Severe storms, hail hit southeast Qld

INTENSE thunderstorms with damaging winds and large hailstones are battering parts of southeast Queensland.

The Bureau of Meteorology is warning on Saturday afternoon "very dangerous" thunderstorms have been detected near Maroochydore, Boonah, Caloundra and the area between Boonah and Beaudesert.

Tennis ball-sized hailstones have been reported in Buderim on the Sunshine Coast.

The storms are moving east-southeast and are forecast to hit Beaudesert, Marburg, Lowood, northern Lake Wivenhoe and Mount Kilcoy by about 1.25pm (AEST).

The severe weather is expected to affect Canungra, Mount Tamborine, Tamborine, Jimboomba, Ipswich, Crohamhurst, Maleny and Conondale later on Saturday.

Emergency Management Queensland is advising residents move cars under cover and secure loose outdoor items.

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Meaty tale launches Vic weekend court

THE first weekend sitting of the Melbourne Magistrates Court has opened with little fanfare - but was presented with the tale of a hungry couple and a packet of hidden meat.

Chief Magistrate Peter Lauritsen presided over the first hearing, designed to help ease overcrowding in prisons and jail cells.

Dozens of court cases have been delayed or adjourned this year because remand centres are full and prisoners can't be brought over to court.

One magistrate called the situation "so far beyond a joke".

Mr Lauritsen made no comments about overcrowding when he opened the Saturday sitting and instead heard its first case: about a 27-year-old man and his girlfriend arrested outside a supermarket.

The court heard the woman put a $20 pack of beef in her shopping basket on Friday before her boyfriend stuffed it down his pants.

Their Legal Aid lawyers said the couple ran out of money for food and made the "stupid decision" to steal.

Mr Lauritsen released the man on bail while the woman pleaded guilty and was released on a one-year good behaviour bond.

It is one of dozens of small-time cases that pile up over the weekend, backlogging the courts come Monday morning.

The pilot program could be extended until October next year if successful in reducing the backlog.

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AEC petitions High Court for new WA poll

THE Australian Electoral Commission has lodged a petition with the Court of Disputed Returns seeking a new West Australian Senate election.

That petition, lodged with the High Court registry on Friday, seeks an order from the court that the WA Senate election of six senators be declared void.

The AEC said the petition was based on loss of 1,370 ballot papers which likely affected the outcome, given the close margins for the final two senators.

"As the matter is now before the court the AEC will not be making any further comment," it said in a statement.

When the AEC sought to conduct a recount and realised the ballot papers were missing, it appointed former Australian federal Police commissioner Mick Keelty to investigate.

His inquiry is continuing.

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Inquiry lifts lid on NSW greyhound deaths

THE boss of greyhound racing in NSW says animal welfare in the industry should improve, revealing about 3000 unwanted dogs are euthanised each year.

NSW Greyhound Racing chief executive Brent Hogan on Friday fronted a parliamentary committee looking into claims greyhounds are given performance-enhancing drugs and are killed in their thousands every year.

The inquiry, at Penrith in western Sydney, was also charged with examining the financial relationship between Greyhound Racing NSW and the TAB.

Giving evidence, Mr Hogan conceded about 3000 dogs were euthanised each year in NSW.

He said about 8000 dogs were whelped each year in NSW, but only 70 per cent made it to the racetrack.

Asked by Greens MP John Kaye what happened to the other 30 per cent, Mr Hogan said "there are a variety of pathways that many could follow".

Some dogs left the state, while others found homes as pets.

A submission to the inquiry from a group called Greyhound Rescue says the drowning of unwanted greyhound puppies is common.

The group says it rarely receives pups, and few are surrendered to pounds.

Pressed by Mr Kaye, Mr Hogan said 52 greyhounds were adopted as pets in 2012 through a NSW Greyhound Racing initiative.

He rejected the claim doping was widespread.

"We have zero tolerance for participants who do not meet our animal welfare standards," he said.

In its submission, Greyhound Rescue says the euthanasia rate is "horrifying".

"Veterinary nurses are horrified by the high euthanasia rate of their clinics," the group's submission states.

It says dogs that arrive at pounds are often in very poor health, and need emergency surgery.

A dog had been blinded in one eye after its trainer hit it in the eye with a belt buckle, and females were often in poor health due to overbreeding, it says.

The Animal Welfare League has urged the government to set up two independent committees to monitor welfare standards.

It called for less litters bred each year to help reduce euthanasia rates.

Earlier on Friday, the inquiry was told many NSW greyhound tracks under financial pressures could be forced to close within a decade.

Mr Hogan called on the government to help the industry get a bigger slice of TAB wagering revenue split between three racing codes.

He said the greyhound industry was effectively subsidising harness and thoroughbred racing by about $15 million a year.

The inquiry will resume in February.

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Holden workers take industrial action

ABOUT 100 workers at Holden's engine plant in Melbourne have walked off the job in a dispute over redundancy payments.

The workers are angry at the level of payments offered to about 30 workers who were subject to forced redundancies.

It is understood the payments are lower than those offered to workers who earlier accepted voluntary packages.

In a statement, Holden said the forced redundancies were required because the voluntary program instigated earlier this year failed to achieve the necessary numbers.

But it said the company and its unions had been in the Fair Work Commission during the past week to try to resolve their differences.

"It is regrettable that some of our employees have decided to take this industrial action while the matter is being resolved through the fair work process," Holden said.

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Business group backs support for Holden

SOUTH Australia's peak business group has backed further government funding for Holden as state parliament passed a motion calling for prompt action by the federal government.

Business SA says whether or not Holden has a longer term future as a local producer, if the company leaves in 2016 it would be disastrous for the auto industry, its supply chain and for other industries.

"An early withdrawal of Holden from South Australia would still leave a substantial price to pay in terms of industry assistance, unemployment and retraining," chief executive Nigel Mcbride said on Thursday.

"The best option for the medium term is sensible co-investment while South Australia is able to grow in confidence and build thriving industries in other areas."

Premier Jay Weatherill said Holden's future was the most important economic issue facing SA with up to 13,000 jobs at risk in SA including those among component suppliers.

"It is clear that the future of the car industry must be resolved without further delay," Mr Weatherill said.

"Every day the federal government refuses to make a decision on co-investment with the automotive sector increases the risk Holden will leave."

Opposition Leader Steven Marshall said the premier lacked credibility on the issue after declaring the company had been saved last year by a $275 million state and federal funding package.

However Mr Marshall said the opposition also wanted a quick response from the commonwealth.

"We want a decision on Holden, just like the Labor Party wants a decision on Holden, just like the people of South Australia want a decision on Holden," he said.

"It's no secret we're encouraging (Prime Minister) Tony Abbott and his team to work as quickly as possible to come up with a solution.

After agreeing to last year's package, Holden is now thought to need as much as $500 million to commit to a plan to build two new car models in Adelaide from 2016.

The company recently held talks with federal Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane but the government is insistent it will wait for a productivity commission report into the auto sector before making a decision.

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Hunt for 'brontosaurus bandit', Vic police

DINOSAURS have been extinct for millions of years but Victoria Police has footage of one terrorising a man at a Melbourne train station.

Police are trying to identify a so-called "brontosaurus bandit" after he used a glass bottle to try to rob a 21-year-old university student.

The bandit in a dinosaur onesie was among a group of youths that attacked the Glen Waverley man as he made his way home on October 16.

The victim was walking through a pedestrian tunnel at Syndal station when a male in the group grabbed his backpack and pulled him to the ground.

After refusing to hand over his wallet and phone, he was threatened with a glass bottle.

He escaped uninjured, with the group of four throwing beer bottles at him as he fled.

Constable Steve Willer said the youths might have been drinking at the time of the attack and appeared to be stumbling in CCTV footage.

Montagna gives evidence in Milne rape case

UPDATE: LEIGH Montagna has taken to the witness box in the rape case involving former teammate Stephen Milne, following evidence from Justin Koschitzke.

Aussie family's typhoon miracle

AN Australian man who fears his wife and children were killed by Typhoon Haiyan will soon receive the best news of his life - they survived.

"It would be quite a frightening experience for an individual to be confronted in that way," Const Willer said.

"He's a bit scared of catching transport and he's also a bit worried about moving around public places."

Police are appealing for help identifying the group, consisting of three males and a female believed to be aged between 16 years old and 20 years old.

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Water prices rose 11 per cent in a year

INFRASTRUCTURE maintenance and the construction of desalination plants have helped push household water prices up by 11 per cent, experts say.

Household water prices jumped 11 per cent over the past year, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) said on Wednesday.

The hike, reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on Wednesday, means the average price households are paying for water went up from $2.44 per 1000 litres in 2010-11 to $2.72 in 2011-12.

Australian Water Association chief executive Jonathan McKeown says the price rise is the result of infrastructure maintenance and includes costs for the treatment and disposal of waste water.

"It is important that we improve our waste water management systems, specifically storm water capture and reuse," he said in a statement.

But the Consumer Action Law Centre (CALC) says there is a danger rising water prices will affect low-income earners.

Montagna gives evidence in Milne rape case

UPDATE: LEIGH Montagna has taken to the witness box in the rape case involving former teammate Stephen Milne, following evidence from Justin Koschitzke.

Aussie family's typhoon miracle

AN Australian man who fears his wife and children were killed by Typhoon Haiyan will soon receive the best news of his life - they survived.

The consumer watchdog says it is up to retailers make sure people aren't getting burned by high prices, while the government needs to make people aware of available concessions.

The ABS said while there were differences in water quality, households were paying more than 20 times as much than agricultural users, who were paying about 9 cents per 1000 litres.

South Australian households were paying the highest prices for water in urban areas, at $3.96 per 1000 litres, followed by Queensland at $2.95 and the ACT at $2.86.

The 2013 AWA/Deloitte State of the Water Sector Report found the proportion of respondents who considered prices too high increased from 21 per cent to 27 per cent in 2013, while the proportion who found prices too low fell from 35 per cent in 2012 to 30 per cent in 2013.

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Vic police road toll blitz begins

VICTORIA'S police force is starting a two-month blitz on the state's roads despite tracking towards another record-low road toll.

A total of 197 people have died on the state's road so far this year, compared with 241 at the same time last year.

Assistant Commissioner Robert Hill says while that is currently the record lowest toll, police can't afford to be complacent moving into the holiday season.

"We will have police saturating the roads and concentrating on those behaviours which are known to contribute to road trauma," he said in a statement.

Operation Summer Stay begins on Friday and will see drivers breath-tested, drug-tested and speed checked until January 5 next year.

Police are focusing on speed, impaired driving, fatigue, driver distraction and seatbelt offences during the campaign.

The launch of the operation coincides with a road policing conference opening in Melbourne on Tuesday.

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WesTrac to cut 630 jobs

EARTHMOVING company WesTrac is cutting 630 jobs as the mining investment downturn hits machinery sales.

The cuts will be implemented in the next month as part of a restructure of the business, which is owned by Seven Group.

The changes will cost $13 million, and come in addition to 375 redundancies announced earlier in 2013 year at a cost of $8 million.

The latest staff cuts will be achieved through a combination of redundancies, a reduction in contractors, and natural attrition as a downturn in the mining sector causes a slump in machinery sales.

"WesTrac has implemented a series of efficiency and productivity initiatives over the past twelve months in an effort to streamline its cost base, but these measures alone have not been sufficient in view of continuing challenging market conditions," Seven Group said in a statement.

WesTrac distributes earth moving equipment and has a workforce of around 3,350 in Western Australia, NSW and the ACT.

In August, Seven Group said it expected WesTrac's full year earnings to fall by more than a third due to a slowdown in mining investment, with businesses attached to the struggling NSW coal industry suffering the most.

The group now expects overall full year underlying earnings to be at the lower end of its previous guidance of 30 to 40 per cent below the prior year.

WesTrac would continue to provide services to the mining and construction industries following the restructure, Seven Group said on Tuesday.

Seven Group also owns major stakes in Seven West Media, Prime Media Group and Coates Hire.

The company's shares were down 12 cents, or 1.4 per cent, at $7.60 at 1525 AEDT.

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Miner relationships impact suicides: study

A University study shows relationship problems increases the risk of suicide for male mine workers. Source: AAP

MALE miners with relationship problems are at greater risk of suicide than other men.

A Griffith University study has compared the psychiatric histories and life events among men in mining and other occupations prior to their deaths.

Lead researcher Dr Samara McPhedran says the link between relationship issues and suicide is well known.

However, she says the higher suicide risk relationship strains can cause for miners is a new finding.

"The findings suggest that in terms of addressing possible risk factors for suicide among mining workers, family relationships may be a key issue for many men," Dr McPhedran said in a statement.

"Knowing this may help us to identify and assist miners who are at risk of suicide, as well as point the way to possible industry-specific intervention strategies."

Dr McPhedran said programs that strengthen and support mining family relationships, including support for miners' partners, could help address the issue.

* Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or MensLine Australia 1300 789 978

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Melbourne ceremony marks sacrifice of war

THE first recipient of the Victoria Cross for Australia says Remembrance Day is an emotional day, and one that deserves respect.

Mark Donaldson, the first Australian to receive the country's highest military honour in 40 years, was among a crowd of 5000 people in Melbourne, including the prime minister, who gathered to mark the 95th year since the end of the First World War.

He says Remembrance Day was "just another day at work" for Australian soldiers stationed overseas, but treated with the same respect as back home.

"For me Remembrance Day is not really about politics - it's a chance for myself and anyone else in Australia to remember what the guys went through," he said.

"In the modern era, and the conflicts that we have been involved in recently, it's a chance for the newer generation of diggers or veterans to be able to remember their mate that they've lost."

Prime Minister Tony Abbott joined attendees at the service at the Shrine of Remembrance, which saw a formal military parade and a minute's silence.

At the service, the RAAF flew past the shrine while Victoria's Governor Alex Chernov led the wreath-laying ceremony, with Mr Abbott laying a wreath along with school students.

Mr Chernov said the day was to remember, honour and thank the armed services who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Victorian Premier Denis Napthine said it was pleasing to see the involvement of young people at the service.

"We are a free, democratic country today because of the sacrifice of their grandmothers, grandfathers, fathers and mothers over many generations, he said.

War veteran Pete Symes, 54, served for seven months in Afghanistan.

His three cousins also served in Vietnam, along with other family members.

He said Remembrance Day isn't about glorifying war.

"It's about remembering people who have served and given the ultimate sacrifice," Mr Symes said.

Korean War veteran Tom Parkinson read the Ode of Remembrance, with a group of young drummers from Caulfield South Primary School performing to conclude the ceremony.

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Palmer sick ahead of first parliament week

BILLIONAIRE federal MP Clive Palmer could call in sick for his first week of parliament after coming down with a cold.

The eccentric mining magnate failed to front for a scheduled interview with Network Ten's Meet The Press on Sunday morning.

When contacted by AAP for the reason behind his no-show, an ill-sounding Mr Palmer advised he had a cold.

Mr Palmer said he couldn't guarantee he would be in Canberra for his first day of federal parliament on Tuesday, saying he would see a doctor in the meantime.

Asked if he intended to attend every day of parliament over the coming weeks, Mr Palmer replied: "I'll meet my requirements".

Late last month Mr Palmer won the Sunshine Coast seat of Fairfax after a recount with a final margin of 53 votes, almost eight weeks after the federal election.

New MPs are due to be sworn in at 10.55 (AEDT) on Tuesday.

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Australian among Philippines storm dead

An Australian man, believed to be a former priest, has been killed by a typhoon in the Philippines. Source: AAP

AN Australian man is among the hundreds killed by a super typhoon in the Philippines.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has confirmed the death of a 50-year-old NSW man in Typhoon Haiyan.

"Consular officials are providing assistance to his family," a DFAT spokesperson said.

It's believed the man was former Australian priest Kevin Lee but DFAT has declined to confirm his identity.

Mr Lee, a whistleblower about child sex abuse in the Catholic church, has been living in the Philippines with his wife.

Officials fear the death toll in the Philippines could reach 10,000 people after Haiyan tore into the eastern islands of Leyte and Samar on Friday.

Sustained winds of around 315km/h made it the strongest typhoon in the world this year and one of the most intense ever to hit land.

The Abbott government has pledged nearly $400,000 worth of emergency aid to devastated communities and says it stands ready to do more.

DFAT says it is monitoring the situation closely.

"We are working with our partners, including in the Philippine government, to obtain more information on the extent of damage caused," the spokesperson said.

Two Australian disaster experts are already on the ground assisting the Philippine government and United Nations to assess needs.

DFAT says Australians concerned for the welfare of family and friends in the region should first attempt to contact them directly.

If unsuccessful, they should call DFAT's 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 or +612 6261 3305.

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