined the Board in 2006, and has been Chairman since 2009.  

While his successes in leading the club are many, it will be the courage and fortitude of his leadership over the last 5 months that will be remembered.

He has led a strategy that has put the interests of our players and their families first in the AFL and ASADA investigation, called the Ziggy Switkoski report which has already led to significant change, and been the face of the club during its most difficult of times.

The Board will be meeting over the coming days to make a new appointment.

No further comment will be made.

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Barnett won't budge on schools plan

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and WA Premier Colin Barnett shake hands after their meeing in Perth, despite not reaching a deal on education reforms. Picture: Richard Polden Source: PerthNow

WA will not be part of the Federal Government's education reforms despite a last ditch plea from Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

Premier Colin Barnett today officially refused the $920 million carrot, claiming that signing up to the plan would have effectively given Canberra control over WA schools.

However this afternoon's meeting between the Premier and the Prime Minister was not all bad, with Mr Barnett saying Mr Rudd was more "conciliatory" than his predecessor.

"It was a good conversation," Mr Barnett told reporters after the 90-minute meeting.

Pictures: Kevin Rudd's day in Perth

Gillard: I was loyal to Rudd

"Obviously we talked in detail about the disability care proposals. I am hopeful we can reach agreement on the trial site here in Western Australia. The Prime Minister has said he would have a look at that.

"We also talked about schools and the major point of difference was the way the Commonwealth legislation has been put together does give the Commonwealth a huge degree of control over education at a school level.

"I am happy to have more funding into schools, particularly those that might be disadvantaged. That is admirable.

"But the West Australian government will retain control and management of its school systems."

Earlier in the day Mr Rudd said it was "just nonsense" that the states would have to report to Canberra.

"Schools are run locally," he said.

"What we simply have done with other states is agree on a line of sight for the extra money that we put into schools so that school improvement plans can be developed and then measured over time, so that you get better education outcomes for each kid. It's actually a co-investment."

Under the Better Schools funding plans, WA would have received $920 million over the next six years. $590m would have come from then federal government and $330 from the state government.

Mr Rudd said this equated to just under a million dollars extra for every WA school.

However this was not enough to convince Mr Barnett.

Despite not signing up to the education reforms, the two leaders were able to reach some understanding over the federal Government's disability care program.

Mr Barnett said the Prime Minister had agreed to consider a similar program that is currently operating the state's south-west as a trial site for the national program.

The Premier also said he found Mr Rudd to be more open to different views compared to former PM Julia Gillard.

"He was far more conciliatory," Mr Barnett said.

"Julia Gillard was very difficult to get her to change her position on anything. Some might say stubborn.

"Kevin Rudd was at least very prepared to talk very frankly and openly about the issues and I appreciate that."

Mr Rudd later launched the candidate for Perth Alannah MacTiernan's official campaign. He will be the guest speaker at a private fundraising dinner at Crown Perth tonight.

22.17 | 0 komentar | Read More

Perth man jailed for killing neighbour

Andrew Schimmel was killed in a stabbing attack by his neighbour Duran Leonard Nepean. Picture: Supplied Source: PerthNow

A MAN has been sentenced to eight years jail for killing his neighbour after he tried to intervene in a domestic argument.

Duran Leonard Nepean, 29, stabbed neighbour Andrew Schimmel six times with an ornamental knife in December 2011.

At the time, Nepean was involved in an ongoing, hours-long argument with his partner in their East Cannington home.

Mr Schimmel tried to intervene at the request of Nepean's partner, causing the two men to get into a dispute themselves.

At one stage Mr Schimmel punched Nepean to the head, rending him unconscious.

Mr Schimmel then went back to his house.

However, Mr Schimmel later heard more shouting from Nepean's house and he returned to the property.

When Mr Schimmel arrived, Nepean went into his bedroom and came back with the knife.

Tests later revealed both men had alcohol in their system and Mr Schimmel had traces of cannabis and methamphetamines.

In June this year, Nepean pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter.

In sentencing, Judge Lindy Jenkins told the Supreme Court it was likely Nepean was frightened when Mr Schimmel approached his house, but that this did not make Nepean's offence any less serious.

"By your actions you have unlawfully taken another young man's life," she said.

"Your offence is made more serious because of the amount of violence you used."

She said it was the duty of the courts to do what they could to deter young men from knife violence and therefore a prison sentence was warranted.
 

22.17 | 0 komentar | Read More

Search for CCTV of 'train oral sex'

The Public Transport Authority is investigating claims that a woman performed oral sex on a man in front of other passengers on an Armadale Line train yesterday. Picture: Sean Middleton Source: PerthNow

PERTH transport bosses are trying to trace CCTV footage to verify claims by a commuter that she witnessed a young woman performing oral sex on a man on a peak-hour train.

A witness to the incident, who only wanted to be known as Kerry, called into radio station 6PR this morning to say the incident occurred on the Armadale line about 5.30pm yesterday.

She also said transit guards had not intervened.

``We all make jokes about the Armadale line, it is so bad, and once again it's just proven to me that it's just getting worse and worse,'' she said.

The incident comes just weeks after PerthNow exposed the extent of foul language, sexist and racist comments and shameful behaviour on Perth's train network.

David Hynes, of the Perth Transport Authority, said officials were investigating the matter ``very seriously'', and would be attempting to access the CCTV vision to back up the claims.

``This is the sort of stuff people should not have to put up with, whether you're in the Hay Street Mall, or in Northbridge or on a train, so we'll be looking into it,'' Mr Hynes said.

``We have CCTV vision on all trains; we'll track down the carriage and download the vision, find out what we can and we'll be looking into it pretty seriously, including whether our transit guards could've behaved better.''

Locating the vision could take some time, as images can only be downloaded directly from the train's hard drive, which can only be done when the train is out of service.

The shocked woman commuter told 6PR: "I witnessed a group of young…middle aged people, sitting in the middle carriages on the Armadale line."

"I was a few feet down from them and in the corner there were two people, male and female with the female giving the older male oral sex, in front of everyone in the carriages.

"The other ones (in the group) were all drinking.

"It was quite intimidating, the kids there (in the group) were very vocal and a little bit aggressive."

Kerry said there were two school children on the carriage when the incident took place.

She said there were transit guards on the train in another carriage at the time, but they did not intervene and actually walked away from her after she confronted them as she got off the train.

"I don't want my children on the Armadale line…it's just so bad, it's getting worse and worse," Kerry said.

Opposition transport spokesman Ken Travers said the incident demonstrated the need for a text messaging service for passengers that people can use when they need help.

Currently passengers on Perth trains can call a dedicated number if they witness anti-social behaviour occurring.
"Who is going to ring that number and say there are two people having sex?" Mr Travers asked.

"What I have consistently said is to have a phone number the passengers can text to say we need assistance.

"This woman said she was too intimated to ring the (current) number.

"Yesterday's incident completely highlights the benefits of such a system."

 The PTA today hit back at calls for an SMS emergency system and said a trial in 2007 found it to be unsuitable.

"The SMS is unsuitable because there can be a delay between the text being sent and the information being received," spokesman David Hynes said.

"In practice, the information supplied via SMS was usually insufficient for our security people to know precisely where the incident happened.

"In the trial, we often had to send a message back to the passenger to get these details, this is not possible if the sending number is blocked which can be the case, especially with private phones even if it is not blocked, the passenger might not know the required details, or be in a position to respond to a text.

"In summary, our trial found that an SMS emergency service would be unreliable. An unreliable service is possibly worse than none at all as it leads to the expectation that help is on the way, when this may not be the case."

22.17 | 0 komentar | Read More

Perth cops another night of wild weather

Wild winds, thunderstorms, heavy rain, and possible hail are forecast for Friday night. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

THE second part of a double-barrelled storm system will bring destructive winds, heavy rain and possible hail to Perth and the South West overnight.

The weather bureau is warning of thunderstorms, wild winds whipping up to 110km/h in parts, heavy rain and possible hail on Friday night.

It comes after a storm battered the metropolitan area and the South West in the early hours of Friday.

Friday night forecast

Cloudy. Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms. Damaging winds possible. Possible hail and heavy falls. Winds westerly 30 to 40 km/h, decreasing to 25 to 30 km/h in the late evening.

Saturday forecast

Max: 19. Min: 9. Partly cloudy. Scattered showers contracting to the coast in the late afternoon. Isolated thunderstorms in the morning with possible hail and gusty winds. Damaging winds possible in the morning. Winds westerly 30 to 45 km/h tending southwesterly in the morning then becoming light in the late evening.

DFES warning

At 3:30pm the Bureau of Meteorology advises that a cold front lies just off the west coast with an associated deep low to the south of the state.

The front will move across the region this evening and the deep low will move towards the southern coastline towards sunrise on Saturday.

The passage of the front is likely to result in widespread damaging winds to 110 kilometres per hour that could result in damage to homes and property over an area west of a line Kalbarri to Dalwallinu to York to Bunbury extending to west of a line Kalbarri to Paynes Find to Hyden to Bunbury in the evening.

This system is likely to produce high sustained winds and frequent squalls with showers and thunderstorms.

Conditions are expected to ease towards midnight as the front moves inland and weakens but as the deep low approaches the south coast, showers and thunderstorms are again likely to produce widespread damaging winds to 110 kilometres per hour that could result in damage to homes and property over an area southwest of a line Gingin to York to Walpole between 4:00am and 10:00am.

Small hail is also possible with thunderstorms.

Large swells will lead to dangerous surf conditions which could cause significant beach erosion along the west coast south of Kalbarri.

SES crews kept busy

SES volunteers are on standby ahead of the oncoming severe weather.

The SES received 22 requests for assistance in the Perth metropolitan area caused by the Friday morning storm activity, including eight calls from Wanneroo and five from Mandurah.

The most significant damage was a patio blown off a house in Heathridge and a chimney collapse in Como.

Southern capes, Perth coast lashed by high winds

The South West capes and Perth coast were lashed by high winds early on Friday morning with Cape Leeuwin recording a maximum gust of 98km/h at 8.35am with consistent gusts up to 82km/h since about 6am.

Nearby Cape Naturaliste has also been buffeted by 50km/h-80km/h winds most of the night with a top gust of 78km/h at 8.40am.

Rottnest Island has been buffeted by gusts to 96km/h mid-morning after repeated gusts up to 85km/h from around 9.45am. Ocean Reef recorded a gust of 89km/h at 10.09am after an earlier 82km/h gust.

Mandurah was blasted by 65km/h wind gusts.

DFES warned residents in the south-west of corner of WA to prepare for dangerous weather last night.

See PerthNow weather for the latest live radar, storm warning and seven-day forecast

Mt William, in the Dwellingup state forest, had the state's highest fall with 36mm.

In the South West, most centres recorded 10mm to 20mm with Boyanup 23mm, Henty Brook 22mm, Collie 21mm, Witchcliffe 18mm and Busselton 15mm.

Rainfalls, between 5mm-12mm got through to the Great Southern, while farmers in the Central Wheatbelt got 5mm-10mm. Grain growers will by buoyed by recent rains which have revived hopes of a successful harvest.

RAINS ADD LITTLE TO DAMS

Despite heavy rains in the last two weeks, Perth's dam levels remain at their second lowest since 2006.

A Water Corporation spokeswoman said recent rains had made "minimal difference" to the dam levels, which currently sit at 155.66 gigalitres.

In 2011, the July dam levels were at their lowest since 2006, with just 149.27 gigalitres.

"The ground is just so dry, it's acting like a sponge, there's no run off," the spokeswoman said.

She said in the last few years, run off from winter rains had been so lacking, rainfall was no longer the primary water source for Perth which is why there had been such a large investment in desalination plants.

22.17 | 0 komentar | Read More

Boy, 11, dies 'driving to meet bus'

A young boy died last night in WA's Great Southern after the car he was driving on a rural property hit a tree and overturned.

An 11-year-old boy has died in the car he was driving on a farm in Frankland River, about 340km south-east of Perth. Source: PerthNow

A YOUNG boy died last night in WA's Great Southern after the car he was driving on a rural property hit a tree and overturned.

The incident occurred about 4.30pm in the small town of Frankland River, about 340km south-east of Perth.

It is believed 11-year-old boy and his nine-year-old sister were driving on the property's driveway to meet the school bus when they crashed.

The girl was flown to Perth for medical treatment to an arm injury.

Frankland River is a small farming community about 46km west of Cranbrook, and 18km north of Rocky Gully.

In a separate incident late yesterday a 27-year-old Margaret River man died after the Holden Commodore he was driving hit a tree in Binningup, about 150km south of Perth.

Police say the man was travelling south on Old Coast Road about 7pm when he lost control and hit a tree on the centre median strip.

The man, who was the only person in the car, died at the scene.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or the vehicle prior to the crash is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The latest deaths bring the road toll this year to 94, compared to 100 at the same time last year. It is believed the 11-year-old's death won't be counted in the statistics as it occurred on a farm.

 

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

The filthy rich who own Australia

Low turnover on the BRW list is testament to how astute wealthy families are at protecting their money Source: News Limited

• Smorgon family again claim title as most prosperous
• Worth a whopping $2.64 billion
• Combined wealth of top three families is $6.84 billion

AUSTRALIA'S super rich aren't a new breed, with three old-monied families retaining their long-held reign as the nation's wealthiest dynasties.

The Melbourne-based Smorgon family, which originally amassed its fortune from meat processing and more recently steel, has been the most cashed-up clan on the BRW Rich Families List for 15 years.

They are worth a whopping $2.64 billion, but even rich-listers are feeling the resources pinch with the Smorgon's wealth edging up only slightly from $2.63 last year.

Fellow Melbourne families, retailing billionaires the Besens and the investment diversified Liberman are in second and third place respectively on the list.

The trio's combined wealth is $6.84 billion, down from $6.98 billion last year.

While second and third place has changed slightly since 2008, it has been the same three families at the pointy end of the BRW list for years.

Highly diversified holdings such as theirs is sometimes crudely referred to as "parasitic wealth" as it creates compounding funds, without much need for new or outside investment and development.

The average wealth of the returning families on the list of 50 is up 1.5 per cent, with the cooling of the resources boom, and difficulties in the beef industry hurting their well-lined hip pockets.

Property remains one of the key investment sectors for Australia's wealthiest families, and this year the Whites of Ray White Real Estate return to the list after an absence in 2012.

The Young family at number 48 provide the list with its most unusual inclusion. Angus and Malcolm are founding members of the legendary rock and roll band AC/DC, while their brother George is a highly successful songwriter and producer.

Unlike billionaires Gina Rinehart, Clive Palmer and James Packer, the ultra-wealthy on BRW's Rich Families List are not widely recognised.

However, BRW editor James Thomson says more than 70 per cent of Australian companies identify as family businesses.

"Family businesses are going through difficult transitions at the moment as second, third and even fourth generations emerge, often with very different goals to their parents," Mr Thomson said.

"More and more of the wealthiest families are moving assets to fourth and even fifth generation family members and families face the challenge of diversifying assets and accommodating expanding pools of claimants."

Mr Thomson said low turnover on the list is testament to how astute wealthy families are at protecting their money. They tend to ride out bumps - like the global financial crisis - much more smoothly than most investors, he said.

FAMILY- WEALTH- INDUSTRY

Smorgon-$2.64bn-Investment

Besen-$2.1bn-Property, retail

Liberman-$2.1bn-Investment

Myer-$2.01bn-Investment, retail, property

Wilson-$1.83bn-Retail

STATE- NUMBER ON LIST

New South Wales 23

Victoria 16

Queensland 10

Western Australia 3

South Australia 3

Northern Territory 1

Overseas 1

###

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Perth fuel prices to hit record high

Perth petrol prices will hit a new high on Thursday. Picture: Sorbello Alf Source: PerthNow

THE price of fuel in Perth will hit a record high on Thursday.

Fuelwatch is advising drivers to fill their tank this evening, before the metropolitan average for ULP reaches 160.6cpl tomorrow.

The previous highest daily metropolitan average for ULP was 160 cpl in July 2008 when the ULP price peaked at 172 cpl at Mundijong.

Tomorrow the highest ULP price will again be at Mundijong, where motorists will pay 165cpl.

Most Coles Express, Caltex and Caltex Woolworths sites will hike their ULP price by 14 cpl up to 163.9 cpl. Most BP and Gull sites are increasing their ULP price to 161.9 cpl and Peak sites are going up to 160.9 cpl. There will be over 30 Perth sites selling below 150 cpl.

Thursday's cheapest ULP will be available for 147.8 cpl at Caltex Woolworths outlets in South Lake, Canning Vale, Clarkson and Greenwood.

Tomorrow's metropolitan average price for LPG will be 78.4cpl

For more information go to fuelwatch.wa.gov.au
 

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

WA economy to slow

The WA economy is facing a slowdown, according to the CCI WA. Picture: Supplied

WA'S peak business body says economic growth will ease in the next two years as business investment continues to slow down.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA today released its quarterly outlook downgrading the state's economic growth to 5.75 per cent in 2013-14 from 6.5 per cent previously forecast.

The chamber, which has lobbied both State and Federal Governments to help deal with the high cost of doing business in the state, said a second wave of investment projects was less likely because of the "high cost environment".

CCI WA chief economist John Nicolaou said while there was a strong investment pipeline many of the projects were moving to the final stages of construction and business investment levels would return to "normal levels".

Business investment jumped by 10 per cent in 2012-13, fuelling the state's economic growth of 6.25 per cent, according to CCIWA predictions.

Though investment in expanding projects may be over the business body expects the additional capacity created to result in a 9 per cent growth in exports during 2013-14 and 8 per cent in 2014-15.

Dwelling investment, which grew by 4 per cent in 2012-13, is also tipped to jump by 8 per cent this financial year and 2 per cent the following year.

The state's booming population will also help increase consumer spending, forecast to grow by 4.5 per cent in 2013-14 and 2014-15.

Unemployment was also predicted to average 4.5 per cent over the next two financial years.

Despite that CCIWA warned the decline in business and consumer confidence was a potential risk to the state's economic growth.

"An extended period of low confidence could work to reduce investment, particularly in the SME sector, as well as spending and dwelling investment by consumers," it said.

However, Mr Nicolaou said the lower rates of growth in coming years were not "a cause for alarm" as the fundamentals of the economy remained strong.

"We have an environment of low interest rates, increasing incomes, strong population growth and low unemployment," he said.

"This is already providing the conditions for stronger activity across other sectors of the economy, which will set us on a more sustainable growth over the longer term."
 

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Queen meets Britain's new baby prince

Prince William said his son has "his mother's looks, thankfully" as he and Kate made their first public appearance with their son, Britain's new prince. Rough Cut (no reporter narration).

QUEEN Elizabeth II paid a private visit on Wednesday to Prince William and his wife Kate to meet their newborn son, her great-grandson who will one day inherit the throne.

The 87-year-old spent just over half an hour at Kensington Palace in London where the still unnamed infant, the third in line to the throne, was spending his first day after leaving hospital.

The queen had said Tuesday she was "thrilled'' about the latest addition to the family.

Wednesday's meeting was the first between the queen and her new heir, and she became the first British monarch to meet a third-generation direct heir since Queen Victoria a century ago.

The monarch, wearing a turquoise floral outfit, made the visit without her husband Prince Philip, 92, who is convalescing following exploratory surgery on his abdomen last month.

Afterwards, William, Kate and the baby left the palace in a Range Rover, bound for the home of Kate's parents Michael and Carole Middleton in the village of Bucklebury, west of London.

William is taking two weeks' paternity leave from his job as a Royal Air Force search-and-rescue helicopter pilot, and palace officials said he and Kate would now spend "private and quiet time for them to get to know their son.''

Queen Elizabeth II has become the first British monarch to meet a third-generation direct heir since Queen Victoria a century ago. Picture: Philip Toscano

Palace officials said Prince Harry has also been to see his new nephew whose name hasn't been revealed yet. That could take anything from a few hours to several weeks - the queen did not announce the name of William's father, Prince Charles, until a month after his birth in 1948.

The new parents had earlier returned to Kensington Palace, where Pippa Middleton was introduced to her nephew – and took her boyfriend Nico Jackson along to meet him too.
 
The couple drove to the Palace to greet the newborn prince as he was being settled into his new home. They were among the first to meet him in private and were able to give him a longed-for cuddle, The Daily Mail reports.

While nannies and nursemaids have always played an important role in the lives of royal children, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are to depart from tradition with their son. Kate will look after the young prince without the help of a full-time nanny for the foreseeable future.
 
A Palace aide confirmed for the first time that the Duchess intends to do without a nanny, saying household staff were "not aware" of any plans to hire one.
 
Asked if the Duke and Duchess would have any help getting used to parenthood over the coming days, the aide said: "They have both got families that will care hugely for this baby."
 
The Duchess has made clear that she plans to spend a great deal of time with her own family. Michael and Carole Middleton have recently bought a Georgian manor in rural Berkshire.

Her mother Carole, who Catherine is very close to, has been described as a "Tiger mum", and is expected to be a "Tiger Granny" with her young grandson.

Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge' new-born baby boy seen in a car seat outside the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in London on July 23, 2013. AFP PHOTO / CARL COURT Source: AFP

Earlier today, the moment the world had waited for emerged, as Prince William and his wife emerged from St Mary's hospital to show off their son and the future king - and now you can experience the moment as if you were there.

Britain's Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge hold the Prince of Cambridge, as they pose for photographers outside St. Mary's Hospital exclusive Lindo Wing in London. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

Barely a day old, the son of Prince William and wife Kate was shown to the world from the steps of  St Mary's hospital in London about 7.15pm local time (4.15am AEST).

With the cheers of well-wishers ringing in their ears, the royal couple could not contain their joy as they broke from protocol and walked out of the Lindo Wing to face the world's media and chat about their new addition.

With our special 360-degree panorama and video (above) we put you front and centre at the historic moment. It's easy to use: Just click on four arrows to expand then use your arrow keys – or finger if on a mobile – to guide it around.

PICTURE: Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images

Kate, wearing a blue Jenny Packham polka-dot dress, was holding the boy first before passing him to her husband.

The Prince of Cambridge, makes his public debut outside the Lindo Wing of St. Mary's Hospital, in London. The boy will be third in line to the British throne. (AP Photo/John Stillwell, Pool)

"He's a big boy, quite heavy, we're still working on a name so we will have that as soon as we can," William gushed as at least a thousand spectators cheered wildly from behind a police cordon.

When asked about his experiences so far William said "well he had a good pair of lungs on him that's for sure."

The prince confirmed the bub was overdue and quipped "I will remind him of his tardiness when he is older."

Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge shows off their newborn baby boy to the world's media outside the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in London. Source: AP

Kate, cradling Prince Cambridge, said it had been an experience.

"It's been very emotional, it's such a special time. Any parent will know what this feeling is like."

Kate shows off her new prince.

Staring down at his baby boy, William later said "he's got her looks thankfully" to which Kate replied "no, no, I'm not sure about that".

Prince William then joked about his own hair loss saying "he's got way more than me thank God."

The unnamed baby raised a tiny hand above his white blankets.

William said the couple were "still working on a name".

Kate revealed her husband had changed his first nappy to which William proudly agreed.

The new prince continues to inspire and delight social media, check out our live blog below on the global reaction to the royal newborn then scroll on for more colour from the baby's first public appearance.

Britain's Prince William, carries the Prince of Cambridge to the car as they leave St. Mary's Hospital exclusive Lindo Wing in London where the Duchess gave birth on Monday July 22. Photo: Joel Ryan/Invision/AP Source: AP

After a while William carried his son back into the hospital and re-emerged a short time later with the bub in a car capsule which he installed without mishap. 

He appeared to breathe a sigh of relief after successfully getting it all in before the three of them drove off to start their new life as a family.  

 Kate's sister Pippa was reportedly waiting for them at Kensington Palace.

The young family's first public appearance together has been the moment that the world's media and crowds of onlookers had been waiting for, and the photographs snapped today are likely to be reprinted for decades as the baby grows into adulthood and his role as a future king.

The appearance recalls a similar appearance three decades ago, when Princess Diana and Prince Charles carried the newborn William out to pose for photographs on the same steps in 1982.

Princess Diana and Prince Charles leave St Mary's Hospital with a newborn Prince William in 1982. Source: AP

Earlier, Prince Charles and Camilla came to visit their grandson at 5.30 pm local time. Dozens of hospital staff were brought out the front of the Lindo Wing moments before he arrived in a Jaguar.

The first in line to the throne had said earlier he couldn't wait to meet the third in line to the throne. "Have you had a long wait?," he asked hospital staff and media standing by the entrance.

Their arrival was met with euphoric rock-star screams from onlookers. Charles and Camilla were clearly delighted at being able to visit their grandchild and the reception they received as they smiled broadly and waved to the crowd.

Prince William Duke of Cambridge and Catherine Duchess of Cambridge depart The Lindo Wing with their newborn son at St Mary's Hospital on July 23, 2013 in London, England. (Photo: Stuart C. Wilson/Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

Midwife Judith Robbins could not believe her luck as she was escorted to the front of the barriers by the steps of the Lindo Wing to await the exit of the royal couple.

The Midwifery Sister from St Mary's Hospital has seen many babies in her time but this one was special.

The unthinkable happened as the batteries in her camera ran out just as the couple emerged from the hospital to show their baby.

"I didn't get a photo because the batteries died," the sister said with a laugh after the couple had left. "I was here for the last two hours. But I had a little tiny glimpse of the baby yes."

The midwife said the whole experience was special whether or not it was recorded on a photograph.

The massed ranks of the media capture the moment the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge leave the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in London, with their newborn son. AP Photo/Steve Parson Source: AP

"It really was so special, they are all special (babies) but it was a real privilege to have this baby, this wonderful new monarch that is going to be, to be delivered here in our hospital is just amazing.  There are a lot of hospitals in this country but they came to us and that is pretty lovely."

As each hour passed after lunchtime the crowds outside the Lindo Wing doors grew. Mothers with babies, tourists, nearby office workers, students and the idly curious.

Some climbed on post boxes or high steel picket fences for higher vantages. Others simply held their mobile phone cameras in the air and aimed in the general direction of the doors to see what was happening.

It rained off and on throughout the afternoon but it didn't seem to make a difference to the numbers.

Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge show their new-born baby boy to the world's media outside the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in Londo. AFP / ANDREW COWIE Source: AFP

Many came after hearing on the radio confirmed reports Kate's hairdresser Amanda Cook Tucker had earlier arrived at the hospital as had a royale aide carrying a baby capsule. Many understood that could only mean one thing.

Then about 7.20pm the new royal family emerged. Kate and Wills stood in the middle of the road to chat to the press and wave to the adoring crowds to the utter delight of all, their words barely audibly over the cheers and screams.

After the royals left, tourist Mohsin Mokaram yelled "I got them, I got them" as he scrolled back through his mobile phone and saw a blurry blue dress image of Kate in the distance.

"I'm so happy I saw them," the special effects technician said.

"I love the royals, I always read about them and it was so good to see them now."

Lisa Sharpe, another midwife standing outside waiting for the couple, described the baby as stunning.

"What we saw looked absolutely gorgeous and you wouldn't expect anything else... beautiful boy. I was very honoured to be part of this and witness over the last couple of weeks all the preparations. Obviously today seeing the happy new family going home healthy ... is what a midwife likes to see."

Another tourist, Jilly Bryant, caught a glimpse of the royal couple. "I think I will have goose bumps for hours and hours," she said.

Many in the crowd said one of the loveliest moments was seeing Prince William drive his family home himself.

Prince William the Duke of Cambridge and wife Kate holds their new-born baby boy in front of the world's media outside the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in London. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

"I was not planning on shouting out 'congratulations' or whoop wooing, but you kind of got absorbed in the moment really. It just happened, that spontaneous reaction," Ms Sharpe said.

The royal baby was earlier visited by Kate's parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, who described him as "absolutely beautiful."

"They are both doing really well and we are so thrilled," Carole Middleton said.

Asked if she had suggested a name for the baby, she replied: "Absolutely not!"

Kensington Palace said Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, gave birth to the 8 pound, 6 ounce (3.8 kilogram) baby boy at 4.24pm on Monday, triggering an impromptu party outside Buckingham Palace and in front of the hospital's Lindo Wing.

The palace said on Tuesday that "mother, son and father are all doing well this morning".

As celebratory lights, gun salutes and other tributes were unleashed in Britain and abroad, William thanked staff at St Mary's Hospital "for the tremendous care the three of us have received".

"We know it has been a very busy period for the hospital and we would like to thank everyone - staff, patients and visitors - for their understanding during this time," he said in a statement. 

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tomic called to testify on assault

Picture taken inside court today of Bernard Tomic, John Tomic and Thomas Drouet. Picture: Charles Miranda Source: News Limited

TENNIS ace Bernard Tomic yesterday faced a volley of questions from prosecutors in Madrid in the opening day of a hearing into allegations his father headbutted his tennis practice partner outside a hotel in Spain.

The 20-year-old world number 41 was called to the stand as a witness to crucially reveal what his father Ivica 'John' told him in the moments after the fight which left Frenchman Thomas Drouet unconscious, with a broken nose and injured vertebrae.

His evidence came after that of his father, who is charged with one count of actual bodily harm, burst into tears as he was questioned on the stand about the incident.

The court heard on May 4 Drouet was found unconscious about 3.30pm outside a hotel in Madrid after an altercation with Tomic Snr but the Judge Jacobo Vigil Levi heard two very different versions as to who hit who. The case was adjourned with Mr Levi reserving his decision for another day.

Bernard Tomic did not see the fight but gave evidence about how his father came rushing into the hotel reception area and said "he hit me". Tomic was also asked about what he told police who arrived at the scene a short time after the fight.

"Is it true when police arrived you told them your father attacked Thomas Drouet?" prosecutor's asked the tennis star.

"No I didn't say that, I said there was a situation and that was it, mind you the police English was very bad," he said.

"I was checking in (to hotel) and all of a sudden my dad came in with blood on his face saying 'he hit me'."

He then described how he went outside and saw Drouet lying unconscious with people around him.

Bernard Tomic, looking nervous as he stood to give evidence, was asked a number of times about those crucial moments after the assault and what his father told him.

He replied with the same answer that he knew nothing of the situation and his father was "very stressed" after so he never asked him what happened.

He was asked whether at any time his father recognised he hit Drouet and he replied "no".

Earlier in a sensational moment, Tomic Snr with the court's permission re-enacted the point at which he says Drouet punched him and pulled him around in a clash he alleges was provoked by the 30-year-old Frenchman.

"He grabbed me and he pulled me around to him, and he tried to hit me and then he fell, I don't know how he fell," Tomic Snr said.

"There were some people there and I said 'he hit me', he fell down I don't know how. Then I went into the hotel reception and I saw Bernard and I say to him 'he hit me and fell down I don't know how'."

When he was asked whether it was true he admitted to police hitting Drouet, Tomic Snr burst into tears with audible sobs and wiping away tears said it was not true.

"I never said I hit him ... they had a translator on the phone ... they all spoke bad English, I didn't hit him and I didn't say I hit him," he said.

The police officer at the scene, identified only through his badge number 10480 said he understood both Tomics very well and what they said that day.

"Bernard Tomic said that the person that attacked was his father and his father was now in the reception," the officer said.

"I went to talk to Tomic (Snr) and he told me himself 'he attacked him' with my English level I understood perfectly what he was telling me. He was telling me "I hit him" and he mimicked actions.

The officer said he only did High School level English but he understood and also followed Tomic's mimicking on that day as he was spoken to.

"With his mimic I understood perfectly," he told the court and then described the original mimic by Tomic ducking a punch and headbutting Drouet.

A second officer also gave evidence that Tomic Jnr told her how his father headbutted Drouet although admitted her English was not great.

Drouet also gave evidence and recounted how it was Tomic called him outside, they had an argument and Tomic spat in his face. He said Tomic then turned away for a second before turning back and headbutting him.

Two doctors also gave evidence. A decision is likely in two to three weeks.

Bernard Tomic sits outside the courtroom moments before hearing into the alleged assault of practice partner Thomas Drouet by his father John Tomic. Picture: Charles Miranda Source: News Limited

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hames resigns as tourism minister

OUT OF TOURISM: Kim Hames will continue as Health Minister. Source: Supplied

SENIOR WA minister Kim Hames has resigned his tourism portfolio after he admitted wrongly claiming more than $1000 for accommodation expenses.

Dr Hames admitted to The Sunday Times that he had wrongly claimed for an MP's allowance for staying at his home in Perth several times totalling $1013.

Dr Hames apologised for the oversight.

But on his first day back from leave, Premier Colin Barnett insisted Dr Hames step down as tourism minister.

Mr Barnett said the mistakes were innocent, but serious and not excusable.

There must be consequences, he said.

"When you hold public office, the standards for good reason are high,'' Mr Barnett told reporters.

"He paid a high price.''

The premier said Dr Hames had made the errors on four occasions and possibly on two other occasions.

He would repay the $1013 and was checking his records for any further omissions.

"In no way did Kim set out to take advantage of the accommodation allowance,'' Mr Barnett said.

An emotional Dr Hames echoed Mr Barnett, saying "there has to be a consequence''.

"Going back looking through them, I can see that I've just made errors,'' Dr Hames said.

"I haven't deliberately done any of these - they've all been accidental - but they're mistakes nonetheless.''

He denied he had been treated too harshly, given Treasurer Troy Buswell made the same mistake several times.

Opposition leader Mark McGowan - who said Dr Hames should not have been allowed to remain health minister after problems in the portfolio - said Mr Buswell appeared to be ``a protected species''.

"It does beg the question as to why Mr Buswell escaped consequences for exactly the same offence as Dr Hames,'' he said, admitting he hadn't scrutinised his own MPs' expenses.

Mr Barnett conceded the state government's allowances claiming system was cumbersome and would be reviewed.

Dr Hames agreed the system could be simplified.

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

'The night I became a human fireball'

THEN: Dana Vulin, pictured before the attack, told a court today her  life was now a "daily battle". Source: PerthNow

TEARFUL: Burns victim Dana Vulin leaves the District Court with family members and supporters. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: PerthNow

NOW: Ms Dana Vulin leaves the District Court after giving evidence. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: PerthNow

DANA Vulin broke down in tears as she told a District Court jury about the night she became a "human fireball" after a bottle of methylated spirits was thrown at her while she was holding a naked flame.

Ms Vulin, 27, gave evidence in the trial of Natalie Dimitrovska, 28, who denies a charge of grievous bodily harm over the attack on Ms Vulin in the early hours of February 16, 2012.

Ms Dimitrovska is accused of setting Ms Vulin on fire during an argument between the two over Ms Dimitrovska's estranged husband Edin Handanovic.

The two women knew of each other before the 2012 fight, but in the weeks leading up to the February attack, Ms Dimitrovska allegedly harassed Ms Vulin with constant phone calls accusing her of "hiding'' Mr Handanovic.

Today, Ms Vulin appeared in court with her head, face, arms and torso in pressure bandages to help her healing burns.

On the stand, she said she met Mr Handanovic on New Year's Eve 2011 at the casino and saw him on one other occasion after that.

She said she then got a phone call on Australia Day from Ms Dimitrovska saying the couple were back together.

"She told me to watch my back: that she knew about my previous charges and that she hoped I would rot in my jail cell" Ms Vulin said.

"She told me things like she was going to bash my head in."

Ms Vulin was convicted and fined last year for drug possession.

She told the jury she thought the matter was finished, but between January 26 and mid-February, she received dozens of phone calls from Ms Dimitrovska who would allegedly threaten her.

"She was calling me a bitch, asking where he was and saying 'you're f***ing dead bitch'," Ms Vulin told the court.

Ms Vulin said two days before she was set alight, she was getting ready for a court appearance when Ms Dimitrovska knocked at the door of her Rivervale apartment, which was in a secure complex.
She said Ms Dimitrovska went through her home searching for Mr Handanovic, who was not there.

Ms Vulin said she asked Ms Dimitrovska how she found out where she lived.

She told the jury Ms Dimitrovska said she knew Ms Vulin lived near the casino and spent three days at apartment complexes asking if anyone knew of her.

Ms Vulin said in the early hours of February 16, she had fallen asleep on the couch and woke up to a woman's voice saying "Hello Dana."

"It was Natalie, she was in my apartment," Ms Vulin told the court.

Ms Vulin said she went into her en suite and when she came back, a man called Daniel Stone was with Ms Dimitrovska.

She said Ms Dimitrovska again asked about Mr Handanovic and then started to smoke methylamphetamine with a glass pipe and an open flame lamp.

The lamp belonged to Ms Vulin.

Ms Vulin said she took the lamp off Ms Dimitrovska and told her to get out of her house.

She said Ms Dimitrovska then turned to Mr Stone and asked him what he thought.

"He said 'You know what I think, the b**** is full of s***'," Ms Vulin said.

That was when Ms Dimitrovska allegedly picked up a bottle of methylated spirits, yelled at Ms Vulin and threw the liquid at her.

"She just doused me in methylated spirits. I was pretty much instantly on fire. I was a human fireball," Ms Vulin said.

"The moment I was on fire, they just laughed and ran out of my apartment."

She told the jury she rolled on the floor, poured water on herself and kicked on the neighbour's door, crying out for help.

"But no one came," she said.

A neighbour eventually found her in her shower and phoned emergency services.

Ms Vulin received burns to almost 60 per cent of her body. Her neck fused to her chest because of it.
She said life was now a "daily battle."

"I haven't even showered myself or changed myself in 18 months," she said.

In her opening address this morning, prosecutor Linda Petrusa said in the days after Ms Vulin's attack, police tried to make contact with Ms Dimitrovska and Mr Stone, even tapping their phones.

Ms Petrusa told the jury it was through the phone taps police learnt Ms Dimitrovska had booked tickets to fly out of the country, just hours before arresting her at Perth International Airport.

She said it would also be claimed Ms Dimitrovska coloured her hair from blonde to brunette to avoid being found when police told media they were looking for a blonde woman.

Ms Dimitrovska denies the charge, and her lawyer Hylton Quail told the court there was ``another side to the story'' which he would reveal in her defence.

The trial, before Judge James Goetz, is set down for seven days.

Ms Vulin will continue giving evidence Tuesday, July 23.

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ten boats to test Rudd's resolve

Angry protesters have met Kevin Rudd outside a special caucus meeting in Sydney.

PEOPLE smugglers are testing Kevin Rudd's new PNG Solution with up to ten boats on their way amid revelations the cost of the first year operation of an expanded Manus Island camp could exceed $1 billion.

The expected influx comes as a vessel which was overdue at Christmas Island yesterday was found by Australian rescuers with 30 passengers safe and well.

Asylum seekers who have arrived since the deal was signed have broken down in tears when told they would be taken to Manus Island and resettled in PNG.

Four boats carrying more than 250 people have arrived since Friday but only single adult men can be sent to PNG immediately with families to remain in Australia until facilities are ready, which could take until next year.

A group of 15 Vietnamese asked to be returned home from Manus Island at the weekend with the Australian government to give them hoes, wheelbarrows and shovels and $300 each to encourage them to remain in Vietnam as farmers and not attempt to sail to Australia again.

It comes as there was renewed questions of the two page agreement with Papua New Guinea which provided the country with a blank cheque to resettle refugees.

In the past week other documents related to government spending include a 35 page paper on a request for new TVs for Senator's offices and a 16 page paper to justify a quote for two electric guitars for the Department of Defence.

The government is yet to release the cost of the PNG plan but just expanding existing Manus Island facilities to run a processing centre for 3000 asylum seekers is expected to cost up to $1.1 billion in its first year of operations.

Asylum seekers at Flying Fish Cove, Christmas Island, believed to be the first group subject to the new rules.

And that is before the cost of resettlement, which could cost up to $15,000 per person, and the pricey promise to help the third world country rebuild health facilities and to fund a new university system.

The costs, drawn from the Immigration Department's own contract estimates of operating processing centres, suggest the expansion of Manus Island from 600 detainees to 3000 would incur an initial cost of $600 million.

Operational costs of managing a centre of that size could be as high as $480 million a year, according to recent departmental contracts on the costs of running offshore processing centres.

Yesterday Immigration Minister Tony Burke said the cost would be less because temporary facilities such as tents would be used. However, PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill appeared to contradict Mr Burke claiming he would demand a permanent facility.

The Government has argued that the eventual cost would be budget neutral because the number of asylum seekers would fall.

"Labor's blank cheque solution for PNG is short on detail and long on cost. With Labor's record of $10.3bn in cost blowouts so far, whatever figure Chris Bowen comes up with, you can be confident that the costs will only rise from that point on,:" Opposition immigration spokesman Scott Morrison said.

Meanwhile, Uniting Church Reverend Elenie Poulos, who is also Chair of Australian Churches Refugee taskforce, said the PNG policy was unchristian.

"Turning people away is not a Christian response," she said.

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Royal baby: Kate goes into labour

The Duchess of Cambridge has gone into labour. Source: AP

THE Duchess of Cambridge last night went into labour and was rushed to hospital in central London with Prince William at her side to give birth to the future heir to the throne.

Shortly before 7.30am local time, Kensington Palace made the public announcement Kate had earlier been admitted to St Mary's Hospital in Paddington and was in "the early stages of labour".

"The duchess travelled by car from Kensington Palace to the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital with the Duke of Cambridge," the palace stated in a very brief statement.

Palace sources about eight hours after she was admitted into hospital added: "Kate went into labour naturally and things are progressing well".

The Duchess of Cambridge has been admitted to hospital in the early stages of labour. Source: AP

"Things are progressing as normal,'' the couple's spokesman said.

STORY: Kate joins exclusive mums' club

PICTURES: Kate's splendid pregnancy look

PICTURES: Prince William and Kate Middleton

The 31-year-old duchess was admitted at 5.30am London time making the short drive with Prince William and a police minder from her home at Kensington Palace.

STORY: Hospital has long tradition of royal births

PICTURES: Gorgeous Little Royals

Prince William is with his wife at the private Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, west London, where he himself was born in 1982. His mother Princess Diana also gave birth to William's younger brother Prince Harry there.

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge has been admitted to St. Mary's Hospital, Paddington, London in the early stages of labour.

— Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) July 22, 2013

A palace official had earlier contacted royal physician and the Queen's former gynaecologist Marcus Setchell and current royal gynaecologist Alan Farthing to be at the hospital. Both men had been on standby for some days, armed with encrypted mobile phones waiting for the call.

RELATED: Royal baby by the numbers

STORY: Tweets fly as users share royal baby news

Prince Charles, who will become a grandfather for the first time, was yesterday asked about the birth while he visited a train museum in York in the far north of the country.

When asked what he knew of the labour, he replied: "Absolutely nothing at the moment, we're waiting."

Prince Charles views a steam locomotive at the National Railway Museum in York as his son William's wife, Kate, is in the early stages of labor in London. Picture: Lynne Cameron Source: AP

Prime Minister David Cameron described it as a "very exciting occasion" and said the whole nation "is hoping for the best".

The archbishop of Canterbury the Most Reverand Justin Welby tweeted: "My thoughts and prayers are with Kate and the whole family on this enormously special day."
 

PICTURES: Kate Middleton growing up

The announcement ends three weeks of speculation as the likely birth date for the royal baby who if it is a girl, will be the first royal born in 300 years who will be a future heir to the throne without the likelihood of any future male babies leapfrogging her in line of succession.
 

Outside the hospital, a large contingent of the world press stretching an incredible 150m along the road fronting the hospital and in parts 10 people deep, gave out a small cheer as news broke the birth process had begun.

The royal couple managed to enter the hospital through a private entrance, avoiding the large throng of media camped out at various entrances to the hospital. A number of police were immediately posted outside the ward and the hospital wing. Across the country, the momentous early morning news attracted great public excitement and relief. Hundreds descended on the hospital within the first few hours of the news.

At Buckingham Palace crowds also gathered outside the gates on what was the hottest days of the year with the mercury tipping 32 degrees. Britons and other well wishers were being directed to Buckingham Palace instead of the hospital street which was already overcrowded by midmorning.

ANALYSIS: Futurists discuss how the world will change

While Prince William will personally ring his grandmother the Queen to tell her the news as well as his father Prince Charles it is at Buckingham Palace that the public will hear the news.

At the Palace officials were dusting off plans for an elaborate "piece of theatre", as officials have called it, that will follow the birth and follows tradition.

After the baby is born, all doctors and staff present signed an official proclamation that is then handed to a royal courier who is then given a police escort through the streets of central London to hand the note to the palace.

The note is then to be placed on an elaborate easel, last used 30 years ago to announce William's birth, to be placed on display in the courtyard of the palace near the front gates to be read by the public.

In days of old the notice would be tied to the railings but these days it has to be placed behind in case someone wants to souvenir it. London-based artillery squad will then give a 41-gun salute and church bells across the land will ring out. The Tower of London will also fire a succession of 62 cannon blasts to celebrate the birth.

At the same time the bulletin is posted, there will be an official announcement on Twitter and the media will be formally notified. The document will give the baby's gender, weight and time of birth.

It could be some time before the baby's name is made public. When William was born, a week passed before his name was announced. Charles's name remained a mystery for an entire month.

Former press secretary to the Queen Dickie Arbiter said the birth was a historic first.

"There will be three heirs in waiting while the sovereign is fit and well and that's a first," he said.

A ROYAL BABY LABOUR PLAYLIST

William and Kate have made it publicly known they have no idea the sex of the baby, in a life so stage managed there are very few surprises they have the luxury of enjoying and wanted to enjoy this one.

Kate is also planning to have a natural birth at the prestigious Lindo Wing where a 24-hour care package can cost more than AUD$10,000.

Both Prince William and Prince Harry were both born at the same wing.

The news Kate had gone into labour no doubt pleased the Queen who last week joked she hoped it would hurry up since she is planning to go on her annual summer holiday in Balmoral this Friday. The last time a still-serving monarch got to meet a great grandchild born into the line of succession was almost 120 years ago in the reign of Queen Victoria who was ruling when Edward VIII was born third in line in 1894.

No real surprise all things royal baby was trending on social media. Millions of Tweets were also being exchanged. One Tweet being retweeted read: "Her labour will last longer than an Aussie Cricket innings."

The Duchess of Cambridge is being supported through her labour by a cheering squad of wellwishers from outside her hospital.

While Prince William does his bit from the bedside, royal fans gathered in the street hoping to witness history in the making.

Experienced mother Maria Scott, 42, of Newcastle upon Tyne has been sleeping in a tent outside the hospital since Saturday and was ecstatic about the development.

While she didn't see the car arrive, her women's intuition told her the Duchess had gone into labour.

"I didn't see her this morning, but I had a sense that something was going on," Mrs Scott said.

" I don't know how but I did."

Sending a message of support, she encouraged the patient to try to relax and listen to her doctors.

"I wish her a speedy labour," she said.

"I hope she can take it easy and just go with the flow."

The baby will be third in line for the British throne — behind Prince Charles and William — and will eventually become king or queen. Source: AP

Canadian tourist Jane Coombes came straight the hospital when she heard news of the admission.

"We only got here yesterday. It was so nice they waited for us," she said.

"We will keep coming back to check on her. It would mean everything to me if the birth happened while I was here."

The history buff has been coming up with baby names for months.

"If it's a boy I think they should call him Alfred, after King Alfred the Great. He was the best king in the 1800s. He defeated the Vikings and revived learning in the UK."

Dressed head to toe in Union Jacks, John Loughrey, 58, of Wandsworth, wished Kate good health and a rapid recovery.

"God bless you Catherine. As your royal subjects we will support you."

Having spent seven days camped outside the hospital he hoped he wouldn't be there much longer - for the sake of the Duchess.

"I reckon it could be within 24 hours," he said. "We just want a healthy baby, that's the main thing."

The world's press was also buzzing with anticipation having been stationed outside the hospital for weeks awaiting the royal arrival.

Jenny Barbsy, from BBC London radio, said the sheer number of media representatives on site, from countries as far away as Japan, Korea, Australia and America.

"I'm a bit shocked actually," she said.

"It's been crazy, this morning it went from a few to this, it's nuts."

"I feel a bit sorry for her actually, I'm not sure I'd like to be giving birth to my first child with all this hubbub going on outside. Hopefully she's around the back a little bit."

The sign at the gates of Buckingham Palace announcing the birth of Prince William (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images) Source: Supplied

The birth of a new heir to the throne has been breathlessly anticipated since William and Kate wed on April 29, 2011, in a lavish ceremony at Westminster Abbey.

When news of a royal pregnancy was announced, there was rejoicing in many households in Britain and throughout the world.

Despite a rough start to the pregnancy, when she was taken to hospital for acute morning sickness, the 31-year-old Kate made a number of public appearances that were halted only near the end of her term.

Since the duchess has cut back on her royal duties, media outlets have been clamouring for position outside of the hospital in anticipation of the birth, jockeying to secure the best vantage point for filming William and Kate emerging, babe in arms.

Officials have said that William plans to take two weeks' paternity leave and then return to his military duties as a search-and-rescue helicopter pilot in Wales.

His tour of duty is scheduled to wrap up around September, and he and Kate are expected to move from their isolated cottage on the island of Anglesey off the coast of Wales to Kensington Palace in central London.

But major refurbishment works at the palace likely won't be finished until at least a month or two after the infant is born - meaning that William and Kate will most likely have to make do with their current temporary home in London, a two-bedroom property at the palace.

Come autumn, however, the family will be able to move into their permanent London home, Apartment 1a at Kensington Palace - a four-storey house with a nursery, 20 rooms and a private garden.

- with Angus Hohenboken, wires

Do you think the royal baby will be a boy or a girl? And what do you think it will be called? Tell us what you think.

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Scott Miller behind bars tonight

Former Olympic swimmer Scott Miller leaves Waverley Court after his brief hearing into drug charges 10 days ago. Picture: Jeremy Piper Source: The Daily Telegraph

OLYMPIC swimmer Scott Miller has been caught in inner Sydney allegedly with the drug ice, less than two weeks after fronting court on drug offences.

The 38-year-old will spend the night in custody after he was refused bail when he appeared in court on Sunday.

Miller was searched by police on Kellet Street, in Darlinghurst, about 11pm (AEST) on Saturday.

Officers allegedly discovered 7.75 grams of methamphetamine, otherwise known as ice.

Miller has been charged with supply prohibited drug indictable quality, and refused bail at Parramatta bail court on Sunday.

Ten days ago the Edgecliff resident appeared in Waverley Local Court, where he pleaded not guilty to drugs charges and possessing more than $16,000 in cash.

He had been arrested on the morning of June 18 at a home in Mascot, after police allegedly found on him three small, resealable bags of methylamphetamine totalling 1.04g.

Miller also had $1900 in cash while and an additional $14,700 found in a vehicle at the Mascot address.

He's accused of either stealing the two sums of money or obtaining them by some other illegal means.

During his brief court appearance he was charged with a fourth drug offence, and the matter was adjourned until August 21.

Miller declined to speak to media outside of court.

The swim star joined the Australian Institute of Sport in 1991 and went on to win silver and bronze medals at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Parents sue for $109m over death

The last photo of Nathan Chaina (left) with brother Mathew taken during the school excursion in which he lost his life in 1999. Supplied By Family. Source: The Sunday Telegraph

George and Rita Chaina with their sons Jean-Pierre and Mathew at the family home in Vaucluse. Picture: Taylor Adam Source: The Sunday Telegraph

THE family of a 15-year-old boy who drowned in floodwaters during an excursion with one of Sydney's most prestigious schools has spoken for the first time about how the tragedy left them in emotional and financial ruin.

The Chainas are suing Scots College and the Presbyterian Church for a record $109 million in the NSW Supreme Court after their son Nathan was killed when he fell into a swollen creek at the school's Glengarry campus in Kangaroo Valley on October 24, 1999.

In their first sit-down interview in the 14 years since his death, the Chaina family, from Vaucluse in the city's east, said they had spent $20 million in legal fees seeking justice over the tragedy, which has left them battling depression and suicidal thoughts.

Every night, Nathan's parents George and Rita set a place for him at dinner and later go into his bedroom which has been kept exactly how he left it, complete with a poster of a model on the wall to "tuck him in".

Their lives and those of his brothers, Jean-Pierre and Mathew, have never been the same.

A coroner found in 2001 that the school was primarily responsible for Nathan's death because it had not trained the boys to cope in extreme conditions, ignored weather reports and warnings and had almost no communication with the hikers.

While the school admitted liability, Nathan's mother, Rita, said the family has never received a formal apology from them, only pleas for them to drop their civil case, which they launched in 2002.

The family are seeking to recoup their legal fees and the money they claim they would have earned from a cleaning product invented by Nathan's father George, which they say he was no longer able to work on following the death.

After going through seven legal firms, the family had to start representing themselves in the action from last week after no longer being able to afford exorbitant lawyers' fees.

George and Rita Chaina with their sons Jean-Pierre and Mathew at the family home in Vaucluse. Picture: Taylor Adam Source: The Sunday Telegraph

Their request to have the matter adjourned was denied.

"We've had some horrible times but the thing is, we're fighting because they've done the wrong thing and we want to make sure it never happens again," Mrs Chaina said. "The legal system has failed us."

Mathew, who watched in horror aged 13 as his older brother was swept to his death, said he would not be able to get closure until the case was finished.

"It's not a dream in my head, it's not a movie," he said, fighting back tears. "Part of me is still there wanting to finish (the hike). There are times I've wanted to go back there and kill myself.

"We definitely need closure and we can't get closure until this case is over and we get justice for Nathan. It's not about money. Whatever money we get, it's not going to bring Nathan back."

The family said while many schools had changed their outdoor education policies in the wake of the coroner's recommendations, there was still much more to do in protecting students' safety.

The hearing in the NSW Supreme Court continues Monday.

Scots College declined to comment while the matter was before the court.

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

6.5 earthquake hits New Zealand

There are reports of phone and power cuts in New Zealand after a 6.5 quake struck near Wellington.

AN EARTHQUAKE measuring 6.5 on the richter scale has shaken parts of New Zealand.

The quake centred 20km east of Seddon in the Cook Strait and about 17km deep was strongly felt in Wellington, Marlborough and surrounding areas.

Witnesses described the quake as "frightening" and unnerving", Sky News reports.

A damaged office building in Wellington after the massive quake.

The quake, which struck at about 5.10pm (3.10pm AEST) on Sunday, follows a magnitude 5.7 on Friday and a 5.8 on Sunday morning.

The quake has left around 3500 Wellington residents without power, according to NZ media reports.

Wellington Police Inspector Marty Parker said there had been minor structural damage that had left parts of the city without power.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage and a tsunami alert has not been issued.

The US Geological Survey said the quake struck under the Cook Strait 57 kilometres southwest of Wellington. It was 10 kilometres underground.

The quake could be felt hundreds of kilometres away in the centre of New Zealand's North Island.

Parker said the quake struck near nightfall. A more complete picture of the damage would emerge in the morning, he said.

New Zealand is part of the so-called Pacific "Ring of Fire'' that receives regular seismic activity. A severe earthquake in the city of Christchurch in 2011 killed 185 people and destroyed much of the city's downtown.

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More