Cruise ship returns with sick toll at 700

A cruise ship on which nearly 700 passengers and crew fell ill has arrived home in the US. Source: AAP

A CRUISE ship on which nearly 700 passengers and crew fell ill has arrived at its home port in the US after a Caribbean voyage was cut short by the outbreak.

One woman aboard the Explorers of the Sea yelled, "We made it!" as the ship docked Wednesday at New Jersey. Other passengers, with blankets wrapped around them, stood on deck to watch the ship pull in.

The cause of the outbreak is yet to be determined.

Bill Rakowicz of Canada said he suffered from vomiting, pain and diarrhoea and that his experience was simply "awful".

The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said its latest count puts the number of those sickened at 630 passengers and 54 crew members. The ship was carrying 3050 passengers.

Health investigators suspect norovirus, but lab results are not expected until later this week.

If norovirus is to blame, it would be one of the largest outbreaks in last 20 years, the CDC said. A 2006 norovirus outbreak on a Carnival Cruise Lines ship also sickened close to 700.

Norovirus - once known as Norwalk virus - is highly contagious. It can be picked up from an infected person, contaminated food or water or by touching contaminated surfaces. It causes bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea for a few days.

The CDC said it recommended to cruise operator Royal Caribbean that people who still have symptoms be housed in nearby hotels or seen at medical facilities before travelling home.

CDC investigators boarded the ship during its US Virgin Islands Port call on Sunday. They said no single food or water source or other origin has been identified.

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Treasury Wines tank on share market

Treasury Wine Estates has issued a profit warning in the wake of weaker than expected sales. Source: AAP

TREASURY Wine Estates has been hammered on the stock market, with its shares falling by 20 per cent after it issued a profit downgrade due to weaker sales in Australia and China.

The company behind Penfolds and Wolf Blass has cut its full year earnings forecast from between $230 million and $250 million to between $190 million and $210 million.

It expects first half earnings, which will be announced in February, to be between $41 million and $46 million, down from $73 million last year.

Treasury Wine shares fell to $3.64, their weakest price in almost two years, wiping $589 million from the value of the company.

Weaker than expected sales in Australia, following the company's decision to lift prices on some products and focus less on Christmas promotions, had contributed to the profit downgrade, it said.

A decline in Chinese demand for premium wine had also hit sales volumes.

Treasury Wine also said it had continued to reduce shipments to the US while increasing investment across the group, especially in Asia.

The profit downgrade is the latest in a string of bad news for Treasury Wine, which last year poured more than $35 million worth of excess or aged commercial stock down the drain in the US.

The controversial move, which was part of a broader $160 million writedown, ultimately led to the departure of chief executive David Dearie.

Law Firm Maurice Blackburn and litigation funder IMF last October announced funding of a class action against Treasury Wine, alleging the company misled the market and breached its continuous disclosure obligations in its communication of the financial impact of over-stocked US distributors to investors.

On Thursday, Maurice Blackburn managing principal Ben Slade said the latest profit downgrade raised "questions of transparency" about the company's operations.

"TWE's announcement this morning suggests that continuous disclosure requirements may not have been complied with," he said in a statement.

"We are confident that the company's shock $190 million downgrade announcement in July last year was indicative of such a breach. It may have happened again."

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MP says give 'measly' $25m to SPC

Federal cabinet will discuss a proposal to co-invest in SPC Ardmona's fruit processing operations. Source: AAP

PRIME Minister Tony Abbott has used the rejection of taxpayer support for fruit processor SPC Ardmona to set an important "marker" for how his government will deal with requests for industry assistance.

The 93-year-old Victorian company wanted a $25 million federal grant, topped up by $25 million from the Victorian government and its own $150 million investment, for new product development and technology to prop up its operation.

But after three hours of debate in federal cabinet on Thursday, Mr Abbott said the plan was rejected because it was not the government's job to restructure a particular business.

The decision, which workers and growers fear will lead to the operation's closure, comes weeks after Holden's bid for support was rejected and its parent company General Motors announced the end of car production in Australia in 2017.

"The decision that came from the cabinet today does set an important marker," Mr Abbott said.

"This is a government which will make sure that the restructuring that some Australian businesses need, that some Australian sectors need, is led by business, as it should be."

The government's role was to create the right climate for business, he said.

Mr Abbott said SPC Ardmona - owned by food giant Coca-Cola Amatil - was a strong business with the resources to allow it to restructure.

The company advised the government it was prepared to invest an extra $161 million into the business and renegotiate its enterprise bargaining agreement.

Mr Abbott said the company's present EBA had conditions "well in excess of the award", including a wet allowance and generous redundancy provisions.

However SPC Ardmona managing director Peter Kelly said the company would review its business plans.

"This is an unexpected and extremely disappointing decision by the coalition, particularly after the enormous support we have received for our business plans from the local community and beyond," Mr Kelly said.

Acting Opposition Leader Tanya Plibersek said the government had failed in its fundamental role - to protect jobs and bring on new investment.

"First they forced General Motors Holden out - now they are sending SPC Ardmona to the wall," Ms Plibersek said.

Labor pledged at the 2013 federal election to provide the $25 million grant.

If the plant closes, it is estimated 1500 direct and 2700 indirect jobs could be lost in the Shepparton region.

Shepparton mayor Jenny Houlihan said workers faced an unknown future.

"The $25 million that the government refused to let go today will be eaten up in unemployment benefits," she said.

Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union national secretary Paul Bastian said workers had been improving productivity, but other factors were affecting the business, such as the dumping of cheap imports and the high dollar.

"The government directly and indirectly subsidises mining, agriculture, finance, fisheries and other important Australian industries and yet it is continually cutting investment in manufacturing," Mr Bastian said.

"Soon, when we go to the supermarket ... there will be nothing left made in Australia."

Victorian Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews said if state premier Denis Napthine could not convince Mr Abbott to stump up $25 million for SPC Ardmona, he struggled to see how Dr Napthine could secure $300 million for Toyota as it considers its future.

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Police given bus CCTV after woman pinned

A woman has died in hospital after being pinned under a bus for two hours in Sydney's CBD. Source: AAP

AFTER the death of two pedestrians on the same day in Sydney, police are urging the public to be more careful crossing roads.

A 51-year-old Granville woman died on Wednesday night after being hit by a bus in Sydney's CBD. She was trapped in its axles for two hours before emergency services freed her and she died only hours after undergoing emergency surgery.

Earlier that day, an 83-year-old man died instantly when he was hit by a truck in Monterey in southern Sydney while crossing the road.

NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol operations commander Stuart Smith said the deaths were tragic.

"It was a dreadful day on NSW roads," he told reporters on Thursday.

Superintendent Smith said crash investigators are looking into both accidents, including CCTV footage from the State Transit bus as well as an examination of traffic and pedestrian control records.

"It's a complex calculation that can only be provided once a re-enactment is provided," he said.

Police say the bus was turning right when it struck the woman, and the 70-year-old driver was provided with counselling.

"We believe he is a very experienced driver with the State Transit Authority," Supt Smith said.

He could not comment on whether jaywalking was a factor in the accident but reminded pedestrians and drivers to look out for each other.

"It is a place where we all need to be aware and to keep a proper lookout," he said.

He warned people about the dangers of jaywalking and using electronic devices such as mobile phones and MP3 players.

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MP says give 'measly' $25m to SPC

Federal cabinet will discuss a proposal to co-invest in SPC Ardmona's fruit processing operations. Source: AAP

PRIME Minister Tony Abbott has used the rejection of taxpayer support for fruit processor SPC Ardmona to set an important "marker" for how his government will deal with requests for industry assistance.

The 93-year-old Victorian company wanted a $25 million federal grant, topped up by $25 million from the Victorian government and its own $150 million investment, for new product development and technology to prop up its operation.

But after three hours of debate in federal cabinet on Thursday, Mr Abbott said the plan was rejected because it was not the government's job to restructure a particular business.

The decision, which workers and growers fear will lead to the operation's closure, comes weeks after Holden's bid for support was rejected and its parent company General Motors announced the end of car production in Australia in 2017.

"The decision that came from the cabinet today does set an important marker," Mr Abbott said.

"This is a government which will make sure that the restructuring that some Australian businesses need, that some Australian sectors need, is led by business, as it should be."

The government's role was to create the right climate for business, he said.

Mr Abbott said SPC Ardmona - owned by food giant Coca-Cola Amatil - was a strong business with the resources to allow it to restructure.

The company advised the government it was prepared to invest an extra $161 million into the business and renegotiate its enterprise bargaining agreement.

Mr Abbott said the company's present EBA had conditions "well in excess of the award", including a wet allowance and generous redundancy provisions.

However SPC Ardmona managing director Peter Kelly said the company would review its business plans.

"This is an unexpected and extremely disappointing decision by the coalition, particularly after the enormous support we have received for our business plans from the local community and beyond," Mr Kelly said.

Acting Opposition Leader Tanya Plibersek said the government had failed in its fundamental role - to protect jobs and bring on new investment.

"First they forced General Motors Holden out - now they are sending SPC Ardmona to the wall," Ms Plibersek said.

Labor pledged at the 2013 federal election to provide the $25 million grant.

If the plant closes, it is estimated 1500 direct and 2700 indirect jobs could be lost in the Shepparton region.

Shepparton mayor Jenny Houlihan said workers faced an unknown future.

"The $25 million that the government refused to let go today will be eaten up in unemployment benefits," she said.

Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union national secretary Paul Bastian said workers had been improving productivity, but other factors were affecting the business, such as the dumping of cheap imports and the high dollar.

"The government directly and indirectly subsidises mining, agriculture, finance, fisheries and other important Australian industries and yet it is continually cutting investment in manufacturing," Mr Bastian said.

"Soon, when we go to the supermarket ... there will be nothing left made in Australia."

Victorian Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews said if state premier Denis Napthine could not convince Mr Abbott to stump up $25 million for SPC Ardmona, he struggled to see how Dr Napthine could secure $300 million for Toyota as it considers its future.

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Treasury Wines tank on share market

Treasury Wine Estates has issued a profit warning in the wake of weaker than expected sales. Source: AAP

TREASURY Wine Estates has been hammered on the stock market, with its shares falling by 20 per cent after it issued a profit downgrade due to weaker sales in Australia and China.

The company behind Penfolds and Wolf Blass has cut its full year earnings forecast from between $230 million and $250 million to between $190 million and $210 million.

It expects first half earnings, which will be announced in February, to be between $41 million and $46 million, down from $73 million last year.

Treasury Wine shares fell to $3.64, their weakest price in almost two years, wiping $589 million from the value of the company.

Weaker than expected sales in Australia, following the company's decision to lift prices on some products and focus less on Christmas promotions, had contributed to the profit downgrade, it said.

A decline in Chinese demand for premium wine had also hit sales volumes.

Treasury Wine also said it had continued to reduce shipments to the US while increasing investment across the group, especially in Asia.

The profit downgrade is the latest in a string of bad news for Treasury Wine, which last year poured more than $35 million worth of excess or aged commercial stock down the drain in the US.

The controversial move, which was part of a broader $160 million writedown, ultimately led to the departure of chief executive David Dearie.

Law Firm Maurice Blackburn and litigation funder IMF last October announced funding of a class action against Treasury Wine, alleging the company misled the market and breached its continuous disclosure obligations in its communication of the financial impact of over-stocked US distributors to investors.

On Thursday, Maurice Blackburn managing principal Ben Slade said the latest profit downgrade raised "questions of transparency" about the company's operations.

"TWE's announcement this morning suggests that continuous disclosure requirements may not have been complied with," he said in a statement.

"We are confident that the company's shock $190 million downgrade announcement in July last year was indicative of such a breach. It may have happened again."

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Cruise ship returns with sick toll at 700

A cruise ship on which nearly 700 passengers and crew fell ill has arrived home in the US. Source: AAP

A CRUISE ship on which nearly 700 passengers and crew fell ill has arrived at its home port in the US after a Caribbean voyage was cut short by the outbreak.

One woman aboard the Explorers of the Sea yelled, "We made it!" as the ship docked Wednesday at New Jersey. Other passengers, with blankets wrapped around them, stood on deck to watch the ship pull in.

The cause of the outbreak is yet to be determined.

Bill Rakowicz of Canada said he suffered from vomiting, pain and diarrhoea and that his experience was simply "awful".

The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said its latest count puts the number of those sickened at 630 passengers and 54 crew members. The ship was carrying 3050 passengers.

Health investigators suspect norovirus, but lab results are not expected until later this week.

If norovirus is to blame, it would be one of the largest outbreaks in last 20 years, the CDC said. A 2006 norovirus outbreak on a Carnival Cruise Lines ship also sickened close to 700.

Norovirus - once known as Norwalk virus - is highly contagious. It can be picked up from an infected person, contaminated food or water or by touching contaminated surfaces. It causes bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea for a few days.

The CDC said it recommended to cruise operator Royal Caribbean that people who still have symptoms be housed in nearby hotels or seen at medical facilities before travelling home.

CDC investigators boarded the ship during its US Virgin Islands Port call on Sunday. They said no single food or water source or other origin has been identified.

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Police given bus CCTV after woman pinned

A woman has died in hospital after being pinned under a bus for two hours in Sydney's CBD. Source: AAP

AFTER the death of two pedestrians on the same day in Sydney, police are urging the public to be more careful crossing roads.

A 51-year-old Granville woman died on Wednesday night after being hit by a bus in Sydney's CBD. She was trapped in its axles for two hours before emergency services freed her and she died only hours after undergoing emergency surgery.

Earlier that day, an 83-year-old man died instantly when he was hit by a truck in Monterey in southern Sydney while crossing the road.

NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol operations commander Stuart Smith said the deaths were tragic.

"It was a dreadful day on NSW roads," he told reporters on Thursday.

Superintendent Smith said crash investigators are looking into both accidents, including CCTV footage from the State Transit bus as well as an examination of traffic and pedestrian control records.

"It's a complex calculation that can only be provided once a re-enactment is provided," he said.

Police say the bus was turning right when it struck the woman, and the 70-year-old driver was provided with counselling.

"We believe he is a very experienced driver with the State Transit Authority," Supt Smith said.

He could not comment on whether jaywalking was a factor in the accident but reminded pedestrians and drivers to look out for each other.

"It is a place where we all need to be aware and to keep a proper lookout," he said.

He warned people about the dangers of jaywalking and using electronic devices such as mobile phones and MP3 players.

18.59 | 0 komentar | Read More

MP says give 'measly' $25m to SPC

Federal cabinet will discuss a proposal to co-invest in SPC Ardmona's fruit processing operations. Source: AAP

PRIME Minister Tony Abbott has used the rejection of taxpayer support for fruit processor SPC Ardmona to set an important "marker" for how his government will deal with requests for industry assistance.

The 93-year-old Victorian company wanted a $25 million federal grant, topped up by $25 million from the Victorian government and its own $150 million investment, for new product development and technology to prop up its operation.

But after three hours of debate in federal cabinet on Thursday, Mr Abbott said the plan was rejected because it was not the government's job to restructure a particular business.

The decision, which workers and growers fear will lead to the operation's closure, comes weeks after Holden's bid for support was rejected and its parent company General Motors announced the end of car production in Australia in 2017.

"The decision that came from the cabinet today does set an important marker," Mr Abbott said.

"This is a government which will make sure that the restructuring that some Australian businesses need, that some Australian sectors need, is led by business, as it should be."

The government's role was to create the right climate for business, he said.

Mr Abbott said SPC Ardmona - owned by food giant Coca-Cola Amatil - was a strong business with the resources to allow it to restructure.

The company advised the government it was prepared to invest an extra $161 million into the business and renegotiate its enterprise bargaining agreement.

Mr Abbott said the company's present EBA had conditions "well in excess of the award", including a wet allowance and generous redundancy provisions.

However SPC Ardmona managing director Peter Kelly said the company would review its business plans.

"This is an unexpected and extremely disappointing decision by the coalition, particularly after the enormous support we have received for our business plans from the local community and beyond," Mr Kelly said.

Acting Opposition Leader Tanya Plibersek said the government had failed in its fundamental role - to protect jobs and bring on new investment.

"First they forced General Motors Holden out - now they are sending SPC Ardmona to the wall," Ms Plibersek said.

Labor pledged at the 2013 federal election to provide the $25 million grant.

If the plant closes, it is estimated 1500 direct and 2700 indirect jobs could be lost in the Shepparton region.

Shepparton mayor Jenny Houlihan said workers faced an unknown future.

"The $25 million that the government refused to let go today will be eaten up in unemployment benefits," she said.

Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union national secretary Paul Bastian said workers had been improving productivity, but other factors were affecting the business, such as the dumping of cheap imports and the high dollar.

"The government directly and indirectly subsidises mining, agriculture, finance, fisheries and other important Australian industries and yet it is continually cutting investment in manufacturing," Mr Bastian said.

"Soon, when we go to the supermarket ... there will be nothing left made in Australia."

Victorian Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews said if state premier Denis Napthine could not convince Mr Abbott to stump up $25 million for SPC Ardmona, he struggled to see how Dr Napthine could secure $300 million for Toyota as it considers its future.

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Cruise ship returns with sick toll at 700

A cruise ship on which nearly 700 passengers and crew fell ill has arrived home in the US. Source: AAP

A CRUISE ship on which nearly 700 passengers and crew fell ill has arrived at its home port in the US after a Caribbean voyage was cut short by the outbreak.

One woman aboard the Explorers of the Sea yelled, "We made it!" as the ship docked Wednesday at New Jersey. Other passengers, with blankets wrapped around them, stood on deck to watch the ship pull in.

The cause of the outbreak is yet to be determined.

Bill Rakowicz of Canada said he suffered from vomiting, pain and diarrhoea and that his experience was simply "awful".

The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said its latest count puts the number of those sickened at 630 passengers and 54 crew members. The ship was carrying 3050 passengers.

Health investigators suspect norovirus, but lab results are not expected until later this week.

If norovirus is to blame, it would be one of the largest outbreaks in last 20 years, the CDC said. A 2006 norovirus outbreak on a Carnival Cruise Lines ship also sickened close to 700.

Norovirus - once known as Norwalk virus - is highly contagious. It can be picked up from an infected person, contaminated food or water or by touching contaminated surfaces. It causes bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea for a few days.

The CDC said it recommended to cruise operator Royal Caribbean that people who still have symptoms be housed in nearby hotels or seen at medical facilities before travelling home.

CDC investigators boarded the ship during its US Virgin Islands Port call on Sunday. They said no single food or water source or other origin has been identified.

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Treasury Wines tank on share market

Treasury Wine Estates has issued a profit warning in the wake of weaker than expected sales. Source: AAP

TREASURY Wine Estates has been hammered on the stock market, with its shares falling by 20 per cent after it issued a profit downgrade due to weaker sales in Australia and China.

The company behind Penfolds and Wolf Blass has cut its full year earnings forecast from between $230 million and $250 million to between $190 million and $210 million.

It expects first half earnings, which will be announced in February, to be between $41 million and $46 million, down from $73 million last year.

Treasury Wine shares fell to $3.64, their weakest price in almost two years, wiping $589 million from the value of the company.

Weaker than expected sales in Australia, following the company's decision to lift prices on some products and focus less on Christmas promotions, had contributed to the profit downgrade, it said.

A decline in Chinese demand for premium wine had also hit sales volumes.

Treasury Wine also said it had continued to reduce shipments to the US while increasing investment across the group, especially in Asia.

The profit downgrade is the latest in a string of bad news for Treasury Wine, which last year poured more than $35 million worth of excess or aged commercial stock down the drain in the US.

The controversial move, which was part of a broader $160 million writedown, ultimately led to the departure of chief executive David Dearie.

Law Firm Maurice Blackburn and litigation funder IMF last October announced funding of a class action against Treasury Wine, alleging the company misled the market and breached its continuous disclosure obligations in its communication of the financial impact of over-stocked US distributors to investors.

On Thursday, Maurice Blackburn managing principal Ben Slade said the latest profit downgrade raised "questions of transparency" about the company's operations.

"TWE's announcement this morning suggests that continuous disclosure requirements may not have been complied with," he said in a statement.

"We are confident that the company's shock $190 million downgrade announcement in July last year was indicative of such a breach. It may have happened again."

18.59 | 0 komentar | Read More

Police given bus CCTV after woman pinned

A woman has died in hospital after being pinned under a bus for two hours in Sydney's CBD. Source: AAP

AFTER the death of two pedestrians on the same day in Sydney, police are urging the public to be more careful crossing roads.

A 51-year-old Granville woman died on Wednesday night after being hit by a bus in Sydney's CBD. She was trapped in its axles for two hours before emergency services freed her and she died only hours after undergoing emergency surgery.

Earlier that day, an 83-year-old man died instantly when he was hit by a truck in Monterey in southern Sydney while crossing the road.

NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol operations commander Stuart Smith said the deaths were tragic.

"It was a dreadful day on NSW roads," he told reporters on Thursday.

Superintendent Smith said crash investigators are looking into both accidents, including CCTV footage from the State Transit bus as well as an examination of traffic and pedestrian control records.

"It's a complex calculation that can only be provided once a re-enactment is provided," he said.

Police say the bus was turning right when it struck the woman, and the 70-year-old driver was provided with counselling.

"We believe he is a very experienced driver with the State Transit Authority," Supt Smith said.

He could not comment on whether jaywalking was a factor in the accident but reminded pedestrians and drivers to look out for each other.

"It is a place where we all need to be aware and to keep a proper lookout," he said.

He warned people about the dangers of jaywalking and using electronic devices such as mobile phones and MP3 players.

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Woman critical after pinned under city bus

A woman pinned under a bus in Sydney's CBD for more than two hours has been taken to hospital. Source: AAP

A WOMAN has had emergency surgery after being pinned under a bus for two hours in Sydney's city centre.

Emergency services described the extraction of the woman from underneath a city bus on Wednesday as one of the most delicate rescues in almost 40 years.

The woman was struck by the bus and became trapped in its axles at the intersection of Clarence Street and Erskine Street just before 4pm (AEDT).

She spent two hours pinned under the vehicle before a rescue team could free her.

She was rushed to the Royal North Shore Hospital.

A hospital spokeswoman said the woman, 51, remained in critical condition on Wednesday night.

A police spokeswoman said the woman had undergone emergency surgery.

Ambulance Inspector Norm Spalding said the rescue was "slow, arduous and very difficult for all those involved".

"In 37 years I would say this would be in the top five or six cases that I have been involved in in terms of delicacy," he said.

Insp Spalding said the woman had extensive injuries to her lower limbs.

She was conscious for much of the joint rescue operation by NSW ambulance, police and fire service crews.

A broken blue lunch box and a lone shoe were left on the usually busy Clarence Street, metres from where the woman was trapped under the bus.

Victor Guo was working nearby at Pie Face when he heard the woman's screams.

"The screams lasted for five to 10 minutes and suddenly stopped," he told AAP.

"I think the bus has hit the girl and pulled her to the front of my shop ... about 30 or 40 metres."

Paramedics first on the scene held the woman's hand, as a specialist medical team landed in a helicopter at nearby Barangaroo to lend help.

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Qld ovarian cancer breakthrough

Queensland researchers believe they have made a breakthrough in the treatment of ovarian cancer. Source: AAP

BRISBANE Jan 29 AAP - Queensland researchers believe they have unlocked the key to fighting the deadliest form of ovarian cancer that is immune to chemotherapy.

They have identified two enzymes that make tumour cells resistant to chemotherapy and have developed a drug that inhibits them.

While chemotherapy often works initially, this form of cancer spreads rapidly through the abdominal cavity and quickly becomes immune to treatment.

Queensland University of Technology professor Judith Clements says the combination of the new inhibitor and chemotherapy should be more effective than present treatments.

In tests the drug pulls apart clumped cancer cells but it is unknown how it will work on humans.

The inhibitor would have to work well in animals before human testing is considered.

"This inhibitor works well in test tubes but it doesn't actually work in the animal models," Prof Clements said.

Prof Clements and her team are working with 3D modelling that enables them to better understand how the cancer cells multiply and survive in abdomen fluid and why the cells are resistant to chemotherapy.

Only a few groups worldwide use 3D models to research ovarian cancer.

The research, at Brisbane's Translational Research Institute, will receive $200,000 from Cancer Council Queensland during the next two years.

Cancel Council spokeswoman Katie Clift says the research is important given the poor survival rates of women diagnosed with aggressive ovarian cancer.

Every year in Queensland about 250 women are diagnosed and about 140 die from the disease.

"And in Australia less than half of all those diagnosed will be alive within five years," Ms Clift said.

Only 39 per cent survive more than five years after their diagnosis if the cancer has spread to surrounding tissue or organs.

Prof Clements says researchers will examine if the drug is relevant for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer.

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New treatment may help ADHD sufferers

NUTRIENTS may become a new treatment option for ADHD sufferers after a study found the treatment was much more effective than placebo.

The University of Canterbury trial is the first to show the benefits of micronutrients for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) sufferers is not just due to the placebo effect, the author of the study Professor Julia Rucklidge said.

She said trial participants often get better as they're being cared for by clinicians, so it was important to compare micronutrients with placebo.

About five per cent of Kiwis suffer from ADHD and some children can't tolerate or don't respond to regular medications.

"The study needs to be replicated before we can give clear advice to people affected by ADHD," Dr Rucklidge said.

"However, if replicated, it will offer people with ADHD another treatment option."

Dr Rucklidge said participants taking the nutrients had no adverse effects.

Nutrients have been used as a treatment for a range of ailments, particularly mental illness, for decades, but there is a lack of scientific research to support the treatment, she said.

"As such, many scientists and clinicians have dismissed nutrients as a viable way forward due to this unfortunate history."

Dr Rucklidge plans to run a similar trial with ADHD children, and is also testing the benefits of nutrient treatments for people with depression, sleep problems and addictions.

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iiNet takes swipe at NBN Co

Internet service provider iiNet says debate about the NBN is being conducted in a "policy vacuum". Source: AAP

AUSTRALIA'S second largest DSL internet service provider iiNet has taken a swipe at NBN Co, saying it has ignored input from industry experts while devising its new corporate plan.

iiNet's chief regulatory officer Steve Dalby said NBN Co - the government-owned company building the national broadband network (NBN) - had reached beyond its remit as a strictly wholesale service provider into the retail realm, "despite its lack of retail skills or expertise".

Mr Dalby said NBN Co's strategic review, a key plank of its new corporate plan scheduled to be complete by mid-year, had "ignored inputs on this front from some of Australia's most experienced internet retailers including ourselves".

"By NBN Co insisting on controlling the design of retail products, retail service providers are unable to respond to customer demands or evolve to meet changing needs," he told a public hearing in Perth on Wednesday.

"If NBN Co had simply offered access to wholesale interfaces or ports, innovative service providers would already have a much greater range of business and residential retail services on offer in the market."

iiNet, which is one of the largest providers of internet services on the NBN, refuses to sign a wholesale agreement with NBN Co that will allow it to continue to be one of the largest providers of internet services on the fibre optic network. The Perth based company won't sign up because it's disputing costs and time taken to connect new customers.

Mr Dalby also said debate about the NBN had focused too much on costs, timetables and trivial pursuits such as uploading music, rather than focusing on the benefits faster internet would bring the economy.

He said it was being conducted in a "policy vacuum".

Greens Senator Scott Ludlam, who was part of the hearing committee, said the Coalition's leaning towards buying Telstra's copper network to connect homes to neighbourhood NBN nodes was "effectively the destruction of an extraordinary infrastructure project".

While the Coalition's option is cheaper, it is also expected to be slower.

Senator Ludlam believes fibre optic should be laid directly to premises.

"The purpose of this committee as far as I'm concerned is to salvage something from the wreckage of telecommunications policy under the Abbott and Turnbull model," he told reporters.

"Now it is on its knees, really for base political objectives.

"The economics are very uncertain, the timing is completely uncertain and the fact is it looks as though the government is seriously proposing taking on the liability of Telstra's obsolete copper network, rather than building the network of the future."

NBN Co declined to comment.

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Murder probe after bodies found in NSW

A search for a father and daughter on the NSW north coast has turned into a murder investigation. Source: AAP

A DESPERATE search for a missing father and daughter has turned into a murder investigation after police uncovered two bodies on the NSW north coast.

Greg Hutchings, 35, and his four-year-old daughter Eeva Dorendahl-Hutchings have been missing from the coastal town of Pottsville since January 11.

Mr Hutchings was due to hand Eeva over to her mother at a local park on that day but never showed.

The disappearance sparked a massive land, air and sea search involving locals, State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers and police.

Tweed Heads Detective Superintendent Stuart Wilkins said the search had turned to sand dunes north of Pottsville on Tuesday after police received specific information last week.

At 10am (AEDT), an SES volunteer discovered two bodies beneath a tree in the dunes.

"It is quite obvious they have been deceased for a considerable period of time," he said.

"We are unable at this time to identify those bodies but it is certainly possible that they are our missing persons."

Supt Wilkins told News Corp Australia it was a murder investigation but the cause of death would be a matter for the coroner.

Mr Hutchings' grieving mother, Diana, said that Eeva was a beautiful girl and her son was a beautiful man.

"We are shocked, we need to process it and to show respect for two beautiful people," she told News Corp after the grim discovery.

"We were trying to help find them but now we just need the police to investigate."

Local business owner John Wightman said the tight-knit community was shocked.

"Everybody is very upset," he told AAP.

"The locals, the SES and all the organisations that could help were involved (in the search)."

Mr Hutchings was believed to be living in Pottsville and had recently been working at a local restaurant, White Jade.

Mr Hutchings' sister, Sheri Hutchings, and former work colleagues have spoken out since his disappearance about a custody battle with Eeva's mother, Michelle Dorendahl.

Ms Hutchings said the discovery of a Finnish passport was possibly the catalyst.

"He has been concerned that Eeva's mum might relocate them to Finland without Greg's knowledge," she wrote on her Facebook page earlier this month.

"His discovery of a secret Finnish passport for Eeva has probably been the catalyst for his hesitation in returning Eeva to her mum."

A former work colleague, who did not want to be named, said he believed Mr Hutchings had taken off because of a long-term custody spat with Eeva's mother.

However, Ms Dorendahl reportedly denied any plans to relocate with her daughter and made that clear to her ex-partner.

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Aust to quell Russian fears on beef trade

The federal government is working to ease Russian fears over steroid use in beef by-products. Source: AAP

THE Department of Agriculture is working with the meat export industry to quell Russian fears over banned Australian beef by-products.

Russia's agriculture watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor has imposed a ban on by-products such as offal over the use of a growth stimulant it considers unsafe.

The Department of Agriculture on Tuesday said it was aware of the ban on a small number of export consignments.

"The department is working closely with the meat export industry to provide the assurances sought by Russia," a spokesman said in a statement to AAP.

While most international markets accepted beef produced from animals treated with the growth stimulant trenbolone, Russia did not, it said.

"Australia recognises Russia's right to determine its import requirements and is committed to working with Russian authorities regarding this matter."

The Australian Meat Industry Council chair David Larkin told AAP the body was working with the government and speaking to Russian authorities.

The temporary restrictions also affect Belarus and Kazakhstan - two ex-Soviet nations that are part of a Moscow-led Customs Union.

Australia is the world's third-largest exporter of beef after the US and Brazil. It reported shipping 30,000 tonnes of beef to Russia in 2013.

Beef exports to Russia have not been affected.

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Qld state schools to share in $131m

Queensland's state schools will share $131 million in funding this year to meet national benchmarks. Source: AAP

QUEENSLAND'S state schools will share $131 million this year to meet national literacy and numeracy benchmarks.

The federal funding, promised in December last year, will see primary schools get an extra $99 million.

The money will mainly be spent on students from prep to year 2, which equates to about $508 extra per student.

High schools will get $30 million and specialist schools the remainder.

Principals and communities will decide the best way to spend the funding.

Premier Campbell Newman says the debate over the Gonski education review has been left behind.

"Today we see real outcomes, every school will be better off under this plan," he said.

"We want to see the money at the coal face. I don't want to see it frittered away, but spent on essentials.

"We guarantee to Queensland parents that your child will meet minimum national standard or your school will have a plan for your child to get to that minimum standard."

Under the agreements, schools will be accountable for improving student performance.

They will be able to hire specialist educators to provide additional support, pay for professional development for teachers, or buy new literacy or numeracy learning tools.

The plan was welcomed by The Gap primary school principal Peter Cooper who says it will make a significant impact on kids in the lower years.

"We will be working closely with parents and staff to maximise those learning outcomes for all kids, those that are achieving well and those that need extra support," he said.

Queensland Teachers Union president Kevin Bates also welcomed the initiative.

He says giving money directly to schools to spend how they want will achieve the best results.

But he wanted to see a funding commitment beyond 2014.

Queensland is expected to get an extra $794 million in education funding from the Abbott government over four years.

Federal Education Minister Christopher Pyne said the initiative would be supported by a further $131 million in federal money in 2014 through the coalition government's Students First schools policy.

"We will provide this additional funding with no strings attached because we recognise Queensland's education authorities know how to invest in their students' education," Mr Pyne said.

He said 1233 state schools in Queensland would be better off because they would receive their current level of funding plus a share of the $131 million.

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Hundreds rally against Tasmanian pulp mill

Hundreds have rallied outside parliament in protest of the pulp mill proposal for Tasmania's north. Source: AAP

HUNDREDS have rallied outside the Tasmanian parliament in protest at the born-again pulp mill proposal for the state's north.

As parliament reconvened in a pre-election bid to ensure the mill's future, more than 600 turned out to voice their opposition to a project that has divided the state for almost a decade.

Carrying black flags and banners accusing the state government of a "betrayal", the crowd chanted "no pulp mill" as it heard from speakers including celebrity gardener Peter Cundall.

Mr Cundall, who was arrested at an anti-mill protest in 2009, was met with cheers as he described the Tamar Valley project as a "swindle".

"We've been betrayed by the very people we pay to represent us," Mr Cundall told the crowd.

Labor Premier Lara Giddings announced two weeks ago she would recall parliament to debate a bill extending the validity of the permits for the mill until 2017.

In the same press conference, Ms Giddings announced an election date of March 15 and a split with the Greens after four years of power sharing.

The move was designed to head off a Supreme Court challenge from environmental group the Tasmanian Conservation Trust (TCT), which argues the permits expired when collapsed timber company Gunns could not start work on the $2.5 billion mill.

Gunns receivers KordaMentha say it has six buyers interested in the failed company's assets and it needs certainty to proceed.

TCT boss Peter McGlone vowed the legal fight would go on and was backed by law expert Michael Stokes.

"There should be no special deals, no changes in the law because particular special interest groups want it," Mr Stokes said.

Tasmanian Greens leader Nick McKim emerged from parliament furious that a no-confidence motion in the government from his party had been stonewalled.

He accused the Labor and Liberal parties of forming a "new minority government" to ram the legislation through.

Mr McKim had previously called for a referendum on the project.

The opposition says it will back the bill, but slammed the government for not bringing it on earlier.

Opponents say a pulp mill will decimate the wine and tourism industries of the Tamar Valley, north of Launceston.

They say health and economic impacts have not been assessed and 64,000 tonnes of effluent will be pumped into Bass Strait every day.

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NT police search for boy taken by croc

A crocodile is believed to have taken a 12-year-old boy missing from a Northern Territory billabong. Source: AAP

A CROCODILE is believed to have taken a 12-year-old boy missing from a Northern Territory billabong.

Another boy, also 12, swimming in the billabong was bitten by a crocodile, police say.

Police and Park Rangers are conducting a search and rescue mission by land and boat after being alerted to the incident at Kakadu National Park on Sunday afternoon.

Acting Commander Michael White said police believed the missing boy was taken by a crocodile as he and a number of other young boys were swimming in the billabong.

"One other boy, also aged 12, was bitten on the arm by the crocodile and has received medical treatment from attending St John Ambulance members," Mr White said.

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Bryce moved by final Aust Day as GG

Governor-General Quentin Bryce took part in her last Australia Day before relinquishing her role. Source: AAP

WITH the announcement of her replacement pending, Quentin Bryce spoke of how moving it is to unite Australians with shared values as she took part in her last Australia Day as governor-general.

Mrs Bryce relinquishes the role in March after five-and-a-half years as the Queen's representative, with former Defence chief Peter Cosgrove tipped to be named Australia's 26th governor-general this week, possibly as early as Monday.

"There's something very, very special about welcoming new members to our community and uniting all Australians to the values we share," Mrs Bryce said after inspecting troops at a flag-raising and citizenship ceremony in Canberra.

"I've had the honour of attending many citizenship ceremonies and I find each one just as moving as the very first I attended."

Mrs Bryce led an affirmation for current citizens after Prime Minister Tony Abbott welcomed 24 new citizens to the nation's team.

She also helped cut a cake to mark the 65th anniversary of the Nationality and Citizenship Act, which created the status of Australian citizen.

General Cosgrove has long been the frontrunner to succeed Mrs Bryce in the role.

Gen Cosgrove led the Australian contingency in the 1999 East Timor peacekeeping mission, subsequently commanding the army and serving as defence force chief from 2002 to 2005.

He was Australian of the Year in 2001.

Since leaving the military he has worked as a non-executive director of Qantas, a Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu consultant and been the chairman of the South Australian Defence Industry Development Board and peak aged services industry body Leading Age Services Australia.

A Townsville suburb was named after him in 2008 in recognition of his work leading the rebuilding taskforce after Cyclone Larry devastated northern Queensland.

Former prime minister Kevin Rudd appointed Mrs Bryce governor-general in 2007. She was Australia's first female governor-general.

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India celebrates Republic Day

Millions have watched a display of India's cultural diversity during national day celebrations. Source: AAP

MILLIONS of Indians have watched a display of the country's military power and cultural diversity amid tight security during national day celebrations.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was a special guest at Sunday's parade in the Indian capital, the highlight of the annual Republic Day festivities.

Schoolchildren, folk dancers, and police and military battalions marched through New Delhi, followed by the military hardware display and folk dances. India adopted its democratic Constitution on January 26, 1950.

Similar parades were held in Indian states, including Jammu-Kashmir and Manipur, where separatist militants don't accept Indian rule and called for general strikes.

Four low-intensity explosions marred the celebrations in Imphal, the capital of remote northeastern Manipur state, but did not cause any damage or casualties, police said.

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Luminaries speak and Sydney sky lights up

MARIE Bashir has given her final Australia Day address as governor of NSW in a ceremony marking the end of official Sydney festivities for the national holiday.

Tens of thousands of spectators packed Darling Harbour on Sunday night to watch the day's celebrations peak with a dazzling fireworks display.

Professor Bashir, who is set to retire in September, sailed into Cockle Bay aboard the Admiral's Barge before taking a lap of honour in front of cheering children waving Australian flags.

She told the crowd Australia Day was an opportunity to rejoice and give thanks but also to commit to helping those who were doing it tough.

"We should not slip into complacency, for there is still much to do to address the challenges of those who need our additional support: the marginalised, those who are coping with poverty," Prof Bashir said.

"As we have done in the past, we should meet those challenges with joy and with success."

Indigenous footballer Adam Goodes, who on Saturday was named 2014 Australian of the Year for his leadership in the fight against racism, delivered a video address.

The 34-year-old spoke about the hard work, discipline and sacrifice it took for him to go from country kid to AFL superstar and said he hoped others could follow in his footsteps.

"I was shy growing up. I've learnt over time, and a large part of that learning is about standing up for things I believe in," Goodes said.

"I really hope people are inspired and find the courage to stand up for themselves in the way that I was able to do."

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