Australia failed India: US cables

JULIA Gillard's 2009 visit to India during a spate of attacks on Indian students in Australia was a "wasted opportunity" that secured only "vague commitments" and did nothing to quell rising anger in India, WikiLeaks cables reveal.

...AND ANOTHER THING

DID anyone else note the irony of the placement in yesterday's Age of an article by Hugh Mackay about "parliamentary pillocks" above an article by our former treasurer, Peter Costello? Shauna Tansey, Beaconsfield Upper

WAYNE BENNETT AT THE DRAGONS

April 1, 2008 St George Illawarra announce Wayne Bennett will take over from Nathan Brown in 2009 on a three-year deal.

Canberra to review GST split

THE Gillard government has responded to complaints from Victoria and other states by setting up a review of the way the GST is distributed between the states.

BETWEEN THE LINES

RABBITOHS v SEA EAGLES PAST THREE STARTS

Memories of have-nots Newcastle move pioneer to open up

HE was just a face in the crowd. Sitting on his own, taking it all in.

Ciraldo gains a break

KNIGHTS forward Cameron Ciraldo hopes to resume playing within two months after initially fearing he had suffered a career-ending injury at Brookvale Oval on Sunday.

Judiciary smiles on Sea Eagle��s high shot

THE NRL ruled that Manly back-rower Glenn Stewart broke no rules with his tackle on Shannon McDonnell that knocked the Newcastle fullback senseless at Brookvale last Sunday.

Invest to share in knowledge boom

GLYN Davis becomes Universities Australia chairman in May in the knowledge that the fight for funding has been a losing one for decades. Having pioneered the contentious Melbourne model, the Melbourne University vice-chancellor also isn't averse to change. Professor Davis intends to press the case for an increase in Commonwealth university funding and changes to HECS. The income-contingent loan scheme could be extended to TAFE, he says, and be adapted to help students with living costs, which have become an obstacle to study. He has a strong case, but so did his predecessors.

NATIONAL RUGBY LEAGUE TEAMS ROUND FOUR

Rabbitohs v Sea Eagles

Keating lashes 'sicko' populism

PAUL Keating has branded John Robertson, the man tipped to be the next Labor leader in New South Wales, a politician without moral authority who would be "lead weight in the saddlebags" of Julia Gillard's federal government.

A QUESTION OF BALANCE

In the final part of our series on climate change, Jo Chandler writes that the war between science and politics is clouding the debate.

New RAN ships sparkle with ros�

SO what are pictures of a warship doing in a wine column?

Senators suggest breaking up big supermarkets

THE supermarket milk price war has prompted independent senator Nick Xenophon to suggest breaking up Coles and Woolworths be considered as a way to rein in their power over suppliers.

Profile John Quiggin

His mission is to finally kill off the "zombie" theories that haunt economics.

The Labor machine ends its days of power without glory

In 16 years it delivered a stream of misfits to run the NSW government.

Protest underestimated

Protest underestimated How can one-eyed writers like Tony Piana complain about the decent people at last Thursday's Canberra carbon dioxide protest, ("Gillard's protest signs disgusting", Mercury letters, March 26), while conveniently dismissing earlier protests by a rent-a-crowd from Get Up, where effigies of then Prime Minister John Howard were publicly burnt.

East Timor minister shuns forum

EAST Timor's Foreign Minister, Zacarias da Costa, has shunned this week's Bali Process ministerial forum on people smuggling, choosing instead to go to Fiji, a pariah state for Canberra, to observe a small gathering of Pacific countries.

Another front-row rethink for Waratahs

THE Waratahs will again have to revamp their front row with prop Al Baxter unavailable for Friday night's match against the Chiefs at the SFS, while Kurtley Beale yesterday provided the first serious signs he will take over the No.10 jersey.

Abbott's agenda needn't rule NSW

WHEN you achieve a voting swing unprecedented in our country's history, hubris can be a danger even for someone as temperamentally immune as Barry O'Farrell seems to be. But there was a touch of it as O'Farrell and the inner circle of Coalition politicians and advisers savoured their historic election win.

No refugee centre for us: East Timor

EAST Timor has dismissed Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard��s proposal for a refugee processing centre on its soil on the eve of a multinational summit on people smuggling.

An old soldier's advice: leave Gen Y alone

Media reports about today's warriors using Facebook ("Defence takes aim at racist postings", March 25) point the bone at the culture, but do they really know anything about the culture in the military? It is society's culture.

Now for a war over chickens, flags Coles

COLES chief Ian McLeod has signalled the next battle between Australia's two biggest supermarkets will be over fresh chicken.

Woodside accused

The producer has dodged Canberra over drilling with Montara company, writes Mathew Murphy.

PM: O'Farrell a reasonable man

JULIA Gillard has contrasted the "reasonable" approach of Barry O'Farrell with the "extremism" of Tony Abbott and insisted she can work with the new NSW Liberal Premier ��� despite already rejecting his request to redirect federal money for railways.

Raiders halves need full support: Daley

CANBERRA great Laurie Daley has implored the club to keep faith with misfiring halves combination Matt Orford and Josh McCrone.

Old Foes at peace

Former Prime Ministers and ANZAC commissioners Bob Hawke and Malcome Fraser came together in Canberra yesterday to present a report to Prime Minister Julia Gillard recommending Australia shoudl re-enact the 1914 convoy that carried troops to Gallipoli to commemorate the ANZAC centenary.

O'Farrell needs to prove that states can do things better

Barry O'Farrell says that he will "take up the fight to Canberra". He has no shortage of areas in which to do so, including the federal government's hospital changes, carbon tax, national curriculum for schools and infrastructure plans. However, he will find success difficult to achieve.

Heading downhill

Heading downhill The images on the TV news of the Canberra demonstration (March 23) made me wonder where we are going with Australian politics.

Cast-off Timani relishes adding to suffering of friendless Brumbies

HE COULD not get a single game for the Brumbies last year, so in retribution Sitaleki Timani ran on for the Waratahs and scored a try that has all but killed off their hopes of featuring in this year's Super Rugby finals.

ASIC jobs axed after budget cut

THE corporate watchdog is slashing its ability to fight white-collar crime after Canberra denied it extra funding.

NSW earn some breathing space but fans are tetchy

The Waratahs received a mind-jangling wake-up call when supporters jeered them for their non-effort against the Cheetahs.

Election debacle makes Gillard's life even harder

SATURDAY'S thumping NSW Coalition win continues the anti-Labor tide that has been sweeping the country, and sends a clear and alarming message to the federal independents.

Schools lobbyists 'too close to ALP'

THE federal Coalition accused private school lobbyists of being too close to the Labor Party after they admitted current school funding arrangements are unlikely to survive a review led by Sydney businessman David Gonski.

NSW spells trouble for ALP

JULIA Gillard's struggling government faces fresh problems in implementing its agenda after the largest swing in modern political history has swept Labor out of its heartland state and prompted new pressure for ALP internal reform.

Party's over ... it's mourning after the night before

IN THE end Labor had nothing to sell but its saleswoman. For a month Kristina Keneally bounded about the state, tough, bright and resilient in the face of a terrible political reality.

Talkback sets an ugly tone

Anyone who doubts the power of talkback radio should have been in Canberra last week, when a few thousand people descended on Parliament House to protest against the carbon tax, their fury stoked by commercial radio. Someone held up a sign behind Tony Abbott that pronounced "Ju-liar" to be "Bob Brown's bitch" and there were chants of "ditch the bitch" before they were drowned out by those who prefer protest to be firm but polite.

O'Farrell set for fight on pokies

A BARRY O'FARRELL government will oppose any interference from Canberra that would cut state revenue from poker machines.

Silver lining for Gillard as a big boil is lanced FEDERAL ANALYSIS

THE eulogies from Canberra will be swift and clinical.

What matters is what we do about climate change

Labor is right about the need for a carbon price.

What they're saying . . .about politics and bile

In Melbourne Herald Sun

Look who's contributing to the Conversation

IN NEWSROOMS around the country, there's one big story obsessing journalists and editors that rarely gets a run in the daily media: does traditional, mainstream journalism have a future? After he was dumped as editor-in-chief of The Age in August 2008, Andrew Jaspan found himself with time and the opportunity to contemplate the question. Jaspan's ouster followed an announcement by the paper's owner, Fairfax Media, that 550 jobs would be cut from its Australian and New Zealand operations.

LEAGUE LOG

INGLIS SHOWS OLD FORM

Greens now acting a little more like carbon copies

Compensation is the key to why the minor party has indicated it may be prepared to cut a deal, writes Paddy Manning.

Dugan's inclusion forces Tigers to tweak plans against Raiders

EXCITEMENT machine Josh Dugan completed Canberra's final training session without a problem last night, clearing the way for him to finally make his first NRL appearance of the season in tonight's game against Wests Tigers at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.

Greens royalties threat

THE Greens have flagged moving to protect the states from a revenue clawback from Canberra ��� a tactic that would complicate the Gillard government's fraught task of bedding down the mining tax.

High notes, low notes

Bruce Elder uses the capital's newest hotel as a base for a weekend of browsing and grazing. Aria Hotel Canberra Address 45 Dooring Street, Dickson.

Tahs aim for solid display

JUST how infighting, poor form and scolding by their own fans has affected the Waratahs will be revealed tonight, their leaders say.

Music till the cows come home

GROOVIN' the Moo returns to Maitland Showground on Saturday, May 7.

Senate gives OK to broadband laws

CONTROVERSIAL broadband laws passed through the Senate late last night, after the federal government was forced to make last-minute changes curbing the power of NBN Co.

The harridans of Hansard

EVERY so often I feel obliged to troll through the federal parliamentary Hansard to get a sense of how our elected representatives are doing.

Quick lineouts a fair deterrent to long kicks

DURING the Lions-Western Force match at Johannesburg last weekend, some members of the visiting side (either players or coaching staff) fielded a kick out of defence by a teammate. The kick went out near the halfway, and a Lions player was thwarted from taking a quick throw-in. The incident was right out in the open. It was impossible for either the touch judge and/or the referee not to have seen it. There was even a bit of handbag aggression from the frustrated Lions player to draw attention to what had occurred.

Of sound, fury and carbon tax protests

THERE is regularly a sad little scene out the front of Canberra's Parliament House. Some unhappy soul turns up, unfolds a deck chair and perhaps a beach umbrella, sets out on the lawn a display of hand-drawn placards bewailing an injustice, perceived or real, and settles down, perhaps awaiting a stampede of politicians and journalists keen to set the world to rights.

BlueScope, Combet meet on carbon spat

A SHOWDOWN is expected in Canberra today as the loudest critic of the Government's carbon pricing regime meets Climate Change Minister Greg Combet.

Boilovers set early recipe for success

UPSETS at the start of every season are not uncommon, but I can't remember as many red-hot favourites getting beaten in the opening two weeks for a long time.

Bickering Tahs turn on each other

The Waratahs are not a happy bunch. The bickering among players began after the loss to the Crusaders, when one in-form performer criticised several forwards for not putting in. The lampooned players did not take it well, while another was labelled "Harvey", as in Harvey Norman, because he has no interest. The dreadful loss to the Cheetahs last Saturday night has caused more internal dramas. Before the game, several Waratahs were shocked by one of the team selections. And after being beaten by the cellar dwellers, two players approached a team official, telling him to stop playing politics. Also, the players' confidence in one another official is wavering. Meanwhile, two other players had an argument this week over each other's level of commitment. Hopefully, the Waratahs' bus trip to Canberra today will be the time for a good old-fashioned player love-in.

Jurassic lark

Sizing up our monolithic predecessors is a matter of child's play for the young at heart, writes Karl Quinn.

...AND ANOTHER THING

THE most worrying aspect of the rally was that Tony Abbott looked right at home in front of the vulgar and offensive signs. Phil Alexander, Eltham

Bombers reward Heppell

ESSENDON v W BULLDOGS

LETTERS

Slogans loaded with misogyny

Secrecy shrouds ASIO office safety

DANGEROUS work practices and shoddy construction at one of the country's most top secret building sites ��� ASIO's new office in Canberra ��� are being covered up because of onerous secrecy provisions, according to the construction union.

States warned over mining royalties

THE Gillard government has warned the states they will be punished with less revenue if they move to jack up their mining royalties.

NRL Teams

10-Eels v 15-Rabbitohs

Private schools expect fund model to go

PRIVATE schools have conceded that a controversial feature of school funding arrangements ��� which allows more than 1000 schools to receive more funding than they are strictly entitled to under the federal funding formula ��� is unlikely to survive a review being led by Sydney businessman David Gonski.

Extreme views must not decide carbon tax

As the world moves to a lower carbon future, now is the right time for Australia to decide how we secure a clean energy future. This is an important policy debate that should not be distracted by extreme views. People should have their say but their contribution should be judged by its quality not its volume.

Footy talk: too good to be scripted

Melbourne in winter is a quirky media comedy, writes John Harms.

Gillard suffers climate setback

THE Gillard government has suffered a serious blow to its carbon tax sales pitch with the Productivity Commission saying it is not able to compare the burden on Australian industries with competitors overseas.

Exchanges have no choice but to keep pushing their merger plans in Canberra

The ASX, the Singapore Exchange and their advisers are working on the assumption this week's reports that their merger has a snowball's chance in Saudi Arabia of being approved does not mean their time to sell the merits of the union has run out. They really have little option but to do so.

Abbott fell into obvious trap

HAVING urged and predicted a "people's revolt", Tony Abbott was left with little choice but to front the people when they came to Canberra. That was unfortunate ��� it made for ugly politics, which could rebound on him.

2 DAYS TO GO

Hanson faces off with Oldfield

Carbon tiff takes on religious hue

It's climate change believers versus deniers in a crusade for the faith of the people.

CHOCOLATE SOLDIER SAYS

THIS WEEK��S TIPS: RABBITOHS, TITANS, PANTHERS, TIGERS, DRAGONS, ROOSTERS, SEA EAGLES, STORM

Dale sitting pretty with Rosehill duo

YOUNG Canberra trainer Matthew Dale is preparing for the biggest day of his short career at Rosehill on Saturday, starting with promising filly Notjustaprettyface in the $100,000 Mercury Keith Nolan Classic (1800m).

Grocery giants to get grilling over grog wars

A PARLIAMENTARY inquiry into the milk price wars between the supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths will unofficially be extended to beer when the two retailers front up for a grilling in Canberra next week.

To-ny, To-ny: poster boy for a crowd of 'fine Australians'

TONY Abbott, according to those around him, was a mite reluctant to take the stage at yesterday's anti-carbon tax rally on the lawns of Parliament for fear he would be painted as a leader of the loony fringe.

Who needs Elvis? Barnaby rabble goes crazy with delight

THERE are not enough places where Barnaby Joyce is feted like a rock star. Sure, the Nationals senator can cause a reasonable stir at a Nats party meeting.

Hickey relieved Giteau is at No.10

CHRIS HICKEY will not be upset if the Brumbies stick with Matt Giteau at five-eighth for Saturday night's crucial match, as the Waratahs coach believes it is not the Test veteran's best position. Hickey says Giteau will provide greater danger to NSW at Canberra Stadium if he plays at inside-centre.

Scuttlebutt from Canberra suggests exchanges are flogging a dead horse

ASX, Singapore Exchange and their advisers are working on the assumption that this week's reports that their merger has a snowball's chance in Saudi Arabia of being approved does not mean their time to sell the merits of the union has run out. They really have little option but to do so.

SHORTCUTS

DISASTER FILMS POSTPONED IN JAPAN

Reject the climate extremists

Small groups with loud voices shouldn't be allowed to derail the action we need to take.

Independents' days could be numbered

The Nationals see a victory, writes David Humphries.

Payten's place: prop leads by example, says Sheens

Tim Sheens is the man who put Todd Payten in first grade as a 17-year-old schoolboy, 15 years ago, and he will also be in charge of the the 32-year-old when he plays his 250th first-grade game on Saturday night. Theirs is one of those special coach-player relationships that helps give a team its strength.

Raiders heartened after Dugan��s calf stands up to full training session

CANBERRA will learn today whether Josh Dugan will be fit enough to make his much-awaited return from injury against their 2010 semi-finals conquerors Wests Tigers after he completed a full training session last night.

Crouching Tigger in limbo as his housemates play hypotheticals

THE country independent Bob Katter often displays erratic behaviour.

Clubs on offensive in push to scuttle reforms

THE president of Clubs Australia, Peter Newell, will launch a broadside attack on "nanny state" poker machine reforms today, warning of club closures and job losses if the scheme proceeds.

BlueScope slams consultation

THE chairman of Australia's biggest steel producer has slammed Labor's consultation with business on its carbon tax plans as a "sham" and warned corporate Australia's trust in Canberra is deteriorating.

Derby for two desperate teams could prove to be pivotal - Hickey

NOT only do the Waratahs have to produce a remarkable turnaround in form this weekend, but they must do it at one of the most imposing grounds in Super Rugby.

Clubs lash out over 'nanny state'

CLUBS Australia president Peter Newell will launch a broadside attack today on "nanny state" poker machine reforms, warning of club closures and job losses if the scheme proceeds.

Rugby League Teams Round 3

10 - Eels v 15 - Rabbitohs

Injured teen lies unseen for three days at spy force building site

A TEENAGER who had been watching a fireworks display in Canberra's federal government precinct was seriously injured and untended for 36 hours after falling into a deep construction hole at the city's top-secret building project, the new ASIO headquarters.

Tupou eyes Origin spot as Sharks find life

A REJUVENATED and resized Anthony Tupou has set his sights on a long-awaited return to representative football after turning back the clock with a powerhouse display in Cronulla's shock 16-10 win over St George Illawarra on Monday night.

Tandy thrown to the dogs by board, says players' union boss

RUGBY LEAGUE Players' Association boss David Garnsey has ripped into the Bulldogs over their sacking of Ryan Tandy, accusing the board of setting themselves up as judge and jury to decide Tandy was guilty.

Steel boss accused over fear campaign

THE Gillard government has demanded industry leaders use "fact not fear" to analyse its carbon tax after the chairman of Australia's largest steelmaker accused Labor of "sacrificing" the industry and thousands of manufacturing jobs in pursuit of a "disastrous" climate policy.

PM's baby steps in foreign policy

Gillard has gathered the diplomatic clan for a pep talk on our place in the G20.

NT chief rejects new call by Abbott

NORTHERN Territory Chief Minister Paul Henderson has rejected Tony Abbott's call for a new intervention to target violence and social crises in Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and Katherine, saying the towns will soon have Australia's toughest alcohol restrictions.

New fund will bring businesses to life

REGIONAL Development Australia's Illawarra branch has welcomed the announcement of a $1 billion federal program. Regional Development Minister Simon Crean announced the five-year program, the Regional Development Australia (RDA) Fund, at the 2011 Regional Development Australia National Forum in Canberra.

Robinson ruled out as Tahs seek redemption

THE Waratahs' woes continued last night with Test prop Benn Robinson ruled out of Saturday night's match against the Brumbies in Canberra, but at least there is hope inspirational hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau and captain Phil Waugh will be available.

Upset in the wet as unfancied Cronulla slay Dragons

Cronulla 16 St George Illawarra 10

Shocking crime in frame

THE DINNER PARTY Accent, MA, 88 minutes

SEASON 2011 ROUND 2

SEASON 2011