Lawyers battle out Rayney appeal

The appeal against Lloyd Rayney's aquittal will begin on Tuesday. Picture: Supplied Source: News Limited

THE state's appeal against the murder acquittal of Lloyd Rayney is shaping up to be a battle of the barristers.

The Sunday Times has learnt Mr Rayney, who was last year cleared of killing his estranged wife Corryn, has hired top Sydney silk Bret Walker SC to represent him in the three-day appeal hearing this week.

Mr Walker recently represented big tobacco companies in their fight against the Federal Government's plain-packaging laws.

His opposing counsel is David Jackson AM QC, another top Sydney silk who specialises in appeals and constitutional law.

Senior counsel (QCs and SCs) can charge up to $10,000 a day.

But Mr Walker will be paid much less than his usual fee because Mr Rayney has been granted legal aid for the appeal. Following his three-month trial last year, it emerged Mr Rayney had received legal aid to cover the costs of his defence. The exact amount is unknown.

In his verdict last November, retired Northern Territory judge Brian Martin found Mrs Rayney, a Supreme Court registrar, was attacked either at or near her Como home and buried, possibly alive, in Kings Park in August 2007.
 
But he rejected the prosecution's argument that an attack at the home implicated Mr Rayney.

He said that while the evidence caused a strong suspicion about Mr Rayney, the prosecution case against the former barrister had "critical gaps" and was "beset by improbabilities and uncertainties".

He found Mr Rayney not guilty. Three weeks later the state lodged its appeal against the decision. Because the trial was judge-only, Justice Martin had to give reasons for his decision, whereas juries do not. This gives more scope for an appeal.

The state's draft grounds of appeal include that Justice Martin failed to consider all the circumstantial evidence as a whole.

 And he was wrong to dismiss the discovery of Mr Rayney's dinner-place card near the burial site because it was considered in the context of other circumstances.

Mr Rayney's instructing solicitor Adam Hills-Wright told The Sunday Times the defence would argue Justice Martin did consider all the evidence as a whole, and he was correct in his conclusion that the state's case was lacking in crucial evidence and beset by improbabilities and uncertainties.

The appeal will start on Tuesday.
 

22.17 | 0 komentar | Read More

Schools fighting the filth

Armed for Life director Adam Przytula discusses issues with Georgia Owen , Brad Engelbrecht, Hannah Pillinger and Ben Trezona. Picture: Theo Fakos Source: PerthNow

WA schools are holding workshops to fight pornography addiction in students as young as 14.

In some cases students are using school computers at home to surf the web for explicit images into the early morning, even though they know their usage is monitored by teachers.

It comes as research shows a large number of teenagers rely on pornography to learn about sex, making them more likely to engage in risky behaviour, get pregnant and use drugs.

Elizabeth Handsley, president of the Australian Council on Children and the Media, said children could be exposed to "hardcore" pornography by searching innocent terms on Google such as "puppies".

A recent study by the University of Canberra found that more than 90 per cent of boys aged 13-16 and 60 per cent of girls had seen pornography online.

And research by the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition and Youth Empowerment Against HIV/AIDs found 64 per cent of young people learnt about sex via pornography.

Kennedy Baptist College chaplain Adam Przytula has visited six WA schools to discuss pornography addiction.

His company Armed for Life runs school workshops for struggling students. He set up the company after he was alarmed by the number of teenagers struggling with bullying, low self-esteem, and pornography addiction, problems he faced when he was young.

"(One Perth school) said students that had devices provided by the school, even though they knew the school was monitoring what they were doing, were staying up to anywhere between 4am and 6am looking at porn because they needed to, because there was an addictive drive to do it," Mr Przytula said.

He shared his personal demons with students to make them comfortable enough to ask questions about pornography.

"Kids are going to be talking about it and if we don't talk about it and advise them on what's healthy and how destructive it is, then they're going to have no idea," he said.

"They're going to be making decisions without direction."

He said parents should buy computer programs such as Netbox Blue or Net Nanny that blocked inappropriate content. Curtin associate professor Rosemary Coates said the impact of pornography on a child's development was largely unknown.

Researchers were reluctant to expose young children to it then re-assess them as adults.

But she said pornography definitely left viewers with unrealistic expectations of relationships.

"(It fails) to provide useful tools for negotiating relationships and making informed decisions about engaging in sexual activity," she said. Sex education was the best way to prepare children for healthy relationships and allow them to "dismiss the nonsense that is presented in pornographic material".

Australian Youth Affairs Coalition deputy director Josh Genner said most young people got sex education through pornography, though just three in 10 believed it was an appropriate source.

He said young people were happy to learn about sex at school, but it was taught too late and the content was too narrow. It had to be more than just teaching students how to use a condom.
"It's not just about which bits go where and how to not contract diseases," he said.

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Barnett: Why I'm right on councils

WA Premier Colin Barnett believes history will prove him right on council amalgamations. Picture: Supplied Source: The Australian

HISTORY will prove he is right on controversial council mergers, Premier Colin Barnett has declared.

The Premier is prepared to wear heavy flak from opponents of the plan, but said people would look back in five years time and wonder what all the fuss was about.

"I realise it's not necessarily going to make the Government or myself popular but it is the right thing to do," he said.

The Premier said the moves  to reduce the number of Perth councils from 30 to 14  made sense on so many levels that councillors privately admit the changes had to occur.

"Privately, as I travel around WA, councillors say to me, 'We know it's got to be fixed', 'You've got to fix it up'. They won't say it publicly, they'll say it privately," he said.

Mr Barnett said much of the heat this week came from "vested interests".

He said it was ludicrous that there were 320 councillors in Perth, with 69 looking after the western suburbs alone.

"You've got more people managing the western suburbs than you do managing Western Australia in the State Parliament Lower House," Mr Barnett said.

The system was unable to deal with the problems of a growing city and was deeply flawed.

He said many people would be surprised to learn that 13 council chief executives were paid more than himself and 23 earned more than a state minister.

"It really does beg the question: Is running a local authority more significant than being the Premier or a senior minister," Mr Barnett said.

His changes would also address the unbalanced level of amenities in many local government areas.

Ratepayers in some council areas were subsidising facilities for residents in neighbouring areas, he said.

"You might find one council builds a recreational sporting facility and you might find that half of all people using it might come from outside that local government area," he said. "I don't think that that's fair."

Though there was no guarantee mergers would reduce rates, Mr Barnett pointed to several bigger councils that had lower rates and equivalent services to their smaller neighbours. East Fremantle had rates of about $1681 last year and bigger Melville had rates of just $1233, he said.

"That's about $450 and I would have thought Melville and East Fremantle were much the same," the Premier said.

 Though vested interests were generating some noise, Mr Barnett said he had not detected any public backlash.

"I don't see any great groundswell (of opposition) from the population," he said. "The only people who have come up to me in the street so far have supported it.

"That's not a general sample, but I think what it's showing is that if people aren't directly involved in local government, most people don't really care all that much."
 

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Why this man should be banned

Mitchell William Walsh-McDonald has been given an extraordinary licence. Picture: Lincoln Baker Source: PerthNow

SERIAL drink-driver Mitchell Walsh-McDonald's application for an extraordinary licence was opposed by the Government but still granted by the courts, it can be revealed.

The Transport Department said that 69 per cent of the 3152 applications for an extraordinary driver's licence last year were successful.

Opinion: E-licence should be the exception, not the rule

This is despite attempts by the Barnett Government in 2011 to make it harder for drivers to secure the licences and data that show 40 E-licence drivers are convicted every month for breaching their conditions. Walsh-McDonald was granted the extraordinary licence despite his horror track record on the road, which includes knocking down and killing schoolgirl Jess Meehan in 2003 when he had a blood-alcohol reading of 0.165.

The 29-year-old's latest run-in with the law saw him charged last week with three driving offences, including driving with a blood-alcohol level above 0.08.

He has already been convicted of drink-driving six times and will face court on Thursday on the new charges.

Transport Minister Troy Buswell said his department opposed the granting of Mr McDonald's extraordinary licence last year.

"However, the court made the decision that it should be granted," he said. "The DoT is currently examining its options to see if it can make an application to revoke the licence."

It's a criminal offence for a person to breach the conditions of an extraordinary licence, however, the court can allow for that person to keep the licence in special circumstances.

Under the law changes made in 2011, drivers could no longer argue hardship and inconveniences were a reason to be granted an extraordinary licence.

Instead, they must prove to the courts they needed it for medical reasons or it deprived them of principal means of obtaining an income.

WA Police Union boss George Tilbury said it was obvious that drivers such as Walsh-McDonald should be banned from the roads.

"It is a privilege not a right to hold a driver's licence and as far as I'm concerned he doesn't deserve one," Mr Tilbury said. "Our members should not have to be chasing this serial drink-driver around. He should not be on the road full stop."

Walsh-McDonald was acquitted of dangerous driving causing Jess Meehan's death.

But he admitted driving under the influence and driving without a licence. It was his third conviction at the time for drink-driving. He was fined $1700 and banned from driving for two years.

His acquittal prompted new laws to be passed, which mean anyone involved in a fatal accident and with a blood-alcohol reading above 0.15 is automatically charged with dangerous driving causing death. The new law became known as "Jess's Law."

In 2010, Walsh-McDonald copped a nine-month suspended jail sentence after he pleaded guilty to four counts of driving under suspension.

Outside court this week he said he had changed since Jess's death and hardly drank.

The plasterer said he had consumed just half a beer before driving and police did not follow correct procedures. He said the publicity caused by his latest indiscretions would impact on his business.

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Blues fail finals test

Pest ... Hayden Ballantyne was at his irritating best against Carlton. Source: Getty Images

THIS was a statement game.

Carlton, again, failed to make it.

On a season-defining night it was a Blues performance that has defined their season - not hard enough for long enough.

Blues loss fight and match

It is a well-worn phrase, but never has it been more appropriate than to sum up Mick Malthouse's debut season at Visy Park.

A side that has lost more 'coulda, woulda shoulda' games than just about any other in 2013, last night lost to a weakened Fremantle side that was there for the taking at Etihad Stadium.

The Dockers won a physical, sometimes spiteful and see-sawing contest 17.14 (116) to 12.8 (80).

Fremantle, without Matthew Pavlich, Luke McPharlin and late withdrawal Garrick Ibbotson, booted five goals to one in the last quarter to keep its top-four hopes very much alive. For the Blues, who lost Andrew Carrazzo to a quad injury in the first quarter, finals are highly unlikely now.

The Dockers play this game like no other. They drag four quarters of football into a battle of desire.

Carlton, desperately needing to claim the scalp of a top-tier side, couldn't match the desire of a visiting team down on personnel.

Ross Lyon's men won the contested ball 153-140, clearances 41-35 and dominated the inside 50s 58-42. It was 31 scoring shots to 20. It was comprehensive.

Marc Murphy was silenced by the game's No.1 attack dog, Ryan Crowley and limited to just 13 touches and zero influence. Murphy had just one kick at quarter-time.

In-form forward Lachie Henderson (two goals) was kept in check by Zac Dawson, but when the Blues lose the microscope often falls on three men.

So often the barometer, forward trio Eddie Betts, Chris Yarran and Jeff Garlett failed to fire - the former two particularly quiet.

Betts, demanding more money than Carlton are willing to pay on a new contract, had seven disposals and no scoreboard impact. Yarran had 12 touches and kicked a behind.

Carlton's electricity instead came from rugged Irishman Zach Tuohy, who was involved in the game's most intriguing match-up with best afield Michael Walters.

Tuohy kicked three brilliant goals, two of them back-to-back 50m bombs to the Lockett end as the Blues made their charge in the third quarter.

But Walters finished kicked a goal each quarter to finish with a bag of four from 17 disposals and was brilliant throughout.

Carlton's twin taggers Jarryd Cachia and Ed Curnow went to work on David Mundy and Stephen Hill respectively and did a reasonable job.

But the slack was picked up by a marauding Nathan Fyfe (31 disposals, seven clearances), typically irritating Hayden Ballantyne (17 and 3.3) and Lachie Neale (24 disposals, 18 uncontested).

This was a game engulfed in trench warfare in the first half before exploding to life in the second.

Carlton sprang out of the blocks to monopolise possession and after Garlett kicked the game's second goal to make it 12-0 after eight minutes the Blues lead disposals 30-12.

But the Dockers would awake from their slumber and worked their way back into the contest with a rugged determination that is becoming their trademark. They kicked the last three goals of the first term to lead by eight points at quarter-time.

The game then descended into slog that meant the highlights came around about as often as a Melbourne taxi on a Saturday night.

Those that came were worth talking about and there were few better than a sizzling Stephen Hill, who took a handball from Walters at speed and drilled one from 35m half way through the quarter.

The Dockers controlled both the contested ball (48-31) and clearances (13-7) in the second term to go into the main break with a nine-point lead.

But any feeling the visitors had this one in that vice-like grip of theirs were soon blown out of the water. The Blues opened the third term with renewed vigour - lead by Tuohy's rugged brilliance - and kicked the first two goals.

It was the first of several momentum swings. Fremantle rattled off five unanswered to lead by 28 points 20 minutes into the third before Carlton responded with another two, the latter from Garlett after the three quarter-time siren.

The last half hour began with the Dockers holding onto a 10-point lead. It appeared a vulnerable advantage, but this had been a war of attrition and this mob don't lose games like this.

Fremantle just kept coming. Carlton, not for the first time, didn't.

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Guilty verdict for Dana Vulin burns attack

A district court jury took less than four hours to find a woman guilty of setting Dana Vulin on fire in her Rivervale apartment.

A district court jury has found a woman guilty of the attack which left Rivervale woman Dana Vulin with burns to 60 per cent of her body.

Dana Vulin before the 2012 attack which left her with severe burns and (right) pictured outside the District Court today following a guilty verdict against Natalie Dimitrovska. Source: PerthNow

Burns victim Dana Vulin leaves court after her attacker Natalie Dimitrovska was found guilty. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: PerthNow

A DISTRICT court jury has found a woman guilty of the attack which left Rivervale woman Dana Vulin with burns to 60 per cent of her body.

Natalie Dimitrovska, 28, was found guilty of intentionally causing grievous bodily harm to Ms Vulin, who will require treatment for the rest of her life.

The jury took three and a half hours to reach a verdict.

Ms Vulin appeared relieved upon hearing the decision, holding her hands up to her chest and embracing her family, who let out sighs of relief.

Ms Dimitrovska held her head in her hands and cried in the dock as the decision was read.

She is due to be sentenced on October 11.

Dana Vulin's family outside the District Court following a guilty verdict against Natalie Dimitrovska. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: PerthNow

Outside court Ms Vulin's sister, Svetlana Velickovski, spoke of her relief at the decision.

"Thank you to all of the people who have supported Dana and our family," she said.

"Today's verdict brought up a lot of relief.

"Thank you again for the tens of thousands of comments on the 'We heart Dana' Facebook page.

"We couldn't be happier and look forward to her (Ms Dimitrovska) getting a lengthy sentence."

Ms Dimitrovska's lawyer, David Manera, said his client was "devastated" by the verdict but did not want to make further comment before sentencing.

Ms Vulin will undergo further surgery on Friday.

Compelling trial

During the eight-day trial, the District Court jury was told Dimitrovska had threatened Ms Vulin repeatedly, accusing her of having an affair with her estranged husband Edin Handanovic.

Dimitrovska had told Ms Vulin she would "ruin her pretty little face" on the phone days before the attack.

In the early hours of February 16 2012, Dimitrovska and her friend Daniel Stone broke into Ms Vulin's riverfront apartment and started to argue with her.

An argument started and Dimitrovska picked up a bottle of methylated spirits, throwing it at Ms Vulin who was holding a lit methylated spirits lamp.

Dimitrovska was accused of laughing as she ran away while Ms Vulin became a "human fireball" suffering burns to 60 per cent of her body.

In the days after, Dimitrovska then changed her hair colour and bought a one-way ticket to Macedonia, before being arrested at Perth International Airport minutes before the plane was set to leave.

Dimitrovska claimed she had not meant to injure Ms Vulin, and had thrown the bottle in self-defence during the argument.

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Mother, sons killed in Hills tragedy

A mother and her two sons aged six and three were killed in a crash at Gidgegannup, about 45km north east of Perth, this morning.

A mother and her two boys aged six and three were killed in a crash at Gidgegannup, about 45km north east of Perth.

A mother and her two boys aged six and three were killed when the 4WD they were in collided with a truck in Gidgegannup this morning. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

Three people have been killed in a horror smash on Toodyay Road, about 45km east of Perth. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

Three people have been killed in a horror smash in Gidgegannup, about 45km east of Perth. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

A MOTHER and her two sons aged six and three were killed in a crash at Gidgegannup, about 45km north east of Perth, this morning.

The Toyota Landcruiser the 28-year-old woman was driving collided with a truck on Toodyay Road, just outside the Noble Falls Tavern and Restaurant, about 8.40am.

Initially police believed that a fourth victim, a child, had been seriously injured in the crash, but that was not correct.

Family members of the deceased trio have been informed.

Noble Falls Tavern owner Brian Wickins said the crash happened at the front of his business minutes before he arrived for work this morning.

He described the scene as "horrific" and said the victims were already deceased when he arrived.

"There were no ambulances there yet and there were bodies around out of the vehicle," a shocked Mr Wickins told PerthNow.

"They were already deceased – it was a horrific accident."

Noble Falls Tavern owner Brian Wickins was one of the first at the scene of a triple fatality in Gidgegannup this morning. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper. Source: PerthNow

Mr Wickins said he had raised concerns several months ago about the 90km/h speed limit on the road, fearing there would be a fatal crash.

"The trucks pick up more speed coming down the hill," he said.

"I have said before that we need to bring down the speed limit and have more signage warning people before the bend. Otherwise crashes will keep happening."

Police Inspector Dominic Wood at the scene, confirmed: "The three people killed were all in the same car, an old Landcruiser, which collided with a prime mover.''

"There are some witnesses that we are speaking to at the moment,'' Inspector Wood said.

"The driver of the truck is physically okay, but will be suffering from quite some emotional stress.''

"It's a horrific scene.  This is a tragedy, not only for the family involved. It's a tragedy for the local community.  It's also a shocking and horrific scene for the officers.''

A local man who only wanted to be known as Ian told PerthNow, at the scene, he had seen several crashes in the area in the seven years he has lived in nearby Toodyay.

He was waiting at the police road block to see his wife who was caught up in the crash.

"`One of the worst prangs I've ever seen was here on Toodyay Road, three people were killed in that one too.'' Ian, a former police officer of 17 years, said.

"From what I can gather my wife was behind the crash or she might have come across it. One of the police officers rang me to say your wife is here but she is ok.'' 

Toodyay Road is currently closed after Preedy Road and Police have advised motorists to avoid the area for the rest of the day.

There were reports that there was an explosion at the scene of the crash, but Mr Wickins said that was probably just the impact of the collision.

The RAC rescue helicopter was initially mobilised to head to the scene, but was stood down. Police, firefighters from Ellenbrook, Midland, Mundaring and Wundowie raced to the scene.

Major Crash Squad investigators are also at the site, several kilometres east of the Gidgegannup townsite.

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Performance boss teetered on brink

Dean Robinson revealed he considered harming himself in the wake of the Bombers' drug saga. Picture: Channel 7 Source: HeraldSun

FORMER Essendon high performance manager Dean Robinson says he considered harming himself in the wake of the drug scandal that has engulfed the club.

Robinson said only the thought of his family had kept him alive.

"There are days when I couldn't sleep, there are days where, numerous days where I thought about suicide," he told Channel 7.

"It's only been in those moments that I've seen my kids, my wife and my family and I've gone 'if I leave them, who is going to look after them?'."

Hird called the shots: Robinson

Views split on Robinson tell-all

How Dank, Robinson spun the truth

Robinson, who resigned last Friday and was stood down by the club in February when an investigation into the supplements program was launched, said coach James Hird had been the driving force in the program and the club administration - including former chief executive Ian Robson - was fully aware what was going on.

Robinson, who resigned last Friday and was stood down by the club in February when an investigation into the supplements program was launched, said coach James Hird had been the driving force in the program and the club administration - including former chief executive Ian Robson - was fully aware what was going on.

Former Essendon high-performance manager Dean Robinson has given his version of events that led to the Bombers coming under investigation by ASADA and the AFL in a tell-all TV interview.

Essendon high performance manager Dean Robinson with coach James Hird. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

In the paid interview, Robinson also claimed:

HIRD had asked him to investigate a cream he believed to be a banned testosterone;

FORMER Essendon sports scientist Stephen Dank injected Hird up to 30 times with Hexarelin, a drug banned for players but not coaches;

"I can confirm that my lawyers have spoken with Steve Dank and he said that he did inject James Hird with Hexarelin on up to 30 occasions," he said.

An Essendon spokesman said the Hexarelin allegation was "an outrageous claim and will be legally challenged."

DANK had kept supplement invoices to himself and refused to say what amino acids he had purchased to account for a $60,000 bill.

ONLY one player, David Zaharakis, declined to be involved in the program;

PLAYERS came to him in early 2012 with concerns about the supplements and he initiated consent forms;

Essendon coach James Hird has been forced to defend himself again amid claims he was in on a discussion that suggested the Bombers' supplements program by a "black op".

IT was him, and not Hird, who initiated protocols.

Robinson said "black ops" - referred to in Dank's job interview - meant only to push the boundaries but not stray into the territory of banned supplements.

But he said Hird was happy to explore the boundaries.

"I felt there were inferences from him (Hird) that we go down that path. I had a phone call while he was overseas telling me about a doctor he met in New York that had this undetectable substance that you could use as a cream and he came back and told me about it again, that we should investigate it," he said.

Hird targeted rival clubs

What next in Dons drug probe?

Robinson told ASADA he believed Hird was referring to testosterone cream.

"I said 'we're not going there, stay away'," he said.

Robinson said Hird had asked him to bring "bigger and stronger players to him. He felt they were being outmuscled and he specifically noted a side that he wanted to beat".

"He wanted to go after Collingwood. And he knew stuff that Collingwood were doing. He said to me that he knew they were taking supplements that were allowing them to get an advantage because he knew who was supplying them," he said.

Essendon released a statement after the interview, saying: ''The club acknowledges that Dean Robinson appears to be under an extreme amount of pressure as are a number of people who are employed at the Essendon Football Club.

''However, the series of allegations made by Dean Robinson on Channel 7 tonight are totally without foundation. They are coming from a disgruntled, disaffected and discredited ex-employee.

''They are outrageous in nature and the club is seeking appropriate legal advice.''

Robinson said he first met Dank in 2004 and thought he was smart and trustworthy.

He maintained he did not believe he had been involved in any practices that contravened the WADA code, but admitted he "couldn't say what happened behind closed doors - that I wasn't privy to - I can't talk to that."

"We never did that (run it under cover of darkness). I made sure that it was open. I sent emails out with the supplements that I knew were taking place," he said.

"It's cutting edge - its safe. That's what I believe it was, that's what I was told it was.

"I followed the directive that I was given by the head coach - as long as it was within the rules.

"But the leadership group didn't have a problem with any of this, only one player out of Essendon didn't want to be involved. David Zaharakis - it was his personal choice and that was fine."

If you need help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au

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Smokers hit with $5b tax increase

More taxes for smokers. Source: Herald Sun

SMOKERS will be forced to cough up an extra $1.3 billion a year in tax to help Kevin Rudd plug an ever-deepening budget black hole and alleviate pressure on the health system.

From December this year the average price of a packet of cigarettes will rise by $1 - and will continue to increase to $5.25 more a packet by 2016, in a staged increase over four years of 12.5 per cent.

With the federal government tomorrow expected to release its pre-election economic statement - which will reveal a dramatic $8 billion in further cuts to plug the continuing collapse in its revenues - the tax grab on smokers will deliver an extra $5.3 billion to Treasury coffers.

Treasurer Chris Bowen last night confirmed the measure, and admitted that while it was being sold as a policy to deliver health benefits it would alleviate pressures on the budget.

"This increase in excise serves several purposes: it provides funds for cancer-related health services; it deters young people from taking up smoking; and, of course, it alleviates some of the revenue impacts on the budget," Mr Bowen said.

"I think the Australian people would agree that we need to consider all sorts of measures to reduce the impact of cancer caused by smoking."

Mr Rudd last hit smokers with a tobacco excise increase in 2010 when he raised taxes by 25 per cent. The government has since forced through the toughest packaging laws in the world to try to get people to kick the habit.

The public health cost of smoking is estimated to be more than $30 billion a year, killing an average of 15,000 people annually. The government claims that 750,000 hospital bed days per year are attributable to tobacco-related diseases.

The Coalition is expected to support the measure, having already announced it would "tick and flick" the majority of the government's revenue measures and spending cuts because of what it claimed was a "budget emergency".

The only exception so far has been the bungled $1.8 billion crackdown on tax breaks for salary-packaged vehicles - which has infuriated the motor vehicle industry.

"My view is we'll wait and see but the interesting thing about this government is that it can't control its own spending; therefore it always looks to increase taxes on the Australian people," Opposition Leader Tony Abbott said.

Health Minister Tanya Plibersek yesterday admitted tobacco tax rises hit lower income earners harder, but said these people were more price sensitive and therefore more likely to be encouraged to kick the habit.

"We know that increasing excise is the single most effective way for government to reduce premature death and disease due to smoking," Ms Plibersek said.

"This is a significant public health measure that will also help to build on the government's record investment of an extra $4.1 billion for world class cancer care here in Australia since 2007.

"Lower smoking rates will help to reduce rates of cancer, heart disease and stroke."

Mr Rudd yesterday said stopping people smoking would be a key health priority.

"We need to get serious on this major driver of cancer in Australia and around the world," Mr Rudd said.

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Abbott parties at million-dollar bash

Around 1000 people will fork out up to $50,000 for a table at Tony Abbott's fund-raiser , Source: News Limited

BUSINESS is bankrolling a record-breaking $1 million Liberal Party fundraiser in Melbourne on Thursday as Tony Abbott cashes in on his election favouritism.

But Kevin Rudd's comeback has also significantly boosted Labor's coffers with the Prime Minister hosting a series of intimate "boardroom" dinners - including Sydney on Thursday for $5500 per head.

Both major parties are scrambling to raise tens of millions of dollars to bankroll a record campaign blitz - likely to soar to well over $100 million.

The Opposition Leader will join a raft of senior Liberal frontbenchers - and two Premiers - at tonight's record-breaking fund-raiser, to be held at Crown Casino in Melbourne.

Around 1000 people - including a raft of blue-chip corporates - will fork out up to $50,000 for a table, to be hosted by senior Liberal MPs including shadow treasurer Joe Hockey, deputy opposition leader Julie Bishop and immigration spokesman Scott Morrison.

Victorian Premier Dennis Napthine and NSW's Barry O'Farrell will also attend the "federal campaign launch dinner" - expected to raise a record sum for a single political fund-raiser.

Tickets for the event start at $175 - but dinner at a table hosted by a shadow minister will cost a minimum $1000.

Mr Abbott - whose chances of winning the election have lengthened since Julia Gillard was ousted - has been cashing in on business hopes of a Coalition victory.

Last night, the Opposition Leader appeared at a small fund-raiser in the Sydney offices of National Australia Bank - the former employer of the ALP's national secretary George Wright.

Executives from St George Bank were understood to be among the guests at the Sydney dinner.

But Labor is also exploiting the Prime Minister's strong popularity by going all out to raise funds to bankroll the party's election campaign.

There has been a "significant improvement" in corporate donations since the change of leadership, senior ALP figures have confirmed.

Mr Rudd - who has been hosting a series of small boardroom dinners in capital cities during the past few weeks - will play host to a small function in Sydney on Thursday, expected to raise around $60,000 for Labor.

Invitations advise business representatives to "respond early to avoid disappointment".

But while the Prime Minister has sought to improve relations between Labor and the business community since returning as leader, several ALP supporters say he retains a reputation for turning up late to fundraisers and only showing moderate interest in his corporate guests.

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Search for missing brothers

The Department of Child Protection and Family Support is searching for two brothers not seen since the start of the month.

John Frederick Blurton, 9, and Robert John Blurton, 13, have been listed by police as missing. Picture: Supplied Source: PerthNow

THE Department of Child Protection and Family Support is searching for two brothers not seen since the start of the month.

Robert John Blurton, 13, and John Frederick Blurton, 9, have been listed by police as missing.

They were last seen in Padbury on Friday, July 5, and since then the Department has been working with police and family members to find them.

The public is now being asked for assistance if they have seen the boys, pictured above.

Robert has a big build, is about 140cm to 150cm tall, with short hair and is likely to be wearing a cap.

John is of medium build, about 120cm to 130cm tall with short hair and usually wears a red sweat band around his wrist.

Anyone with information is asked to phone the Department's Crisis Care Unit on 9223 1111.
 

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New era: Metro councils slashed from 30 to 14

WA Premier Colin Barnett announces council merger plans on Sunday. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: PerthNow

John Gangell, Mayor of the Town of Bassendean. Picture: Richard Hatherly Source: PerthNow

Colin Barnett has done a deal with Brendan Grylls to force some city councils to merge.

The proposed Metropolitan Local Governmen boundaries, released today by the Premier. Source: PerthNow

THE landscape of local government in Western Australia has been transformed, with the number of Perth's metropolitan councils to be slashed in half.

After years of wrangling, Premier Colin Barnett today unveiled the state government's plan for the state's councils, with WA's 30 metropolitan councils to be reduced to 14 by July 1, 2015.

Having said during the March election campaign they would not support forced amalgamations, Mr Barnett revealed nine new super councils would be formed.

See how your suburb is affected here

The plan includes the merging of seven of Australia's most affluent areas in Perth's western suburbs, which could save up to $2 million.

South Perth and Victoria Park will join forces, as will Cockburn and Kwinana; Melville, Fremantle and East Fremantle; Armadale and Serpentine/Jarrahdale; Bayswater and Bassendean, Swan and Mundaring; Canning and Gosnells; and Belmont and Kalamunda.

``Today is decision day, and we intend to act with speed,'' Mr Barnett said.

``Perth is the fastest growing city in Australia but our local government structure dates back to the late 1800s.''

The Premier said the reform plan redefined outdated local government boundaries to create councils with improved economies of scale and provided better co-ordination across the metropolitan area.

It would create nine new local government areas through a series of mergers.

Mergers not forced - Barnett

Despite repeated accusations from mayors of forced mergers, both Mr Barnett and Mr Simpson insisted the moves were voluntary.

"I said we won't have forced amalgamations and we have not got forced amalgamations, in 2015 in the unlikely event this is not in place then we will reconsider that position," Mr Barnett said.

"A forced amalgamation would be if we brought in a piece of legislation into parliament next week, redraw the boundaries putting it through parliament and achieving it in a week.

"This is about bringing about what is long overdue."

Wanneroo, Joondalup, Rockingham unchanged

The Wanneroo, Joondalup and Rockingham local government areas would remain unchanged. Perth and Stirling would undergo boundary adjustments. Vincent residents would become ratepayers of either Stirling or Perth.

The Premier added: "The key objective is to create stronger councils to provide the best possible services to residents with maximum efficiency - and modern councils to meet the needs of a rapidly growing city.''

"We need local governments with the scale and capacity to deal with these challenges. Council reform will deliver a more strategic, co-ordinated approach across the metropolitan area for issues like planning, road networks, waste management, the Swan River, recreation, housing and health.''

Before the state election in March, Mr Barnett said there would be no forced council amalgamations, but confirmed in The Sunday Times that the state's 40 councils would be reduced in number.

David Templeman Opposition local government spokesman, said: "Tony Simpson, I've got to say, he himself made an apology back in February this year that the Liberal Party does not support forced amalgamations, he got it wrong and it was his mistake."

"He just needs to be upfront, this is forced amalgamations, there's no other word for it."

"I am appalled by what he said today, and this has created I think a huge amount of chaos in councils throughout the metropolitan area.''

Mr Barnett today said that a further $2.5 million has been allocated to assist councils in the merger process.

The Premier said he did not expect the amalgamations to hinder any developments in progress under Directions 2031, but would help such developments.

Defending the planned mergers, Mr Barnett said 69 councillors for the Western Suburbs was way too much.

State Labor leader Mark McGowan and federal candidate Alannah MacTiernan yesterday criticised the merger plans.

'Changes don't suit Fremantle' - Mayor

Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettit was one of the first council leaders to leave the meeting and said the changes did not suit the area.

"Fremantle alway's been a centre that's had a unique character and watering it down with suburbs all the way to the freeway doesn't really suit our needs, especially when key parts like North Fremantle are being removed " he said.

Mr Pettit said he would be arguing for changes more in line with Directions 2031 that had Fremantle as a centre.

He said with Fremantle merging with other councils, it may no longer be treated as a regional centre and heritage could suffer if resources weren't allocated correctly.

The Urban Development Institute of Australia (WA) today welcomed the government's release of the new council boundaries.

"Whilst the detail of where the lines on the map have been placed are bound to dominate discussions, achieving economies of scale and a more robust planning and approvals system is the goal for the industry," said Debra Goostrey UDIA (WA) Chief Executive Officer.

The Metropolitan Local Government Review final report (Robson Report) said that "the fragmented approach to local planning results in a system that is unnecessarily complicated, uncoordinated and lacking in strategic focus.''

Industry is on record as saying that the biggest delays in the system occur in the structure planning process which is largely controlled by local authorities.

"The current fragmented planning system has seen dramatic variations between local authorities including engineering conditions that to a large extent should be consistent," said Ms Goostrey.

"Our rapidly growing population demands a planning and approvals system that is efficient and effective if affordable housing is to be achieved in Perth."

Earlier today criticism of the planned mergers started to flow in the lead up to this morning's official announcement by the state government.

Yesterday Opposition Leader Mark McGowan and City of Vincent Mayor Alannah MacTiernan raised questions about the process.

This morning those questions continued from Town of Bassendean Mayor John Gangell who predicted his council would be forced to merge with Bayswater, despite wanting to join the City of Swan.

"We decided to take the front foot, go and analyse, speak to our residents and community and see which was the preferred option, Swan or Bayswater. Clearly it was Swan," Mr Gangell said on ABC radio.

"Unfortunately despite both councils unanimously voting and supporting and taking that position to the advisory panel, the State Government is going to completely disregard that, it's quite astonishing."

Mr Gangell said he had already been told that merging Bassendean and Swan would be "too hard" and leave Bayswater standing alone.

Mr Simpson will announce the local government reforms later this morning.
 

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Fade to black: Amy's last days

TWO years after her death, Howard Sounes delves into the tragic life of Amy Winehouse.

Amy discharged herself from the Priory clinic on May 31, 2011, angry with those who had persuaded her to go there.

Neither her brief stay, nor her doctor's written warning, altered her behaviour. Amy joked about Dr Cristina Romete telling her that her drinking was putting her life in danger.

"She'd joke and laugh about it," says drummer Troy Miller.

"We'd all laugh - not in a sinister way - she was genuinely joking about it. It's not that she knew it was going to happen, but she was sick."

He means she had psychological problems. "She had a dark sense of humour."

Amy was in no state to sing at a family bar mitzvah, let alone give a concert, yet there were plans afoot for an 11-date European tour, starting in Belgrade, Serbia, on June 18.

Her father, Mitch Winehouse, says Amy wanted to tour, despite the misgivings of her manager.

She ordered new suits for her band and arranged to give a private warm-up show at the 100 Club in London on June 12. It was at this show she betrayed warning signs

of the disaster that was to follow.

Amy had been sober for several days - some say weeks - prior to the 100 Club gig.

But on the day of the performance she was gripped with stage fright, craved a drink and became very bad-tempered.

British singer Amy Winehouse performs at the Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm, in Glastonbury on June 28, 2008. AFP PHOTO/BEN STANSALL Source: AFP

Finally she was able to perform and the show went tolerably well. But if Amy had got herself into this state at a club gig in front of family and friends, what would she be like on tour?

Five days later, on the eve of the tour, Amy told her father she didn't want to perform. He asked why, but couldn't get a lucid explanation.

The following day she changed her mind and boarded the private plane leased for the tour.

The first show was an open-air event in the grounds of the Kalemegdan fortress in Belgrade. On a hot summer night, Amy and a cast of support acts drew an audience of 20,000 from across Serbia and neighbouring countries. Once again

Amy was gripped with stage fright. Mitch Winehouse (who wasn't present) said she became agitated before the concert and asked her manager for a drink.

"So Raye [Cosbert] allowed her one glass of wine to help her calm down."

Unless that glass was as big as a bucket, it wouldn't account for the state Amy got into.

Either she drank a great deal more than one glass, or she mixed alcohol with medication, or both.

Amy Winehouse performs at the Brit Awards 2008 in London. Source: AP

She was out of her head by showtime and didn't want to perform. But 20,000 people were yelling her name, so finally the band was given the signal to begin.

Amy let the audience sing most of the first verse of Tears Dry on Their Own, while she danced with backing vocalist Zalon Thompson, shouting the occasional line. The song was about ex-husband Blake Fielder-Civil, and one of the songs she found difficult. She roused

herself to sing a couple of the most vivid lines about their doomed love and then gave up.

The next moment she seemed to nod off, stumbled and grabbed the mic stand for support. People were laughing. Throughout the show Amy alternated between inebriation, pathos and schoolgirl cheek.

The stage manager helped Amy offstage as the crowd howled and booed, furious that they'd paid to see a fiasco. There were no encores.

The tour party left for Istanbul, where the next concert was due to take place. But the show was cancelled, along with the rest of the tour. Amy would never perform a concert again - her career ended in Belgrade.

In a spooky parallel to fellow tragic talent Jimi Hendrix, Amy was booed offstage at her last gig - an open-air concert in a foreign land.

She checked in to theWHotel in Istanbul and was later joined by boyfriend Reg Traviss.

By the time he arrived, she was sober and contrite.

Director Reg Traviss, a close friend of Amy Winehouse is comforted as he looks at flowers left by mourners in Camden Square outside the house following her death, in Camden, northern London. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis) Source: AP

"She was taking it seriously. She was like, 'Aw, f*ck, what did I do?'" he says.

Amy and Reg returned to London on June 22. She watched amateur footage of the Belgrade show on YouTube. It was unusual for her to look at herself online, though she did so more than once in her final days.

Amy was sober for several days, then started drinking again, possibly triggered by news that ex-husband Blake had been given 32 months in prison for burglary.

Reg spent Tuesday night, July 19, at Amy's house in Camden Square, leaving for work the next morning at the time Amy's bodyguard, Andrew Morris, returned after a break. Reg said Amy was sober when he left the house, though she got up early to make breakfast.

Morris told the police that when he arrived at 10am he realised she'd been drinking, "Because of the way she was speaking to me." He wouldn't say she was drunk - he'd seen Amy drunk too many times to use the word lightly.

British singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse performs at the 46664 charity concert in honor of Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday in London. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis, File) Source: AP

Amy was going out that evening, to hear her goddaughter, Dionne Bromfield, sing at the Roundhouse venue. It was her last public appearance. Dionne, only 15 but a confident performer with a strong voice, introduced Amy to the audience. She came onstage

chewing gum and looking edgy. Dionne gave the signal for the band to play Mama Said, appearing to want Amy to join her, but Amy merely danced around the stage, looking evasive and high. Still, she hugged Dionne at the end and exhorted the crowd to cheer.

Mitch called by Amy's house on July 21 and found her looking at family photos. He was flying to New York and didn't see Amy alive again. Amy called Reg, who was busy at

work and couldn't come over. Amy disliked being alone and several people she normally counted on for company were unavailable.

Amy's mother, Janis Winehouse, visited at lunchtime on July 22 with her partner.

"When we left, she hugged me and said, 'I love you, Mummy.' She was always calling me that and telling me she loved me. Amy never really grew up. She was like a little girl, permanently fixed in time as a kiddie."

Amy drank throughout the day. In her search for company, she Skyped childhood friend Ricardo Canadinhas.

Cover of Back to Black by Amy Winehouse. Source: News Limited

"When she was on Skype it was because no one was there," says Ricardo, providing an insight into how lonely Amy had become. "She was like,

'Talk to me, talk to me.'"

Attempts to reach others failed. "A lot of people had missed calls. Basically everyone was out," says local publican and friend Doug Charles-Ridler. "Kelly [Osbourne] said she tried to Skype. Naomi [Parry, her stylist] had missed calls. Everyone had missed calls. No

one picked up, and she was alone."

To comfort herself, Amy drank. She drank vodka more or less constantly the last three days of her life. But her GP was satisfied she wasn't suicidal. "She specifically said she did not want to die," Dr Romete told the police.

Amy Winehouse's father Mitch Winehouse (C) and brother Alex Winehouse (R) look at floral tributes left at her house by fans on July 25, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

Amy was alone at the end, in her bedroom suite, although Morris was in the house. It's not known for certain what she did in her last moments, other than drink more vodka, judging by the post-mortem evidence and empty bottles. So she drank to forget herself and her problems, as drunkards do. She drank herself into a stupor in the early hours.

Flowers, pictures and messages are left in tribute to late soul music and pop star Amy Winehouse, near the house in north London where her body was found the previous day, on July 24, 2011. AFP PHOTO/CARL COURT Source: AFP

Then she curled up to sleep as the sky lightened with the dawn. She may not have meant to die, but she'd been living dangerously for a long time. Death had been shadowing her for years, sometimes coming close, sometimes retreating. We can imagine death

materialising at the foot of her bed as the vodka bottle slipped from her grasp and the last grains of sand ran through the hourglass.

This is an edited extract of Amy, 27, by Howard Sounes (Hodder &Stoughton).

Amy 27 by Howard Sounes (Hodder & Stoughton) Source: Supplied

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Former UWA professor fined

A former associate professor of the University of WA has been convicted of attempted fraud. Source: PerthNow

A FORMER associate professor of a prestigious Perth university has been convicted of attempted fraud after he tried to claim almost $3000 from a research fund.

Steve Su worked at the University of WA until last year after the institution detected he had falsified a personal credit card statement and an invoice to claim $2750.

UWA reported it to the Crime and Corruption Commission before the money could be paid, an investigation was launched and Su was charged.

Today, the 34-year-old pleaded guilty in the Perth Magistrates Court and fined $4000 and ordered to pay $129.35 in costs.

Su resigned from UWA in December and now lives in Sydney.

He was not required to appear in court and was granted a spent conviction, meaning the conviction will not appear on his criminal record.
 

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Tourist attack 'racially motivated'

Three people are being questioned over a gang attack on four tourists in Northbridge last night, which police believe was racially motivated.

The Perth Cultural Centre, where four tourists were attacked last night. Picture: Marie Nirme Source: PerthNow

Four tourists were attacked in the Perth Cultural Centre last night, with a Swedish man and woman hospitalised.   Source: PerthNow

THREE people are being questioned over a gang attack on four tourists in Northbridge last night, which police believe was racially motivated.

Two of the tourists, a Swedish couple aged 35 and 22, had only arrived in Perth yesterday, a few hours before they were attacked.

The Swedes and a New Zealand couple, were assaulted about 9.30pm in the Perth Cultural Centre near James Street.

The Swedish couple was taken to Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital for treatment for head and facial injuries.

The New Zealand pair, a 31-year-old woman and a 27-year-old man, received minor injuries in the assault and were treated at the scene.

There are reports that the 27-year-old New Zealand man was approached as he walked to his hostel last night and he was asked for a cigarette, but when he declined, he was set upon.

This afternoon Perth City Detectives revealed they were interviewing a man and two women in relation to the attack.

It's believed the couples were assaulted by up to eight people, six men and two women.

"One of the male offenders was not wearing a top during the incident," a police spokeswoman said.

"The offenders used offensive and racially motivated language towards the victims."

City of Perth acting lord mayor Janet Davidson said: "It is always disturbing to hear of tourists, or anyone else, being assaulted in the city."

"The circumstances of Monday night's incident are for the police to investigate and establish.

"All cities are subject to violence, but by international standards Perth is a relatively safe city and remains very popular with tourists.

"Safety and security is a priority for the City of Perth. We maintain a network of CCTV cameras and will supply any footage to the police to assist with their investigations."

Anyone with any information about the incident is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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What you need to do to live to 100

Eat a banana a day, says 112-year-old Salustiano Sanchez-Blazquez, who, according to research by Guinness World Records, is the new world's oldest man. AP Photo/Guiness World Records Source: AP

SO, you want to live to 100? Maybe 110? Or more?

There are some simple rules to follow, if those who have already made it to a century - and beyond - are anything to go by.

As a rough guide, you should:

1. Be born in Japan.

2. All of the above

Read the paper and watch what you eat, said Jiroemon Kimura, seen here celebrating his 116th birthday. AFP

OK, so maybe it's a bit late for most of us to organise that.

But don't fret if you are not Japanese, there are still things you can do to squeeze in more time on Earth.

Eat, drink, sleep and work hard for starters, preferably outdoors and somewhere rural.

It also pays to have a sense of humour, be easygoing, and - good advice this - keep breathing.

Likes her pickled mackerel. Japan's Misao Okawa, was recognised as the world's oldest woman by the Guinness World Record in february this year. AFP

But above all, don't stress.

Salustiano Sanchez Blazquez, who at 112 has been recognised as the world's oldest man , has a simple formula: eat bananas.

Sanchez says a daily banana is his secret to a long life, along with six pain killers.

He succeeded Japan's Jiroemon Kimura, who died in June, age 116, as the world's oldest man.

Smoke 10 cigars a day, and drink martinis. That was Hollywood centurion George Burns's advice. News Limited

Kimura's secret to longevity - apart from waking early, reading the newspaper and watching sumo wrestling and parliamentary debates on television - was his diet: "Not eating much without likes and dislikes," he told The Japan Times in 2009.

The world's oldest woman, Misao Okawa, 115, from Japan, said her secret was "watch out for one's health" and a daily serve of pickled mackerel - a Japanese dish for acquired tastes.

Meanwhile, Pearl Cantrell, who's 105, swears by bacon .

The Texan, who is still going strong, eats the processed meat daily and says it has enabled her to stay fit and healthy long into her old age.

Didn't mind a glass of wine. The Queen Mother, seen here with grandson Prince Charles, lived to 101. Picture: AFP

She says that others should do the same if they want to live to be as old as her.

"I love bacon. I could eat it for every meal - and I do. I want other people to eat bacon and I tell them to."

Actor George Burns, who lived to 100, had simple recipe for a long life. Smoke 10 to 15 cheap cigars a day, drink a couple of martinis a day, keep your sense of humour and never, ever retire.

California man Christian Mortensen, who lived to 115, was also fond of cigars. Danish ones.

She hated the healthy lifestyle but Helen Reichert still lived to 109.

In fact, booze and smokes haven't been an impediment to long life for a lucky few.

The Queen Mother, who lived to 101, was well-known to be fond of a gin, or a glass of wine. One anecdote tells of how the then Archbishop of Canterbury, George Carey, accidentally grabbed her glass at her 100th birthday function, prompting the royal matriarch to exclaim: "That's mine!".

The residents of Chiangmai, in southern China, where there are more than 200 residents aged over 100 out of a population of 560,000, have sage advice for those seeking to eke out more years.

They claim a healthy reliance on alcohol was vital. Xu Yuhe, whose residency permit lists her as 104, told AFP that she takes daily shots of "Three Coconut Spring'' a local grain spirit.

Drink spirits, says 104-year-old Xu Yuhe, who lives in a town with one of the highest proportions of over-100s in the world. She says takes daily shots of "Three Coconut Spring'' a local grain spirit. AFP / Wang Zhao

"I drink alcohol every evening, just a little bit, it helps you feel warm,'' said Sheng She, an 80-year-old who says she has 31 children and grandchildren.

Helen (Happy) Reichert, a former TV talk show host and doyenne of New York society, who lived until 109, said she hated just about everything to do with a healthy lifestyle, such as salads, vegetables, getting up early.

In one interview, she admitted she adored rare hamburgers, chocolate, cocktails, and night-life in New York.

She also likes to smoke: "I've been smoking for more than 80 years, all day long, every day. That's a whole lot of cigarettes.''

Parsley tea and the Bible were the ingredients to a long life for Miriam Schmierer. Pic: Adam Knott

Reichert's advice would have shocked some of the Australians who have made it past 100.

Queenslander Miriam Schmierer , who lived to 110, told The Courier Mail her secret to a long life was a diet of parsley tea and dedicated reading of The Bible.

NSW centenarian Jane Gray , who celebrated her 111th birthday last November, said her secret was to eat plenty of good food and don't drink booze or smoke.

"Just behave yourself," she said.

Claude Choules, who lioved to 110, said the key to life was to keep breathing. Picture: Marie Nirme

Perth man Claude Choules , who lived to 110, was more phlegmatic.

His daughter told Perh Now in 2010: "People always ask, 'What do you put your long life down to?' and he said, 'I just keep breathing'.''

The woman officially recognised as having lived the longest was Frenchwoman Jeanne Calment. She lived to 122.

Her family put her longevity down to the kilo of chocolate a week she ate. Calment, who died in 1997, also treated her skin with olive oil, rode a bicycle until she was 100, and only quit smoking five years before her death.

Chocolate, cigarettes, bicycle riding and never stressing out all helped Jeanne Calment live to 122, the oldest person ever. File image

Jean-Marie Robine, a public health researcher, put her long life down to a lack of stress.

"I think she was someone who, constitutionally and biologically speaking, was immune to stress,'' he told the New York Times. ''She once said, 'If you can't do anything about it, don't worry about it'.''

Good advice.

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Council merger plan 'dodgy': Labor

Colin Barnett has done a deal with Brendan Grylls to force some city councils to merge.

Leader of the opposition Mark McGowan calls State Government's plan to merge councils 'dodgy'. Picture: Stewart Allen Source: PerthNow

A DEAL to merge metropolitan councils in Perth and leave regional councils untouched has been slammed by the West Australian opposition as "secret'' and "dodgy''.

Before the state election in March, Premier Colin Barnett said there would be no forced council amalgamations, but confirmed in The Sunday Times yesterday that the state's 40 councils would be reduced in number.

Today, WA Nationals leader Brendon Grylls revealed he had agreed to support the mergers, provided regional councils were exempt.

Mr Grylls said the state Liberal and National parties had different positions on the matter, so had agreed to a compromise.

WA Labor leader Mark McGowan said the amalgamation plan was the latest in a string of broken election promises by Mr Barnett.

City of Perth boundaries expand

"The Liberal and National parties promised they would not undertake this action, and if they were going to, they should have sought a mandate from the people of Western Australia prior to the state election,'' Mr McGowan told reporters.

"This is a secret, dodgy, murky deal to put up rates for ratepayers in Perth while Mr Grylls ensures that country ratepayers don't have that imposed on them.''

Mr McGowan said rates went up by 25 per cent when the regional councils of Geraldton and Greenough merged in 2007.

"That is what people in Perth can expect when Mr Barnett has his way,'' he said.

More details of the changes will be revealed on Tuesday.

Alannah MacTiernan questions council merge plan

Federal Labor candidate for the seat of Perth Alannah MacTiernan has questioned the legality of the West Australian government plan to force local councils to merge.

Alannah MacTiernan, a former WA government minister and now Mayor of Vincent, said there was a case for local government reform and for a rationalisation of boundaries.

Profile: Alannah MacTiernan

But the inner-city area, centred on Leederville, had different planning issues to the more suburban City of Stirling, with which it is to be joined.

It was more focused on integrating single-storey buildings with higher-rise development, helping strip shopping survive and creating ``street culture'', Ms MacTiernan said.

She would prefer Vincent to become part of the City of Perth.

"The focus of the City of Stirling is entirely different,'' Ms MacTiernan told Fairfax radio.

"Mr Barnett has lobbed on his new member for Perth an absolute nightmare and I do not see how, legally, how he is actually going to be able to deliver this.

"He doesn't have the legislative power to do this.''

The Town of Victoria Park is also against the plan as it could lose millions of dollars in revenue from James Packer's Crown casino complex, which will become part of the City of Perth.

Mr Barnett's office has suggested further details of the changes, to be revealed on Tuesday, could make up for the loss of revenue for Victoria Park.

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Trial accused claims self-defence

The woman who is accused of deliberately setting Dana Vulin on fire has told a jury she was acting in self defense.

PLEASE USE THIS PIC: Dana Vulin suffered severe burns to her body. Picture: Channel Nine Source: PerthNow

An artist's impression of Natalie Dimitrovska, who is accused of dousing Dana Vulin with methylated spirits and setting her on fire at her Rivervale apartment. Source: PerthNow

THE woman accused of deliberately setting fire to an acquaintance she believed was having an affair with her husband has told a WA court she never intended to hurt her.

Natalie Dimitrovska, 28, is on trial for intentionally causing grievous bodily harm to Dana Vulin, who suffered extensive burns to 60 per cent of her body and will require treatment for the rest of her life.

For the first time since the alleged attack in February last year, Dimitrovska has publicly given her version of the events that led to Ms Vulin becoming what she called a "human fireball''.

Dimitrovska confirmed on the night Ms Vulin was burned in her Rivervale apartment, she had thrown a bottle of methylated spirits at Ms Vulin, who was holding a lit meth burner.

But Dimitrovska said it had been an "instinctive'' reaction to being threatened herself with pepper spray.

"I didn't know what it was when I picked it up. I had no intention to hurt Dana or cause her injuries,'' Dimitrovska said.

"I picked up the first thing that came to hand and threw it at Dana, I thought she was going to spray me. She instantly seemed to light up.''

Explaining why she had run away as Ms Vulin burned in her kitchen, Dimitrovska could only say: "I got scared. I panicked.''

The accused told Western Australia's District Court how she had split up with her husband Edin Handanovic on New Year's Day, but they were attempting a reconciliation.

However, she said she believed that was being hampered by his relationship with Ms Vulin.

Dimitrovska said after her husband got into a fight on January 28, she was visited by members of a bikie gang who threatened her and her young daughter.

She said she feared for her life, was desperate to locate her husband, and believed he was staying with Ms Vulin.

She denied abusing Ms Vulin during a series of phone calls leading up to the day of the alleged attack, saying they had become friendly while smoking methylamphetamine together.

But prosecutor Linda Petrusa questioned why Dimitrovska had used a 1831 prefix to disguise her number to ring Ms Vulin if the phone calls were not abusive, and suggested she had been furious at Ms Vulin's supposed infidelity with her husband.

The court had previously heard Dimitrovska had told Ms Vulin she would "ruin her pretty little face'' prior to the alleged attack, and had stormed into Ms Vulin's apartment demanding to know where her husband was hiding.

The prosecution says Dimitrovska deliberately took the top off the methylated spirits bottle and doused the victim, and then laughed as she ran away.

The court was told she then changed her hair colour and bought a one-way ticket to Macedonia, before being arrested at Perth airport moments before she was due to depart.

"I was scared of the consequences - I freaked out,'' Dimitrovska said.

Cross examination

In cross-examination, Ms Dimitrovska continued to deny making threats to Ms Vulin.

She said she agreed to become friendly with the younger woman because she knew she could "score drugs"
from her.

On February 14, 2012, two days before Ms Vulin was set on fire, Ms Dimitrovska went to the river-front apartment looking for Mr Handanovic.

Ms Dimitrovska said she had been looking for her husband because bikies had come to her doorstep threatening her and her daughter if she did not find Mr Handanovic for them.

"By the time you came to talk to Dana, you believed her to be a liar and husband stealer," prosecutor Linda Petrusa said.

"Yes," Ms Dimitrovska responded. "I broke down in tears when I got there, Miss."

Ms Dimitrovska refuted claims she stormed through Ms Vulin's flat looking for Mr Handanovic saying it was "not something I would do."

"I was heartbroken," she said. "I thought he might be there."

The jury was told since Ms Dimitrovska had separated from her husband, he had bought a mobile phone but did not give her the phone number.

Ms Petrusa said when Ms Dimitrovska got hold of his phone number, she went on to call him 128 times between February 17 and 24, 2012.

"You could get hold of Dana, not Edin and you directed all of your anger and frustration on her," Ms Petrusa said.

The trial continues.

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Oh! What a night - three new TV shows

The X Factor judges for 2013: Ronan Keating, Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Dannii Minogue and Redfoo. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

FRANKIE Valli and the Four Seasons' hit December 1963 (Oh! What a night) should be renamed July 29, 2013. Three TV shows relaunched and a pumpkin recipe for the worst cook in the world.

Welcome to HomeTime, our 4pm daily bulletin of what to watch on TV, what to cook and on Fridays the best of the new releases at the movies.

What's hot on TV tonight with TV writer Dianne Butler

The X Factor, Channel 7, 7.30pm 3 stars

The X Factor judges for 2013: Ronan Keating, Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Dannii Minogue and Redfoo. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

Don't be alarmed when you don't see Natalie Bassingthwaighte at the first audition. It's probably not because Channel 7 couldn't get her last name right and it's up there on the screen in ENORMOUS LETTERS spelt incorrectly. It'll be fixed up by the time you watch the show tonight. Hopefully. Not that the first audition is the first audition. Who knows what they had to sit through before they got to Jai. Jai's 14, looks about 10, and is like Justin Bieber back when he could urinate in public without anyone caring. Or I assume they sound the same, I don't actually know. But everyone goes mental when he starts singing, even though if I was running X Factor I wouldn't have opened the show with a show stopper. Still. Jai makes Redfoo cry "for real" and he's going through something "right now" in a relationship and he wished he could show his song to her. Is Redfoo talking about his girlfriend Victoria Azarenko the tennis player? Or someone else? The missing judge Natalie BASSINGTHWAIGHTE? Someone he made up while Jai was singing? Jai's also enough to make Ronan Keating stand on top of the desk. One of you keep count how many times this happens in the course of the series will you? It looks like showboating in front of the big new American judge. And how is Redfoo, you'll be wondering. A hundred times better than Mel B. (Who?) And also Ronan Keating, as it happens, who is described by Simon Cowell, in a prerecorded assessment at the start as having a "record industry brain" - completely idiotic - and who later asks a sweet girl from Brisbane who is clearly about to give us a Susan Boyle moment where she's from. She's just told us she's from Brisbane, but Ronan asks her again in the same way Pauline Hanson used to ask people where they were from. It's fairly unattractive. Nobody asks him where he's from. But Ronan's also someone who says 120 per cent.

Who makes Redfoo cry in The X Factor?

Natalie Bassingthwaighte misses X Factor return

Natalie Bassingthwaighte reveals why she was expelled from school - and other regrettable rebellions.

Big Brother, Channel 9, 7pm 3 stars

Entertainment Reporter Charlotte Willis spends 24 hours inside this year's Big Brother house. Courtesy: Southern Star, Big Brother

Sonia Kruger, host of . Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

Nothing much to tell you. I mean, I'd hate to ruin your night. You've seen the ads? Where they're doing the hands like they're in Under the Dome? That's probably where they got the idea for their big twist. Either there or from one of the other Big Brothers around the world. It's not just boring people sitting in a house. Would we have just watched that? Sure. Some of us. Are you going to be more inclined to watch it once you know they're involved in something more….let's say experimental? It's not that different from last year, don't get too worked up. There's always a certain amount of deprivation involved going into the Big Brother house. For them and for us. I don't know if we're really going to be satisfied with this show until someone dies. How far off is that, would you say? A cat died on Bondi Vet on Saturday, close-up shot, 7.30 at night, someone's domestic companion. You join the dots. Nine's running Big Brother wall-to-wall this year, having discovered - the hard way - the formula for a successful show. Of course there is also the view, discovered by married people, that the more time you spend with people the more you grow tired of them, until you'd do anything to not have to see them EVERY SINGLE NIGHT.

Pictures: Sneak peak inside the Big Brother house

Sonya Kruger channels sibling rivalry on Big Brother

Here are some hilarious bloopers from rehearsals from Sonia Kruger and David Campbell's new show called Mornings, which premieres Monday.

Please Marry My Boy , Channel 7, 9pm 2 and a half stars

Doreen Secomb and her son Nathan appear on . Source: Supplied

Nathan models, his mother is saying, so he mixes with people "who are like that.'' Like what Doreen? Up themselves. Doreen is a Christian who has issues with girls who don't dress "respectfully." Marriage is vitally important to her. Which is why she needs to know if Yvette's bosoms, the first girl her son Nathan is hot for, are real. Yvette, however, is also a Christian. Or she is for the purposes of Nathan's mother. Nathan can't believe his luck. A Christian with implants. Tick and tick. Brad is the baby. Or this is how his mother refers to him. Yes, I can't believe he has a problem with girls either. He says he can sell a girl a tent but he can't get her phone number. He works in a camping store. Girls - think back, the last time you bought a tent was…? Margaret, his mother, is lethal. She asks one girl "and have we had many boyfriends before?" in a tone of voice I haven't heard since I watched The Tudors. The third guy is Carlo, who's 41 and dying to have kids. Less interested in the wife bit. If only it was legal to marry your mother, right guys?

Please marry my boy Carlo, says mum Maria

Doreen Secomb uses reality TV to find partner for son

Tell me what you think of tonight's show? dianne.butler@news.com.au

Tonight's quick and easy meal with Jana Frawley, National Food Editor

Step away from the tin opener, because even if you're the worst cook in the world you should be able to make a decent pumpkin soup and never have to resort to the mass-produced stuff again.

All it takes is a little maths (cue the weighing and measuring of ingredients), some chopping (sharp knives are essential all the time but particularly so when cutting pumpkin), and the cooking time (most of which is done while you're off tending to other household activities).

Then comes the great equalisers: the addition of cream (hooray!) and the blending everything together which hides any dodgy inconsistent chopping you've done. Finish with a professional flourish - coriander leaves sprinkled on top at the end - and no one ever need know you can't cook.

Moroccan carrot and coriander soup. Picture: Andrew Young Source: Supplied

Moroccan carrot and pumpkin soup

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 40 minutes

Skills: Basic

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 large brown onion, coarsely chopped

2 garlic cloves, crushed

2 teaspoons ground coriander

1 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon sweet paprika

4 carrots, peeled, coarsely chopped

400g pumpkin, peeled, seeded

1 litre (4 cups) chicken or vegetable stock

1 tablespoon honey

250ml cream

Coriander leaves, to serve

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring, for 5 minute or until onion softens. Add the coriander, cumin, cinnamon and paprika and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until aromatic.

Add the carrot, pumpkin and chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes or until carrot is very tender. Remove from heat.

Transfer carrot mixture to the jug of a blender and blend until smooth (alternatively, use a stick blender and blend in the pot). Return to the saucepan and add the honey and two-thirds of the cream. Place over low heat and cook for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Taste and season with salt and pepper and extra honey, if desired.

Ladle among serving bowls. Add remaining cream and top with coriander leaves to serve.

Photography by Andrew Young

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Inside Hawkins' $10 million empire

Jen Hawkins spoke with news.com.au's Melissa Hoyer earlier this year about juggling fame, fortune and family.

YOU know her as the former cheerleader turned Miss Universe turned TV host and face of department store Myer.

But there's more than meets the eye to Jennifer Hawkins.

Inside Jennifer Hawkins Inc

Jennifer Hawkins' eye-popping dress at ASTRA Awards

Pictures: Jennifer Hawkins sizzles

She has played the blushing bride, excitable TV host, expert runway strutter and red carpet glamour puss. Now it's entrepreneur. Employer. Designer. Property investor. Sharemarket trader.

Hawkins' bombshell blue-eyed, blonde-haired good looks disguise a sharp business brain.

In the almost decade since she won the Miss Universe title, Hawkins has leveraged her success to build a more than $10 million business and property empire.

Pictures: Jennifer Hawkins dyes hair pink

Pictures: Jennifer Hawkins' honeymoon in Paris

Jennifer Inc today spans lucrative endorsement deals with some of Australia's biggest companies, including department store Myer, Loveable lingerie, Coca-Cola Amatil's Mount Franklin water and Pharmacare brands Bioglan vitamins and Redwin Skincare.

After wrapping up multi-million dollar TV deals with Seven Network and Nine Network, there's a new contract to host the current season of Australia's Next Top Model.

Jennifer Hawkins arrives at the 11th Annual ASTRA Awards at The Sydney Theatre on July 25, 2013. Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

Then there's the three trademarked brands she now owns in her own right: a swimwear range COZI by Jennifer Hawkins, the shoes JLH by Jennifer Hawkins and now JBronze, a new range of self-tanning products to be launched this week.

Together with builder-slash-model husband, Jake Wall, she has amassed a property portfolio containing six properties worth around $7 million. Before flying to Bali this year for their dream wedding, the couple managed to sneak in another purchase - $1.66 million for a knock down rebuild in their home suburb of North Curl Curl on Sydney's Northern Beaches.

Jake builds the homes and Jen builds the businesses.

"I invest my money. I'm not one to throw it around," she tells me as we meet for a one-on-one interview, away from the cameras around the boardroom table of her management company's offices in Surry Hills, Sydney.

Hawkins attributes her wise early investments in property to the strong work and savings ethic instilled by her parents (she owns three investment properties in her home town of Newcastle). She is also a substantial share investor, taking out about $1 million in shares in the 2009 Myer sharemarket listing.

"Even before Miss Universe, I saved hard for my first car. I worked three jobs to get that."

Immediately after winning the crown, in April 2005, she established her own company, Universal Strategies, of which she remains the sole director and company secretary.

"From the very beginning it has always been about making the best of your opportunities and making a plan for longevity in the industry."

In a celebrity industry with a notoriously short shelf life, Hawkins has played an clever game, leveraging lucrative brand endorsements into joint venture opportunities to promote her growing list of brands.

"From the start, I wanted to build businesses that are relevant to my lifestyle and that I'm really passionate about."

She reveals she turned down her first endorsement offer: half a million dollars to push a weight loss pill. "I just said no way, no way. That's just ridiculous. It's not about the money."

But the offers kept coming and Hawkins has since secured a long list of lucrative endorsements, including Pepsi, skincare brand Lux, Covergirl makeup, a luxury waterfront property development in Hong Kong, Audi and Range Rover cars, Louis Vuitton and Siren shoes.

She is almost apologetic for her success. "You don't want to throw it in people's faces. It's not about look at me and look at my money."

"When those opportunities came up I just grabbed them and I feel very grateful for them, but I also worked hard for them."

Making the leap from supermodel to business woman, as pioneered by the likes of Heidi Klum and Elle Macpherson, will requires a delicate transition from simply promoting other company's products to developing and distributing your own

It is a transition Hawkins is well on her way to making.

Shortly after signing with Myer in 2007, she approached the company with a proposal to design and manufacture her own line of swimwear. A year later, COZI by Jennifer Hawkins swimwear was launched and is about to enter its sixth season.

Jennifer Hawkins tells herself to 'suck it up' as she freezes in a photo shoot. Picture: Jennifer Hawkins/Instagram Source: Supplied

Later, when Mount Franklin approached Hawkins in late 2011 to promote its new "Lightly Sparkling" brand of sparkling mineral water, she cleverly negotiated to launch a limited edition bottle featuring design patterns from her swimwear range.

When it came to her passion for dangerously high heals (why she needs them at 183cm I'm not sure) she jumped at the chance to become the face of Melbourne shoe designer Siren in 2010. Again, she immediately set about designing her own range for Siren, before stepping out in 2010 with her own brand JLH by Jennifer Hawkins - the L stands for Louise.

More recently, in 2012 when she became brand ambassador for Australian health and beauty products company Pharmacare, makers of Bioglan vitamins and Redwin Skin care, she was also in negotiations to have them manufacture her own range of self-tanning products, JBronze, which she is now launching.

"People may think I just popped my name on a little bottle. But I had to go to the factory and work out different scents and get people to trial them and trial them myself. I enjoy that side of things."

For the avoidance of doubt, we discuss - at length - her pricing strategies for her products. She tells me she has twice switched manufacturers for her high heals in search of the best trade off between structural heal integrity and price. Her first season of shoes retailed for around $250 but the new range will be more affordable. "I'm going to lower the cost of production and lower the price point to around $150 to $179.95," she explains before apologising. ''This is probably too boring for your story."

If anyone is under the impression Hawkins is not across the details of her business, rest assured.

Likewise, the new JBronze range is designed to sit in the mid-point, accessible range of $24.99 and up. In just three weeks, Hawkins has already lined up 1000 distribution points including Myer's 80 stores, plus hundreds of pharmacies including Terry White.

It will be her most widely sold product yet and the one about which she says she is most passionate.

A risk? For sure. But a calculated one. Hawkins quotes figures that, in a tough retail environment, sales of self tanning lotions are up 22 per cent a year, tapping into the niche for more health conscious products.

But the burgeoning business woman bristles when I ask how many employees she has. "Oh no, I'm not saying that," she says, again aware of not wanting to be seen to gloat about her empire. But yes, she is an employer. "It's my company, so yes. It's nice to be able to hire people who have experience in certain areas."

So what next? Unsurprisingly Hawkins nominates Heidi Klum, Elle Macpherson and Jennifer Lopez as the businesspeople she most admires. "I'm not putting myself on their level. They're amazing women. It's so great that they can empower women."

According to Tim Harcourt, the Airport Economist and consultant to Austrade who has helped celebrities like Megan Gale, Elle Macpherson and Hugh Jackman market themselves abroad, there is a well worn path abroad if Hawkins chooses to tread it.

She says she has already had offers by foreign online retailers to sell her COZI range, which is available exclusively in Myer stores here, to an international market.

Records with IP Australia show she has established six trademarks, covering products from sunglasses to beach towels to handbags and purses.

The question for Myer chief executive, Bernie Brookes, is whether the blonde bombshell has reached a level of success that means she is no longer seen as an "attainable" image for the typical Myer shopper.

The pair are scheduled to meet in the second week of August to discuss cessation or continuation of her contract.

The outcome will depend on the results of focus group studies into whether Hawkins adds tangible returns to shareholders, or if they'd be better of with someone younger and cheaper.

For her part, Hawkins is keen to extend the relationship. "I would love to. I'm a shareholder so I'm always going to be a part of it."

A contract extension with Myer would crown a whirlwind year for the former Miss Universe in which she has got married, been on honeymoon, purchased a new property, hosted a new show and launched a brand of bronzing products.

Hawkins turns 30 this December and shows no signs of slowing down. "I feel more confident and more like a woman. It's a calmer feeling."

The girl next door is all grown up.

Jennifer Hawkins reveals what underwear she prefers while modelling a dress that drops. File vision, 1 January 2008.

Jennifer Hawkins launches her own self-tanning range Jbronze. Source: Supplied

JEN INC.

COMPANIES

A PRIVATE company called Universal Strategies established in 2005 after the Miss Universe victory of which Hawkins remains the sole director and company secretary.

ANOTHER company called Hawkins (Aust) Pty Ltd, a personal trust which holds some of her property and assets.

BRANDS

SWIMWEAR: A swimwear brand COZI by Jennifer Hawkins launched in 2008 and stocked exclusively through Myer's 80 stores.

SHOES: A shoe brand JLH by Jennifer Hawkins launched in 2010 stocked in Myer, Seduce Clothing, Wanted Shoes, Nina Maya and styletread.com.au

BRONZERS: A self-tanning lotion and bronzer range of products J Bronze, launching soon to be socked in hundreds of pharmacies, including Terry White, and Myer stores.

AND MORE ... Universal Strategies has registered trademarks covering a host of other products including sunglasses, beach clothing, bed linen, handbags and purses.

ENDORSEMENTS

A SIX year contract as face of the Myer brand is set to expire in November having earned her an estimated $5 million.

A CONTRACT with Coca-Cola Amatil's Mount Franklin brand of "Lightly Sparkling" mineral water was also a platform to promote her COZI range of swimwear patterns.

A SEVEN year continuing stint as the face of lingerie brand Lovable, which was bought out in 2011 by the same company that launched Elle Macpherson's lingerie range.

A BRAND ambassadorship with Pharmacare to promote its brands Bioglan vitamins and Redwin skincare. Pharmacare also manufactures her bronzer.

OTHER endorsements have included Audi and Range Rover cars, Covergirl makeup, Luis Vuitton bags, Pepsi, Lux skincare, Marie Claire Asia, Siren shoes and a Hong Kong waterfront property development.

TELEVISION CONTRACTS

CURRENT host of Fox 8's Australia's Next Top Model

FIVE year contract with Seven Network presenting on The Great Outdoors worth a rumoured $700,000 to $1 million a year expired in 2009.

FORMER reporter on Nine Network's Getaway travel show.

PROPERTY

THREE investment properties in her home town of Newcastle purchased between October 2006 and October 2008 for which she paid a combined $1.4 million.

A TWO-bedroom flat in Bondi for which she paid $895,000 in 2007.

A LUXURY architect designed home in the North Curl Curl or which the couple paid $1.375 million for the land and at least another million dollars to build.

PAID $1.66 million in March this year for a knockdown rebuilt in the same suburb with a development application estimating $900,000 in works.

SHARES

Owns shares worth around $1 million thanks to substantial shareholding in Myer after being the face of its sharemarket listing in 2009.

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