News for Monday

07 Jan 2013

Major fires continue to blaze as Tasmanians return to assess the damage of the past few days. Meanwhile, Australia will play a leading role on a UN Security Council sanctions committee. Read today’s top stories. 

Heartbreak as the clean up begins

Tasmanian residents have begun to assess the damage from the bushfires that ravished the state over past few days. Tasmanian Fire Services are still battling major blazes around the state, but lower temperatures are helping to slightly contain the fires. The extent of the damage is still unknown. Read the story and see the devastating pictures on The Mercury.
If you’re in Tasmania, share your story and pictures with us on our Facebook page.

More bowel tests needed

The Cancer Council says too many people are dying of bowel cancer because the free government testing isn’t frequent enough. The council’s chief executive says that, ideally, people must be tested every two years. Read more.
To read about bowel health, head over to the Health section of this website.

Australia to play leading role

Australia will chair a UN Security Council sanctions committee, which is responsible for applying sanctions against al-Qaeda, the Taliban and Iran. Foreign Minister Bob Carr says this role is a reflection of Australia’s high standing among Security Council members. Read the full story on Yahoo News.

Perth teenager dies after methanol poisoning

Liam Davies has died in a Perth hospital after suffering from methanol poisoning in Bali. Liam had been celebrating New Year’s Day with friends on Lombok when he suddenly became ill. He was taken to a local hospital before being brought back to Perth. Perthnow.com.au has the story.

Down down

Australian food prices have fallen by 2.7 per cent over the past 12 months, the fastest-falling food prices in the developed world. Part of the most recent drop is due to fruit prices normalising after the effects of the Queensland floods, Victorian floods and Cyclone Yasi. Read more.
Have you noticed a drop in food prices? Continue the conversation on our Facebook page.

New smoking laws for NSW

Smokers can no longer light up in some public locations as new anti-smoking laws take effect. Cancer Council NSW’s manager for policy and advocacy says this will protect people from second-hand smoke. Read the full story.