Is this a godless nation?

Colourful Queensland MP Bob Katter will be heading to Church this Easter. But it's not for every MP. Picture: Russell Shakespeare Source: News Limited

• Nine out of 10 Americans believe in God
• Gillard the fifth Aussie PM to admit to not believing
• Is Australia a godless nation?

On Easter Sunday millions of people around the world are heading for church to celebrate Jesus' resurrection from the dead.

Across this nation, Australians will overwhelmingly be meeting up with family and mates and perhaps fretting about whether they stocked up on enough booze.

Australia's church attendance rates are historically among the lowest in the world, around nine per cent, rising slightly at Christmas and Easter.

Is Australia a godless nation, and does leadership have anything to do with it?

In the United States, where no man has ever been elected to the office of president unless he is a Christian and a regular churchgoer, more than nine out of 10 Americans believe in God.

Julia Gillard is the fifth Australian prime minister to publicly admit to not believing in a Christian God, after John Curtin, John Gorton, Gough Whitlam and Bob Hawke (an agnostic). Ms Gillard told news.com.au that, over Easter, she will be spending some time with family in Adelaide.

However, a survey of federal MPs and senators ahead of the Easter weekend shows that Canberra is not as godless a place as it might seem.

More than 80 per cent of the federal politicians who responded said they believed in God and would be attending at least one church service this weekend.

Only four of the politicians – Greens senators Lee Rhiannon (NSW), Adam Bandt (Vic) and Larissa Waters (Qld), and Liberal senator Simon Birmingham – outed themselves as non-believers.

A Godless Easter... NSW Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon.

Tasmanian MPs Independent, Andrew Wilkie and Dick Adams said mind your own business.

Senator Sue Boyce (Qld) and Climate Change Minister Greg Combet refused to comment.

Maverick Queensland politician and enthusiastic Christian, Bob Katter, said Australians should not necessarily believe federal parliamentarians who said they were Christians.

"Australia is a very secular society, which isn't necessarily a bad thing," he said.

"Australians may not be very religious, but as they long as they 'love their neighbour' at Easter – wish their mates well – that is the main thing.

"There are plenty of politicians who piously pray in Canberra and go off to Christian breakfasts who are then asked to make a stand for their fellow man on an issue and they turn their backs on Australians who need help.

"I'd rather have an atheist who looks after his mates than someone paying lip service to Christianity."

Believe in God

Australian senate:
Senator Eric Abetz (Lib, Tas), Senator Chris Back (Lib, WA) Senator David Feeney (ALP, Vic) Senator Mark Furner (ALP, Qld), Senator Ian Macdonald (Lib, Qld), Senator Bridget McKenzie (Nat, Vic), Senator Dean Smith (Lib, WA), Senator Ursula Stephens (ALP, NSW), Senator Matt Thistlethwaite (ALP, NSW).

House of Representatives:
Karen Andrews (Lib, Qld), Bob Baldwin (Lib, NSW), Jamie Briggs (Lib,SA), Teresa Gambaro (Lib, Qld), Steve Georganas (ALP, SA), Natasha Griggs (CLP, NT), Bob Katter (KAP, Qld), Shayne Neumann (ALP, Qld), Graham Perrett (ALP, Qld), Tanya Plibersek, (ALP, NSW), Michelle Rowland (ALP, NSW), Kevin Rudd (ALP, Qld), Janelle Saffin (ALP, NSW), Bruce Scott (Nat, Qld), Alan Tudge (Lib, Vic), Bert van Manen (Lib, Qld), Maria Vamvakinou (ALP, Vic), Joe Hockey (Lib, NSW).

Don't believe in God:
Senator Lee Rhiannon (Greens, NSW), Senator Larissa Waters (Greens, Qld), Adam Bandt (Greens, Vic) and Senator Simon Birmingham.

Wouldn't say:
Treasurer Wayne Swan (ALP, Qld ): "Easter is a chance to take a bit of extra time with my family and friends, and head to church with my wife on Easter Sunday. This time of year's always busy for me as we pull the Budget together so it's safe to say I'll be putting in a bit of time working through the numbers over the weekend."

Bernie Ripoll (ALP, Qld): "Easter is a special time of year for many people of faith across the world and it is an especially well enjoyed break for Australia's longest weekend."

Senator Nick Xenophon (Ind, SA): "The Greek Orthodox Easter is on May 5, which is great, because the Easter eggs are on special. Please ask me again then!"

Climate Change Minister Greg Combet (ALP, NSW)

Mind your own business:
Andrew Wilkie: "My spiritual views are a private matter and unrelated to my role as a Member of Parliament."
Dick Adams: "I have my own personal beliefs and respect other's beliefs in whatever God they believe in."

Uncertain:
Senator Peter Whish-Wilson (Greens, Tas): "I am still a journeyman on this one, but definitely not in any traditional sense cooked up by human beings".

04.29 | 0 komentar | Read More

''We were so proud of our children''

Momentos left at the scene of Thursday's freak wall collapse which claimed the lives of Bridget and Alexander Jones. Main picture: Andrew Brownbill Source: Herald Sun

A WOMAN who held the hand of a teenager critically injured in a freak city wall collapse, begging her to "hang in there", is devastated the girl has died.

Bridget Jones, 18, became the third victim of last week's tragedy, losing her fight for life three days after her brother, Alexander, was killed.

Brielle Chapman confirmed that in his last moments, a heroic Alexander had tried to save his sister.

"It all happened so quickly," she said.

"Alex yelled out 'watch out' and shielded his sister - and then the whole wall just collapsed, and they were gone."

Ms Chapman, 27, fought back tears as she told of the next "horrific" minutes as she and her four sisters dug through the rubble in a desperate bid to find the pair.

Friends leave flowers for Bridget Jones after hearing of her death. Picture: Andrew Brownbill

"Nothing could prepare us for what we were going to find," she said.

"(Alex) had taken the full extent of the collapse. Bridget was underneath him.

"We knew Alex had already gone. I grabbed Bridget's hand and I was saying to her 'Hang in there. You'll be OK'.

"She wasn't conscious, but I know she knew I was there, as she clung to my hand."

Ms Chapman was on holiday from NSW with sisters Bianca, 24, Olivia, 21, Jessica, 20, and Shayla, 15.

Eighteen-year-old Bridget Jones has died, becoming the third person killed by a Melbourne wall collapse.

"We were following not even a metre behind them. It could've been us," she said.

"It's a complete tragedy."

Tributes flowed for the siblings - both arts students from Melbourne University - as it emerged that Bridget had succumbed to severe head injuries in Royal Melbourne Hospital at 6.30am.

Devastated parents Ian and Sue Jones, both 57, from Montmorency, released a statement about their "kind-hearted and respectful" children.

"We were so very proud of both of our children," the couple said.

Friends of Alexander and Bridget Jones chalked tributes on the footpath and left flowers and momentos at a makeshift shrine on Swanston St. Picture: Andrew Brownbill

"They were always kind-hearted and respectful. They had a wide network of friends and yet were both very close to each other."

Mr and Mrs Jones said Alexander had been planning to study law and aspired to go into politics.

Bridget had been considering a teaching career.

"They loved sport - particularly tennis, which they played since they were five - and all different genres of music," the grief-stricken parents said.

They said Alexander and Bridget were keen Blues supporters who had been on their way to meet their father for the first Carlton game of the season.

Bridget and Alexander with parents Ian and Susan.

Friends gathered at the scene of the tragedy at the former CUB brewery in Swanston St for the second consecutive day, chalking tributes to their lost mates on the footpath.

Fresh flowers, pictures and other mementos, including a Carlton teddy bear, were left at a makeshift shrine.

Friend Maddie inscribed in a card: "Two amazing people have been taken from us far too soon. You were both going to change the world! You are both going to be missed more than ever."

Monika Vulevu Cushe posted on a Facebook tribute page: "R.I.P Bridget Jones - heaven has a new angel, together with your loving brother."

Others described the pair as "inseparable".

Friends of Alexander and Bridget Jones and the unnamed woman who died in the Carlton wall collapse pay their respects at the site. Picture: Chris Scott

Another woman killed in the wall collapse remains unidentified.

Police said they were awaiting formal identification of the victim, believed to be a Mount Waverley woman aged in her 30s.

Royal Melbourne Hospital intensive care specialist Dr Thomas Rechnitzer has expressed "heartfelt sympathy" to the Jones family.

"Despite every effort by multiple teams of dedicated doctors and nurses, who did all they could for Bridget over the past three days, Bridget has died as a result of severe head injuries," he said.

The University of Melbourne said it would offer to hold a memorial service for the family.

"The University of Melbourne community is deeply saddened and distressed at the tragic events of last Thursday," it posted on Facebook.

"Our thoughts are with the Jones family and friends. We will continue to offer Alexander and Bridget's friends, and those affected by the accident, counselling and all other necessary support."

Victorian Premier Dr Denis Napthine also sent his condolences.

"This is a terrible tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with the family," he said.

"This incident will be fully investigated by the coroner and other relevant authorities."

WorkSafe, the State Coroner, Victoria Police and Grocon, which owns the site, have all launched investigations.

Touchingly, a neighbour saw Bridget kiss her mother goodbye the day before the tragic event: "Sue and Ian were just totally devoted to their children. Not so long ago Ian was here speaking for an hour about how well they were both doing at uni - he was so proud of them."

Alexander, who was nicknamed Zander by his friends, had aspirations to become prime minister of Australia.

One friend called Alexander, known as "Prime Minister Giggles", "a prince among men".

Montmorency Secondary College principal Allan Robinson said of the former school captain: "He was an incredible young man, thoroughly respected and admired by every student and every member of staff at Montmorency Secondary College."

Many said they would miss the arts student's cheeky grin and "that laugh".

"I can't describe my pain in words," a friend, Riley, wrote in a tribute.

"You were our light and glue that held us together."

Gillian Goldsworthy wrote on a Facebook tribute page: "Absolutely devastated to hear that Bridget lost her fight for life. Words cannot express my sadness at Ian and Sue's loss. Our thoughts are with you."

Monika Vulevu Cushe posted: "R.I.P Bridget Jones - heaven has a new angel. Together with your loving brother."

Friend Eric Goon called Alex an "amazing man". "He and Bridget were really close. It was typical Zander to be walking her to class."

Former teacher George Ghobrial said the "gifted" student was destined for great things.

"I taught him science and he was just perfect. He did very well academically; but not only that, he was a wonderful person with lots of friends.

"I taught Bridget the year after and she was the same - a lovely person.

"It is so sad."

rebekah.cavanagh@news.com.au

- with James Dowling, Jon Kaila

04.29 | 0 komentar | Read More

Wall tragedy parents thank strangers

The scene of Thursday's fatal wall collapse on Swanston St. Picture: Andrew Henshaw Source: Herald Sun

THE parents of siblings Alexander and Bridget Jones have said they are ''overwhelmed'' and ''distressed'' after their son died and their daughter battles for life in hospital following the wall collapse in Carlton on Thursday.

Ian and Sue Jones issued a statement this afternoon to thank everyone who tried to help in the tragedy.

''We are overwhelmed at the loss of our son Alexander and are very distressed to see our critically ill daughter in the hospital.

''Our hearts go out to the family of the other lady who was killed in this tragedy.

''We understand people who were passing by and the emergency services did everything that they could and we are so grateful these people tried their best for our children.

''We would also like to thank members of Victoria Police and staff at The Royal Melbourne Hospital who have been so caring and respectful.

''We would like to thank our family and friends and the friends of Alexander and Bridget, the Montmorency Secondary College community, and many others who have sent in their wishes and offered support.

Brother and sister Alex and Bridget Jones were devoted to each other.

''We would ask that people respect our privacy at this very sad and difficult time,'' the statement read.

Melbourne University architecture student Alex Jones, 19, was walking sister Bridget, 18, along Swanston St to her 3pm class when a powerful wind gust brought a brick wall crashing down on top of them.

Rescuers on the scene immediately afterwards said Mr Jones's body was found on top of his injured sister, partially shielding her from the crushing impact.

Dozens of friends today gathered at the collapsed wall at the Grocon site on Swanston St to lay flowers and console one another.

Bridget remained fighting for life at the Royal Melbourne Hospital after emergency surgery.

Her brother, and an unidentified woman in her 30s, died instantly.

Thu 28/03/2013: A man and a woman are dead after a brick wall collapsed at the Grocon site

Grieving friends paid tribute to Alex.

Jorja Shae Carter-Smith posted on Facebook: "Zander, a true hero. I know you would have done this to protect your much loved sister, being the gorgeous soul that you were."

Another friend, Bethan Wainman, spoke through tears as she lamented the loss of a ''Mr Nice Guy'', known as ''Zander'' to his mates.

"They were very close and loved each other very much,'' Ms Wainman told the Herald Sun.

"He was an amazing guy and no one had anything bad to say about him.

"He was very funny, jovial, and would always laugh and play around."

Horrified onlookers tried desperately to clear the disaster on Thursday. Picture: Jonathan Lian/Twitter

Zoe Liberona posted on Facebook: "Such a beautiful soul taken way too soon. Rest in peace, Alexander Jones."

Callum Fuller added: "Still in absolute shock. Rest in peace, Alexander Jones."

School friend Steven Kostadinovski said of the former school captain: "Much love to a great human being and individual.

"It was a pleasure to be a part of your life, big fella. Will be missed."

And Matt Perichon said: "It is just so cruel how life can be torn away from such a beautiful young man."

Mourners left flowers, a teddy bear and a Lindt chocolate carrot at the scene of the tragedy.

Alex Jones, 19, died in the Swanton St wall collapse, and his sister, Bridget, 18, is fighting for her life.

Emergency talks will be held next week to determine how and why Thursday's deadly wall collapse happened - and ensure a similar accident never recurs.

WorkSafe, the State Coroner, Victoria Police and Grocon have all launched independent investigations into the incident.

The remainder of the wall was demolished late on Thursday night.

Wire fencing was erected to protect the public from a rubble of bricks and debris still littering the site.

Red brick dust still covered the footpath.

Melbourne north Crime Investigation Unit's Detective Senior Constable Brooke Manley said police had notified known affected families.

Flowers were laid at the scene of the tragedy this morning. Picture: Stuart Walmsley

"It's horrendous - a tragic accident," she said.

"The families involved are devastated."

Police believe more people were injured in the collapse, but fled the scene fearing further harm.

Banyule Mayor Wayne Phillips said the council would offer any support possible to the Jones family, of Montmorency.

It was to be hoped the tragedy was a freak accident and not the result of red tape, he said.

"If it's a freak accident it's very sad," he said.

"But if it's something structural - or something caused by the fact there are heritage restrictions, and they have been demolishing parts of the site around it and the wall was not properly supported - that would be a tragedy," Cr Phillips said.

Next week's talks will involve the State Government, Victorian Building Commission and Melbourne City Council.

Planning Minister Matthew Guy told the Herald Sun he had ordered the Building Commission audit in a bid to prevent similar tragedies.

"We will get the Building Commission to look at all those CBD structures as soon as possible," the minister said.

Mr Guy said he would also seek advice on structural tests and see if they could be carried out more frequently.

"This one has passed the structural strength for some time and that's fine.

"But it's whether or not it remains at that level," he said. "There needs to be a continual audit and continual compliance for structures that are like that."

City of Melbourne spokesman Sam Bishop said: 'If concerns are raised about the integrity of any particular structure in the City of Melbourne, our municipal building surveyor's office will investigate."

The collapse of the wall at the CUB brewery site in Swanston, St, Carlton, is believed to have been caused by a freak gust of wind.

Grocon officials believe the wall was built in the 1970s, forming part of a boundary to the CUB site.

With Peter Rolfe

Additional reporting: Christopher Gillett, Jon Kaila, James Dowling and Jessica Evans

04.30 | 0 komentar | Read More

North Korea declares war - again

Russia and China have urged North Korea and the United States to refrain from flexing their military muscle.

NORTH Korea has announced it has entered a "state of war'' with South Korea and will deal with every inter-Korean issue accordingly.

"As of now, inter-Korea relations enter a state of war and all matters between the two Koreas will be handled according to wartime protocol," the North said in a joint statement attributed to all government bodies and institutions.

"The long-standing situation of the Korean peninsula being neither at peace nor at war is finally over," said the statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), adding that any provocation would trigger a "full-scale conflict and a nuclear war".

The two Koreas have always technically remained at war because the 1950-53 Korean War concluded with an armistice rather than a peace treaty.

The email from North Korea threatening to bomb US bases. Source: Supplied

The White House said it took the new warning seriously, but said Pyongyang's threats were following a familiar pattern.

"We've seen reports of a new and unconstructive statement from North Korea. We take these threats seriously and remain in close contact with our South Korean allies," said Caitlin Hayden, spokeswoman for the National Security Council.

While seeking to show appropriate concern at Pyongyang's latest statement, Washington also sought to place the new threat into the context of a string of rhetoric from Kim Jong-Un's regime.

A close-up of the 'attack plan'. The lettering on the map reads as "Strategic Forces' US Mainland Striking Plan".

"We would also note that North Korea has a long history of bellicose rhetoric and threats and today's announcement follows that familiar pattern," Hayden said, noting that the United States was fully capable of protecting itself and its Asian allies.

CHINA, RUSSIA JOIN THE SABRE-RATTLING.

The government in Seoul also played down the latest statement.

"This is not really a new threat - just part of a series of provocative threats," the Unification Ministry said.

The North had announced earlier this month that it was ripping up the armistice and other bilateral peace pacts signed with Seoul in protest against South Korea-US joint military exercises, which returned the two nations to a state of war.

Voiding the ceasefire theoretically opened the way to a resumption of hostilities, although observers noted it was far from the first time that North Korea had announced the demise of the armistice.

The armistice was approved by the UN General Assembly, and both the United Nations and South Korea have repudiated the North's unilateral withdrawal.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un discusses a strike plan with North Korean officers during an urgent operation meeting at the Supreme Command in an undisclosed location. Kim Jong-Un ordered preparations for strategic rocket strikes on the US mainland and military bases in the Pacific and South Korea. The lettering on the map, rear L, reads as "Strategic Forces' US Mainland Striking Plan". Picture: AFP

Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr condemned the latest round of threats and said Australia was considering imposing more sanctions on the rogue state.

Senator Carr said in a statement that reports from the Australian Embassy in Seoul suggest there is no immediate evidence of increased military preparations by North Korea.

"Despite this, North Korea continues to pose a genuine threat to the safety of millions of people in our region," he said.

Senator Carr has welcomed calls by China and Russia for restraint by all parties, as well as commitments by the United States regarding the defence of South Korea and Japan.

Senator Carr has urged all nations to ensure existing measures are strictly enforced and said Australia is considering further "autonomous sanction" on North Korea.

Earlier, North Korean media issued two photos that appear to show plans for striking the US mainland as tens of thousands rally for it.

The pictures, released by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), both showed leader Kim Jong-Un sitting at a desk in what looked like a dedicated military operations room.

US B-2 stealth bomber flies over a US air base in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul.

LOST IN TRANSLATION: IS GOOGLE CREATING KOREAN CONFUSION?

EXCELLENT PICTURES OF KIM JONG-UN.

The photos accompanied a KCNA report on an emergency meeting with top army leaders in which Kim ordered strategic rocket units to prepare for a possible strike against US mainland and Pacific bases.

One picture showed Kim amongst four uniformed officers, but the main interest lay in the background.

The left of the picture showed a map with the unambiguous title: "Strategic Forces' US Mainland Striking Plan."

Straight lines on the map -- not all of which was visible -- appeared to show the proposed flight paths of missiles striking targets in the continental United States.

KIM JONG UN: MORE BARK THAN BITE?

North Korean army officers punch the air as they chant slogans during a rally at Kim Il Sung Square in downtown Pyongyang, North Korea.

ROCKETS WILL SETTLE US ACCOUNTS

"I don't think this is a mistake," a South Korean defence ministry official told AFP.

"I believe it has been intentionally made public, probably in order to distort facts about the North's military power," the official said.

Most experts say North Korea, despite a successful long-range rocket launch in December, is years from developing a genuine inter-continental ballistic missile capable of striking the US mainland.

Its proven short- and medium-range missiles do not even have the range to strike US Pacific bases in Guam or Hawaii.

Further in the background of the same picture, a wall-length screen appeared to list aspects of North Korea's naval strength, with entries such as "Submarines: 40, Landing Craft: 13, Minesweepers: 6."

A second photo, showing Kim alone at his desk, also had a map in the background which appeared to show the tracked or projected movement of the US 7th Fleet in the Pacific Ocean.

South Korea's K-1 tanks take part in their military exercise in the border city between two Koreas, Paju, north of Seoul, South Korea.

The pictures come as tens of thousands of North Korean soldiers and civilians held a huge rally and march in Pyongyang on Friday, in a mass display of support for a possible military strike against the United States.

The rally in Pyongyang's giant Kim Il-Sung square was attended by soldiers, veterans, workers and students, all wearing military uniforms. The North's young leader, Kim Jong-Un, was not present.

State television said the rally took place to support a decision issued by the Korean People's Army (KPA) supreme command on Tuesday - and ratified by Kim on Friday - to put the country's strategic rocket units on a war footing.

"The statement was the ultimatum of the Korean People's Army against the US imperialists," an announcer said at the start of the rally.

Under giant portraits of Kim's father Kim Jong-Il and grandfather Kim Il-Sung, the massed ranks of civilians and soldiers pledged their allegiance to the current leadership.

"Let's become guns and bombs for our respected leader Kim Jong-Un!," they chanted, pumping their fists in unison.

The rally was addressed by military and party officials who urged North Korean troops to launch a "merciless strike" on the US mainland and US military bases in the Pacific and South Korea.

"We are all ready to wipe them out for our final victory," army officer Kwon Yong-Chol said.

US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel said Washington would not be cowed by Pyongyang's bellicose threats and stood ready to respond to "any eventuality".

His comments came as nuclear-capable US B-2 stealth bombers were deployed in ongoing US joint military drills with South Korea.

The B-2 flights, which followed training runs by B-52 bombers, were part of annual drills which North Korea each year denounces as rehearsals for war.

Meanwhile, China, North Korea's sole major ally and biggest trading partner, appealed for calm and said "joint efforts" were needed from all parties to prevent the situation deteriorating further.

Russia urged all sides involved in the standoff to refrain from muscle-flexing, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warning that the flare-up could spiral.

"We can simply see the situation getting out of control, it would spiral down into a vicious circle," he told reporters at a news conference.

"We believe it is necessary for all not to build up military muscle and not to use the current situation as an excuse to solve certain geopolitical tasks in the region through military means," he said, calling on all sides to create conditions for the resumption of talks.

04.30 | 0 komentar | Read More

Prominent Australian performer arrested

BBC presenter Sir Jimmy Savile. Source: AP

A PROMINENT Australian entertainer has been arrested by Scotland Yard detectives in London on suspicion of sexual offences.

Metropolitan Police confirmed officers have arrested an 82-year-old man living in Berkshire.

He was arrested by detectives involved in Operation Yewtree - which is investigating the Jimmy Savile child sex abuse scandal that has rocked the UK.

He was released about 11.30pm UK time after being questioned by detectives. His present location is unknown.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said he was released till a date in May, pending further inquiries.

The arrested man previously attended Lewisham police station, in South East London, by appointment on November 29 last year.

Officers had obtained a warrant to search his Berkshire home five days earlier.

Operation Yewtree was formed in the wake of revelations the now deceased television host and radio DJ Savile,  sexually abused and assaulted more than 400 people, mostly children, over five decades in hospitals, schools and BBC's London studios.

It is believed the arrest of the 82-year-old is not directly related to Savile's acts but other alleged sexual offences that had come to light during the overall investigation.

The man is one of 11 people arrested so far.

Following the death of Savile in October 2011, hundreds of sex abuse allegations emerged .

Last month a London Metropolitan Police report said Savile had abused adults and children across the UK over more than five decades. The NSPCC said Savile, who was 84 when he died, had been one of the most prolific sex offenders in its 129-year history.

Operation Yewtree was set up in the wake of the Savile scandal. It has three strands:

1) Looking specifically at Savile's actions;

2) Investigating allegations against "Savile and others"; and

3) Relating to alleged complaints against other people not connected to the Savile investigation

Today's arrest is related to looking at complaints against people not connected to Savile.

High-profile names which have arisen in connection with the investigation are PR consultant Max Clifford, comedian Freddie Starr, DJ Dave Lee Travis and comedian Jim Davidson - who have all denied any wrongdoing.

Gary Glitter, 69, whose real name is Paul Gadd, who was also arrested, has not yet made a statement.

04.30 | 0 komentar | Read More

Siblings victims of wall collapse

Thu 28/03/2013: A man and a woman are dead after a brick wall collapsed at the Grocon site

TWO teenage siblings with the world at their feet bore the brunt of yesterday's wall collapse tragedy.

Melbourne University student Alex Jones, 19, died and his teenage sister Bridget 18, is fighting for her life after being crushed by bricks and debris.

A third victim, a woman in her thirties, is yet to be formally identified according to police.

The Melbourne University student siblings were in the wrong place at the wrong time when a 15m section of brick wall tumbled from the former CUB brewery site in Swanston St on Thursday afternoon.

Both were, making their way in life after recently graduating from Montmorency Secondary College.

Alex was a school captain and had dreams of one day being Prime Minister.

Alex Jones, 19, died in the Swanton St wall collapse, and his sister, Bridget, 18, is fighting for her life.

Four separate probes are under way into the cause of the freak accident with police, Grocon, WorkSafe and the Coroner investigating.

The families of two people who died when a brick wall collapsed in Melbourne's CBD are devastated, police say.

Detective Senior Constable Brooke Manley said police had notified the families of a 19-year-old man from Montmorency and a woman aged in her 30s, who both died in the accident on Swanston St about 3pm yesterday.

The collapse was caused by a freak gust of wind.

"It's horrendous, a tragic accident," Sen-Constable Manley said.

Pedestrians rush to help people caught under the horror wall collapse. Picture: Jonathan Lian/Twitter

"The families involved are devastated."

A 19-year-old woman from Montmorency remains in a critical condition after surgery at the Royal Melbourne Hospital .

A man who sat with the woman as she waited for paramedics said she hasn't left his thoughts since the accident.

North Melbourne resident Very Impressive, who said he changed his name by deed poll in 1992, said he rushed to help clear bricks after he heard the "almighty crash" of the wall.

View Larger Map

Flowers were laid at the scene of the tragedy this morning. Picture: Stuart Walmsley

"She was the first thought in my head when I woke up this morning at 6.15," he said after returning to the site today.

"I took my jacket and placed it over the young lady to try and keep her warm.

"Then I knelt down in the bicycle path; I was taking her pulse on her neck and her wrist as there was a nurse above me wearing blue latex gloves. She kept asking whether or not the young lady was breathing.

"I was checking constantly to see if she was still breathing.

"She acknowledged the fact that I was still talking to her.

An aerial shot of the Melbourne CBD wall collapse. Picture: Fred Zhang

"We got more of the wall off them and we discovered there was a young man fallen against the young woman.

"Eventually the paramedics arrived, which seemed like forever, but I'm sure it wasn't."

The scene in Swanston St, Carlton, was described as being like a battleground as frantic passers-by scrambled to free victims.

Police are appealing for witnesses after it was revealed trams were passing at the moment the wall collapsed.

"Police believe there may have been trams passing at the time and passengers may have seen something that may be of help to the investigation," Victoria Police spokeswoman Belinda Batty said today.

Emergency crews after the collapse. Picture: Mati Safi/Twitter

"A number of people stopped to assist at the scene, however investigators are particularly keen to speak to anyone who left the area before speaking to police.

"Investigators also believe there may have been a pedestrian that could have been injured in the incident but left the scene before police arrived."

Earlier this morning people came to pay their respects to the victims.

One mourner brought a bunch of flowers, a small brown teddy bear with a pink bow and a small chocolate.

Another stopped in front of the bricks to say a prayer.

Building inspectors survey the damage at the site of the collapse. Picture: Mark Dadswell

Rosanna Romeo, 57, came to pay her respects.

"It's very sad news ... as a mother I feel for the families," she said.

"It's devastating, it could happen to anyone."

Premier Denis Napthine last night offered sympathy to the victims' families.

Police said they had tragically been in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Investigators at the scene of the wall collapse. Picture: Alex Coppel

The historic wall was part of the former CUB brewery, opened in 1858, which building giant Grocon is developing into apartments.

The wall was located between Queensberry and Victoria streets.

Debris was strewn across the footpath, opposite a tram stop frequently used by students from a nearby RMIT University building.

Jonathan Lian, a university student, said: "There was a huge thunderclap. "It was really, really loud, and people were rushing about in all different directions."

He said there were about three or four people near the wall when it fell.

"One guy barely got away," he said.

The brick wall had been reinforced by a wooden hoarding.

But the wall and the timber collapsed under strong winds that, according to the weather bureau's Melbourne station, peaked at 57km/h at 3pm.

CFMEU state secretary John Setka said he was among union members who helped lift a wooden hoarding off the victims.

A man and a woman were near each other, and another woman was farther away, he said.

He said the CFMEU first-aid staff helped treat the survivor until ambulance officers and firefighters arrived.

Rescue workers and passersby frantically try to remove the rubble. Picture: Nick Fellingham

The other man and woman appeared to have died instantly, he said.

"Maybe it was just a freak gust of wind and three poor kids happened to be there," Mr Setka said.

Jim Olssen of Carlton, 83, was on a tram going down Swanston St as the wall fell.

"The gusts of wind were very strong," he said.

Swanston St resident and RMIT student Lip Hyean, 23, said: "Many students walk past this wall every day. It's a popular route."

The owner of El Pronto Cafe, Natasha Weiss, 21, was making coffee when the wall collapsed.

"I saw the wall crumble like breadcrumbs from the top down, and fall on a group of people. You could see the panic on everyone's faces by the way they were throwing bricks away," she said.

Police acting inspector Ian Lindsay said no work was going on at the building site when the wall fell.

"It's a matter of being in the wrong place at the wrong time," he said.

"We're unable to identify the pedestrians at the moment, and we believe strong wind gusts made the wall collapse."

Dr Napthine said: "Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the deceased. Our best wishes go to the woman fighting for her life. This is a terrible tragedy."

The brewery has been vacant for more than two decades.

Grocon is creating a $1 billion development of 1500 apartments in three high-rise towers and a major shopping precinct.

But two historic walls at the brewery, which closed in 1987, were protected under heritage rules and so were being incorporated into the development.

Grocon deputy chief Carolyn Viney said it would run its own investigation.

"We extend our sympathies to the families of those killed and to the person injured, and we also thank those who worked at the scene to assist in trying to rescue them," she said.

"This is a terrible tragedy for all concerned."

RMIT said in a tweet: "Our hearts go out to the victims of the wall collapse in Swanston St at the Grocon site."

The university said counselling would be offered to students if they required help.

WorkSafe was investigating the accident.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au

stephen.drill@news.com.au 

- with Stephen Drill, Jon Kaila, James Dowling, Jessica Evans and Brendan Casey

04.30 | 0 komentar | Read More

'Huge thunderclap' as wall collapsed

Two people have been killed and a third seriously injured when a wall collapsed on a busy Melbourne street.

A YOUNG woman was fighting for her life in hospital and two teenagers were dead after a heritage-listed brick wall collapsed on a busy city street.

The 19-year-old woman was in a critical condition after surgery at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

And the State Coroner is investigating the deaths of the male and female teens.

A freak gust of wind caused the three-metre wall to tumble on top of them just before 3pm.

The scene in Swanston St, Carlton, was described as being like a war zone as frantic passers-by scrambled to help free the victims.

Premier Denis Napthine offered sympathy to the teenagers' families.

Emergency crews after the collapse. Picture: Mati Safi/Twitter

Police said they had tragically been in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The historic wall was part of the former CUB brewery, opened in 1858, which building giant Grocon is developing into apartments.

The wall was in Swanston St, between Queensberry and Victoria streets.

Debris was strewn across the footpath, opposite a tram stop frequently used by students from a nearby RMIT University building.

Jonathan Lian, a university student, said the scene was "like a war zone".

Pesestrians rush to help people caught under the horror wall collapse. Picture: Jonathan Lian/Twitter

"There was a huge thunderclap. It was really, really loud, and people were rushing about in all different directions," Mr Lian said.

He said there were about three or four people near the wall when it fell.

"One guy barely got away. There was dust everywhere and they were trying to dig people out. It was chaos."

The brick wall had been reinforced by a wooden hoarding.

But the wall and the timber collapsed under strong winds that, according to the weather bureau's Melbourne weather station, peaked at 57km/h at 3pm.

CFMEU state secretary John Setka said he was among union members who helped lift a wooden hoarding off the victims.

A man and a woman were near each other.

Another woman was at a separate part of the collapsed wall, he said.

He said the CFMEU first-aid staff helped treat the survivor until ambulance officers and firefighters arrived.

The other man and woman appeared to have died instantly, he said.

An aerial shot of the Melbourne CBD wall collapse. Picture: Fred Zhang

"Maybe it was just a freak gust of wind and three poor kids happened to be there," Mr Setka said.

Swanston St resident and RMIT student Lip Hyean, 23, said: "Many students walk past this wall every day. It's a popular route."

The owner of El Pronto Cafe, Natasha Weiss, 21, was making coffee when "I saw the wall crumble like breadcrumbs from the top down, and fall on a group of people. You could see the panic on everyone's faces by the way they were throwing bricks away".

Police acting inspector Ian Lindsay said no work was going on at the building site when the wall fell.

"It's a matter of being in the wrong place at the wrong time," he said.

Building inspectors survey the damage at the site of the collapse. Picture: Mark Dadswell

"We're unable to identify the pedestrians at the moment and we believe strong wind gusts made the wall collapse."

Dr Napthine said: "Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the deceased. Our best wishes go to the woman fighting for her life. This is a terrible tragedy."

The brewery has been vacant for more than 20 years.

Grocon is creating a $1 billion development of 1500 apartments in three high-rise towers and a major shopping precinct.

But two historic walls at the brewery, which closed in 1987, were protected under heritage rules and so were being incorporated into the development.

Grocon deputy chief Carolyn Viney said it would run its own investigation.

"We extend our sympathies to the families of those killed and to the person injured, and we also thank those who worked at the scene to assist in trying to rescue them," she said.

"This is a terrible tragedy for all concerned."

RMIT said in a tweet: "Our hearts go out to the victims of the wall collapse in Swanston St at the Grocon site."
The university said counselling would be offered to students if they required help.

WorkSafe was investigating the accident.

stephen.drill@news.com.au 

04.30 | 0 komentar | Read More

Freak city tragedy kills two teens

Two people have been killed and a third seriously injured when a wall collapsed on a busy Melbourne street.

A YOUNG woman was fighting for her life in hospital and two teenagers were dead after a heritage-listed brick wall collapsed on a busy city street.

The 19-year-old woman was in a critical condition after surgery at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

And the State Coroner is investigating the deaths of the male and female teens.

A freak gust of wind caused the three-metre wall to tumble on top of them just before 3pm.

The scene in Swanston St, Carlton, was described as being like a war zone as frantic passers-by scrambled to help free the victims.

Premier Denis Napthine offered sympathy to the teenagers' families.

Emergency crews after the collapse. Picture: Mati Safi/Twitter

Police said they had tragically been in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The historic wall was part of the former CUB brewery, opened in 1858, which building giant Grocon is developing into apartments.

The wall was in Swanston St, between Queensberry and Victoria streets.

Debris was strewn across the footpath, opposite a tram stop frequently used by students from a nearby RMIT University building.

Jonathan Lian, a university student, said the scene was "like a war zone".

Pesestrians rush to help people caught under the horror wall collapse. Picture: Jonathan Lian/Twitter

"There was a huge thunderclap. It was really, really loud, and people were rushing about in all different directions," Mr Lian said.

He said there were about three or four people near the wall when it fell.

"One guy barely got away. There was dust everywhere and they were trying to dig people out. It was chaos."

The brick wall had been reinforced by a wooden hoarding.

But the wall and the timber collapsed under strong winds that, according to the weather bureau's Melbourne weather station, peaked at 57km/h at 3pm.

CFMEU state secretary John Setka said he was among union members who helped lift a wooden hoarding off the victims.

A man and a woman were near each other.

Another woman was at a separate part of the collapsed wall, he said.

He said the CFMEU first-aid staff helped treat the survivor until ambulance officers and firefighters arrived.

The other man and woman appeared to have died instantly, he said.

An aerial shot of the Melbourne CBD wall collapse. Picture: Fred Zhang

"Maybe it was just a freak gust of wind and three poor kids happened to be there," Mr Setka said.

Swanston St resident and RMIT student Lip Hyean, 23, said: "Many students walk past this wall every day. It's a popular route."

The owner of El Pronto Cafe, Natasha Weiss, 21, was making coffee when "I saw the wall crumble like breadcrumbs from the top down, and fall on a group of people. You could see the panic on everyone's faces by the way they were throwing bricks away".

Police acting inspector Ian Lindsay said no work was going on at the building site when the wall fell.

"It's a matter of being in the wrong place at the wrong time," he said.

Building inspectors survey the damage at the site of the collapse. Picture: Mark Dadswell

"We're unable to identify the pedestrians at the moment and we believe strong wind gusts made the wall collapse."

Dr Napthine said: "Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the deceased. Our best wishes go to the woman fighting for her life. This is a terrible tragedy."

The brewery has been vacant for more than 20 years.

Grocon is creating a $1 billion development of 1500 apartments in three high-rise towers and a major shopping precinct.

But two historic walls at the brewery, which closed in 1987, were protected under heritage rules and so were being incorporated into the development.

Grocon deputy chief Carolyn Viney said it would run its own investigation.

"We extend our sympathies to the families of those killed and to the person injured, and we also thank those who worked at the scene to assist in trying to rescue them," she said.

"This is a terrible tragedy for all concerned."

RMIT said in a tweet: "Our hearts go out to the victims of the wall collapse in Swanston St at the Grocon site."
The university said counselling would be offered to students if they required help.

WorkSafe was investigating the accident.

stephen.drill@news.com.au 

04.30 | 0 komentar | Read More

Freed hostage bans wife from him

Australian former soldier Warren Rodwell thanks Philippine officials, friends and family for their help in his release after being held hostage by Abu Sayyaf militants for 15 months. Jessica Gray reports.

Miraflor Gutang wife of Warren Rodwell. Photo: Supplied Source: Supplied

Australian hostage Warren Rodwell recovers after being released by militants following 15 months in captivity. Picture: AP Source: AP

THE Filipino wife of freed hostage Warren Rodwell - who claimed she had to sell her house to help pay his $94,000 ransom - has been blocked from seeing her estranged husband.

It has emerged that Miraflor Gutang, who was married to Mr Rodwell soon before he went missing, has fled her Mindanao home to seek refuge with family after Mr Rodwell reportedly denied a request to see her.

Ms Gutang, 29, could not be contacted yesterday for comment and sources reported that she was hiding out in Naga City.

The pair is believed to have fallen out before Mr Rodwell was kidnapped and the couple has not spoken to each other since Rodwell was released on Saturday.

Warren Rodwell is released in Pagadian City in the southern Philippines, 15 months after he was taken captive by rebels from the Abu Sayyaf group.

News Limited can also reveal that Filipino investigators and senior officials are looking into the possibility that the high-profile al-Qaida linked group Abu Sayyaf was not involved in Mr Rodwell's 15-month kidnapping ordeal.

Mr Rodwell, who is still recovering from emaciation, has already undergone questioning by detectives from the anti-kidnapping unit who were keen to talk with him as soon as possible about any clues he could provide.

ADFAT spokesman last night said there had been "various claims" about who was responsible for the kidnapping, which had been picked up by media outlets.

Kidnapped man Warren Rodwell has offered his heartfelt thanks to Australian and Filipino authorities.

"The kidnappers made every effort to hide their real identities ... we cannot be certain of the accuracies of these public claims (by the group responsible)," he said.

It is believed that other splinter Islamic groups or opportunistic locals could have targetted Mr Rodwell and this is being investigated by senior Filipino police led by Senior Superintendent Renato Gumban.

DFAT said it would continue to support Mr Rodwell, 54, as he recovers his strength.

They will also provide ongoing assistance for his sister Denise and brother Wayne - who helped co-ordinate and put up the ransom money.

The family of freed Australian hostage Warren Rodwell have thanked Philippine and Australian authorities.

The former Australian soldier could remain in Manila for up to two weeks depending on his health and the Philippines' famous Easter week celebrations - where major government departments and stores across the country shutdown - are also likely to cause some delay.

Sources said Mr Rodwell - who is staying at an undisclosed location - was keen to get back to Australia as soon as possible after his ordeal.

His captors had initially threatened to kill him unless a $US2 million ($1.93) ransom was paid.

Through a strategy of using Mr Rodwell's wife Miraflor as a front for negotiations, the ransom was eventually settled for $94,000 in a deal brokered by Al-Rasheed Sakalahul, the vice-governor of the southern Philippine province of Basilan.

On the weekend, Ms Gutang claimed she had to sell her home, a water filling station and a vehicle to help fund Mr Rodwell's ransom.

Australian hostage Warren Rodwell (C) who was recently released talks arrives at the Manila International Airport in Manila on March 25, 2013. Australian Warren Rodwell said on March 25 he was overwhelmed, happy and thankful at finally being free after 15 months as a hostage of Islamic militants in the southern Philippines. AFP PHOTO/NOEL CELIS Source: AFP

It is believed that Mr Rodwell's Australian based family provided the bulk of the funds.

Mr Rodwell was released by his captorsnear Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur on the weekend.

He was put in a boat in the early hours of the morning and had to paddle his own way to shore.

04.29 | 1 komentar | Read More

Aussies landing in trouble in Dubai

Joining Qantas or Emirates on a flight through Dubai? Here's some of what you need to know to keep yourself out of trouble.

Unsuspecting Australians may find themselves in trouble in Dubai. Picture: AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili Source: National Features

• Number of Aussies travelling through Dubai set to soar
• Fears Aussies could end up landing in trouble
• Leering at women, drinking alcohol in public against the law

DON'T step off the plane and leer at the local women. Definitely don't crack a stubbie as you walk down the street. And whatever you do, don't get too cosy at night on the beach.

Qantas is about to route all of its Europe-bound flights through Dubai, and the tough laws of the United Arab Emirates could catch out many Australian travellers.

Two million Aussies already fly through Dubai each year, but that number is set to soar by the end of the month when Qantas abandons its longstanding Singapore hub because of a new partnership between Qantas and Emirates.

Non-profit group Detained in Dubai, which helps people in legal trouble in the UAE, is concerned the number of Australians inadvertently finding themselves behind bars could skyrocket.

Radha Stirling, founder of the organisation, said many Australians aren't aware of the vastly different laws in the UAE.

Drinking or being drunk in public is a no-no. So is swearing, carrying certain medicines, wearing skimpy clothes, sharing a hotel room with somebody you're not married to, holding hands and even eating in public during Ramadan.

By the way, Ramadan is from July 9 to August 7 this year...

Detained in Dubai raised several examples of Australians who had been jailed in controversial circumstances, including Alicia Gall who was jailed for eight months after complaining of having her drink spiked and being raped by four co-workers at a Dubai hotel in June.

Another example was 32-year-old Australian Sun McKay, who was arrested for swearing in Dubai Airport after being yelled at by a man who later revealed himself as an undercover officer.

"Sun was jailed for months. What guarantees are there that more Australians won't be caught in a similar situation inside the airport?" Ms Stirling said.

Meanwhile, a British couple was jailed for three months in 2008 after having drunken sex on a public beach.

With so many potential pitfalls for the unsuspecting, Detained in Dubai is calling for Qantas to raise awareness.

"We have serious concerns about the safety of Australian travellers," Ms Stirling said. "There are numerous dangers to westerners staying in or transiting through Dubai, and Qantas has yet to communicate how it intends to mitigate these.

"It's time Qantas was pressed to respond to these concerns to guarantee the safety of Australian citizens travelling on our national carrier."

Qantas is entering a partnership with Emirates that will see all flights to Europe go via Dubai. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

But is it really the responsibility of airlines to educate passengers on the laws of foreign countries?

Qantas spokesman Andrew McGinnes said it's up to the individual to research the laws of their destination.

"Different rules apply in many of the countries we fly to, which is the very nature of international travel," Mr McGinnes said.

"We encourage all our passengers – whether they are travelling to Asia or the United States or the UAE – to check the Australian Government's Smart Traveller website so that are fully informed of local laws and customs before they board our aircraft."

However, Ms Stirling said it's just not enough to ensure Australian travellers' safety.

"Information sheets should be handed out at the time of making a reservation and in flight. British nationals are more likely to be arrested in the UAE than in other country and I expect this to be the case for Australians with the new flight plan," she said.

Virgin Australia already has another UAE destination - Abu Dhabi - as a stopover destination via its partnership with Etihad. But the Qantas move will see a lot more Australians pass through the UAE.

Du not du the following in Dubai:

• Kissing: Public displays of affection, such as holding hands and kissing frequently lead to arrest and imprisonment.
• Sex: Sex outside marriage is illegal and can lead to severe criminal sanctions.
• Homosexuality: Homosexual acts are illegal and subject to severe punishment.
• Swearing: Swearing and making rude gestures (such as the middle finger) are criminal acts in the UAE.
• Clothing: Woman's clothing may be considered indecent if it is tight, transparent, above the knee or shows her stomach, shoulders or back.
• Conversation: It is illegal to "harass" women – this includes unwanted conversation and prolonged stares.
• Photos: Taking photographs of people, particularly women, without permission is illegal and can lead to arrest or fines.
• Ramadan: During Ramadan, it is illegal for non-Muslims to eat, drink or smoke in public in front of Muslims between sunrise and sunset.
• Medicines: Many medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia are illegal in the Dubai.
• Drugs: The UAE laws on drugs are extremely strict, and include the death penalty or life in jail.
   

04.29 | 0 komentar | Read More

Knox forced to wait another day

A ruling in Italy's high court is expected in appeal case of Amanda Knox, the US student convicted of murder

AMERICAN student Amanda Knox and her former Italian boyfriend have to wait another day to learn if they must stand trial yet again in Italy for the 2007 murder of her roommate.

Italy's top Court of Cassation put off until Tuesday morning its announcement of its decision on whether to definitively confirm their 2011 acquittals or throw out those verdicts and order what would be the their third trial.

Neither of the two came to court in Rome on Monday to follow the latest stage in their case. Knox was waiting for the decision in her home state of Washington, while her co-defendant and former boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito, stayed in northern Italy to continue his studies.

The court heard six hours of arguments Monday and spent several hours deliberating that and a handful of other cases before announcing it would issue its decision at 10am (8pm AEDT) Tuesday.

Italian prosecutors have asked the high court to throw out the acquittals for the murder of 21-year-old British student Meredith Kercher and order a new trial.

Kercher's body was found in November 2007 in her bedroom of the house she shared with Knox and other roommates in Perugia, an Italian university town with popular with foreign students. Her throat had been slashed.

Prosecutors have alleged that Kercher was the victim of a drug-fueled sex game gone awry Knox and Sollecito have denied wrongdoing, claiming they weren't even in the house the night of the murder.

Amanda Knox pictured at a news conference in Seattle in 2011, after returning home from Italy after an Italian appeals court threw out her murder conviction for the death of her British roommate, Meredith Kercher. Picture: AP Photo/Ted S. Warren

The high court generally gives its rulings the day it hears arguments. But prosecutor general Luigi Riello told reporters that ``in very complex cases, it happens'' that the court takes another day.

A lawyer for Sollecito, Giulia Bongiorno, said the delay perhaps meant the court wanted ''more time to reflect'' before its ruling.

Sollecito's father shrugged off the suspense.

"We have waited so many years, one night is not going to make a difference,'' said Francesco Sollecito after some 12 hours in the courthouse, most of that time spent standing quietly in the back of the courtroom during final pleas by both sides. He said he hadn't yet spoken by phone with his son, who was in the northern city of Verona.

Knox, meanwhile, was waiting anxiously in Seattle to hear if her long legal battle was finally over, or if another chapter still needed to be written.

"She's carefully paying attention to what will come out,'' attorney Luciano Ghirga told reporters. ``This is a fundamental stage. The trial is very complex.''

This is an undated file photo released by the Italian police of 22-year-old murdered British university student Meredith Kercher.

Ghirga had left the courthouse when deliberations began. He had left for the day by the time the court stunned fellow lawyers by saying they'd have to wait another day.

Knox, now 25, and Sollecito, who turns 29 on Tuesday, were arrested shortly after Kercher's body was found in a pool of blood.

In a first trial, both were convicted and given long prison sentences: 26 years for Knox, 25 for Sollecito.

An appeals court acquitted them in 2011, criticizing virtually the entire case mounted by prosecutors. The appellate court noted that the murder weapon was never found, said that DNA tests were faulty and that prosecutors provided no murder motive.

After nearly four years behind bars in Italy, Knox returned to her hometown of Seattle and Sollecito resumed his computer science studies, following the degree he successfully earned while studying in prison.

Knox is now a student at the University of Washington, according to her family spokesman, Dave Marriott.

Amanda Knox is not expected to return to Italy if a retrial is ordered.

Italy's judicial system allows for two levels of appeals, and prosecutors can appeal acquittals.

Although the court on Monday heard gruesome details, including how Kercher choked on her own blood, it will not rule on the guilt or innocence of the defendants. Its sole task is to decide if the appellate trial was properly conducted.

If the Cassation Court upholds the acquittals, that ends the case for Knox and Sollecito.

But if it agrees with prosecutors that the appellate court erred - for instance, by not allowing sufficient forensic evidence tests, as Riello contended in court Monday - it throws out the acquittals.

It would then order a new appeals trial. In that case, that trial would be held by an appellate court in Florence, since the smaller town of Perugia only has one appellate court and it cannot hear the same case again.

Should a new trial be ordered, Italian law cannot compel Knox to return. The appellate court hearing the case could declare her in contempt of court but that carries no additional penalties.

It is unclear what would happen if she was convicted in a new appeals trial.

"If the court orders another trial, if she is convicted at that trial and if the conviction is upheld by the highest court, then Italy could seek her extradition,'' Knox's lawyer Carlo Dalla Vedova said.

Italy is not obliged to seek her extradition but it could decide to do so. It would then be up to the United States to decide if it honors the request. U.S. and Italian authorities could also come to a deal that would keep Knox in the United States.

Riello, the prosecutor general, argued before the court that there were ample reasons "not to bring down the curtain on the case.''

Riello contended the appellate court was too dismissive in casting aside DNA evidence that led to the conviction in the lower court, arguing that another trial could make way for more definitive testing.

An attorney for Kercher family members also argued for a new trial. The lawyer, Francesco Maresca, contended that the appellate court tried to have it both ways by saying that it didn't have the scientific expertise to decide the worth of forensic evidence but also deciding which tests to order.

The Kercher family didn't attend Monday's hearing.

Defence attorneys said they were confident the acquittals would be upheld.

"We know Raffaele Sollecito is innocent,'' said his attorney, Giulia Bongiorno, who called the entire case "`an absurd judicial process.''

Before the court, Bongiorno argued there was an ``unending series of errors by scientific police'' in how they handled evidence in the case, including the fact that the crime scene had been disturbed ``and possibly contaminated'' during the investigation.

Bongiorno noted that a key piece of evidence - a clasp from Kercher's bra -- had been found 1 meter (yard) away from its original position in the bedroom when police forensic experts had gone back to the crime scene 47 days after their original inspection.

A young man from Ivory Coast, Rudy Guede, was convicted of the slaying in a separate proceeding and is serving a 16-year sentence. Kercher's family has resisted theories that Guede acted alone.

The same court also heard arguments in Knox's appeal of her slander conviction for having accused, after police interrogation, a local pub owner of carrying out the killing. The man was held for two weeks based on her allegations, but was then released for lack of evidence.

Riello argued that conviction should stand because "you cannot drag in an innocent person while exercising your right to a defence.''

Knox's lawyer Dalla Vedova said the slander verdict should be thrown out because she was questioned without a lawyer even though police essentially treated Knox as a suspect in their 14 hour interrogation session.

"The girl was confused, worn out,'' her lawyer told the court. Dalla Vedova added that while Knox was alone, 36 investigators signed the interrogation sheet.

Because of time served in prison before the appeals level acquittals, Knox didn't have to serve any time for the slander conviction.

04.29 | 0 komentar | Read More

Voters dump Labor over Rudd farce

Voters have condemned the ALP after last week's aborted leadership challenge. Picture: Stefan Postles/Getty Source: Getty Images

LABOR'S ranks would be cut in half if the election were held now, with support for the Government plunging to a 12-month low and Julia Gillard's approval rating tumbling after last week's leadership turmoil.

With six months to the election, voters have embraced Tony Abbott and condemned the ALP for the farce that ended in a leadership spill that Kevin Rudd did not contest.

Today's Newspoll, published in The Australian, shows the Coalition with a massive 20-point lead on primary vote with its support up six points to 50 per cent.

Labor fell four points to 30 per cent and the Greens were down a point to 10 per cent.

After preferences, it puts the Coalition ahead 58 to 42 per cent.

That would mean an eight-point swing from the last election and, if repeated across the board on September 14, Labor would lose 35 seats and have only 37 MPs left in the House of Representatives - even worse than Paul Keating's 1996 defeat.

The latest Newspoll shows Julia Gillard is fast losing popularity while her government faces a wipeout.

Newspoll shows Ms Gillard's satisfaction rating dived six points to a 13-month low of 26 per cent but her dissatisfaction rating soared eight to 68 per cent.

Mr Abbott's ratings were his best since September 2011, with his approval rating up three points to 39 per cent and dissatisfaction rating down five to 50 per cent.

Mr Abbott's approval rating is 13 points ahead of Ms Gillard's.

He also jumped in front as preferred PM, rising five points to 43 per cent as Ms Gillard crashed seven points to 35 per cent.

Ms Gillard this afternoon said she did not comment on opinion polls.

''I don't comment on opinion polls but I don't think anybody in the country needs an opinion poll to tell them Labor had a truly appalling week,'' she said.

''For us that week is over, the government has always had a sense of purpose, now it has a sense of unity.''

June 24, 2010

Gillard becomes Australia's first female Prime Minister after challenging Kevin Rudd. The incident becomes known as the 'knifing' of Rudd.

August 2, 2010

The PM says it's time voters had a chance to see the "real Julia". The move backfires when people ask: if it's now time to see the real Julia, who was she before?

December 15, 2010

At least 30 asylum seekers die when their ramshackle boat breaks up after being tossed against cliffs in rough seas off Christmas Island. The incident reignites debate about boat arrivals in Australia.

January 2011

Gillard visits flood-ravaged Queensland, and is criticised by some commentators for lack of warmth. Her one-off flood levy to help Queenslanders recover is highly controversial.

February 24, 2011

Gillard breaks an election promise in announcing a carbon tax. Tony Abbott slams the announcement as "an utter betrayal of the Australian people".

March 21, 2011

Gillard cops flack when she reveals she is opposed to gay marriage and, despite being an atheist, that she thinks it's important for people to understand the Bible.

March 23, 2011

A carbon tax protest rally led by Tony Abbott in Canberra turns personal when anti-government demonstrators start chanting "ditch the bitch". Placards at the rally read "Ju-Liar" and "Bob Brown's bitch".

May 7, 2011

The Gillard Government announces it is close to signing the "Malaysia Solution". Issues surrounding human rights and unaccompanied children then dog the government.

May 18, 2011

The Prime Minister flicks the switch on the National Broadband Network on mainland Australia. Many commentators and the Opposition call it waste of money but Gillard says naysayers are out of touch.

May 30, 2011

The government suspends live exports after Four Corners exposes brutal mistreatment of Australian cattle in Indonesian slaughterhouses. Pastoralists' livelihoods suffer as their cattle remain in limbo.

June 15, 2011

Newspoll shows support for Julia Gillard has crashed to a record low of just 30 per cent. The figure is lower than Kevin Rudd's was when she replaced him.

September 27, 2011

Kevin Rudd adds fuel to leadership speculation when he makes a gaffe on ABC Radio: "I'm a very happy little vegemite being prime minister ... being foreign minister of Australia."

November 23, 2011

The mining tax is passed after parliament sits late into the night. The Opposition vows to repeal the tax if elected and accuses the Government of secretive "backdoor deals".

November 24, 2011

Canberra is stunned by a deal installing Peter Slipper, a member of the Queensland Liberals, as Speaker of the House of Representatives. It shores up the government's numbers but the ousting of Harry Jenkins, a popular and effective Speaker, is seen has harsh.

December 2, 2011

Gillard is widely criticised for "airbrushing" Kevin Rudd from ALP history at the party's National Conference in Sydney.

January 22, 2012

Gillard reneges on a deal with key independent Andrew Wilkie to introduce measures to tackle problem gambling. Wilkie pulls his support from the government in retaliation. The move puts a new complexion on the installation of Slipper as Speaker.

January 26, 2012

One of Gillard's key advisors is forced to resign after admitting he tipped off Aboriginal activists to incorrect reports that Tony Abbott wanted to close the tent embassy.

February 24, 2012

Kevin Rudd announces he will contest the leadership, saying Gillard has lost the confidence of the Australian people.

February 27, 2012

Gillard retains the top job after winning the challenge 71-31, but it comes at a cost as Mark Arbib resigns.

March 26, 2012

Queensland Labor is stunned with a landslide state election reducing the party to a rump in the parliament. Gillard says she respects the "shouted" message from voters, but rejects claims it serves as a warning to her own Government.

April 23, 2012

The PM is forced to defend her decision to appoint Peter Slipper as Speaker after allegations he abused his Cabcharge account and sexually harassed a former adviser.

April 29, 2012

Gillard accepts Craig Thompson's resignation and stands Peter Slipper aside indefinitely. She says the scandals have "crossed a line", but some commentators see it as another complete U-turn.

May 8, 2012

Voters were unconvinced by Gillard's 2012 Federal Budget offering $5 billion in cost-of-living offset measures to counteract the impact of the Carbon Tax.

May 9, 2012

Gillard said she was "deeply disturbed" that a three-year investigation by Fair Work Australia found suspended Labor MP Craig Thomson had spent almost $500,000 of union members' funds on prostitutes, fine dining, hotels, cash withdrawals, air travel and electioneering.

May 10, 2012

Gillard declared that US President Barak Obama's support for same-sex marriage would not change her own view on the issue.

June 21, 2012

About 90 asylum seekers were lost at sea after a boat capsized north-west of Christmas Island. Rescue attempts successfully pulled 109  out of the water.

June 28, 2012

A second asylum-seeking vessel sank, claiming the lives of at least four people. Merchant and naval vessels rescued 125.

August 12, 2012

Gillard was forced into a major back-down by announcing the Government would nominate Nauru and Manus Island to be reopened as offshore processing facilities for asylum seekers.

August 18, 2012

It was revealed Julia Gillard had been under investigation when she resigned from her law firm Slater and Gordon in 1995. Questions had been raised about work she had done for her then boyfriend,  a union boss accused of corruption.

August 23, 2012

The Australian reveals that Gillard admitted that the entity she set up for Wilson was a slush fund to raise cash for the re-election of union officials. Gillard breaks her silence, denying any wrongdoing and declaring the story is part of a sexist internet smear campaign.

October 9, 2012

A fiery speech by Prime Minister Julia Gillard slamming Opposition Leader Tony Abbott for being a misogynist gains global attention.

November 11, 2012

Wayne Hem swears in a statutory declaration that he made the Gillard payment and other payments after being instructed to do so by Bruce Wilson.

November 15, 2012

The Australian reveals that former AWU official Helmut Gries, who first raised concerns that union money may have been spent on Gillard's renovations, now doubts that version of events.

January 28, 2013

First bloke Tim Mathieson attracts the wrong sort of attention for the following comment: "We can get a blood test for (prostate cancer), but the digital examination is the only true way to get a correct reading on your prostate, so make sure you go and do that, and perhaps look for a small Asian female doctor is probably the best way."

January 30, 2013

Prime Minister Julia Gillard announces a September 14 election date, initiating one of the longest campaigns in Australian history.

January 31, 2103

Former Labor MP Craig Thomson is arrested at his electoral office on the NSW Central Coast and is charged with 150 offences relating to allegedly fraudulent use of union funds at the Health Services Union.

February 2, 2013

Ministers Nicola Roxon and Chris Evans announce their resignations ahead of the election.

February 19, 2013

Greens leader Christine Milne announces the end of her party's minority government agreement with Labor over its failed mining tax. The Greens will continue to offer supply until the September election.

February 26, 2013

A Newspoll published in The Australian shows a five-point drop in support for Julia Gillard as preferred Prime Minister, giving Opposition Leader Tony Abbott a four point lead of 40 to 36 per cent. Last November, Ms Gillard enjoyed a 14-point lead in the preferred PM stakes.

March 3, 2013

Julia Gillard begins a five-day stay in western Sydney where she tries to increase her appeal with a disillusioned electorate through promises to tighten the rules around the 457 Visas, giving $1 billion for the WestConnex road project for the M4 and a $50 million promise of federal funds for the Warragamba Dam.

March 9, 2013

Stephen Smith's comments about federal Labor's woes having an impact on Liberal Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett's landslide victory reportedly leave the PM fuming. Similar comments made by ex- Labor Minister, Alannah MacTiernan about the electoral massacre Labor faced with Julia Gillard as leader days later, further inflamed the situation and sparked a fresh round of leadership speculation.

March 11, 2013

A Newspoll published in The Australian shows that Labor's overall approval support rose three points to 34 per cent while the Coalition fell three points to 44 per cent. Ms Gillard regained her lead over Tony Abbott as preferred Prime Minister 42 to 38 per cent. Later that day, several members of the public were booted out of the federal parliament during question for heckling the prime minister and calling her a "moll" and "Ju-liar".

March 12, 2013

Bill Shorten rules out taking over from Julia Gillard as Labor MPs meet to find a circuit breaker to the crisis around the party leadership. Meanwhile, Communications Minister Stephen Conroy announces a raft of controversial new media reforms which the government wants to pass parliament by the end of the following week.

March 16, 2013

Labor MPs warn controversial media laws should be scrapped if they fail to pass parliament because they would be a dead weight ahead of an election.

March 18, 2013

Kevin Rudd surges ahead of Julia Gillard as preferred Labor leader according to a Nielsen poll. 62 per cent of voters named Mr Rudd as preferred Labor leader, over Ms Gillard (31 per cent). Labor's primary vote also drops back to 31 per cent.

March 19, 2013

Julia Gillard's key backers challenge Kevin Rudd's numbers men to "reveal names" after disputing their claims the former PM was close to having the numbers in caucus behind him to take back the leadership. Mr Rudd ruled out that he would run for the leadership by Friday.

March 21, 2013

Simon Crean calls on the PM to call a spill of all leadership positions to ''end the stalemate'', and Julia Gillard calls a ballot for 4.30 that day. Kevin Rudd announced he would not challenge for the leadership, and Ms Gillard was re-elected unopposed.

March 22, 2013

Cabinet ministers Chris Bowen and Martin Ferguson, senior minister Kim Carr, parliamentary secretary Richard Marles and three whips - Joel Fitzgibbon, Ed Husic and Janelle Saffin - all resigned in the wake of the botched attempt to roll the Prime Minister. Simon Crean was also sacked by Ms Gillard for his role in the attempted spill.

Foreign Minister Bob Carr believes voters don't want a Coalition government led by Tony Abbott, despite the Newspoll showing otherwise.

''But they are being driven into the Liberal camp and into Abbott's column by Labor's behaviour,'' he told Sky News from New York.

The challenge for Labor was to put the events of last week ''thoroughly behind it'' and have a conversation with the Australian people.

Senator Carr cited the government's achievements including the creation of nearly one million jobs, a $2.2 billion commitment to mental health and historically-low inflation that meant cash in the pockets and bank accounts of families.

''We just need to ram home these achievements and the risk to them from a change of government in September.''

Finance Minister Penny Wong today said she is not surprised Labor is trailing the Coalition.

''If you have a week like we had, where you are clearly focused on your internals and not doing what's best for Australians then voters will indicate their view about that,'' she told ABC radio.

''I share their view.

''It was not the best week the government's ever had,'' she said.

New cabinet minister Gary Gray, a former ALP national secretary, said Labor was in a similar predicament in late 1992.

That was when the country had become ''completely fascinated'' by then Opposition Leader John Hewson and his Fightback policy.

''What the Labor Party did was retreat to its own core values, produce its own policy framework and win in 1993,'' he told ABC radio.

Mr Gray said it was true last week was a terrible one, with Ms Gillard again forced to fight for her job.

''The Prime Minister's own leadership and her strength and her unquestioned leadership of the Labor Party is a great asset for our party,'' he said.

Cabinet minister Craig Emerson said recent internal destabilisation played a role in Labor's poor standing with voters.

''I'm not going to say that every opinion poll is exclusively the result of destabilisation,'' he told Sky News.

''But I can say this ... it doesn't help at all.''

Now the leadership crisis was behind it, Labor had an opportunity to re-enter ''the contest of ideas'' with the Coalition.

But Senior Liberal George Brandis dismissed that view, saying sacked cabinet minister Simon Crean was still publicly voicing his concerns about the direction of the party.

Last week the government was ''chaotic, divided and dysfunctional'' and the disunity was wearing on the electorate.

''The public get one of the basic truths of politics,'' Senator Brandis said.

''If you can't govern yourselves, you can't govern the country.''

Ms Gillard yesterday unveiled her new front bench, vowed there would be "no tolerance" for any disloyalty and declared she was appalled by self-indulgent disunity.

"Like Australians around the nation, I was appalled by the events of last week," Ms Gillard said.

"My political party, the Labor Party that I love very dearly, was self-indulgent ... it was an unseemly display but out of that has come clarity."

Ms Gillard's sixth reshuffle in three years sees a record 10 women in the ministry of 30 with Ballarat MP Catherine King, Sharon Bird from NSW and Jan McLucas from Queensland promoted as junior ministers and getting a pay rise from $238,187 to $300,116.

The Cabinet was cut from 21 to 20, with extra roles for Craig Emerson, who adds Tertiary Education to Trade, and Rudd supporter Anthony Albanese adding Regional Development to Infrastructure and Transport.

Two new Cabinet faces are former Woodside executive Gary Gray, who takes Resources and Energy, Tourism and Small Business, and Jason Clare, who has the same portfolio of Home Affairs and Cabinet Secretary. They get a $28,582 pay rise.

But a sign of the political carnage Labor has suffered over the past five years is the 10 ex-Cabinet ministers sitting on the back bench.

Victoria loses three ministers who backed Mr Rudd - Martin Ferguson and Simon Crean from Cabinet, who will have their pay slashed from $328,698 to $190,550, and junior minister Kim Carr.

Ms King becomes Minister for Regional Services, Local Communities and Road Safety, while Melbourne Ports MP Michael Danby is promoted to parliamentary secretary for the arts.

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, has been given extra Cabinet duties as Special Minister of State.

The federal Coalition says Labor's latest cabinet reshuffle is a sign of an ''end-stage government'' that has run out of capable people to fill crucial positions.

Liberal senator George Brandis says the PM has resorted to forming ''super ministries'' and heaping responsibility on a few senior MPs because of a lack of talent.

Bundling together trade and education, two of the ''great departments of state'', because of a lack of ''heavyweight people'' for the roles was a mistake, he added.

Senator Brandis said Dr Emerson had effectively become a ''part-time'' trade minister.

The promotion to the junior ministry of senators Don Farrell and Jan McLucas and MPs Sharon Bird and Catherine King sent a message.

''None of these people were capable of being promoted to cabinet,'' Senator Brandis told Sky News today.

''This is what happens to an end-stage government - you just run out of people.''

But Ms Gillard said she was ''spoilt for choice'' when considering the reshuffle.

''Fortunately, federal Labor has a depth of talent,'' she told ABC radio.

phillip.hudson@news.com.au

 - with AAP

04.29 | 0 komentar | Read More

No radiation in Russian tycoon death

Police cordon off roads near the UK home of Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky, who was found dead in "unclear" circumstances.

The Russian tycoon was reportedly found dead at his London home. Picture: AP/Sang Tan Source: AP

RADIATION experts found no hazardous materials in their search of the property where former Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky's body was found.

British police are investigating the unexplained death of the self-exiled tycoon who had a bitter falling out with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Berezovsky, who fled to Britain in the early 2000s, was found dead on Saturday at the property in Ascot, a town 40 kilometers west of London. He was 67, and Thames Valley police say his death is being treated as "unexplained."

Police said on Sunday that officers specially trained in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear materials have given the scene the "all clear."

"Officers found nothing of concern in the property and we are now progressing the investigation as normal," a statement from police said, adding that the majority of the cordon put in place around the property has now been lifted.

A mathematician-turned-Mercedes dealer, Berezovsky amassed his wealth during Russia's chaotic privatization of state assets in the early 1990s.

Once a member of Russian President Boris Yeltsin's inner circle, Berezovsky fell out with Yeltsin's successor, Putin, and fled Britain to escape fraud charges that he said were politically motivated.

He became a strident and frequent critic of Putin, accusing the leader of ushering in a dictatorship, and accused the security services of organizing the 1999 apartment house bombings in Moscow and two other Russian cities that became a pretext for Russian troops to sweep into Chechnya for the second war there in half a decade.

Putin's spokesman acknowledged on Sunday that the Russian president considered Berezovsky an enemy with clearly stated intentions to fight.

"We know for certain that he spared no expense in support of processes, within Russia and beyond, that could be said to have been directed against Russia and Putin," spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on the independent cable television channel Rain. "He definitely was Putin's opponent, and unfortunately not only his political opponent, but most likely in other dimensions as well."

In recent years, Berezovsky fended off legal attacks that often bore political undertones - and others that bit into his fortune.

Russia repeatedly sought to extradite on Berezovksy on a wide variety of criminal charges, and the tycoon vehemently rejected allegations over the years that he was linked to several deaths, including that of slain journalist Anna Politkovskaya and ex-KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko.

Berezovsky won a libel case in 2010 against a Kremlin-owned broadcaster that aired a show in which it was suggested he was behind the poisoning of Litvinenko, who had fled Russia with Berezovsky's help after accusing officials there of plotting to assassinate political opponents.

Hi son-in-law, Egor Schuppe, said Berezovsky was depressed and had failed to keep in touch with friends and acquaintances, broadcaster Russia Today reported.

The tycoon was involved in a bitter multi-million pound legal battle with fellow tycoon and Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich last year.

He sought more than $A4.39 billion in damages from Abramovich after accusing his rival of blackmail, breach of trust and breach of contract.

He lost the case and subsequently agreed to pay Abramovich $51.23 million in legal costs.

Berezovsky also ran up $365,898 in costs in a legal battle with his former partner, Elena Gorbunova, with whom he had two children.

Berezovsky's colourful past is likely to prompt intense speculation about his death - he was paranoid about plots against his life, and in 1995 he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt that decapitated his driver.

His lawyer told Russian state television that he had been informed by contacts in London that Berezovsky had killed himself.

"Berezovsky has been in a terrible state as of late. He was in debt. He felt destroyed,'' said Dobrovinsky. "He was forced to sell his paintings and other things.''

However, the oligarch's friend Demyan Kudryavtsev firmly denied that Berezovsky had killed himself.

"No! This is not so!'' he was quoted as saying by the Prime news agency in Russia.

"Nobody knows this. There are no external signs of a suicide. There are no signs that he injected himself or swallowed any pills. No one knows why his heart stopped.''

Born January 23, 1946, in Moscow, Berezovsky trained in forestry and worked as an academic for nearly two decades before becoming one of the super-rich oligarchs who dominated Russia in the 1990s.

04.29 | 0 komentar | Read More

We miss our brave brother

Steve and Sandy Matthews of Spring Bluff, near Murphy's Creek, who died after being swept away in floodwaters. Source: Supplied Source: Supplied

Sam Matthews (right) with sisters Sarah Norman (left), Victoria Matthews and brother Dan. Picture: Mark Calleja Source: The Courier-Mail

• Sam Matthews awarded posthumous Bravery Medal
• The 20-year-old saved sister in the 2011 Queensland Floods
• He died in a freak fire six months later

HE knew his mum and dad were dead but he kept going to save his little sister.

Sam Matthews couldn't help his parents Steve and Sandy, who were swept to their deaths in the Queensland 2011 floods, but his actions ensured his then-15-year-old sister Victoria survived.

Sam, who died in a freak fire six months later, is today being recognised for his heroic actions with a posthumous Bravery Medal from Governor-General Quentin Bryce.

His oldest sister Sarah Norman said the 20-year-old's actions during the Lockyer Valley floods had been "extraordinary" in the circumstances.

"(News of the award) made me kind of sit down and get a bit teary," she said.

"Just that he's being recognised on such a large scale for his actions was a bit of a surprise but he deserves it.

"Sam was so humble and it's just a shame that he couldn't be here to receive it himself so that he could understand that what he did was so fantastic."

When an "inland tsunami" smashed into their Spring Bluff home on January 10, Sam pushed Victoria up into the roof cavity - as water raged around them - before going back to help his parents.

But when the water surged, a wall collapsed and a lounge blocked his way, he could not reach them.

"When I first saw the house I thought they were all dead," Ms Norman said.

"To see him I was comforted to know that he and Victoria were OK but when he signalled that Mum and Dad were in the water I immediately knew that they were dead, so he too would have known that at that point.

"But he looked after Victoria. He was a wreck, we were all a wreck, but he did what he could."

Sam Matthews after the flood Source:

When the water slightly subsided Sam climbed out of the ceiling and signalled to his sister Sarah, who was on higher ground.

He then crossed the swollen creek and secured a snatch-trap to allow others to cross before setting off on foot to find his parents.

The bodies of Steve, 56, and Sandy, 46, were later found near each other, about 2km from their home.

Ms Norman, 28, said her brother had just started to recover from those traumatic events when he was killed in a blaze at Murphys Creek, days shy of his 21st birthday.

"He had just gotten to a point where he was starting to look upwards a bit," she said.

"We'd had a lot of really good talks after the floods and moved through a lot of things.

"I'm glad he got to that point at least but it was sad that after doing so well he has died."

A week before his death Sam told News Limited that he had bought a block of land and planned to build there.

"Every day has its struggles," he said.

"I was thrown in the deep end with buying (the land).

"I don't know if I was ready for it but you just have to be ready for it. It's a big responsibility I guess."

Sam Matthews with father Steve (left) and brother Dan (right). Photo: Supplied. Source: Supplied

Ms Norman said she was "gutted" by Sam's shock death.

"With mum and dad it was hugely sad but you kind of had this sense of reason - we thought at least they were together," she said.

"But with Sam there was just nothing. He died in a fire in a paddock. When we went to the property (where he died) that day I was totally empty. I just sat there in the car. I couldn't move. I didn't know how to react. There was no emotion to go with how I felt. I couldn't comprehend.

"It was our lowest. We went to all of these low places (after the flood) and didn't think we could go any lower - we just didn't expect it."

Ms Norman, her siblings - Victoria, now 18, and Dan Matthews, 30 - and their families are still struggling to move on from their unimaginable grief.

"It's seriously changed all of our lives forever. We're never going to go back to a stage where we can feel like we're living a life close to what we had previously," she said.

"Post floods and post Sam's death we keep moving but everything in our lives has changed and it's nice to have some acknowledgement of things that happened at that time because it had such a big impact on our lives.

"So it's nice that Sam's being recognised, even after all of this time, because what he did was so big and if he were still alive (the events of January 10) would still be affecting his life."

Sarah Norman with husband Jethro and children (from left) Israel, Eleanor and Vera, at their Toowoomba home. Photo: Megan Slade. Source: The Courier-Mail

Today The Australian Bravery Decorations Council is awarding one Star of Courage, 19 Bravery Medals, 50 Commendations for Brave Conduct and 15 Group Bravery Citations.

Many nominations considered by the council were for individual who demonstrated courage and determination in the face of one of the worst floods in Australia's history.

Ms Bryce said national bravery awards recognised the heroic actions of those who put the safety and lives of others before their own.

"We are privileged to have such role models in our society, and it is an honour to be able to recognise their acts of selfless bravery and thank them publicly for their brave actions," she said.

Follow @itsKShort or email kristin.shorten@news.com.au

04.29 | 0 komentar | Read More