ABC NewsMail - Afternoon Edition

NewsMail Afternoon Edition Thu 29 Aug, 2013 Top Stories More Top Stories » Rudd demands 'robust' response to Syrian chemical attack By correspondents Mary Gearin and Matt Brown, wires Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says Australia condemns the Syrian regime for using chemical weapons on its own people, in what he describes as a flagrant breach of international law. Earlier today, US president Barack Obama said the White House concluded the Syrian regime was behind last week's chemical attack in the suburbs of Damascus that killed hundreds of people. But Mr Obama is yet to make a decision on whether to launch a military strike against Syria. The UK has hinted it will take action in response to last week's chemical attack in Damascus, irrespective of any decision by the UN Security Council. More » Labor claims $10b hole in Coalition's budget cuts Alleged people smugglers arrested in nationwide raids Slowdown in global warming only temporary Qantas back in the black as international takes off Photographer's Near Miss proves the perfect snap More Analysis » Senate voting threatens more than our eyesight On polling day, as Australians peer through their magnifying glasses at the Senate ballot paper, trying to distinguish between up to 110 candidates they've never heard of, they may wonder how we arrived at this farce. The Senate is one of the most powerful parliamentary upper chambers in the world. It should be for the public to determine its balance of power, not unknown deal makers. But our current system allows fractionalised parties with no chance of significant electoral support to play twister with their preferences and so enter a lottery for the last seat in each state. More » Intervention in Syria could have untold consequences Egypt and Pakistan: change in opposite directions A dicey future for gambling reform Reading isn't believing when it comes to newspapers Leaders' debate paints some pretty little pitches Harry Kewell: once more, with Heart Religion continues its free ride without our blessing The elusive pursuit of political trust Five reasons military intervention in Syria is wrong Just In More Just In » Reid applies to have case heard by Supreme Court Judge Essendon club doctor Bruce Reid is taking the AFL to the Supreme Court over charges related to the Bombers' supplements scandal. More » Lost dog tag family found Photographer's Near Miss proves the perfect snap Stock market slips as investors eye Syria, election Boy in hospital after Brisbane school stabbing Labor claims $10b hole in Coalition's budget cuts David Jones blames discounts for sales slip Man charged with trespassing, shooting at farmer Pub glassing victim scarred by memories of attack Capex lifts but economists warn of mining weakness World More World » In their words: leading figures inspired by Martin Luther King US president Barack Obama and other leading figures have honoured Martin Luther King's "I have a dream" speech. More » Slowdown in global warming only temporary Syria worries shake global stocks, oil and gold Thousands of revellers see red in Spain's tomato-throwing festival Egypt backs off dissolving Muslim Brotherhood Syria opposition parties: explained Business More Business » Qantas back in the black as international takes off By Justine Parker Australia's largest airline has returned to profit for the full year but warns the outlook remains challenging and volatile. Qantas posted a wafer-thin net profit after tax of $5 million last financial year after a loss of $245 million the year before. But it has refused to offer any guidance for this year, citing uncertainty about the global economy, fuel prices and currency movements. More » Capex lifts but economists warn of mining weakness David Jones blames discounts for sales slip NAB slashing jobs in cost-cutting drive, says union Stock market slips as investors eye Syria, election Labor flags cosmetics animal testing ban Syria worries shake global stocks, oil and gold Politics More Politics » Labor claims $10b hole in Coalition's budget cuts By chief political correspondent Emma Griffiths Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says the Coalition has made "substantial" errors in calculating how much it will save in its budget cuts. More » Parties move to clarify shifts on health, foreign investment Abbott's 'body contact' tip to teen netballers Election live: Campaign rolls on after Rooty Hill debate Rudd demands 'robust' response to Syrian chemical attack Sport More Sport » Ferguson allegedly caught speeding while licence suspended Raiders centre Blake Ferguson will face court after allegedly being caught speeding while his licence was suspended. More » Reid applies to have case heard by Supreme Court Judge Andy Murray eases through to second round at US Open Hird apologises for giving up the fight Hewitt advances but Barty knocked out in first round Barba could move to pivot: Griffin Science and Technology More Science and Technology » Photographer's Near Miss proves the perfect snap A striking shot of two birds narrowly avoiding a collision above Western Australia's Mandurah Wetlands has earned its creator a prestigious nature photography prize. Photographer David Rennie says the work, called Near Miss, was the result of three years on the trail of a family of ospreys. More » Labor flags cosmetics animal testing ban Meteor that hit Russia may have had close shave with Sun Microsoft boss Ballmer to retire within 12 months North Korea unveils 'homemade' smartphone Environment More Environment » Photographer's Near Miss proves the perfect snap A striking shot of two birds narrowly avoiding a collision above Western Australia's Mandurah Wetlands has earned its creator a prestigious nature photography prize. Photographer David Rennie says the work, called Near Miss, was the result of three years on the trail of a family of ospreys. More » Japanese brave notorious temper of Sakurajima volcano Abbott using outdated figure on carbon tax cost to households Your say: Foreign ownership and CSG Sea anemones bleaching on large scale About this email You received this email because you are subscribed to ABC News email alerts. This message was sent to you at starnewsposting@gmail.com Please add newslists@your.abc.net.au to your email address book to see images by default and stop the email being treated as spam. This email address is not monitored - Please don't reply to this email. Manage your preferences | Unsubscribe | Contact Us   This service may include material from Agence France-Presse (AFP), APTN, Reuters, AAP, CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced. Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 700 Harris Street, Ultimo NSW 2007 © 2013 ABC | Conditions of Use | Privacy Policy | Discover other ABC Email newsletters