1. Solicitor-General rules out offshore processing of asylum seekers in PNG, Nauru
The Gillard government faces a choice between doing a deal with Tony Abbott to bring back the Pacific solution or bowing to the demands of its now noisy Left faction and scrapping the overseas processing of asylum seekers altogether. The stark contrast emerged yesterday after the government released its written legal advice, which says last week’s High Court decision that ruled the Malaysia plan invalid also rules out the Pacific solution locations of Nauru and Manus Island.
Mr Abbott offered to help pass legislation amending the Migration Act to circumvent the High Court ruling and allow processing on Manus Island and Nauru. The government is torn over what to do and cabinet will discuss options today.
New fathers will get about $1180 to wet the baby’s head when the Gillard government introduces paid paternity leave from January 2013. The government used Father’s Day to announce the extension to the national paid parental leave scheme. Fathers or partners will get cheques paid over two weeks at the national minimum wage – now $590 a week before tax – to give them time off work to help mothers care for their newborns.
3. At least 20 dead, more missing after typhoon hits Japan
A typhoon has pummelled western Japan leaving at least 20 people dead and more than 50 missing after swollen rivers swept away buildings and landslides crushed houses. In scenes that rekindled memories of the March 11 tsunami disaster, thousands of people were left stranded.
Top Comments
oh happy feet... lost again? what a silly billy :P
disgusting ... oh we legally can't exploit people .. so abbot will just 'circumvent' high court to do so himself ... ick ick ick ick ...