ABC NewsMail - Afternoon Edition

NewsMail Afternoon Edition Wed 19 Mar, 2014 Top Stories More Top Stories » Sinodinos stands aside as Assistant Treasurer over ICAC investigation By political correspondent Emma Griffiths Assistant Treasurer Arthur Sinodinos has stood aside from his frontbench post while a corruption inquiry investigates the dealings of a company he was involved with before entering Parliament. It is the first ministerial casualty for the Abbott Government and a particular blow to lose a key minister from the Treasury portfolio less than two months before the Government hands down its first budget. An Independent Commission Against Corruption hearing in NSW has heard claims that Senator Sinodinos, a former Australian Water Holdings director, stood to make up to $20 million from a contract with the state-owned Sydney Water Corporation in January 2012. This afternoon the Senator told the Senate he would step down for the duration of the inquiry, saying: "I do not want this sideshow to be an unnecessary distraction to the important work of the Government". More » Three soldiers injured in training exercise in central Queensland Rolling Stones cancel Australian tour 'Red tape' repeal to scrap charities watchdog, change financial advice rules MH370 search area now larger than Australia Craig Thomson is 'devoted' family man sorry for causing hurt, wife says 251 children identified in 'members only' porn website More Analysis » The ICAC's destruction hits both sides In the weeks ahead the constant media coverage of the ICAC proceedings will re-confirm the public's worst fears about what really goes on behind the closed doors of government. The Liberal Party will now stand besmirched and tainted alongside Labor, its high moral ground destroyed after five years of advantageous revelation. Reform of the dark arts and practices of political lobbying is needed to help restore public confidence, because for now we should continue to distrust our government. More » A double dose can turn voters off March in March gave dissent a bad name Personal political attacks don't advance the cause Research needed to ensure clean bill of health Australia needs its young workers back The ABC showcases entertainment and integrity Want a case for regulation? Look at CSG FoFA fearmongering a blow to deregulation Provokatzia: behind Russia's audacious land grab Just In More Just In » OECD warns of rising poverty in Australia as GFC fallout continues By business editor Peter Ryan Anyone thinking the global financial crisis is over or at worst an unpleasant distant memory might find the latest report from the OECD an unsettling reality check. More » Tests reveal Hendra virus in horse on southern Qld property Terms of reference for foreign real estate investment inquiry released Public housing tenants lose Sydney Harbour homes earmarked for sale Dixon backs Qantas Sale Act scrapping ICAC witness questioned over Sinodinos's $200,000 salary Sinodinos stands aside as Assistant Treasurer over ICAC investigation Three soldiers injured in training exercise in central Queensland Paralympians arrive home after tough Sochi campaign Craig Thomson is a good man: wife World More World » Research finds saturated fat not linked to heart disease New research has found no evidence that saturated fat found in meat, butter and cheese is associated with a greater risk of heart disease. More » Thieves chisel off part of Pompeii fresco Chelsea brushes Galatasaray aside, Real Madrid advances 251 children identified in 'members only' porn website Pistorius defence targets police photos Putin signs treaty making Crimea part of Russia Business More Business » Terms of reference for foreign real estate investment inquiry released By business reporter Michael Janda The Treasurer has released terms of reference for an inquiry into foreign residential real estate investment. More » OECD warns of rising poverty in Australia as GFC fallout continues Fitch Ratings has few concerns on Australian iron ore outlook Dixon backs Qantas Sale Act scrapping David Jones posts profit fall despite sales increase 'Red tape' repeal to scrap charities watchdog, change financial advice rules Politics More Politics » Public housing tenants lose Sydney Harbour homes earmarked for sale By Liz Foschia Hundreds of public housing tenants will lose their Sydney Harbour foreshore homes after the New South Wales Government announced they will be sold to the highest bidder. More » Sinodinos stands aside as Assistant Treasurer over ICAC investigation 'Red tape' repeal to scrap charities watchdog, change financial advice rules Labor steps up pressure on Arthur Sinodinos over NSW corruption probe Asylum seekers set to testify at Manus centre inquiry Sport More Sport » Watson's versatility key in T20s: Bailey Australia's T20 captain George Bailey believes Shane Watson can be a major trump card at the World Twenty20. More » Goodes tipped to throw MLB opening pitch North named Sheffield Shield season's best Fensom re-signs with Raiders until 2017 Paralympians arrive home after tough Sochi campaign FIA backs meter maker in Red Bull flow row Science and Technology More Science and Technology » Study examines theory that eating less makes animals live longer By Ashley Hall A team of evolutionary biologists from the University of New South Wales has developed a new theory which might eventually unlock the fountain of youth. More » Big Bang echoes detected by US scientists Warming melts last stable edge of Greenland ice sheet DNA test a possible solution to cattle dehorning procedures 3D printed parts used in facial reconstruction surgery Environment More Environment » Electric car devotees push for supercharged highway in WA By Claire Moodie Australia's first 'electric highway' will be rolled out in Western Australia if Perth devotees of the cars have their way. More » No evidence to link wind farm noise to health: AMA Greenpeace sues Russia over Arctic 30 detention Climate change's effect on crops worse than thought: study Abbott hopes for 'renaissance of forestry' following Tas election 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. 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