Tuesday's headlines

15 Oct 2013

The new Shadow Ministry has been announced and several Labor MPs are unhappy about being overlooked. In international news, there are new leads in the kidnapping of Madeleine McCann as British police release two images.

Labor MPs slam process of frontbench selection

Labor MPs who were overlooked for senior positions have lashed out at the process used to elect the party’s new frontbench. Yesterday, the Labor Caucus elected former health minister Tanya Plibersek as deputy leader. Former ministers Jacinta Collins, Kate Lundy and Warren Snowden have been overlooked as six new faces make up the new Shadow Ministry. Read more.

$65 million education pledge largest in Australian history

Mining magnate Andrew Forrest is expected to pledge $65 million to Western Australian universities in a bid to transform the state into a knowledge and innovation hub. The donation is the largest charitable donation in Australian history. The announcement will take place at a gala dinner in Perth tonight. News.com.au has the story.

New suspect in McCann kidnap case

British police have released two e-fit images of a man suspected to be involved in the kidnapping of Madeleine McCann. Two witnesses claim to have seen a man carrying a blonde child in pyjamas at a Portuguese resort on the night Madeleine disappeared. Police are hoping the images will trigger someone’s memory of the night and encourage people to come forward with more information about the night or the man in question. ABC News has more.

Last-ditch talks postponed

Talks between President Obama and congressional leaders at the White House on averting America’s first ever debt default have been postponed. The US Treasury will exhaust its borrowing authority on Thursday (local time). The White House postponed the crucial meeting moments before it was due to take place to allow leaders in the Senate to make important progress toward a solution. Read more.

Pensioner survives 19 days in wilderness

A 72-year-old deer hunter has survived 19 days in California’s snowy wilderness after being separated from a friend while hunting in the Mendocino National Forest in September. Gene Penaflor was discovered by hunters. He survived on squirrels, packing leaves around him for warmth. Seven News has the amazing story of survival.