Raids 'not related' to Glory, Cape Lambert

The offices of companies associated with Perth Glory owner Tony Sage have been raided by AFP officers.

Several companies associated with Tony Sage were raided by Australian Federal Police yesterday. Source: The Australian

PERTH Glory and a mining company chaired by the soccer club's owner, Tony Sage, say they are not at the centre of a federal police investigation following a raid on their offices.

The club and Cape Lambert Resources were among several business and residential properties in Perth and Sydney associated with Mr Sage that were raided by the Australian Federal Police yesterday.

It was believed  that police spent several hours at the Perth Glory and Cape Lambert offices, which are housed in the same building in Leederville.

However, early this afternoon Perth Glory issued a statement stating that its offices had not been raided.

A club spokesman said: "Perth Glory, which is within an office complex shared with other non-related companies, was not served with a warrant, nor was its office entered by the authorities.

"It believes the matters relating to the execution of these warrants are not related to its business in any way.

"Perth Glory will be making no further comment on this matter and is looking forward to tomorrow night's game away to Brisbane Roar."

Cape Lambert said in a statement lodged with the Australian Securities Exchange today that the raids were not directly related to its business.

"The company believes the matters relating to the execution of these warrants are not related to its business and have co-operated with the AFP fully,'' Cape Lambert said.

"Where appropriate, the company will continue to co-operate with the AFP, so as to ensure the resolution of this matter in a timely fashion.''

The AFP said the searches were part of its ongoing investigation in partnership with commonwealth agencies including the Australian Crime Commission, Australian Tax Office and Australian Securities and Investments Commission.

It was not appropriate to make any further comment while the investigation was ongoing, the AFP said.

In May this year, the ATO sent Cape Lambert an amended tax assessment and an associated penalty notice, saying tax should have been paid on "contingent proceeds'' from an August 2008 deal with a Chinese party.

The deal - the sale of an iron ore asset in Western Australia's Pilbara region for $400 million to state-owned China Metallurgical Group Corporation - was at the time viewed as a great one for Cape Lambert.

But it hit a snag when MCC paid only $320 million, triggering Supreme Court action to recover the remaining $80 million.

In June this year, Cape Lambert said the court ordered MCC to pay the outstanding amount into an escrow account "pending the resolution of the dispute between the parties''.

But six weeks later, Cape Lambert said the court order was only indicative and that the escrow payment issue would be determined by an arbitrator in Singapore as a preliminary matter.

Cape Lambert then disputed the amended tax assessment with the ATO.

Earlier this month, the company said the ATO had agreed to it paying a total of $33.3 million in instalments by March 31, 2013, with no further amounts required until the final determination of the company's dispute with the tax office.

Mr Sage could not be reached for comment today.

The well-known local identity, who is also a director of Perth Fashion Festival, is not shy of big battles, winning a 2010 appeal against an ASX trading ban on two companies that he chaired.

The ban was related to the companies' connection to controversial Romanian entrepreneur Frank Timis, who has past heroin convictions, has limitations placed on him by the Toronto Stock Exchange and was linked to a UK-based spin-off of failed fuel pill firm Firepower.

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12 tips for a stress-free Christmas

Christmas can be free of stress and we have 12 tips to help you enjoy the day again. Source: Supplied

WE all have a Christmas horror story to tell. Only the names and the places are changed to protect the innocent.

Ever had the turkey burn? Ever had the carpet catch fire after a Christmas candle got knocked over in the rush. Ever been cursing under your breath as you "endured" family members who you have carefully avoided since last Christmas? Ever had to break up a fight after lunch between cousin Fred and uncle Bob? Ever felt so full you swore you would never eat a morsel of ham or turkey again as long as you live?

If you answered "yes "to any of the above or similar festive nightmares then you are not alone.

It seems that the festive season can have that effect particularly on adults. But it doesn't start out this way. Once upon a time we looked forward to Christmas.

Ask a primary school class "hands up who is looking forward to Christmas" and all the hands will go up. With a group of adults, a larger number may put their hands up to the question "Who is looking forward to Christmas being… over?"
 
How did it get to this? When did Christmas cease to be fun and become a chore?

Are we all taking it too seriously?  Have we gone over the top with trying to get fancy presents? Are we trying so desperately to make everyone else happy that we make ourselves miserable in the process?

The biggest stress issues around Christmas are, weight gain from overindulging, bank balance loss from overspending and anxiety from interacting with people who you would prefer not too.

Is there a solution to all this? You could start by making a decision to enjoy Christmas.

Here are 12 tips to help you do just that:

1) Breathe! Sound obvious but I am talking about the slow deep breathing, which relieves stress. Four times each day take 30 seconds to take 3 slow deep breaths in and out slowly.   

2) Water water everywhere, so have a drop to drink.  There is no law that says you have to drink alcohol. You can drink water at functions instead of or alternating with alcoholic drinks. And have a glass or two before you head out so you wont be as thirsty on arrival.

3) Copy Bugs Bunny.  Take a leaf from Bugs' book and eat a carrot or other piece of vegetable before you go out. You wont be as hungry and hence you will eat less finger foods which are loaded with calories.

4) As the song goes; I like to move it, move it. Do some walking or other exercise everyday or at least three times a week. Exercise is one of the best antidotes to stress and as a bonus you can burn off last nights excesses.

5) The last person left at the party may have to help with the dishes. Don't be the last to leave. You need your sleep. 

6) Cull the visiting and present's list. You have a choice about whom you see and what you buy. Only buy presents for those you really want to. Your stress levels are a result of your choices not the "world out there." Be honest with yourself and others about what you can and can't reasonably do.

7) Cut up the credit card. Buy your Christmas presents with cash. That way you know you can afford them and you won't stress about the credit card bill in January.  And yes it IS   the thought that counts.

8) Peace on earth and goodwill to all men, blah blah blah! Yes Christmas is a time for goodwill to all, but if you really don't like spending time with certain people (even if they are your family) then don't! Be polite but firm in declining invitations. Spend your time with those you really care about. If there is "no way out" then make it a Buddhist Christmas with this tip. Tell yourself as Buddhists do "this too will pass" as often as needed.  It will pass and you will not stress.

9) Christmas day lunch is a meal and it won't be the last time you will ever eat. If you are having people around you do not need more food than if they were coming any other day. If it's a big gathering have everyone contribute a plate. It is not mandatory to eat until you feel like you will "explode".

10) Close down. Many businesses close down over Christmas. You can do the same and simply "cancel" Christmas emerging again when it is all over. Switch off the phone and go away.

11) Be a kid again.  Pop crackers, enjoy unwrapping presents and playing with the wrapping paper.  Throw stuff around make silly noises. This will make you laugh and you cannot stress when you are laughing.

12) On a more serious note consider having some "purpose" around Christmas. Do some volunteer work? Perhaps reflect on what you can do to better yourself or how you can contribute to your community. If Christmas is your biggest stress there are people far worse off than you.

For virtually all of us there was a time when Christmas meant fun. Somewhere along the line this may have been lost. This year ask yourself what needs to happen for me to enjoy Christmas as much as when I was six years old? Then go and have fun. After all it is Christmas. It only comes once a year.

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Corby clan sees hope in Customs drug case

Schapelle Corby wipes her tears during a Christmas service at Kerobokan jail in Bali, on Christmas Eve two years ago. Source: AAP

SCHAPELLE Corby's mother has welcomed the discovery of an alleged drug smuggling racket at Sydney Airport, saying she has always suspected corrupt customs officers planted drugs on her daughter.

Eight people, including two Customs officers accused of being ringleaders, have been charged following a two-year investigation into corruption within the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service.

Customs officers helped drug mules smuggle illicit substances from overseas, authorities allege, and then escorted them past the normal checkpoints at Sydney Airport.

Schapelle Corby's mother, Rosleigh Rose, says she was not surprised to learn of the alleged racket, saying she has always suspected customs officers were responsible for her daughter's arrest in 2004.

"I just thought it's about time someone's doing a deeper investigation," Ms Rose told the Seven Network.

"We've always asked for it."

Corby, who was arrested attempting to smuggle 4.1kg of marijuana into Bali in a bodyboard bag, has always denied owning the drugs, claiming she was the unwitting courier for a drug gang operating in domestic airports in Australia.

Ms Rose said the Sydney Airport allegations vindicated her family's belief that Corby was set up by corrupt customs officers.

"They were covering up corruption in the airport and they did not give a damn about Schapelle."

As Corby prepares to spend another Christmas behind bars, there have been reports that her health is deteriorating.

She is eligible to apply for parole, but is unable to do so until a recently imposed ban on parole applications is lifted at Bali's notorious Kerobokan jail.

Without parole, she is not due for release until 2017.

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Locals showed 'true spirit' in search for girl

TRAGEDY: A toddler has drowned in Mandurah Estuary after falling into deeper water as her parents were crabbing.  Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

A YOUNG girl has drowned after falling into deep water while her family were crabbing in the Mandurah Estuary, south of Perth.

The two and half year-old toddler went missing near the Mandurah estuary bridge about 8pm last night, after she slipped away from her parents.

A major search was launched, involving water police, aircraft and volunteer water rescue workers, Duty Inspector Bill Norton told ABC radio in Perth.

It is believed the girl fell from a fishing platform and that her parents were unaware she was in the water.

The girl's family is from a non-English speaking background and the alarm was raised by a fellow fisherman.

TRAGEDY: A toddler has drowned in Mandurah Estuary after falling into deeper water as her parents were crabbing.  Picture: Daniel Wilkins

Around 100 residents helped with the search, walking up and down the Waterside foreshore near the New Bridge with torches after a message went out on Facebook.

"Eventually water police divers were recalled to duty, and conducted a night dive in the area, and located the body of the child,'' Insp Norton said.

The child's body was found by police divers around 1am, about five hours after she went missing.

Police will prepare a report for the Coroner.

City of Mandurah mayor Paddi Creevey offered heartfelt sympathies to the family, saying: "Our hearts go out to the family of the little girl who lost her life in the Mandurah estuary last night.

"Together with the council, I offer my heartfelt sympathy to this family which has experienced the tragic death of a child.

"Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time and we want them to know that they won't be alone.

"True community spirit was on display during the search efforts on Wednesday night and we'd like to sincerely thank and recognise the rescue squads - the Water Police and the Mandurah Water Rescue - for their efforts in the very difficult job they had to perform.

"Sadly, nothing can replace the loss of a child, but we will do anything we can to assist this family during this time."

** Comments have now been closed on this story but can still be read here **

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Perth academics victims of gruesome crime in Tasmania

Dr Del Weston, 62, and Professor Gavin Mooney, 69, were found dead early yesterday at their remote Hobart home. Source: PerthNow

TRAGEDY: A Police officer at the scene of a double homicide at Mountain River, 20km south-west of Hobart. Source: The Mercury

TRAGEDY: Police attend a double homicide at Mountain River, 20km south-west of Hobart. Source: The Mercury

THE nation's leading health economist and his academic partner are dead after being bludgeoned to death at their idyllic Mountain River property on Wednesday night.

Retired Perth academics Professor Gavin Mooney, 69, and Dr Del Weston, 62, were both found dead with severe blunt force trauma to the head in the lounge room of their secluded Bennetts Road home after their alleged killer rang triple 0.

The 27-year-old charged with the double murder is Dr Weston's son from a previous relationship.

Nicolau Francisco Soares did not enter a plea when he appeared in the Hobart Magistrates Court yesterday afternoon and was remanded in custody.

All three family members are previously from Western Australia, with Prof Mooney and Dr Weston moving to Tasmania to enjoy semi-retirement in September last year.

Their alleged killer arrived in the state three weeks ago for a "fresh start'' according to sources and had been staying at their home.

It is the second double murder in the state's south in four days and the third this year, after a Hamilton couple was shot dead on Sunday and a man and woman were stabbed to death in Launceston in August.

Police say this was a particularly gruesome crime with the hammer and sledgehammer used to inflict the fatal wounds found next to the bodies.

The alleged killer was waiting in another room when police arrived in the early hours of yesterday morning.

"The only person who really knows what occurred in that house now is the man we have in custody,'' Detective Inspector Peter Powell alleged.

"There was some sign in the room of a disturbance, some furniture overturned.

"But as to who was attacked first or how the altercation commenced, we don't know.''

He said there was no obvious motive at this stage.

"We hope to discover it as we go through the investigation,'' he said.

Police say they found no evidence the son was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time or any serious mental health conditions had been previously diagnosed.

"Certainly we would like to know more about his movements,'' Det Insp Powell said.

"The area where they lived is a remote area and there are no houses close to the location but obviously we're making inquiries in the area to see what people know of this couple and this young man.

"We've been doorknocking down there this morning and making inquiries in the Kingston area too.

Although police asked neighbours not to comment publicly yesterday, it was apparent those living close to the murdered couple were deeply shocked by the horror crime in their peaceful rural street.

The silence was broken only by the sound of police vehicles arriving at the misty scene yesterday morning, with forensics officers visible up the long driveway standing on the porch.

Det Insp Powell said it was a terrible thing to have two double murders within days of each other and both allegedly committed by people known to the victims.

"I think it's really unfortunate timing and we all understand that sometimes in domestic situations, and coming up to Christmas, often families do have issues and stresses on them that sometimes result in these tragedies,'' he said.

The man believed to be responsible for the Hamilton shootings remains in a medically-induced coma in the Royal Hobart Hospital after shooting himself in the head on Sunday.

DAVID KILLICK

Professor Gavin Mooney moved to Tasmania from Western Australia looking for the good life in September 2011 and was in no doubt he had found it.

The nation's leading health economist and his partner, academic Dr Del Weston, were both captivated by the beauty and tranquility of the expansive home they bought in the hamlet of Mountain River, about 30 minutes drive south of Hobart.

The broad deck of their home looks out on the rugged peaks across the scattered homes of the rural residential area and the steep timbered ridges rising up to Collins Bonnet.

The couple had big plans, both were keen to become involved in social justice issues, as they has been in WA where Mr Mooney had helped found the WA Social Justice Network.

They wanted to expand their vegetable garden and their small flock of chickens and enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle of a tree-changer's semi-retirement.

Professor Mooney, an passionate and energetic advocate for those less well off, regularly contributed the benefit of his long experience in the field of health economic to The Mercury's coverage of health issues.

In August he launched the Social Determinants of Health Advocacy Network and was involved in facilitating "Citizens' Juries'' as a more democratic way for people to participate in setting priorities for the heath systems.

Dr Weston did her PhD on the political economy of global warming at Curtin University in Western Australia.

She had been a a visiting Scholar at the University of KwaZulu Natal in Durban, South Africa and an Honorary Research Associate at the University of Tasmania in the School of Geography and Environmental Science.

Tony Reidy from TasCoss said Professor Mooney had been a driving force behind the organisation's submission to the state government this year.

"We're really quite devastated. Gavin Mooney was making an enormous contribution to social justice in Tasmania,'' he said.

"He was a real leader in his field. His death is an enormous tragedy for the state.

"He was one of the leaders in our campaign for the government and the community to invest in the social determinants of health.

"It's a tragic development when we see a man like Gavin, with an impeccable background and credentials, come to an end so tragically.

"His contribution and presence will be sorely missed.''

Miriam Herzfeld set up the Social Determinants of Health Advocacy Network with Professor Mooney this year.

She said he and Dr Weston were passionate, caring and giving people who had worked to make a contribution from the moment they arrived in their new home.

"He was absolutely passionate about creating a more equal society and giving everybody the opportunity to lead a healthy and good quality life,'' she said.

"Gavin and Del had been in Tasmania for a short period of time but they'd made an enormous impact.

"He took every opportunity he could to say something about improving health outcomes, and that included mental health outcomes. They both were extremely giving as people.''

Before moving to Tasmania Professor Mooney had been Director of the Social and Public Health Economics Research Group and Professor of Health Economics at Curtin University in Perth.

Starting his career as a trainee actuary in Edinburgh, Scotland, Mr Mooney worked as a health economist for over 35 years, first in the UK, then Denmark and Perth.

In June 2009 he was awarded an Honorary Degree in Social Sciences by the University of Cape Town as one of the founding fathers of health economics.

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Rayney's career on hold during appeal

Llod Rayney has temporarily stopped practising law until an appeal against his acquittal for murder is heard. Source: PerthNow

PROMINENT barrister Lloyd Rayney has decided to temporarily stop practising law as prosecutors appeal his acquittal for the murder of his wife.

The Legal Practice Board of Western Australia today released a statement saying: "Lloyd Rayney has provided an undertaking to the Legal Practice Board that he has ceased engaging in legal practice, and that he will not recommence to engage in legal practice without first giving the Legal Practice Board 42 days of his intention to do so."

A spokeswoman said no further comment would be made by the board.

Mr Rayney was found not guilty of the wilful murder of his wife, Supreme Court registrar Corryn Rayney, in November following a highly-publicised Supreme Court trial.

The case was heard before former Northern Territory chief justice Brian Martin, who found that Mrs Rayney was attacked outside her home before being buried head-first in a grave at Kings Park in 2007.

Mr Rayney, who was granted bail in 2010 after spending just two weeks in jail following his arrest on the murder charge, had continued to practice law up until his trial, but a restriction placed on him by the Legal Practice Board of WA barred him from appearing before a jury.

The NSW Director of Public Prosecutions is appealing Mr Rayney's aquittal.

A Supreme Court spokeswoman said the draft grounds of the appeal were:

* The trial judge erred in law in failing to apply the principles enunciated in R v Hillier (2007) 228 CLR 618 in relation to the assessment of circumstantial evidence in that his Honour assessed the circumstances in a piecemeal and sequential manner and failed to consider the circumstances as a whole.

* The trial judge erred in law in finding that the fact that the deceased was attacked at, or in the near vicinity of her house, did not alone establish guilt, for the nature of the circumstantial case was that no fact alone established guilt.

* The trial judge erred in law in concluding that the finding of the respondent's dinner place card near the burial site did not prove guilt for the significance of that fact was not assessed together with the other circumstances, in particular, it was not assessed together with the accepted fact that the deceased had been attacked at or near her home.

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Petrol price hike ahead of silly season

PERTH motorists have their last chance to fill up today before a Christmas fuel hike.

FuelWatch advises that most petrol stations are expected to hike up their ULP price over 140 cents per litre.

Caltex sites will hit 145c, while Caltex Woolworths, Coles Express, Gull and Peak will charge 144.9c from tomorrow.

The average metropolitan price for ULP will be 143.2c, but about 60 Perth sites will sell below 140c.

FuelWatch recommends filling up today and paying no more than 133.8 cents per litre.

Today's cheapest petrol is 129.9c at Peak Glen Forrest, Gull El Caballo Roadhouse, Gull Causeway in Victoria Park, Gull Atwell, and Gull Yokine.

Tomrrow's cheapest ULP will be available for:
* 132.9c at Better Choice Stratton and Better Choice Roleystone

* 129.8c at Caltex Woolworths South Lake, Caltex Woolworths Canning Vale, Caltex Woolworths Whiftords, and Caltex Woolworths Clarkson.

Tomorrow's average metro price for LPG will be 81.3c per litre.

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Weather to hit 40C on Christmas Day

SIZZLING: Perth beaches will be a popular option for thousands of families on Christmas Day with an expected maximum of 38C.  Source: Herald Sun

KEEPING with tradition in the West, the weather gods have again planned a Christmas Day scorcher, with a revised forecast tipping a high of 40C.

The Bureau of Meteorology's week forecast to Boxing Day is consistent with predictions of a warm summer for western parts of WA.

The week leading up to Santa's touchdown will be mostly sunny, with several days in the 30s and a cool change over the weekend.

On Christmas Eve, the mercury will hit a max of 33C, while Boxing Day is set to be a sweltering 39C.

The hottest Christmas Day in Perth on record was 42C in 1968, while the chilliest was 19.7C in 1945.

The average Christmas Day temperature is 32C.
 
 
TOMORROW'S FORECAST
Min 17
Max 34
Sunny.
 
FRIDAY
Min 18

Max 29
Mostly sunny.
 
SATURDAY
Min 16
Max 25
Partly cloudy.
 
SUNDAY
Min 16
Max 26
Mostly sunny.
 
MONDAY
Min 15
Max 33
Sunny.
 
CHRISTMAS DAY
Min 20
Max 40
Sunny.
 
BOXING DAY
Min 22
Max 39
Sunny.

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Victim named as murder probe continues

A truck driver has found a woman's body in Maddington, sparking a murder investigation.

GRIM TASK: Police have returned to the dead woman's Maylands flat early today. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: PerthNow

POLICE have released the name of a woman found dead in Maddington yesterday as they continue to question a man over the gruesome find.

Police have named the victim as 51-year-old Maylands woman Tracey Jane Holloway.

Ms Holloway's body was found opposite a factory at the end of a cul-de-sac on Valencia Way around 6.30am yesterday and police have confirmed they are treating her death as a homicide.

A team of police officers, including Major Crime Squad and forensic officers, are at the scene, although police do not believe the 51-year-old died where she was found.

"Detectives are investigating the woman's death as a homicide," a police spokeswoman said yesterday.

A 57-year-old man from Kelmscott is currently assisting police with their inquires into the matter.

No charges have been laid.

Police are continuing to investigate several sites of interest in relation to the incident.

Police are asking anyone who may have information that can assist with their inquiries to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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AFP raids Sage offices, house

Businessman and Perth Glory owner Tony Sage in his West Leederville office. The offices of Sage's Cape Lambert Resources were today raided by AFP officers. Picture: Richard Polden Source: PerthNow

THE offices of companies associated with Perth Glory owner Tony Sage have been raided by Australian Federal Police officers.

The West Leederville building containing the Glory's offices, as well as offices for the mining company Cape Lambert Resources, of which Mr Sage is executive chairman, were targeted by the officers in an operation lasting several hours.

In response to questions about Mr Sage, an AFP spokesman said several search warrants were executed on commercial and residential premises in Perth and Sydney today.

"The activity is part of an ongoing investigation in partnership with a number of Commonwealth agencies including the ... ATO (Australian Tax Office) and ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission)," he said.

"The  investigation is ongoing, therefore it is not appropriate to make any further comment at this point in time."

Mr Sage's home was also searched as part of the raids.

This follows a report by The Sunday Times on December 9, which revealed Mr Sage was having his personal tax affairs checked by the ATO.

At the time, the local multimillionaire, whose company Cape Lambert has already been slugged with a $95 million tax bill, emphasised he was "not being singled out'' by the ATO and was just one of 2000 company directors being examined.

"I've been told there are 2000 people and the tax office is going through every annual report, from 2007, 8, 9, 10, with every single director and consultant, in every company in Australia, where people received options in a company, and they're doing a review on all of them,'' he said on December 8.

"I've received no amended assessment, I received nothing from the tax office ... since we found out in April this year that I was being examined.''

Mr Sage said he had been told that because of a backlog it might take 18 months before there was an outcome.

"I can give you 10 names ... that are getting the same thing done and they are a lot more high-profile than I am,'' he said.

At the time, Mr Sage conceded he was stressed about the $95 million tax bill that centres on Cape Lambert's $400 million sale of its namesake Pilbara magnetite project to Metallurgical Corp of China, and its subsequent purchase of the assets of the collapsed group CopperCo.

"We had a meeting Thursday (December 6) with the tax office and we have a very strong argument,'' he said.

"Cape Lambert will fight this to the end.''

He said the ATO had been involved in a "spate of settlements'' with clients in recent months, which he thought was the result of pressure by the Gillard Government to quickly gather revenue to get its budget into surplus.

An ATO spokeswoman was unable to comment or confirm audits because of the Income Tax Assessment Act's confidentiality provisions.

A spokeswoman for Cape Lambert Resources declined to comment about today's raid.
 

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