ABC NewsMail - afternoon edition

Afternoon Edition. Wed 25 May 2011
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Top Stories	More Top Stories >
IR analyst sees white flag in waterfront dispute Patrick's decision today to offer the Maritime Union of Australia voluntary conciliation is a sign that the company is already raising the white flag, an industrial relations analyst says. Curtain closes on Spicks and Specks After seven years, thousands of questions, and more than 150 special guests, ABC1's music quiz show Spicks and Specks is coming to an end. UN rights chief attacks 'disturbing' policies The United Nations Human Rights Commissioner, Navi Pillay, today launched a wide-ranging attack on Federal Government policies, criticising mandatory detention of asylum seekers and the Northern Territory intervention. Tornadoes touch down in Oklahoma More tornadoes have touched down in the United States, killing at least five people in Oklahoma just two days after a deadly twister devastated the neighbouring state of Missouri. $120k awarded over girl's dog maul death The father of a child mauled to death by a pack of dogs in western New South Wales has been awarded almost $100,000 in damages.
The Drum	More from The Drum >
One pundit's deadly war: from Afghanistan to Vietnam 'The question that dominated the closing stages of the Vietnam War for Americans was this: how do you ask a man to be the last to die for a losing cause?' That's the Australian's foreign editor, Greg Sheridan, in the wake of Sergeant Brett Wood's death in Afghanistan. Yes, that's right. The 'losing cause' is Afghanistan, where Sheridan - the neocon's neocon - now wants out. Immigration and votes in the USA Illegal immigration is a social and political issue in many developed countries and nowhere more so than the US. Simon Chapman is blowing smoke on smoking The public debate about smoking in a free society has reached fever-pitch since the government announced its plain packets plan. Now it's gone too far. AustraliaÂ's bob each way on next IMF chief The government is talking a lot but saying nothing in regards to it's preference for the next IMF head. Karl Bitar, professional politics and the end of belief The worst of it is that by the standards of our times, the appointment seems almost logical. Karl Bitar has been hired to run government interference for James Packer's Crown gambling operation. And there lies a sobering truth of modern politics: it's simply a professional game played by people with no allegiance other than to the outcome required by the moment.
Just in	More Just In Stories >
Tourist dies from mosquito-borne disease A Canadian tourist has died after contracting a mosquito-borne disease while travelling in the Northern Territory. Roxon continues plain packaging push The Federal Government has increased pressure on the Opposition to refuse donations from tobacco companies and to support a bill to force tobacco companies to adopt no-brand cigarette packets. Construction rise misses forecasts Economists say a weaker-than-expected result for construction work in the first three months of the year is bad news for the first-quarter economic growth figures.
World	More World Stories >
New procedures mitigate eruption flight chaos The European Union's transport commissioner says lessons learnt from last year's widespread flight disruption caused by an eruption of an Icelandic volcano are being put in place to address this year's eruption. Condition of wounded diggers improving Defence Minister Stephen Smith says the five soldiers wounded in two separate incidents in Afghanistan this week have improved. Aussie lifestyle scores highly in international survey An international survey has ranked the Australian lifestyle as one of the best in the world.
Business	More Business Stories >
Construction rise misses forecasts Economists say a weaker-than-expected result for construction work in the first three months of the year is bad news for the first-quarter economic growth figures. Decision still pending on Gove mining lease Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin says she has yet to decide whether to approve a 40-year lease agreement between traditional owners and a major mining company in the Northern Territory. ACT 'already working to cut power bills' Canberra's electricity provider ActewAGL says it is working with the ACT Government to find ways to cut household power bills.
Politics	More Politics Stories >
Roxon continues plain packaging push The Federal Government has increased pressure on the Opposition to refuse donations from tobacco companies and to support a bill to force tobacco companies to adopt no-brand cigarette packets. Call for 'fundamental rethink' on intervention The United Nations is urging the Federal Government to have a "fundamental rethink" on the Northern Territory intervention. Police keep up budget pressure There is concern community confidence in Tasmania's police force is suffering because of uncertainty over budget cuts.
Sport	More Sport Stories >
Warne's mentor Jenner dies Meninga downplays Blues' underdog status Worsfold content to wait on deal Nadal survives French Open scare Court dismisses Fevola charges
Science & Technology	More Science & Technology Stories >
New fish net lets the small swim free Australian scientists have designed a prawn net which can give trawlers a bigger and better catch. Car safety alert technology being tested New wireless technology for cars is being tested with hopes of improving road safety. Tracking technology helps save tangled whale The Department of Environment and Conservation says new satellite technology used to track marine animals has helped save a whale off Western Australia's coast.
Environment	More Environment Stories >
New fish net lets the small swim free Australian scientists have designed a prawn net which can give trawlers a bigger and better catch. ACT Murray-Darling concerns 'being heard' The ACT Government says it is hopeful of securing a better deal for the Territory's future water security, as it lobbies decision makers about plans for the Murray-Darling Basin. Fraser changes tune on solar rebate cuts A vocal north coast critic of the state government's plan to cut the solar bonus rebate has changed his tune.
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