Wednesday's news

21 Aug 2013

We’re halfway through the election campaign and tonight, Rudd and Abbott will take part in the ‘people’s forum’. In international news, Italian astronaut Luca Parmitano has blogged about his near drowning in space.

Election update: halfway mark

As the Campaign reaches the halfway mark, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott will meet tonight for a second debate. This time it’s the ‘people’s forum’ which will feature questions from a group of 100 undecided voters. Read more on ABC News.

Report lashes out on Victoria’s parole system

Retired High Court judge, Ian Callinan, has released a report damning the Victorian parole system. With a special focus on Adrian Bayley, Callninan’s review also found several other violent criminals had been released into the community without proper consideration for the safety of the public. Read more.

September cut unlikely

The Reserve Bank is unlikely to cut interest rates in September. With the RBA set to meet on September 2, just days away from the election, the cut is off the agenda according to economists. Read more on News.com.au.

Cystic fibrosis drug delayed

A drug set to stop cystic fibrosis and extend the life of patients has been delayed as bureaucrats postponed a decision on the subsidy for the medicine. Cystic Fibrosis Australia is campaigning for the subsidy to be an election issue. News.com.au has the story.

Astronaut nearly drowns in space

An Italian astronaut who nearly drowned in his helmet during a spacewalk has spoken out about his ordeal. Luca Parmitano has blogged about his experience revealing he frantically tried to come up with a plan to save himself. Seven News has more.

Telescope captures star’s birth

The ALMA telescope in Chile has captured the moment a star was born, with glowing material emitting from the newborn. See the incredible pictures.