Don’t worry, Australia isn’t facing a Greek tragedy

Sydney : After some pretty dumb comparisons between Australia and Greece, it’s worth noting that rather than suggest austerity here, the IMF thinks we might be trying to hit surplus too soon, writes Greg Jericho.The past week has seen the International Monetary Fund fighting with Greece over the repayments of its debt. It brought back […]

PM stands by department head over comments China ‘not willing or able to play serious global leadership role’

Sydney : Prime Minister Tony Abbott denies that comments on China being unable to play a serious global leadership role by the head of his own department are provocative.Michael Thawley, Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, expressed frank views at a forum at the Australian National University (ANU) yesterday.”[China is] not willing […]

Melbourne prison riot: Heavily armed police confront masked prisoners at maximum security facility in Ravenhall

Melbourne : Heavily armed police carrying shields have stormed Melbourne’s maximum security prison in a bid to quell rioting prisoners. Chaotic scenes erupted inside the Metropolitan Remand Centre in Ravenhall as masked inmates brandishing sticks, bashed in doors and windows, and lit fires. Police at the scene said about 300 prisoners were involved in the […]

Navy, army helicopters proving difficult to operate in strong winds during sea trials on HMAS Canberra

Sydney :Australia’s new army and navy helicopters have been proving difficult to start and stop in strong winds. The Defence Department has acknowledged there were problems with the MRH90 Taipans — a multi-role helicopter — during recent flight trials. “Some issues were encountered starting and stopping rotors under certain environmental conditions,” the Department said in […]