Monday headlines

17 Jun 2013

The final fortnight of Parliament begins as Labor’s vote falls below 30 per cent. In international news, the Czech Prime Minister will step down after his top aide was indicted for bribery.

Final fortnight of Parliament begins

Members of Parliament have gathered for the final sitting fortnight as Labor’s primary vote falls below 30 per cent, according to Nielsen. According to the poll, Labor’s primary support has fallen three points and the Coalition is up three points, currently sitting at 47 per cent. Labor continues to grapple with leadership tensions with two MPs calling for a switch to Kevin Rudd. Read more.

Mining emissions causing lead poisoning

Mining emissions in Mount Isa are causing lead poisoning in children in northwest Queensland. A report published today accused the government and mining industry of misleading the public when it comes to lead poisoning. ABC News has more details.

National ban on synthetic drugs sparked by teen’s death

The Federal Government will impose an interim national ban on synthetic drugs after a Sydney teen fell to his death after ingesting an LSD-like drug. Nineteen drugs are on the list and will be banned for 120 days, giving State and Territory Governments time to update legislation. Yahoo Seven News has more.

Mandela shows signs of improvement

Nelson Mandela is showing signs of improvement following more than a week in hospital. Mendela is battling a lung infection and remains in a serious condition, according to South African President Jacob Zuma. Read more.

Czech Prime Minister to step down

Czech Prime Minister Petr Necas is set to step down after his top aide was indicted for bribery. Necas told reporters that he was “aware of [his] political responsibility” stating that the entire government will also step down in line with the constitution.  Read more on Nine News.

Fiftieth anniversary of first woman in space

Russia has marked the fiftieth anniversary of the first woman in space. Seventy-six year old Valentina Tereshkova remains the only woman to make a solo flight in space, blasting off in a Vostok-6 spaceship two years after the historic maiden manned flight in 1961. News.com.au has the story.