Smith stars for Australia

New South Wales prodigy Steven Smith lived up to the hype after making an international debut to remember as Australia snatched Twenty20 victory from the jaws of defeat against Pakistan at the MCG. The leg-spinning all-rounder - who was one of two debutants along with Tasmania batsman Travis Birt - showed nerves of steel to swing a game that looked lost Australia's way with two wickets in successive overs as the home side somehow defended a total of just 127. After Australia failed to bat out their full 20 overs, Pakistan appeared on course for a comfortable win when they were cruising at 98 for four but ended up falling two runs short after finishing on 125 for nine. And it was thanks to the unlikely combination of Smith's leg spin and the sheer pace of Shaun Tait that Pakistan capitulated yet again to ensure they ended a dismal tour without a solitary victory after having been clean swept in both the Test series (3-0) and the one-day series (5-0). Tait, who sent down a 160.7kph thunderbolt in the opening over, reduced Pakistan to 10 for two before coming back to remove danger man Kamran Akmal, who scored a magnificent 64 off just 33 balls. The South Australian's body may no longer be able to hold up in the longer forms of the game but he showed yet again that he is one of the best bowlers in the world in this format with three for 13 off his four overs. But it was 20-year-old Smith who caused the Pakistan innings to disintegrate when he claimed Fawad Alam, caught at first slip for one, and Rana Naved-Ul-Hasan, stumped for one, in successive overs to finish with a more than creditable two for 34. Victoria quick Dirk Nannes then finished off the tourists when he conceded just two runs and claimed the wicket of Umar Gul in the 19th over. Leading into this game there were questions as to whether new captain Michael Clarke was the right man to lead the team given there are many who believe his technically correct batting is not suited to the 'slogathon' that is Twenty20 cricket. But Clarke, who promoted himself to number three in his first official game in charge as full-time captain, answered his critics with 32 off 26 balls. It was only the fourth time in 16 innings in Twenty20 internationals that Clarke has passed 30 and his wicket signalled a collapse of four for seven which wrecked Australia's innings. The real damage came in the 12th over when acting Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik claimed two wickets in one over, first bowling Birt around his legs for one with his off-spin before keeper Brad Haddin was brilliantly stumped down the leg side by keeper Akmal off a wide in what appeared to be a set play by the visitors. In the end Australia could not even bat out the 20 overs as ever consistent Victoria batsman David Hussey was left stranded on 40 not out but it still turned out to be enough against a Pakistan side that will be left wondering just how they failed to break their duck in their last match of a summer to forget. Source:rte.ie/

Australia out of step on emissions trading scheme

AUSTRALIA is looking increasingly isolated in the global community as Kevin Rudd presses on with his government's emissions trading scheme. U.S. President Barack Obama admitted just two days ago he might have to abandon his proposal for emissions trading in favour of direct action in order to steer his carbon-cutting plans through the US Senate. None of the world's top five polluters -- the UNITED STATES, China, RUSSIA, indian and Japan -- has an ETS. New Zealand is the only nation in the world with an operating emissions trading scheme, excluding those affiliated with or planning to link to the European Union's ETS. Most of New Zealand's provisions have not yet come into effect, and the Labour-legislated scheme was significantly amended by the National Party-led government last September after fears about its impact on low-income households and primary industry. Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar. End of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar. The New Zealand scheme does not have a cap on emissions, and will effectively operate as a carbon tax until 2013. Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper told the World Economic Forum in Davos this week that technological change would offer the major solution to combating global climate change, not setting targets to cut carbon emissions. "It has to be done, but it will not be done by simply trying to pretend economic imperatives don't exist, because all that happens when that happens is people set targets and then don't meet them," Mr Harper said. The International Energy Agency's climate database lists hundreds of "incentives" and "public investment" schemes designed to tackle climate change in virtually all OECD member states. The Australian Department of Climate Change's website tells the story on emissions trading. Of the 37 countries on its list of nations that have established or are proposing an ETS, 30 are linked to the EU scheme. Opposition climate action spokesman Greg Hunt said the Prime Minister was "intentionally, deliberately and consistently" misrepresenting the European emissions trading scheme. "In Europe, they've had a mock trading scheme which largely only provides incentives for people to reduce their emissions, with almost no penalty for firms which continue on their economic activity," Mr Hunt said. "Only 4 per cent of business as usual is touched by the European scheme, as opposed to almost all Australian economic activity, other than direct emissions from agriculture. "The rest of the world is much closer to what we're doing in terms of providing incentives for direct action and reducing emissions." EU nations have a variety of emissions reduction schemes of their own. French President Nicolas Sarkozy announced a carbon tax last September covering oil, gas and coal, but as most of France's electricity is produced through low-emission nuclear technology, it was excluded. The scheme was designed to be phased in gradually from January 1, but was struck down by France's Constitutional Council just days before the new year. However, Mr Sarkozy says the law will be redrafted. Source:theaustralian.com.au/

India seeks 'right kind of environment' for its students in Oz

India said on Thursday that it was concerned about the safety of its students in Australia and underlined the need to provide the ‘right kind of environment’ to allow them to pursue studies there. Noting that Australian government has assured India that they were taking adequate steps to ensure safety of Indian students, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said, 

“Government of India is closely monitoring the developments (in Australia).” “Between the Governments of Australia and India, we should be able to see that the right kind of environment will be available for students to pursue the purpose they have gone for with single-minded contention”, he told reporters here. Referring to the high-level meetings between the two countries, he said this is indicative of the fact that they are coming closer. “We also recognise that there is a large students community present in Australia in various cities pursuing higher studies and skills and the Government of India is concerned about their safety”, he said. Source:indianexpress.com/

China vying with Australia over iron-ore prices

BEIJING (MarketWatch) -- A senior official with China's industry ministry said Friday he has reminded Australian officials that China remains the world's biggest buyer of iron ore, signaling Beijing's support for the country's steelmakers in tough negotiations with global miners on annual benchmark prices. Ministry of Industry and Information Technology Vice Minister Miao Wei told an annual meeting of the China Iron and Steel Association that he had recently brought up the issue of iron ore price negotiations with an unidentified Australian embassy official. "The (Australian embassy) official told me that this is a commercial matter, and the (Australian) government is not involved," Miao said. However, Miao said he then reminded the official that China was the world's biggest customer for iron ore, "but buys at the most expensive prices." The miners are seeking increases said to range from 30%-40% over last year's prices. The remarks illustrate China's continuing efforts to apply pressure on Australian miners Rio Tinto Ltd. (RIO.AU) and BHP Billiton Ltd. /quotes/comstock/13*!bhp/quotes/nls/bhp (BHP 67.76, -0.65, -0.95%) . During last year talks, four Rio Tinto employees were arrested in China on charges of commercial spying and bribery. Source:marketwatch.com/

Reserve optimistic on Australia's growth prospects

THE central bank is optimistic about Australia's growth prospects in 2010 but remains concerned about inflation and is prepared to lift interest rates. Economists believe the Reserve Bank of Australia will have to raise the official cash rate from a current 3.75 per cent to about 4.50 per cent, although the timing of future hikes is unclear after the RBA's board meeting this week decided to leave rates steady for now. The RBA yesterday lifted its inflation and gross domestic product growth forecasts, saying domestic demand, the jobs market and business investment were likely to strengthen. "Looking forward, if economic conditions gradually strengthen as expected, it is likely that monetary policy will need to be adjusted further over time to ensure that inflation remains consistent with (its 2 to 3 per cent) target over the medium term," it said in its quarterly statement. The RBA will wait to see the economic impact of three official rate hikes in the final quarter of 2009, and accompanying greater rate increases by the big banks, before deciding whether to edge rates up again. CommSec economist Savanth Sebastian said: "The bottom line is that conditions are far from rosy, justifying caution from the Reserve Bank." JPMorgan chief economist Stephen Walters said the RBA would study economic data released over the next few week before making a move. "The uncertainty is heightened now by the fact that, by out-hiking the central bank, the Aussie commercial banks added considerably to the impact of the RBA's three moves," Mr Walters said. He said the RBA could stay on hold until April. In its statement, the RBA said it expected the economy to grow at about 3.25 per cent in 2010 and 3.50 per cent in 2011, far faster than in 2009. It expects consumer price inflation (CPI) to hit 2.75 per cent by year's end. The bank highlighted the growing importance of India as an Australian market, which is often overshadowed by China. Already a significant buyer of Australian coal, India would also become a big importer of Australian liquefied natural gas. The RBA said that on United Nations estimates India's population was likely to outstrip that of China in about 20 years. At the same time, the proportion of working age people on the sub-continent would rise, promising solid economic growth in a market which was Australia's fourth largest export market by the second half of last year. Source:news.com.au/

Herman keeps cushion after two rounds in Australia

FRINGAL, Victoria, Australia-- It is not unusual for a record-breaking round to be followed the next day by a less than rousing one. That was not the case Friday with American Jim Herman in the second round of the Nationwide Tour's Moonah Classic in Australia. After shooting a flawless first-round 62 to set a new Moonah Links course record and grab a four-shot lead, the former Donald Trump employee added a 2-under 70 in very windy conditions to maintain the lead by three shots. Aussie Steven Jones is Herman's closest pursuer. 

The 25-year-old posted the day's low score of 67 to finish at 9-under 135. Two players are tied at 7 under, Andrew Buckle of Australia and Fabian Gomez of Argentina, with identical two-day tallies of 69-68-137. A pair of Aussies, Steven Bowditch and Andre Stolz, join Canadian Jon Mills and Doug LaBelle of the U.S. in a tie for fifth at 6-under 138. 

 The 32-year-old Herman missed the first three greens but saved par on each with putts from 4-feet. His other par save came on the 15th hole. Birdie putts were produced from 15 feet and 4 feet on the sixth and 14th holes, respectively. Additional birdie opportunities of 15 feet or less on the first four holes of the back nine were not converted. The winds that are so familiar to the Mornington Peninsula south of Melbourne picked up considerably on Friday producing scores that were almost two shots higher on average than Thursday. 

"Today was a totally different game," the leader said. "The wind really picked up on the back nine. It was tough out there. I definitely made more putts yesterday. I may have used them all up." Herman, who spent two years as an assistant professional at Trump National in northern New Jersey, has been bogey-free over the first 36 holes. He had 10 birdies Thursday and added two more Friday. Despite the 16-hour time difference, Herman received much encouragement from family and friends in Florida and elsewhere in the States after his first round. 

"I got lots of emails of congratulations ... but not from Mr. Trump," Herman said. "I'm sure my former boss is keeping him informed." A non-winner in two full seasons on the PGA TOUR's official proving ground, the Cincinnati, Ohio, native had a strong start in 2009 with a tie for fourth in Panama and a third in New Zealand, his Tour best, in the first four events of the year, only to fade in the second half. Herman missed the cut in his last six events to fall out of the top-60, which is the cutoff for fully exempt and conditional Tour status. 

He was a last-minute addition to the Moonah field when a fellow Nationwide Tour member withdrew a few days prior to departure from America to New Zealand two weeks ago. Herman missed the cut there last week. "I didn't have a lot of good vibes at the end of last year," he said. The birth of his first child, a girl, in October and having an off-season to refresh himself has buoyed the likeable Herman this week at Moonah. Like the player he is chasing, Jones is seeking his first tour win at this level. A resident of Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, Jones has won a number of lower-tier events in Australia while aspiring to make a name for himself among the PGA Tour of Australasia's elite. 

His resume also includes a victory on the Gateway Tour in Arizona in the U.S. The 156-player Moonah Classic is co-sanctioned by the Nationwide Tour and PGA Tour of Australasia, with the field split evenly between the two tours. Second-round notes: • Moonah Links played decidedly more difficult on Friday at 73.799 vs. Thursday's 71.855. • The first round produced 21 eagles and 537 birdies ... the second round just three eagles and 395 birdies. • 75 players shot 1 over or better to make the 36-hole cut. 

It's not often that par-5s play over par in professional golf played at this level. Two holes at Moonah have slightly over-par averages after two rounds -- the secnd and fourth, with the 18th just a shade under par at 4.95 and the 15th playing to an average of 4.89. • Defending Moonah Classic champion Alistair Presnell is tied for 17th after rounds of 71-70. • Last week's Michael Hill New Zealand Open champion Robert Gates posted a 72 today to go along with yesterday's 71. He is tied for 37th at 1 under. • Ryan Hietala did not post a 4 on his scorecard until his 15th hole today. He had nothing but 3s and 5s to that point. He finished 4-4-3-5, ending his round with eight 3s, eight 5s and two 4s in a round of 72. His 147 total missed the cut by two. Source:pgatour.com/

Studios Lose a Downloading Case in Australia

Holly Wood studios lost a copyright court case against an Australia Internet service provider on Thursday, Reuters reported, when a court ruled that the provider, iiNet, could not be held responsible for unauthorized downloads of movies using its service. The suit was filed by a group of studios including Universal Pictures, Warner Brothers, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, 20th Century Fox and Disney. A federal court in Sydney ruled that it was impossible to hold iiNet responsible for users who might infringe copyright. iiNet contended that it was not required by law to act on allegations of copyright infringement; that customers were innocent until proven guilty; and that the case was comparable to suing a power company for the activities clients use electricity to engage in. Source:nytimes.com/

Aussie model joins campaign to save red-faced banker

SYDNEY, Australia — A top Australian model has backed a growing campaign to save the job of a banker caught viewing risque shots of her on live TV, in footage that has caused an Internet sensation. Victoria's Secret model Miranda Kerr said she would happily sign a petition urging Macquarie Bank not to fire David Kiely, who is under internal investigation after the incident this week. Kiely was shown clicking on semi-naked pictures of Kerr, apparently unaware that a colleague behind him was being interviewed for Australia's Seven Network about interest rates. Video of the gaffe generated hundreds of thousands of hits on YouTube and inspired several Facebook pages supporting the banker, as well as a popular "Save Dave" campaign by London-based business website hereisthecity.com. "I am told there is a petition to save his job and of course I would sign it," Kerr told reporters in Sydney on Thursday. Macquarie, which marched Kiely out of its trading room on Tuesday afternoon, is understood to be considering his position within the bank, The Australian newspaper said. Support for Kiely has been growing on the Internet, with the membership of the "Macquarie -- Don't Fire David Kiely" Facebook group swelling to 755 people by Friday afternoon. The site says Kiely provided the human face of banking when he "did what any other person in his shoes would have done -- took some time out from his busy day to look at some harmless photos someone emailed him". "What a legend. I love this guy," wrote one member. Another wrote: "Even my Mum reckons you shouldn't lose your job and she's really harsh about lotsa stuff!!" On the Net: Source:AFP

Kookaburra case no joke

IN two separate rulings, the Federal Court proved this week that copyright law is dangerously out of step with the culture and technology of modern Australia. The decisions went in opposite directions, but highlighted the same point: government inaction has left the courts ill-equipped to deal with some of society's most pressing issues.

Many people have been left puzzled by the infringement ruling against the Men at Work song Down Under. The decision rests on the fact that a small section of the song is considered to be similar to Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gum Tree, a tune from the 1930s. To many, the similarity is vague. But even if the songs have a direct link, there is still a problem.

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The judge was required to apply a body of law that is blind to the fact that modern music routinely samples the work of others. And it's not just hip-hop: think of the trouble Ralph Vaughan Williams or Jean Sibelius would have faced if composers of treasured national folk tunes had had recourse to our courts. Clearly, culture has moved too fast for the law. That is the reason why the Federal Court penalised those behind what is virtually an alternative national anthem.

The argument in favour of modernising copyright law is even more pressing after the ruling that internet service provider iiNet had no responsibility to prevent illegal file-sharing of copyright movies. This decision, if not overturned on appeal, seems partly inconsistent with the federal government's plans. Communications Minister Stephen Conroy wants internet service providers to block illegal material, such as bestiality and child pornography. While the iiNet case concerned copyright, it makes no sense to block one category of illegal material while permitting the distribution of another.

But on the copyright issue, any move from Senator Conroy would need to take account of multilateral talks that aim to produce global standards for the enforcement of intellectual property.

To be effective, those standards will need to take account of the internet. And that means third parties such as internet service providers may eventually need to be held liable for copyright breaches.

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Australia's corporate watchdog takes Fortescue to court again

Australia's corporate watchdog has lodged a notice of appeal in the Federal Court of Western Australia against a judgment given on December 23, 2009 which dismissed claims that Australian iron ore miner Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. (Fortescue) and the company's CEO Andrew Forrest deceived investors, a Fortescue press release has announced. Fortescue had faced a suit from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) which alleged that the company misled the market in 2004 regarding deals with three major state-owned Chinese companies. ASIC's legal team had alleged that Fortescue and Mr. Forrest had made certain misleading announcements as part of an aggressive public relations campaign. Fortescue chairman Herb Elliott said the company and Mr. Forrest were disappointed with ASIC's decision to appeal. "While we recognize ASIC has a legal right to appeal, the judgment was unequivocal in our favour," Mr. Elliott said. Source:news.alibaba.com/

Moving to Australia will kill Danny Cipriani's England career

Cipriani, who will be full-back for England Saxons against Italy on Sunday, is understood to be on the verge of signing a £200,000 a year deal with the new Super 15 franchise in Australia after rejecting the chance to continue his career at London Wasps. The 22-year-old has won just seven England caps since his debut in 2008 and has dropped down the No10 pecking order under Johnson following his arrival as team manager. On the eve of England's clash with Wales — which has seen centre Riki Flutey drop out due to an injury — Johnson made it clear that the Wasps player would be signing his own death warrant in terms of Test rugby. Johnson said: “It's his choice if he wants to do that because it would be impossible for him to play for England during the Six Nations over there. “I am sure Danny understands that but it is going to be his choice and his call. My relationship hasn't broken down with him. “I haven't spoken to Danny about this but I am aware of the situation and he is a member of the Saxons team.” Johnson admitted the loss of Flutey, who will be replaced by Toby Flood, was a blow but insisted the Leicester utility back would be able to cover for the loss of the Lions centre. Johnson added: “It is a blow to lose Riki but Toby has been training in that position this week and is an experienced international who gives us another kicking option.” Bath centre Shontayne Hape, the former New Zealand rugby league international, has been drafted in as a replacement. Source:thisislondon.co.uk/

Aussie Gains From 6-Month Low Versus Yen, Paring Weekly Decline

Feb. 5 (Bloomberg) -- The Australian dollar rose from a six-month low versus the yen, paring its longest stretch of weekly losses since July, as investors bet its declines were too rapid. New Zealand’s currency also climbed. Gains in the so-called Aussie were maintained after the central bank said economic growth is likely to accelerate this year even if policy makers are forced to raise interest rates by another three quarters of a percentage point. The two South Pacific currencies headed for weekly declines versus the U.S. dollar before the a report today forecast to show payrolls in the world’s largest economy rose by 15,000 last month, improving prospects for interest-rate increases by the Federal Reserve.

“The Aussie fell off a cliff yesterday so we’re seeing a bit of a recovery, but things are still fragile,” said Joseph Capurso, a currency strategist at Commonwealth Bank of Australia in Sydney. “The risk to the market is that you get a bigger than 15,000 payrolls increase tonight so that pushes the U.S. dollar up and the risk currencies lower.” Australia’s currency rose 0.7 percent to 77.56 yen as of 4:57 p.m. in Sydney, trimming its weekly decline to 2.8 percent. It yesterday touched 76.23 yen, the lowest since July 22. The currency bought 86.62 U.S. cents from 86.46 cents yesterday and is set to drop for a fourth week, the longest stretch of declines in a year. New Zealand’s dollar rose to 61.64 yen from 61.20 yen yesterday, and down from 63.28 yen on Jan. 29 in New York. It bought 68.85 U.S. cents from 68.73 cents, set for a 1.8 percent weekly decline. 

Commonwealth Bank Commonwealth Bank of Australia today lowered its forecast for the Australian dollar saying it will peak at 88 cents in the second quarter before ending the year at 85 cents. The Aussie’s second-most accurate forecaster in 2009 had previously expected a peak of 98 cents with the currency trading at 90 cents by December, according to Bloomberg data. It also said today that New Zealand’s dollar will probably trade at 70 cents through the first half of the year before ending 2010 at 71 cents. Australia’s dollar also gained today after a report showed the nation’s building industry expanded in January at the fastest pace in two years amid rising demand for apartment, engineering and commercial construction. Source:businessweek.com/

Australia shares hit 3-month low; miners slump

SYDNEY, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Australian shares fell 2.3 percent on Friday to a three-month low after investors dumped riskier assets on European sovereign debt fears and poor U.S. jobs data. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index (.AXJO S&P/ASX 2006 February,201006/02/2010 03:25 Sydney, Australia. Value Change % Change 4514.1 -107.5 -2.3% Australian indices International indices .AXJO , 4514.1, -107.5, -2.3%) fell for the fourth straight week, its worst run since mid-2008. It has fallen 8.9 percent in the last four weeks but traders said they saw value in stocks and a rebound was due next week. "Our guys think there is good value in a lot of stocks. If you were waiting for a correction to buy, then this could be the time," said Chris Kimber, client adviser at Bell Potter Securities. Top miner Rio Tinto Ltd (RIO.AX RIO TINTO6 February,201006/02/2010 03:25 Sydney, Australia. Price Change % Change 66.600 -3.520 -5.020% Company overview Real-time quote RIO.AX , 66.600, -3.520, -5.020%) slumped 5 percent to a seven-month low to A$66.60 as metal prices slid. It announced it had hired Ian Bauert, a fluent Mandarin speaker, to head its China business in an effort to improve relations with its largest customer after the arrest of a top officials there. Fellow miner BHP Billiton Ltd (BHP.AX BHP BILLITON6 February,201006/02/2010 03:25 Sydney, Australia. Price Change % Change 39.550 -1.440 -3.510% Company overview Real-time quote BHP.AX , 39.550, -1.440, -3.510%) lost 3.5 percent to A$39.55. The benchmark fell 107.30 points to 4,514.30, its biggest one-day slump in two months. At one point, it touched its lowest level since early September. New Zealand's benchmark NZX 50 index <.NZ50> fell 1.4 percent to 3,104.99 An upgraded economic outlook by the Australian central bank failed to stop the rot. [ID:nSGE61403F]. Retailer Harvey Norman (HVN.AX HARVEY NORMAN6 February,201006/02/2010 03:25 Sydney, Australia. Price Change % Change 3.620 -0.100 -2.690% Company overview Real-time quote HVN.AX , 3.620, -0.100, -2.690%) shares fell 2.7 percent to A$3.62. It said second-quarter like-for-like sales rose 6.5 percent and that it was cautiously upbeat about the current half. [ID:nSGE6130MK] Worries about weakness in the U.S. economy hit shopping mall giant Westfield Group Ltd (WDC.AX WESTFIELD GROUP6 February,201006/02/2010 03:25 Sydney, Australia. Price Change % Change 12.200 -0.740 -5.720% Company overview Real-time quote WDC.AX , 12.200, -0.740, -5.720%) hard, with its shares down 5.7 percent at A$12.20. Westfield has a third of its properties in the United States. Gold miners and energy firms came under pressure after gold fell nearly 4 percent and oil slid 5 percent. Australia's top gold miner Newcrest Mining Ltd (NCM.AX NEWCREST MINING6 February,201006/02/2010 03:25 Sydney, Australia. Price Change % Change 31.150 -0.820 -2.560% Company overview Real-time quote NCM.AX , 31.150, -0.820, -2.560%) lost 2.6 percent and Lihir Gold Ltd (LGL.AX LIHIR GOLD6 February,201006/02/2010 03:25 Sydney, Australia. Price Change % Change 2.740 -0.120 -4.200% Company overview Real-time quote LGL.AX , 2.740, -0.120, -4.200%) fell 4.2 percent, while oil and gas producer Santos Ltd (STO.AX SANTOS6 February,201006/02/2010 03:25 Sydney, Australia. Price Change % Change 13.200 -0.560 -4.070% Company overview Real-time quote STO.AX , 13.200, -0.560, -4.070%) declined 4.1 percent. Banks also suffered, with No.4 lender Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ.AX ANZ BANKING GRP6 February,201006/02/2010 03:25 Sydney, Australia. Price Change % Change 20.900 -0.520 -2.430% Company overview Real-time quote ANZ.AX , 20.900, -0.520, -2.430%) leading the way down. (Additional reporting by Victoria Thierberger; editing by Denny Thomas) Source:money.ninemsn.com.au/

Australia's Harvey Norman Q2 sales up, upbeat on H2

MELBOURNE, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Australian electrical and furniture retailer Harvey Norman Holdings (HVN.AX: Quote, Profile, Research) said its second-quarter like-for-like sales rose 6.5 percent and it was cautiously upbeat about the current half. For the first half, sales at its outlets in Australia, New Zealand, Slovenia and Ireland rose 4.0 percent to A$3.27 billion ($2.83 billion), it said on Friday. Total sales in Australia rose 6.8 percent in the quarter but the firm provided no detail on the composition of sales. Retail analysts have said that furniture sales at Harvey Norman were likely boosted by a strong housing market but its larger electricals business probably came under pressure from discounting. "Sales for the month of January 2010 have met managements' expectations and we remain cautiously optimistic about the next five months," Chief Financial Officer Chris Mentis said in a statement. Source:in.reuters.com/

Rudd disagrees with nephew's stand on racism against Indians in Australia

Canberra, Feb. 5 (ANI): While Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has defended his nephew's right to protest, he doesn't agree with Van Thanh Rudd's stand that the violence directed at Indian students in Australia was racist. Buzz up!"We all believe in free speech but I don't agree with what he said," The Sun quoted Rudd, as saying. Van, a Melbourne-based artist, made headlines in the Indian media after dressing up in a Ku Klux Klan hood on Australia Day to protest against the ongoing racist attacks. Rudd said he had a broad family and his 36-year-old nephew had two brothers - a policeman and a member of the Australian Defence Force. "I haven't had a chat with him for quite some months," he said. They are the sons of the Rudd's brother Malcolm, a Vietnam veteran, and his wife Tuoi. (ANI) Source:news.oneindia.in/

Gayle pommels PM's XI in warm-up

CANBERRA, Australia (CMC) -- Chris Gayle's blazing century provided the platform for a rousing 90-run victory for touring West Indies over the Australian Prime Minister's XI in a rain-reduced warm-up match yesterday. CANBERRA, Australia (CMC) -- Chris Gayle's blazing century provided the platform for a rousing 90-run victory for touring West Indies over the Australian Prime Minister's XI in a rain-reduced warm-up match yesterday. Gayle delivered a vicious captain's knock of 146 off 89 balls and shared in a double-century opening stand with Travis Dowlin as West Indies 399 for five off 45 overs and then restricted the PM's XI to 312 for seven off their 45 overs in the high-scoring fixture. 

Sent to bat at the Manuka Oval, West Indies -- led by Gayle's power-hitting -- began rapidly and after reaching fifty off just five overs, brought up the hundred in the ninth over. Gayle, who was dropped twice -- on 15 and 20 -- early in his innings, began the game with three consecutive boundaries and made the local side pay for their fielding errors with a record knock. The big left-hander reached 50 off 23 balls and a hundred off 57 balls before completing his whirlwind 89-ball innings, four short of the 150-mark. Gayle's 146, laced with 14 fours and eight sixes, set a new highest score in Prime Minister's XI matches, surpassing David Boon's 134 against the West Indies in 1984. Dowlin scored 72 off 85 balls with five boundaries while gathering 234 for the first wicket with Gayle. 

Lendl Simmons, batting at No 3, sustained a daunting run-rate for the Windies with an unbeaten 70 off 49 balls with nine fours and a six. After Narsingh Deonarine fell cheaply for three, Kieron Pollard thumped 36 off 17 balls with five fours and a six while Denesh Ramdin (22 not out) and Dwayne Smith (19) also played brisk innings in the touring side's imposing total. The batting explosion was only interrupted by two rain stoppages, reducing the overs from the allotted 50. Medium pacer Alex Keath (4-71) was the chief wicket-taker for the PM's XI, who were unable to match the Windies' free-scoring display in their run-chase. Tom Cooper lashed a splendid hundred, 160 off 120 balls with 14 fours and six sixes, but there were no other significant scorers for the PM's XI and the West Indies romped to an easy win ahead of their first One day International (ODI) against Australia on Sunday. 

 

Left-arm spinner Nikita Miller was the pick of the West Indies bowlers with three for 51 off nine overs, while medium pacer Darren Sammy claimed two for 37. Miller was on a hat-trick in the 33rd over when the PM XI's captain Matthew Hayden (13) and John Hastings were stumped by Ramdin. Preparing for the series of five ODIs and two Twenty20 Internationals against the Aussies, West Indies used nine bowlers and seamer Smith (1-34) and off-spinner Deonarine (1-60) were the other wicket-takers. The stylish win has come as a huge confidence booster for the injury-hit Caribbean side. It was confirmed Wednesday that Dwayne Bravo will miss the series with a finger injury, the lively all-rounder joining other key players Ramnaresh Sarwan, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Jerome Taylor, Fidel Edwards, and Sulieman Benn on the sidelines. Before the start of the match both teams took official photographs with the Prime Minister Mr Kevin Rudd. There was also a minute's silence for the victims of the January 12 earthquake in Haiti. The players and match officials wore blue ribbons in tribute to the victims of the earthquake. Source:jamaicaobserver.com/

Bank catches analysts on hop with hold on interest rates

SYDNEY - Australia's central bank unexpectedly paused in raising interest rates as Governor Glenn Stevens opted to support the economy's acceleration and stem inflation later. The Reserve Bank of Australia kept the overnight cash rate target at 3.75 per cent after three increases. The decision confounded the forecast of all 20 economists in a Bloomberg News survey for a quarter-point move, and futures contracts that signalled a 74 per cent chance of an increase. Australia's dollar tumbled to a six-week low of US87.94c and Asian stocks pared gains after yesterday's announcement sparked concern at the economy's ability to withstand higher borrowing costs. Business confidence fell to a six-month low, a report showed yesterday, and Woolworths, the country's biggest retailer, warned last week that rate increases would hurt consumers. "The rapid adjustment process is over and the rate hikes, when they do come, will be further apart," said Matthew Johnson, an interest-rate strategist at UBS AG in Sydney. "The overarching message from the Reserve Bank is that while things are better than we thought, we're not out of the woods just yet." As information about the impact of the bank's previous increases "is still limited, the board judged it appropriate to hold a steady setting of monetary policy for the time being", Stevens said. Borrowing costs will be "adjusted further" to keep inflation within the central bank's target range of 2 per cent to 3 per cent "if economic conditions evolve broadly as expected", he said, adding that inflation should remain within the target this year. Stevens became the first central banker in the world to raise borrowing costs three times last year after Australia's economy skirted the global recession, helped by A$20 billion ($25 billion) in cash handouts to consumers from Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and another A$22 billion in spending on roads, railways and schools. Source:nzherald.co.nz/

Myer, Australia Stocks Fall on Weak Retail Sales

Stocks in Australia edged lower after weaker than expected retail sales and a weak global markets sentiment. Australia’s retail sales fell 0.7% and home sales rose 3.1% in December. Myer Holdings, the recently listed retailer said first half sales revenue rose 2.1%. 3:00 AM New York, 7:00 PM Sydney – Stocks in Australia edged lower after weaker than expected retail sales and a weak global markets sentiment. Australia’s retail sales fell 0.7% and home sales rose 3.1% in December. Myer Holdings, the recently listed retailer said first half sales revenue rose 2.1%. Stocks in Australia declined 0.6% dragged by a government report showing retail sales decreased in December. Myer Holdings, the retailer results also disappointed investors. Losses were however pared by increasing home sales in the month. In Sydney trading ASX 200 Index fell 0.6% or 26.3 to 4,621.60. Of the ASX 200 index stocks, 69 gained, 117 dropped, and 14 were unchanged. Platinum Australia led gainers in the index shares with a rise of 4.4% followed by Extract Resources rising a similar 4.4%. The Australian dollar declined 0.4% to 87.91 US cents. Retail Sales Fall 0.7% in December Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that the country’s retail sales fell 0.7% in December from a 1.5% increase a month earlier. Retail sales at department stores dropped 3.5%; clothing, footwear & other personal accessory retailing declined 1.9%; food retailer fell 1.3% and household goods retailing decreased 0.3%. However sales increased in cafes, restaurants & takeaway food services 2.5%, but other retailing was unchanged. Sales also fell in South Australia 3.7%, Tasmania 2.0%, Victoria 1.0%, Queensland 0.6%, the Northern Territory 0.4%, the Australian Capital Territory 0.4% and Western Australia 0.1%. New South Wales rose 0.1%. In seasonally adjusted volume terms, retail turnover rose 1.1% in the quarter ending in December from a drop of 0.7% in the September quarter. Home Sales Rise 3.1% in December Separately, the online edition reported that the number of approvals for private sector houses increased 3.1% in December from a month ago. House approvals in Victoria increased 4.6%, in Queensland 2.2% South Australia 0.5% and Western Australian 3.3%. In addition, the number of dwellings approved in Australia increased 2.2%, in Tasmania advanced 21.7% and Victoria jumped11.1%. Approvals for private sector dwellings other than houses soared 9.1%. The value of total building approved fell 3.7% in December as non-residential building approvals fell 9.4%. The value of approved new residential buildings increased 3%. Source:123jump.com/

Fed Cup: Spain, Australia set for World Group II

ADELAIDE, Australia (AP) Australia's No. 1 Sam Stosur has been drawn to play Spain's Maria Jose Martinez-Sanchez in the Fed Cup World Group II meeting this weekend. Casey Dellacqua will face Spain's Anabel Medina-Garrigues in the other opening singles Saturday. Alicia Molik and Rennae Stubbs will play doubles against Spain's Nuria Llagostera-Vives and Carla Suarez-Navarro. Opening singles will be played Saturday night, followed by reverse singles and doubles on Sunday at Memorial Drive. The winner advances to a playoff against one of the losers from World Group I to decide a berth in the 2011 World Group I. Source:stats.cbc.ca

Shoaib vows to end Australia tour on winning note

Stand-in captain Shoaib Malik has vowed his team will win Twenty20 match against Australia to end its tour on winning note. The team has reached Melbourne from Perth for the final match of the tour. Malik has been named Pakistan Captain for T20 match in place of Shahid Afridi who has been banned for two matches after ball tampering allegations. Talking to media Shoaib Malik said Pakistan is World Champions in shorter form of cricket and will beat Australia in the match to end the tour on winning note. Source:nation.com.pk/

Jakhrani asks Cricket Australia to tighten up security at grounds

ISLAMABAD, Feb 2 (APP): Sports minister Ijaz Hussain Jakhrani asked Cricket Australia to tighten up security at grounds before it is too late after the serious issue of security of players Down Under came to light after Pakistan opener Khalid Latif was brought down to the ground by a spectator during the fifth and final ODI in Perth on Sunday. “The thing that really worried me, what if that person had a knife on him, he got there and could have done anything he wanted,” Jakhrani was quoted as saying by the Sydney Morning Herald. “There should be some kind of barrier or restriction to stop people entering the ground. This is the right time to think about these things,” he said. “I have told the cricket board chairman Ejaz Butt that he should take it up with the Australian cricket board - this is not on,” Jakhrani said. “It does play into a broader context. It gives Australia in general and Perth in particular a bad name when something like this happens. And it does the reputation to our sport no good either,” CA spokesman Peter Young said. The International Cricket Council too was upset about the incident and had asked for an explanation from CA. “We are disappointed. There was a clear security breach,” an ICC spokesman said. CA, on its part, said that the incident was a blot on Australia’s image as a world class cricket venue. Source:app.com.pk/

Rugby League-Tuqiri signs with Australia's Wests Tigers

MELBOURNE, Feb 4 (Reuters) - Former dual-code Australia winger Lote Tuqiri has switched back to rugby league, signing a three-year deal with Australian club Wests Tigers. Tuqiri, who plays for English Premiership champions Leicester, will join Wests Tigers in March after completing commitments in Britain, the Sydney-based club said on its website (www.weststigers.com.au) on Thursday. "I'm really excited to return to the NRL (National Rugby League). There is no question it is one of the toughest sporting competitions in the world and I am confident Wests Tigers will enjoy great success in the coming years," the 30-year-old winger told the website. Tuqiri, who scored 31 tries in 67 tests with the Wallabies after switching from league in 2002, was sacked by the Australian Rugby Union last year for undisclosed discipline breaches. Source:uk.reuters.com/

Brumby must take the blame for anti-Australian backlash

AUSTRALIA is enduring a catastrophe in its foreign policy and its standing in the world generally, and it is predominantly the fault of the Victorian Premier, John Brumby. Perhaps no premier since World War II has done more to damage the Australian national interest than Brumby. Through the widely publicised assaults, murders and arson attacks on Indians and Indian houses of worship, Melbourne has become the racist-violence capital of Australia. Brumby's reaction of indolent denial, and the incompetent lack of response from his government and police force, have contributed hugely to a vast anti-Australian backlash in India. But this is happening throughout Asia and more broadly internationally. The BBC, CNN, Al-Jazeera - all are covering the attacks in a way that would constitute hundreds of billions of dollars worth of negative publicity for Australia. Last week the Indian high commissioner, Sujatha Singh, told the Governor-General, Quentin Bryce, that the Victorian government was in denial over the issue. She said there would be long-term consequences of the attacks. She has not used the term racist attacks herself and has frequently stated that she does not think Australia is a racist country. But, as reported in Fairfax papers, she told the Governor-General that the police in Queensland, South Australia and NSW had been far more effective than the Victorians. Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar. End of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar. The issue moved to new heights following the stabbing death of Indian student Nitin Garg in early January. There is now a raging, anti-Australian fury in India that cuts across any party or political or even communal divides. Australia has never been so hated in India and in much of Asia. This is a bitter moment for the Rudd government. It is not responsible for the Melbourne attacks and it can't fix the relationship until they stop. Last week in London, India's Foreign Minister, S.M. Krishna, twice met Foreign Minister Stephen Smith to express his government's dismay. Krishna said it was "becoming increasingly difficult to accept these attacks are mere opportunistic crime and devoid of any racial motives". Krishna also told Smith: "There has been no visible progress so far into most of the investigations into previous attacks, including the murder of Nitin Garg. It (is) the responsibility of the Australian authorities to immediately put effective measures into practice to prevent any further attacks." Source:theaustralian.com.au/

Ball-tampering Pak team's 'standard operating procedure', admits Rameez Raja

ISLAMABAD: Even while describing Shahid Afridi’s shocking act of chewing the ball during the fifth and final one-day international against Australia at Perth as ‘indefensible’, former Pakistan captain Rameez Raja has said that ball-tampering is the Pakistan team’s ‘standard operating procedure’ (SOP). Raja said Afridi’s crime was not something that the world cricket fraternity has witnessed for the first time and that it is something which is a normal phenomenon in the context of Pakistan cricket. “Afridi comes from an era, a cricketing culture where ball tampering is considered a normal cricket activity, a done deal on flat Pakistani pitches, an art form and not a sin. It’s been a part of the Pakistan team’s SOP (Standard Operating Procedure),” Raja said, adding, “All teams have one. The Aussies have been brought up on sledging and while the term may sit uncomfortably with the rest.” Raja also lamented the increasing imbalance in the game with the bowlers confined to a master-servant relationship with batsmen. “The flat pitches, thick bats, shorter boundaries, capping of bouncers, free hit and power plays are just few examples that have neutralised bowlers. Is it not ironic that a game, that preaches equality and fair play, has confined bowlers to a master-servant relationship with batsmen,” The Daily Times quoted the former middle order batsman, as saying. Raja said though Afridi has brought a bad name to his country, the flamboyant all-rounder should be given a ‘break’ from all the criticism he has been receiving. “Managers of the game need to understand that a ‘six’ may stimulate a momentary pleasure but a fall of a wicket is and will always be an ultimate high in cricket. So give Afridi a break. He may not have played this one by the book but he certainly did read from the book of his predecessors. And he was forced to play God,” Raja said. Source:dnaindia.com/

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 Go back to Morwell with Peter Siddle and his family as they reflect on his childhood in the Victorian town and its influence on his cricket career 

Go back to Morwell with Peter Siddle and his family as they reflect on his childhood in the Victorian town and its influence on his cricket career #BBL10 | @BKTtires pic.twitter.com/xtp4JBDdF5

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