ABC NewsMail - Afternoon Edition

NewsMail Afternoon Edition Sat 08 Feb, 2014 Top Stories More Top Stories » Indonesian minister defends granting parole to Schapelle Corby Indonesia's justice minister has defended granting convicted Australian drug-smuggler Schapelle Corby parole, saying the decision was not politically motivated. Corby has begun what could be her last weekend in an Indonesian prison, following nine years behind bars in Bali for smuggling marijuana. The Indonesian press has been asking if the Australian drug-smuggler, dubbed the Marijuana Queen, was given special treatment to assist with relations between the two countries. The prison's governor says he will not wait "a further second" more than he needs before releasing Corby. He says it will not be this weekend, but rather Monday afternoon at the earliest. More » Sochi 2014: Winter Olympics opened by Russian president Philip Seymour Hoffman farewell at private service in NYC Fire warnings issued as extreme conditions return to SA and Victoria Healthy eating website vanishes 24 hours after going online Griffith voters head back to polls to replace Kevin Rudd Melbourne police stunned by drink-driving mum and speeding dad More Analysis » The alleged communist Ian Macdonald betrayed Being an alleged closet Communist was, oddly, not the most significant point to be made about Arthur Gietzelt, who died last month. The former senior Labor politician was patron of Ian Macdonald, whose baleful influence on NSW Labor politic culminated in its present sorry state. Macdonald may seem like a convenient scapegoat for the problems of NSW Labor. But the divisions he played a large part in fostering meant the Left was in a weaker position to oppose the rising influence of figures such as Eddie Obeid. More » Getting the message straight on industry policy Gender diversity job data isn't just red tape Sea Shepherd should be banned from our ports Political debate obscures Australia Network values The $51 billion question: what is in it for Putin? Our Schapelle: a smuggler for all seasons Beyond the straitjacket of unions vs business It's not my fault I’m obsessed with toilets An age of entitlement? Not quite Just In More Just In » Man killed in shark attack at Yorke Peninsula surf beach A man has been killed in a shark attack at a popular surf beach on South Australia's Yorke Peninsula. It is understood the man went missing in the water off Goldsmith Beach, near Edithburgh, about 1pm (ACDT). Police and emergency service crews are conducting a search of the area and are trying to contact his relatives. A police helicopter is also scouring the area. Locals say there were reports of a great white shark in the area in the past week. More » Vic opposition says parliament 'chaotic' as Liberals move to expel Shaw NSW farmers donate hay to drought-stricken neighbours Police officers hospitalised after drug lab exposure Welfare group troubled by government's Bidwill reform pledge Valentine's Day is serious business for rose growers Philip Seymour Hoffman farewell at private service in NYC Man refused bail over 'vicious' attack on two cleaners Australia's best and worst moments on tour in South Africa Melbourne police stunned by drink-driving mum and speeding dad World More World » Philip Seymour Hoffman farewell at private service in NYC Hollywood stars including Australian actress Cate Blanchett have attended a private funeral service for actor Philip Seymour Hoffman in New York. More » Indonesian minister defends granting parole to Schapelle Corby Worker killed in Brazil World Cup stadium accident Turkish forces seize passenger over demand to take plane to Sochi: reports British PM urges 'no' vote on Scotland independence First Homs residents evacuated as part of Syrian ceasefire Business More Business » Inflation fears trigger the Reserve Bank’s move away from further rate cuts By business reporter Michael Janda A steep rise in the Reserve Bank's inflation forecasts to above its target range is the clear reason its board shifted decisively away from further rate cuts at Tuesday's meeting. The change in the RBA's expectations come in response to a surprise lift in the official December quarter inflation numbers released a fortnight ago. The RBA cites the fall in the Australian dollar as one factor driving consumer prices higher at an uncomfortably fast pace. More » WA Water Department has no veto over fracking UBS warns Australian banks are lowering lending standards News Corp profits down 4 per cent Twitter shares shed billions on fears usage may be peaking Joyce asks banks to help drought-stricken farmers Politics More Politics » Vic opposition says parliament 'chaotic' as Liberals move to expel Shaw The Victorian Opposition says the State Parliament is in chaos with the Liberal Party officially moving to expel balance-of-power MP Geoff Shaw. Mr Shaw has been regarded as an Independent after quitting the Parliamentary Party in March last year, but has remained a rank-and-file member of the Liberal Party. The Liberal Party State Assembly last night announced it had started a three-week process to formally expel him, despite the Government relying on his support for power. More » Welfare group troubled by government's Bidwill reform pledge British PM urges 'no' vote on Scotland independence Griffith voters head back to polls to replace Kevin Rudd Beijing denounces 'groundless' US remarks on South China Sea Sport More Sport » Marsh not expecting late Test call-up Shaun Marsh does not expect a late call-up for the South African tour despite his starring role in the Big Bash League final. More » Sochi 2014 gets underway with glitch and glamour Dellacqua, Stosur start strong against Russia Hughes stamps claim for Test recall Australia's best and worst moments on tour in South Africa Moment of Change wins CF Orr Stakes Science and Technology More Science and Technology » From the sea to the stars: explore the best science visualisations These award-winning games and images will take you from the depths of the ocean to the vast expanse of the universe, via your brain, your gut and some "Fuzzy Deutzia". More » Bionic hand can now sense shape, texture Britain's $336m supersonic drone launched over the outback Cold shower may be secret to burning fat Qld scientists to develop system to track disease outbreaks online Environment More Environment » WA Water Department has no veto over fracking By Sue Lannin Western Australia's Department of Water has told a state parliamentary inquiry it has no veto over fracking for natural gas below proclaimed groundwater areas such as aquifer systems. More » Former reef authority chair raises concern about dredge spill dumping plan Abbott wants Australia to be world leader in affordable energy NSW environment office shift 'not a downgrade' Two in three Australians drive to work, study of commuting habits finds About this email You received this email because you are subscribed to ABC News email alerts. 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