Latest and Most Recent Oceania News from Topix [May ‘11 Series]

[Topix]

While the ETS is unloved by farmers for the spin put out by the likes of Greenpeace, Federated Farmers lobbying saved the average farm $27,000 p.a. while getting an uplift in research.

Source: Big wins for farmers

[Topix]

David Hicks, former prisoner at Guantanamo Bay. David Hicks says this picture was a "boy's trophy shot", taken in Albania.

Source: Al-Qaeda? Who? I had no idea, says Hicks

[Topix]

Prime Minister Julia Gillard said Monday that she did not yet plan to meet with the Dalai Lama when he visits Australia next month, but acknowledged that the nation expected her to receive the revered Tibetan spiritual leader.

Source: Australian PM has no plans to meet Dalai Lama

[Topix]

Winter is set to arrive one week early, with weather forecasters warning Victorians to rug up from tomorrow as an icy southerly wind blasts the state.

Source: Brace for icy blast as winter comes early

[Topix]

GOVERNMENTS are wasting more than $2 billion a year trying to lure Australians to the regions and are short-changing the ''bolting'' growth areas of western Sydney and coastal cities such as Coffs Harbour and Nowra where people are choosing to move, a new report has found.

Source: Growing pain for centres $2b out of pocket

[Topix]

IMMIGRATION officials last night revealed the government ''hid'' $129.97 million in the budget to set up a regional processing centre for asylum seekers.

Source: $130m hidden in budget for asylum centre

[Topix]

As a shopper, have you ever pondered what sort of mark-up the retailer has slapped on to the pair of Levi's jeans or Adidas runners that you're about to try on? Turns out consumers reckon a 35 per cent mark-up by the shop would be fair in order to make a profit, according to a survey out today by the Australia Institute.

Source: Retailers' mark-ups under threat from online

[Topix]

The Kwinana Freeway and Perth's riverside roads will flood every two weeks and parks and beaches including Cottesloe will disappear by 2100, according to sea-level rise predictions released by the federal government's Climate Commissioner yesterday.

Source: WA beaches, parks, to 'disappear' by 2100

[Topix]

A New Zealand truck driver said he blew up like a balloon when he fell onto the fitting of a compressed air hose that pierced his buttock and forced air into his body at 100 pounds a square inch.

Source: Compressed air pumped into trucker's body made him a human balloon

[Topix]

Deadly disease find triggers bat warning Megan Levy May 25, 2011 - 11:11AM A flying fox found at Bairnsdale tested positive for a rare but fatal disease that can be passed to humans.

Source: Deadly disease triggers bat warning