WA woman free, Corby faces spy issue

Australian Sandra Sheed escorted by immigration officer after her release from Kerobokan jail. Source: Supplied

Some Indonesian politicians say Schapelle Corby's bid for parole should be rejected. Source: News Limited

AS one Australian woman was freed from Bali's Kerobokan Jail today, opposition continues to grow within the Indonesian parliament against Schapelle Corby's parole.

Former Perth woman, Sandra Cindy Sheed, was freed from jail after serving an eight-month sentence for theft from her boyfriend.

But former Queenslander Corby's release faces new obstacles on the back of the diplomatic row over revelations Australia spied on the Indonesian president's mobile phone in 2009.

Authorities in Bali have given the parole the green light but the application is now in Jakarta, waiting for departmental and ministerial approval.

And lawmakers from within Indonesia's House of Representatives continue to oppose her parole, saying that the current tension between Australia and Indonesia should be taken into account.

Commission III of the House of Representatives, which oversees legal affairs, is planning to call the Justice Minister before it to discuss the issue of Corby's parole.

Syarifuddin Suding, leader of the Hanura party faction at the House of Representatives and a member of the commission, told News Ltd that most members of the powerful committee agreed that the Minister should reject Corby's parole application.

"I have told the Law and Human Rights Minister not to give parole for Corby. If government gives parole to Corby, it will be a bad precedent for Indonesia's attempt against international drug rings. It will not give deterrent effect for them," Mr Suding said.

"Most of commission III members have agreed to recommend the Law and Human Right Minister to reject Corby's parole application. She should not be released," he said.

Mr Suding said the current tensions over the spy allegations should be taken into account when considering the parole bid and the President's decision last year to grant Corby clemency.

"As a sovereign nation, Indonesia must show that we are not easily underestimated, or even abused by other nations," Mr Suding said.

"The tension between Indonesia and Australia should be used as consideration."

Mr Suding said the President should revoke his decision, last year, to grant Corby a five-year sentence cut in response to her plea for clemency.

On her release today, a smiling Sheed, 42, was picked up from the jail by two officers from the Immigration Department. Outside the jail she said that she was feeling good and wasn't planning on returning to jail.

Sheed will now be deported back to Australia.

Kerobokan Jail Governor Farid Junaedi said he had met Sheed before her release and given her suggestions for coping with life on the outside.

"I met her this morning. And she looked good, she always say yes for what I suggested to her," Farid said. He said that Sheed had behaved well in jail.

Sheed, a long-term Bali resident, was convicted earlier this year of stealing a raft of household items from her former boyfriend, Stephen Blackwell.

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Shark hunters could be used - Barnett

Professional shark fishermen, such as this Augusta operator, could be used to take out large sharks threatening people on the WA coast. Source: News Limited

PROFESSIONAL shark hunters could be hired to patrol West Australian waters as the government considers tougher action on the risk the ocean predators pose to the public.

The death of surfer father-of-two Chris Boyd, 35, who was attacked by a shark at Gracetown on Saturday, sparked renewed debate about whether the time had come for a cull of larger sharks close to the WA shore.

With beaches in the state's South West still shut after more sightings of large sharks, Premier Colin Barnett says he is listening to the growing fears - and is ready to take a tougher line on assessing whether a shark is a threat.

That could include hiring professional shark hunters.

''(They) are an option, absolutely. If there are repeated sightings of a large shark in an area where people swim or surf, to me that is an imminent threat,'' Mr Barnett said.

``And I think we take a tougher line of what is an imminent threat, and if that means destroying the shark so be it.

A 2.5m bronze whaler shark was spotted 50m from Meelup Beach, closing the beach before a planned Leavers gathering. It has since been re-opened.

``But a cull would be a random destruction of sharks, and we are not going to do that.''

Meanwhile thousands of West Australians have taken to social media voicing their opposition to a cull of great white sharks.

Another beach in WA's southwest was closed today after a shark sighting just hours before a school leavers' event was due to be held on the sand.

The sighting of a 2.5-metre bronze whaler at Meelup Beach near Dunsborough immediately prompted the closure.

The beach was due to host the annual ``Don't Drink and Drown'', but just before 9am. Surf Lifesaving WA tweeted that the beach had been shut after the shark was spotted swimming 50 metres off shore.

The Department of Fisheries and WA Police were due to hold a press conference at the beach outlining their increased efforts to monitor the beaches in the area over the rest of the week.

Meelup Beach reopened just over an hour later, with the schoolies' event still scheduled to go ahead.

Lisa Clack, manager of the Department of Fisheries' Shark Response Unit, said they would continue to have extra support with additional patrols by sea and air, including extra helicopter patrols.

A fisheries officer will be in the chopper helping to identify shark species and size.

The helicopter and fisheries vessels will be on call from 7am to 5pm patrolling the coastline.

Police Superintendent Peter Hatch urged schoolies to take the advice of police and other local authorities.

The support will remain for the Kelloggs Ironman event, which is being held at Smith's Beach this weekend, and then the Busselton Ironman event the following weekend.

Beaches in Gracetown will also remain closed until this afternoon after an unconfirmed shark sighting of a 5m great white at Gracetown Beach yesterday afternoon.

This morning, authorities also announced extra safety measures across South West beaches to protect school leavers.

Superintendent South West District, Peter Hatch said many school leavers would be gathering for the annual Meelup Beach Day today and he was urging them to take the advice of police and other local authorities.

"Leavers are reminded to make use of the transport service to travel to the event and leave their cars behind," he said.

"Extra water safety measures are in place, with additional resources and support by air and sea, and sirens would be sounded if beaches needed to be cleared."

"The helicopter is on call from 7am to 5pm and Fisheries' vessels the Geographe and Hamlin will be patrolling the coastline," Ms Clack said.

"If water users in the south west hear a siren from the helicopter they should leave the water immediately. People should exercise caution when entering the water at south west beaches and we encourage them to use patrolled beaches at all times.

Beaches in Gracetown remain closed until this afternoon after an unconfirmed shark sighting of what was thought to be a 5m great white at Gracetown Beach yesterday.

Anyone wanting to receive alerts about shark sightings in the South West can follow @SLSWA on Twitter or refer to the Surf Life Saving WA Facebook page.

Any shark sightings should be reported to Water Police on 9442 8600.

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Not the package we expected

Unwrapped ... rhe incriminating photo, featuring the woman in a UPS shirt, that was posted online. Source: Supplied

TALK about getting caught on the job.

Bad Santa ... a picture posted on the woman's website. Source: Supplied

A United Parcel Service driver in Oklahoma City is in hot water with his bosses after a prostitute posted a picture of their afternoon encounter in the back of a company truck.

Far from being discreet, the revealing photo showed the woman wearing an unbuttoned UPS shirt and was accompanied by the words: "Look at my naughty time from yesterday."

The prostitute posted the picture on a local online exchange this week, apparently to promote her members-only website. Identifying herself as "happiness consultant Mary Ann" she went on to graphically described her interlude with the driver.

She also told how more explicit photos had been posted to the members section of her site.

The original post, which has since been taken down, was spotted by JohnTV.com, a website devoted to "exposing prostitution" in Oklahoma City.

Things escalated from there.

Happiness delivered ... the online posting from 'Mary Ann' referring to the interlude. Source: Supplied

Local station KWTV News contacted global delivery service UPS and they were not amused.

A spokeswoman said executives were outraged and the company was moving quickly to track down the identity of the driver involved.

Susan Rosenberg said: "It disrespects UPS drivers and customers. This is not behaviour we would ever condone for anyone, let alone for our company. We want to assure other drivers and our customers that this will be fully investigated."

Present and incorrect ... another picture from the woman's website. Source: Supplied

Brian Bates, founder of JohnTV.com, said: "What really shocked me is that a driver would put himself in this position, no pun intended, and then allow the pictures to be posted publicly."

The woman's website shows pictures of her in various costumes, including a Christmas-themed one, and includes the description: "I am a confidant (sic) woman who just loves to play ... with a great attitude, and some mad skills."

She has so far decided not to talk to local media.

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Shark season: What should we do?

Police speak to a surfer about the recent shark attack at Gracetown. Source: PerthNow

This three metre brown shark was spotted by fisherman 300 metres off the coast of Eagle Bay. Courtesy: Gemma Walsh

AS beaches in Gracetown re-open and the search for the shark that killed Chris Boyd is called off, debate still rages in our community as to what to do about the deadly predators stalking our 12,000km of pristine coastline.

Our seventh fatal attack in three years makes us the shark attack capital of the world and while this scary statistic has spurred the WA Government to react, their strategies simply haven't worked.

So as another long, hot summer approaches, PerthNow wants to know what you think about what's being done and if Saturday's tragic event will stop you heading to the beach this summer.

Comment below, send us an email or contact us on Twitter or Facebook about the State Government's strategies to combat shark attacks and how you're feeling about them as we head towards summer.

Shoot-to-kill just for thrills
The imminent threat order issued after the shark attack was rescinded on Monday night but it's almost impossible for authorities to track and kill a shark responsibile for fatal attacks. As former Fisheries minister Jon Ford said this week, unless authorities happen to be at the location of a fatality, and the shark responsible is hanging around, it's difficult to pinpoint the exact shark. "I'd share the reluctance of Fisheries to go out there and kill sharks," he said. Even Shark Response Unit spokesman Tony Cappelluti admitted they had no idea. "The scientific advice is that some white sharks remain in the vicinity of an attack site for a period, while others move on.

Lisa Clack from Fisheries shows the fins that a diver was wearing when he was bitten by a shark in Hillarys. Picture: Theo Fakos Source: PerthNow

Shark patrols don't stop attacks
They may give the public a sense of safety, and the State Government a sense of doing something, but in reality, shark patrols can't stop tragedies like Saturday's fatality. The Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter spotted eight sharks along the South West coastline on Saturday either side of the attack on Mr Boyd, just after 9am. But how many of these sightings were of the same shark? What was done to communicate the sightings immediately to beachgoers in the water? One thing the shark patrols are showing is the increase in the number of large sharks swimming close to shore.

NEWS. Pilot Michael Ng on shark patrol up and down the coastline. Watermans Beach. Report Braden Quartermaine. Photos: Natalie Slade Picture: Slade Natalie Source: PerthNow

Tagging doesn't equal control
While tagged sharks can be detected along the Perth coast through 18 receivers, from Ocean Reef to Warnbro Sound, there are only two satellite-linked acoustic receivers in the South West. Given the region's attraction as a surfing, beach and tourism destination, this is clearly not enough. Gracetown, where there have been three fatalities since 2004, is unable to host a receiver because the currents at the beach are too strong and Premier Colin Barnett has refused an offer from US research group OCEARCH to help them tag sharks along our coast.

Beaches near Gracetown have been closed because of a fatal shark attack. Source: News Corp Australia

Are nets a barrier or breakthrough?
While the use of shark nets increase the incidence of bycatch, they do reduce the occurrence of fatal attacks by decreasing local shark populations. Shark nets are common in New South Wales and also prevalent in Hong Kong and South Africa. The WA Goverment announced last month that a shark-proof fence designed to repel sharks, not trap them, would be trialled at Old Dunsborough Beach - a beach not common for shark sightings or recent attacks. Another for Coogee Beach has been hit by red tape.

The 300 metre long shark net will be installed 75metres off Coogee Beach. Picture: Supplied Source: PerthNow

Culling is cruel but can it work?
Gracetown surfers and business operators demanded the State Government start killing white pointers in the region but the great white is still a protected species and the ocean is their territory. Some suggested sharks bigger than 3m or those that swim close to shore to be culled but the school of thought suggests sharks are heading closer to shore and attacking more humans because of overfishing in our waters. There is no evidence to suggest that culling sharks will equate to fewer attacks and Premier Colin Barnett is talking tough but still wary.

A victim of a shark attack near Esperance is ferried by the Royal Flying Doctors at Jandakot. Picture: Jordan Shields Source: PerthNow

Deterrents at an expense
Scientists at the University of WA are researching shark deterrent measures including using sound, light and bubbles to deter the predators, while devices like shark shields, which emit electronic pulses and cause sharks a high level of discomfort, are also available. When Rockingham Encounters tour guide Elyse Frankcom was with a charter group diving with dolphins in 2010, she had a shark shield on her but failed to turn it on. She was attacked by a shark shortly after and subsequently activated her deterrent and the shark swum away. While this measure is not a 100 percent  guarantee it is a proven, albeit, costly method to protect beachgoers from sharks.

* Shark sightings should be reported to Water Police on 9442 8600

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hayley Dodd: Police comb farm grounds for clues

Police have begun a major forensic search at a rural property near Badgingarra near where the teenager Hayley Dodd went missing in 1999.

GROUND penetrating machinery is being used on a Badgingarra property after police reviewed the case of missing teenager Hayley Dodd.

Several people are being questioned by police after they began a major forensic search at a rural property on North West Road, 10km east of the the Wheatbelt town, near where the teenager went missing in 1999.

The forensic search was initiated after the Special Crime Squad conducted a review into the case.

The search is not related to the current residents at the property.

PICTURES: Police search Badgingarra property

Hayley Dodd, rear, who disappeared while hitch-hiking near Badgingarra, about 210km north of Perth in July 1999.

Officers from the special crime squad and forensic officers have been at the home since early this afternoon, while two mobile police facilities are also at the scene.

State Crime Acting Commander Scott Higgins said Hayley's family had been briefed on developments.

Hayley's disappearance remains one of WA's most baffling and still unsolved missing person cases.

The 17-year-old was last seen walking along North West Road, about 200km north of Perth, after picking up a lift while hitch-hiking from Dongara.

Police investigate a property at Badgingarra in relation to the disappearance of Hayley Dodd 14 years ago. Picture: supplied

Today, forensic officers used specialised ground penetrating machinery in their search of the farm, which is expected to take several days.

State Crime Acting Commander Scott Higgins. Picture: file image Source: News Limited

Acting Commander Higgins said information had been uncovered recently that led Special Crime detectives back to the property.

He said the house had been visited by police in the past and those being questioned had been previously interviewed.

Margaret Dodd holds a photograph of her missing daughter Hayley with her father Ray, taken in January 1998, about 18 months before she disappeared.

"Part of this investigation includes a forensic search of a property in Badgingarra and further interviews with a number of different people," Acting Commander Higgins said.

"A review was conducted as part of the Special Crime squad's protocols into the disappearance. As a result of that, some information was uncovered which led us to go back to that property to conduct a proper forensic search.

"We're continually looking at new ways of examining as scientific breakthroughs come through, legislation changes, policy changes.

"We're searching for evidence which will help us uncover what happened to Hayley.

"Some of the people have been interviewed before but I'm not going to go into the specific details of individuals."

Acting Commander Higgins said detectives spoke to Hayley's mother, Margaret, about the search today.

"Hayley's disappearance has long been a case that has proven difficult but one that WA

Police remain committed to solving," he said.

"We know the family members of long term missing persons and unsolved homicide victims

suffer, and we want to find the answers that may bring them some comfort."

In an interview with PerthNow in June this year, Mrs Dodd said she hoped a coronial inquest, set down for January, would finally bring her and her family some closure.

"I am hoping for some answers, whether we get that is another story but hopefully people that the police are interested in can be called (as witnesses) and questioned and maybe we can find out what happened to Hayley," Mrs Dodd said in the June interview.

"Hopefully something new comes out of it and we get some sort of result.''

Mrs Dodd described the past 14 years without her daughter as "mentally challenging'' and said there was no doubt in her mind Hayley had been abducted.

Police investigate a property at Badgingarra in relation to the disappearance of Hayley Dodd 14 years ago. Picture: supplied Source: Supplied

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Binge drinking disappoints Collier

WA's school leavers praised for good behaviour, despite the emergence of a Facebook page illustrating teenage excesses on show.

Education Minister Peter Collier says school leavers reliance on alcohol to celebrate was disappointing. Picture: file image Source: News Limited

WESTERN Australia's school leavers have been praised for good behaviour on the first night of celebrations, despite the emergence of a Facebook page illustrating some of the teenage excesses on show across the state.

With around 10,000 leavers descending on Rottnest Island, Dunsborough and Busselton, WA Police monitoring the parties said there was little trouble to report.

They reported in Dunsborough one adult male, who was not a leaver, being arrested for disorderly conduct, 13 move on notices being issued, along with 11 liquor infringements and three liquor cautions.

And at Rottnest, 22 eviction notices were issued - 20 to so-called over-aged 'toolies' - while 23 liquor infringements were issued, and one juvenile was cautioned for having pepper spray in his possession.

The Facebook page "WA Leavers Embarrassing Moments", which invited posts of pictures of the aftermath of celebrations, was also attracting the attention of authorities, after gaining 11,000 likes in a few days.

"I have heard about it, and that is a shame - all they do perpetuate this myth that is good to embarrass yourself and get absolutely hammered," said WA's education minister Peter Collier. "Fundamentally our kids are good but they let down their guard in this instance, and they may make decisions when they become inebriated that they regret for the rest of their lives."

Despite the relatively quiet first night, Mr Collier said he was becoming disappointed with the reliance on alcohol to celebrate the end of a school career.

"As a former teacher I have seen a deterioration at what is expected at Leavers - once upon a time you went away to relax and enjoy yourself, now it has gone above and beyond that," Mr Collier said.

"Unfortunately in contemporary society there is a reliance on alcohol to have a good time, and binge drinking is almost the norm."

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Aussie Schoolies light up Bali

Teenagers attend a party in a nightclub during Australian "schoolies" celebrations following the end of the year 12 exams on November 24, 2013 in Kuta, Indonesia. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

WE have seen their antics on the Gold Coast and in Byron Bay but to really let your hair down it seems you need to skip the country all together.

The traditional migration to the Gold Coast is so last century and the new hotspot is Bali.

Australian school leavers have flocked to the Indonesian resort to let down their hair and celebrate the end of secondary studies.

There were plenty of partygoers willing to ham it up for the camera and show just how good a time they were having.

Teenagers attend a party in a nightclub during Australian "schoolies" celebrations in Kuta, Indonesia. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Teenagers attend a party in a nightclub during Australian "schoolies" celebrations in Kuta, Indonesia. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Bali is a world away from school and parental authority. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Sometimes the hangover starts well before the morning after. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

After years of study getting away with friends to let your hair down has become a right of passage. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Destinations such as Kuta in Bali are often chosen because of cheap alcohol and all night parties. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Teenagers can afford more by heading over to Kuta, Indonesia. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Two teenagers ride a motorbike taxi during Australian "schoolies" celebrations in Kuta, Indonesia. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Girls pose during a party in a nightclub during Australian "schoolies" celebrations. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Australian teenagers party in a hotel pool. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

All night parties and copious cheap alcohol is a lure too good to be true for Australian school leavers. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Teenagers attend a party in a nightclub during Australian "schoolies" celebrations. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Teenagers attend a party in a nightclub during Australian "schoolies" celebrations. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Teenagers attend a party in a nightclub during Australian "schoolies" celebrations. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Teenagers kiss during Australian "schoolies" celebrations following the end of the year 12 exam in Kuta, Indonesia. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Teenagers attend a party in a nightclub during Australian "schoolies" celebrations. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

A young man carries a girl on his back after partying hard in Kuta. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

It is amazing who you can bump into even when overseas ... it is such a small world after all. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Teenagers attend a party in a nightclub during Australian "schoolies" celebrations. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Teenagers attend a party in a nightclub during Australian "schoolies" celebrations. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Teenagers attend a party in a nightclub during Australian "schoolies" celebrations. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Teenagers attend a party in a nightclub during Australian "schoolies" celebrations. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Teenagers attend a party in a nightclub during Australian "schoolies" celebrations. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

An girl poses during Australian "schoolies" celebrations in Kuta, Indonesia. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

People move through a traffic jam on Poppies Line II Street during Australian "schoolies" celebrations. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

The ugly face of Australian school leavers in Bali. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Gracetown beach closed after 5m shark sighting

The family of great white victim Chris Boyd arrive in WA, schoolies charged with drug offences, and golden honour for Damien Oliver.

THE beach where a surfer was killed by a suspected great white shark has been closed again after a shark sighting close to shore.

A five-metre shark was spotted off the coast of Gracetown in Western Australia's South West this afternoon, prompting rangers to erect beach closure signs from North Point to South Point.

The Department of Fisheries has a vessel on the way to Gracetown and Surf Life Saving helicopter patrols are already underway.

The beaches will remain closed for 24 hours - until at least 2pm tomorrow - as a precautionary measure.

Chris Boyd, 35, was surfing at the popular surf break Umbies off Gracetown when a suspected great white shark bounced off another surfer's board and attacked him on Saturday morning.

The search for the shark that killed surfer Chris Boyd has resumed off Gracetown as some surfers are now calling for a cull of the large predators.

An imminent threat order issued after the shark attack was rescinded on Monday night after the Department failed to catch a shark potentially responsible for the attack.

Beaches at Gracetown have been closed again after a 5m shark was sighted this afternoon. Picture: Marie Nirmie

The Department of Fisheries advised that rangers installing beach closure signs from North Point to South Point in Gracetown following reports of a five-metre shark in the area.

WA Fisheries advised that one of its vessels is on the way to Gracetown and Surf Life Saving helicopter patrols area already underway.

Department of Fisheries Shark Response Unit spokesman Tony Cappelluti said there will continue to be a strong land, sea and air presence.

WA shark attack victim Chris Boyd, who died at Gracetown on Saturday morning.

"We have extra support with additional patrols by sea and air - extra helicopter patrols for the rest of the week with a fisheries officer in the chopper helping to identify shark species and size," he said.

"The helicopter is on call from 7am and 5pm. Fisheries boats the Geographe and Hamlin will also be patrolling the coastline.

There will also be additional coordination by Department of Fisheries' shark response officers who are working closely with local government and event organisers on the ground in the south west leading into events like the Kelloggs Ironman Smiths Beach, the Meelup Leavers event on Wednesday and the Busselton Ironman."

Earlier today, beaches in Gracetown were re-opened, with a patrol vessel from Perth and aerial surveillance continued while school leavers are in the area after Saturday's fatal shark attack

Chris Boyd surfing. Picture: Facebook

The beaches opened this morning after the imminent threat order to find the shark that killed surfer Chris Boyd was cancelled last night.

The search for the suspected great white was called off about 5pm yesterday.

Police will be in control of a school leavers party at Meelup beach tomorrow night but the Department of Fisheries will work with them to monitor the water.

Mr Cappelluti said while people needed to be cautious, there was no suggestion that the event should be cancelled.

Mr Boyd was surfing at the popular surf break Umbies off Gracetown when a shark, believed to be a great white, bounced off another surfer's board and attacked him on Saturday morning.

Beaches were closed and authorities searched unsuccessfully for the shark, which was deemed an imminent risk, but the search was called off on Monday night and the beaches were re-opened.

Lefthanders Beach with Umbies break, near Gracetown in WA's South-West. The beach has been closed again after a 5m shark was spotted this afternoon. Source: News Limited

Surfer's death 'quick and painless', doctor reveals

Meanwhile, a doctor who tried in vain to save Mr Boyd says there was little he could do but his death would have been painless and quick.

The popular father-of-two was surfing at Umbies surf break off Gracetown, in WA's South West, when the shark bounced off another surfer's board and attacked him on Saturday morning.

Anaesthetist Dennis Millard, who was surfing near Mr Boyd, says his injuries were clearly fatal.

``I think it would have been very painless and quick,'' he said.

The doctor has since bonded with the Boyd family who've described him as a ``wonderful man''.

``They're a very tight-knit family and they're obviously very distressed by what happened,'' he said.

``He was an absolute water man, who was a warrior of the ocean.''

Dr Millard also read a statement from Shae Nairn, who was surfing with Mr Boyd when he was attacked.

Mr Nairn said only he knew what happened in the water and he had done his best to convey the details to Mr Boyd's partner Krystle and the rest of the family.

The Boyd family have asked for privacy while they mourn, Dr Millard said.

The doctor, who is a keen surfer, said he was concerned about the number of shark attacks ``increasing out of proportion''.

Chris Boyd, who was killed in a shark attack on Saturday, was a keen surfer. Picture: supplied/Facebook. Source: Supplied

An imminent threat order issued immediately after the shark attack was rescinded on Monday night after the Fisheries Department failed to catch any shark that might have been responsible for the attack.

Shark Response Unit spokesman Tony Cappelluti said a great white shark was likely to have been responsible.

``We had no choice but to issue this order, especially as many school leavers are in the region at the moment,'' he said.

``The scientific advice is that some white sharks remain in the vicinity of an attack site for a period while others move on.

``There have been no further sightings of a white shark in the area and it is likely that the shark responsible for the attack is no longer in this general locality.''

Some surfers are calling for sharks larger than three metres or those that swim close to shore be culled.

The state government has indicated it will consider stronger protective options for ocean users but culling sharks is unlikely.

Mr Boyd's death is WA's only fatal shark attack this year.

It comes weeks after abalone diver Greg Pickering was bitten on the face and body by a five-metre great white while diving off the coast of Esperance.

There have been three fatal shark attacks at Gracetown in the past 10 years.

Surfer Bradley Smith was taken by a great white in 2004 and Nicholas Edwards was killed by a shark at nearby South Point in 2010.

The Department of Fisheries said it decided to rescind the order after vessels spent most of the weekend and Monday searching for sharks considered to be a threat.

Capture gear was deployed on two Department of Fisheries' vessels and aerial surveillance undertaken over three days.

Mr Cappelluti said the capture gear was identical to that used in the department's shark tagging research program.

The Department said people should continue to exercise caution when entering the water at South West beaches and preferably use patrolled beaches."

Any shark sightings should be reported to Water Police on 9442 8600.

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Australian dies in PNG plane crash

Three killed in plane crash, including an Australian ... Seven survivede the crash in a Cessna Caravan (file picture). Source: Supplied

AN Australian man is one of three people killed in a plane crash in Papua New Guinea.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the 38-year-old Victorian man was among those killed in the crash yesterday.

A DFAT spokesperson said two PNG nationals were also killed and consular officials were in contact with the man's family in Australia.

"Our thoughts are with the families of the victims,'' the spokesperson said in a statement today.

The single-engined Cessna Caravan charter plane, operated by Tropicair, crashed while flying in Gulf Province yesterday afternoon, ABC reported.

The Accident Investigation Commission says there were 10 people on board, and seven survived the crash.

Investigators have been sent to the scene.

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Nearly 200 WA cops quit force

Almost 200 police officers are set to quit the West Australian force under a voluntary severance scheme

WA Police Minister Liza Harvey, who has announced almost 200 police officers are set to quit the force. Picture: file image Source: News Limited

ALMOST 200 police officers are set to quit the West Australian force under a voluntary severance scheme designed to put more police on the streets.

Police Minister Liza Harvey says the government had approved terms to release 196 highly experienced officers who are no longer fit for "frontline duties''.

The severance payouts are set to cost about $37 million and will come from the police budget.

Ms Harvey says shipping the officers out will leave room and money to hire younger officers who can perform those duties.

``Many of these officers have served long careers in the police service but are no longer considered fit for frontline duties,'' Ms Harvey said today.

``The state government thanks them for helping make our community a safer place to live.''

The average age of the departing officers is 57, compared with the WA police's average age of 33.

Under the state government's Frontline 2020 review of the police, officers were allowed to access the severance package offered to all WA public servants earlier this year.

Under the state government's Public Sector Workforce Reform initiative, the government aims to slash 1200 jobs from across all agencies.

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More