Latest news for Wednesday

09 Jan 2013

A cool change has helped fireies contain blazes around the country, however there are still numerous fires that remain a threat to homes and communities. Here are today’s top stories.

Cool changes offers reprieve

A cool change overnight has helped fire crews contain numerous blazes across south-east Australia. Homes have been destroyed in New South Wales and Victoria and there are still dozens of missing people in Tasmania. Read the ABC’s live blog to keep up with the news as the day progresses. 

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Teenage boys charged

Three teenage boys have been charged with arson after deliberately lighting a fire in Sydney’s west yesterday, when there was a total fire ban for the state of New South Wales. It took firefighters two and a half hours to contain the blaze. Read more.

Advertisement prompts investigation

An Indonesian advertisement has lead to calls for an investigation after it was posted online offering two babies for sale. The babies were offered for 10 million rupiah, which is roughly the equivalent of AU$1000 each, promoting child-trafficking fears. ABC has the story. 

Tributes for Darwin man

A Darwin man who died in Laos on New Year’s Day has been remembered for his sense of humour and good-hearted ways as tributes flow from those who knew him. The exact circumstances of his death remain unclear. NTnews has more information.

Slipper to be charged for winery tour

Former parliamentary speaker, Peter Slipper, will be charged after allegedly using taxpayer-funded taxi vouchers to visit Canberra wineries. Slipper is believed to have spent $1194 on taxi vouchers, used on three occasions in 2010. Read more.

Nursing jobs cut in Brisbane

Twenty-five nursing jobs have been cut in Brisbane’s Prince Charles Hospital. The hospital’s executive director said they were necessary due to mid-financial year federal government budget cuts. Read the full story.