HighLights of the AAP National Wire at 14:30, April 1

AAP General News (Australia)
04-01-2010
HighLights of the AAP National Wire at 14:30, April 1

LITTLEHAMPTON, SA - Liberal leader Tony Abbott has spent the morning kissing babies
and talking with toddlers but denies he's trying to soften his hard man image. (Abbott
2nd Update).

Election Wrap to come



SYDNEY - Prime Minister Kevin Rudd will face more questioning on Thursday over his
hospital reform plans, this time from NSW which has previously shown support for the changes.

(Hospitals Keneally)

SYDNEY - The NSW opposition is backing other states' calls for an alternative to the
federal government's hospital funding model, saying more money has to be part of the solution.

(Hospitals OFarrell)

CANBERRA - The federal government has denied its $436 million sweetener to improve
diabetic care will encourage doctors to pocket the funds. (Hospitals Diabetes)

Hospitals Wrap and Hospitals NSW wrap to come



CANBERRA - The trade deficit widened to just shy of the $2 billion mark in February,
reversing much of the narrowing seen in the previous month as imports grew by two per
cent, new data shows. (Trade)

CANBERRA - The rise in imports in February is further evidence of Australian resource
companies willingness to invest again, Trade Minister Simon Crean says. (Trade Crean)

Economy Wrap to come.



SYDNEY - A Qantas A380 superjumbo which suffered two tyre blowouts while landing at
Sydney Airport will be assessed before a decision is taken whether to examine other aircraft
in the national carrier's fleet. (Qantas)



PERTH - Former West Australian Premier turned lobbyist Brian Burke has been found guilty
on one count of lying to the state's Corruption And Crime Commission. (Burke)

More to come



LITTLEHAMPTON, SA - Liberal leader Tony Abbott has evaded questions about whether a
coalition government will cut public service jobs, but has promised to be more frugal
than Labor. (Budget Abbott)

CANBERRA - Liberal senator Gary Humphries has lashed out at his own party for suggesting
possible jobs cuts in the public sector, saying it will cost votes. (Budget)



SYDNEY - David Beckham had just stunned the world by saying he was joining Australia's
team, when he casually turned away from the phone and asked Posh if she knew where his
knickers were. (Fool Wrap)



CANBERRA - Kevin Rudd's decision to relieve Greg Combet of some of his responsibilities
has been welcomed by the Australian Defence Association. (Defence Update).



AUCKLAND - The final report into the sinking of the doomed Tongan ferry Princess Ashika
claims the country's government failed its people by buying a boat that was obviously
unseaworthy, according to leaked information. (Tonga Ferry)



HOBART - Tasmania's labor Premier David Bartlett has announced that he will yield power
to Liberal leader Will Hodgman. (PollTas Bartlett). PollTas Wrap to come.



CANBERRA - A boat with 64 passengers and three crew on board has been intercepted near
Christmas Island. (Boat)



MELBOURNE- Gangland widow Judy Moran's lawyer has again raised concerns about his client's
treatment in custody after she was injured while being taken back to prison from a Melbourne
court. (Moran). Wrap to come



CANBERRA - Families Minister Jenny Macklin has celebrated a milestone in the gestation
of the government's parental leave scheme - nine months to go. (Parental)



CANBERRA - The government is using its water buyback scheme as a "flashy statement"

with negligible benefit to the environment, Opposition water spokesman Barnaby Joyce says.

(Water Joyce)



CANBERRA - The federal government has defended a decision to scrap the auditor-general's
role in overseeing election campaign advertising. (Advertising)


IN FINANCE

MELBOURNE - Lihir Gold Ltd has scorned a takeover bid by Australia's largest gold producer,
Newcrest Mining Ltd, saying the $9.2 billion offer is too low. (Lihir 2nd Update). Wrap
to come


IN SPORT

BRISBANE - AFL match: Brisbane v Carlton, Gabba, 2040AEDT. AFL Lions Wrap to come plus
AFL Lions Fevola.



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KEYWORD: HIGHLIGHTS NATIONAL

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