Citizen lame: Aussies struggle on test

Australians were given the chance to sit our own citizenship exam. Source: Supplied

AUSTRALIANS know their history and culture, but when it comes to our legal system, we struggle to reach the bar.

Earlier it was revealed that New Zealanders and Britons seeking Australian citizenship performed worse on the exam than every major European nation.

News Limited polled 4788 readers on a sample exam provided by the Department of Immigration.

While most performed well answering questions on Australia's history and beliefs, other struggled with the section of government and the law.

Less than 54 per cent knew that the judicial arm of government had the power to interpret and apply laws.

And one in five believed it was the role of the Governor-General to appoint a head of state.

Many people struggled to identify the role of our Governor General Quentin Bryce. Picture: Kym Smith Source: The Daily Telegraph

And only 53 per cent was aware that each state had its own constitution.

See the full breakdown of results below.

According to official figures released by the Department of Immigration after an application under the Freedom of Information Act, applicants with Swedish citizenship recorded the highest scores during 2011-12 at 98.1 per cent. 

They were followed by followed by the Netherlands 97.6 per cent, Finland, 97.5 per cent, France, 97.4 per cent and Switzerland 97.4.

With an average score of 72.6 per cent, New Zealanders were among the least knowledgeable about Australia and those from Britain ranked 18th with a score of 95.6 per cent.

Adelaide University Associate Professor in history and politics Paul Sendziuk said it was not unusual that wealthy countries and those where English was spoken would score better. But he said it seemed people with British and New Zealand citizenship had been too laidback when they took the test.

THE RESULTS

Q1. What do we remember on Anzac Day?

The landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps at Gallipoli, Turkey,98.7%
The arrival of the first free settlers from Great Britain,0.4%
The landing of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove,0.9%

Q2. What are the colours of the Australian Aboriginal Flag?

Black, red and yellow,98.0%
Green, white and black,1.3%
Blue, white and green,0.7%

Q3. Which official symbol of Australia identifies Commonwealth property?

The national anthem,0.6%
Australia's national flower,1.5%
Commonwealth Coat of Arms,97.9%

Q4. Which of these statements about Australia's system of government is correct?

The Queen of Australia chooses people to form the Australian Parliament,0.3%
The government is elected by the people,96.5%
The Prime Minister chooses our Members of Parliament,3.1%

Q5. Which of these is an example of freedom of speech?

People can peacefully protest against government decisions,92.5%
Men and women are treated equally in a court of law,4.2%
Australians are free to not follow a religion,3.3%

Q6. Which of these statements about government in Australia is correct?

The government does not allow some religions,2.1%
Government in Australia is secular,93.3%
Religious laws are passed by parliament,4.6%

Q7. Which of these is an example of equality in Australia?

Everyone follows the same religion,0.0%
Men and women have the same rights,99.8%
Everyone belongs to the same political party,0.1%

Q8. Which of these is a responsibility of Australian citizens aged 18 years or over?

To attend local council meetings,0.0%
To vote in elections,99.7%
To have a current Australian passport,0.2%

Q9. Which of these is a responsibility of Australian citizens aged 18 years or over?

To do local community service,0.1%
To carry a passport at all times,0.1%
To serve on a jury if called to do so,99.8%

Q10. Which of these statements about passports is correct?

Australian citizens can apply for an Australian passport,91.3%
Permanent residents can hold an Australian passport,6.1%
Australian citizens need a passport and visa to return to Australia,2.6%

Q11. Which of these statements about voting in Australian elections is correct?

People are free and safe to vote for any candidate,99.5%
Voting is by a show of hands,0.1%
People must write their name on their vote,0.4%

Q12. What happened in Australia on 1 January 1901?

The Australian Constitution was changed by a referendum,9.1%
The Australian Constitution came into effect,88.8%
The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps was formed,2.1%

Q13. What is the name of the legal document that sets out the rules for the government of Australia?

The Australian Federation,4.4%
The Australian Commonwealth,5.7%
The Australian Constitution,89.9%

Q14. What is a referendum?

A vote to change the government,9.3%
A vote to change the Australian Constitution,89.2%
A vote to change the Prime Minister,1.6%

Q15. Which arm of government has the power to interpret and apply laws?

Legislative,43.0%
Executive,3.1%
Judicial,53.9%

Q16. Which of these is a role of the Governor-General?

The appointment of state premiers,3.6%
The signing of Bills passed by the Australian Parliament,76.5%
The appointment of the Head of State,20.0%

Q17. Which of these statements about state governments is correct?

All states have the same constitution,17.1%
Each state has its own constitution,53.1%
The states have no constitution,29.8%

Q18. What is the name given to the party or coalition of parties with the second largest number of members in the House of Representatives?

The Government,3.8%
The Opposition,91.2%
The Senate,5.1%

Q19. What is the name of a proposal to make a law in parliament?

Royal Assent,1.3%
Bill,97.0%
Debate,1.7%

Q20. Who maintains peace and order in Australia?

Answer Options,"Response Percent","Response Count"
Public servants,1.2%
Police,98.8%
Lawyers,0.1%

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Cyclone Oswald bears down on north

FAR North Queensland is braced for widespread flooding with Tropical Cyclone Oswald expected to dump torrential rain in coming days.

Oswald, a category 1 cyclone, has formed in the southeastern Gulf of Carpentaria at 4.50pm with forecasters predicting days of torrential rain as far south as Mackay.

Packing wind gusts up to 90km/h, Cyclone Oswald is expected to continue moving northeast and remain a category 1 cyclone before crossing the coast between Aurukun and Kowanyama tonight.

Heavy rainfall that may lead to flooding is likely in areas between Karumba and Torres Strait, including Mornington Island, today and will persist into Tuesday, the weather bureau says.

As the cyclone crosses the coast, a storm tide is expected in coastal areas between about Kowanyama and Weipa. Large waves may produce minor flooding along the foreshore.

Earlier, The Courier-Mail reported that the latest forecast shows a tropical low developing into a category-one cyclone about 4pm today before hitting the coast near Kowanyama about 10pm.

It is expected to cross Cape York as a low before veering south towards Cooktown bringing intensifying heavy rainfall across a large swathe of the north including Cairns.

Check out the Summer Weather Survival Guide

Viv Sinnamon, in Kowanyama, said most of the roads had been cut with rivers and creeks rising under more than 33m of rain since 9am.

He said Aboriginal rangers were out in the 1200-strong community doing the final cyclone preparations with diesel and food stockpiled.

"We live for this stuff," said Mr Sinnamon. "It's part of nature's cycle."

He said tourist camps and barramundi lodges had been closed since the end of last year with a few locals part of a pre-cyclone exodus to Cairns over the weekend.

The low is situated 115km north of Mornington Island in the Gulf of Carpentaria and has brought heavy rains to the state's gulf country and the far north.

Check the weather where you are

A cyclone warning is in place for coastal communities from Karumba to the tip of Cape York, including Mornington Island.

Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Brett Harrison said the system was expected to become a cyclone.

Forecasts have it making landfall somewhere between about Weipa and Kowanyama.

"It is expected to move over the land throughout the day," Mr Harrison told ABC radio.

"It's a pretty strong monsoon that is affecting all of the Gulf of Carpentaria with heavy rainfall, pretty damaging winds and also abnormally high tides."

"There's some pretty dangerous weather about, particularly parts of the west coast of the peninsula and the gulf country."

In southeast Queensland, morning clouds and scattered showers should clear by early afternoon.

A top temperature of 31C is predicted for Brisbane, 30C on the Sunshine Coast and 29C on the Gold Coast.

Mr Narramore said similar patterns are expected with showers and cloudy mornings forecast for the coming days.

In other news...

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Sunrise in damage control over rally

Sunrise host David Koch has sparked a backlash from mums over breastfeeding in public.

DAVID Koch has defended his stance on breastfeeding on air this morning apologising for those who were offended by his remark and said he does not 'mind women who sunbake topless.'

"When you're at a public swimming pool and you pull your top down it does show a lot of flesh," he said on Sunrise this morning.

Police on standby as angry women prepare to march on David Koch

"I don't mind if women sunbake topless as long as they don't do it between the flags in a high traffic area."

David Koch with the blank backdrop this morning as protesters gather at the front of the studio. Source: The Daily Telegraph

A breastfeeding mother was a guest on the show. She said: "I think your comment was well-intentioned but by saying women should cover up is like saying we should be ashamed."

The Perch: Good onya mums

Koch was quick to respond, "I apologise if you feel that way."

"It's important for women to be aware of their environment," he said.

"You've got to show respect to others."

Mothers at the rally. Picture: John Grainger Source: The Daily Telegraph

Kochie took a while to face the rally of waiting mothers and argued his defence from the studio.

"He needn't be afraid to come out. I'm here because I don't want his opinion to make breast feeding a more anxious experience," Rachael Pollock of Monavale said.

"My eight week old  Inara had a tongue tie issue at birth which made it harder for her to latch, and having to cover her up makes latching a lot harder which I don't need.

Some mothers do share his opinion but he should be more cautious in the way he puts it across."

Eventually flanked by a large security contingent Kochie fronted mothers alongside fellow presenter Natalie Barr and Weekend Sunrise host Samantha Armytage.

On air he had a quick chat and happily received his framed breast feeding montage from Victoria Brookman.

Mothers at the rally. Picture: John Grainger Source: The Daily Telegraph

With a quick round of applause the breastfeeding campaigners showed their appreciation before he was off back to the studio and the issue put to bed.

Earlier, an army of 'lactivists' has descended on the Channel 7 studios to tell Kochie not to mess with their breasts.

"No one has a right to tell a breast feeding mother to stop, move away or cover up," said Victoria Brookman with 18 month old son Bobby in her arms.

"I've put the word out to get other mothers here to show support."

The call to arms has been enthusiastically taken up with a colourful crowd of placard waving mothers and children camped on Martin Place.

Amy Ferguson with baby Elizabeth. Picture: John Grainger Source: The Daily Telegraph

Babies were fed openly and proudly with mother of three Amy Tyson doing her motherly duty in full view of passers by and media.

"I'm here in support of breast feeding in public without ridicule," Amy said.

"In eight years I've only been asked to leave once but there is a view you can feel by some in society that it's sexual when it isn't."

The mothers have a parting gift for Sunrise host Kochie, a montage of 140 breast feeding mothers neatly framed.

Sunrise's Samantha Armytage and David Koch are presenting on a blank backdrop instead of their usual live window in Sydney possibly to avoid breastfeeding protesters this morning.

Poppy Perry breastfeeds daughter Rebecca. Picture: John Grainger Source: The Daily Telegraph

About 100 breastfeeding mums are in a "nurse-in" rally outside Channel 7 studios.

A Seven spokeswoman yesterday said the station had security measures in place and police on standby to deal with protesting women, many of whom plan to feed their babies.

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Manu's L plate escape

THE celebrity chef was questioned by The Sunday Telegraph when he was spotted behind the wheel in Double Bay without his L-plates displayed. Vision: INFphoto.com

Manu's car with the L plates on. Picture: INFphoto.com Source: Supplied

MKR Celebrity Chef Manu Feildel was spotted driving his car without a licensed driver present. Manu only has his L plates. Picture: Infphoto.com

IT seems celebrity chef Manu Feildel plays by his own rules - not just in the heat of the kitchen but also on the road.

The My Kitchen Rules frontman was a little red-faced yesterday after being busted driving through eastern suburbs streets on a learner's licence with no L-plates or a supervising driver.

Less than 10 minutes after returning to his Woollahra home from a driving lesson with a female friend he must have been feeling confident because he removed the L-plates from his silver Koleos 4WD and took to the streets - alone - to run some errands.

First stop was Edgecliff Post Office, a short five-minute journey, where the French chef practised a reverse park on New McLean St.

He then drove down the hill to Double Bay Local Hardware, parked and went in to buy a hacksaw.

Moments later Feildel jumped into his vehicle and started the ignition just as The Daily Telegraph approached him to ask about his status as a learner driver. Embarrassed, Feildel mouthed "Shhh".

Rather than drive off, he switched off the ignition, got out of the car, walked down Knox Lane and hailed a taxi.

Last night, Feildel admitted he'd been a bit silly. "No excuses. I take full responsibility for my silly actions and I will accept whatever punishment that may be handed down to me," he said.

A witness said Feildel appeared to be in a rush as he parked and ran into the hardware store: "He parked his car quickly, got out and walked into the hardware store. He got back into the car, turned it on, but then bizarrely, he jumped out and walked towards the main road and hailed a cab."

It's understood the Frenchman, who has admitted it has taken him several years to get around to sitting for his Australian licence, is no stranger to experiencing problems on the road.

In 2011 Feildel wrote off his high-powered Yamaha TMAX scooter, reportedly on L-plates at the time.

Police can suspend and confiscate the licence of a learner driving caught driving unaccompanied by a supervising driver. The suspension can happen within 48 hours of the offence being committed.

If charged, the suspension will apply for three months.

My Kitchen Rules, meanwhile, is scheduled to return to air on Monday night.

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We're turning into a nation of nerds

New research suggests Australia is turning into a nation of nerds. Source: Herald Sun

WOULD it be un-Australian to spend January 26 cooped up indoors on the computer?

Apparently not, according to new research that suggests Australia is turning into a nation of nerds, albeit ones with more spare time on our hands.

Analysis by IbisWorld of the past decade of cultural and social trends has found that Australians are turning their backs on traditional forms of outdoor leisure and surfing the internet instead.

The average Aussie will have more than 78 hours a week at leisure this year, up more than 90 minutes compared with 2000.And we're expected to have even more spare time over the next 12 years - an estimated 78.5 hours a week of it by 2025.

But IbisWorld senior analyst Craig Shulman said the typical image of Aussies at the beach or playing backyard cricket did not necessarily reflect reality.

"At one time we looked at ourselves as a very active, outdoorsy nation, but we're now seeing a move towards greater urbanisation and greater involvement in more urban-like activities," he said. "Technology is playing a much greater part and giving more incentive for us to stay inside."

He said time spent online had risen to more than 20 hours a week, up 10 per cent in two years.

IbisWorld's study also found Australians were increasingly turning to vegetarianism, with one in 20 now shunning meat.

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Super shock: Baby boomers are bust

Most Baby Boomers are unprepared financially for a life after work. Source: The Courier-Mail

BABY boomers feel financially unprepared for retirement, as alarming new figures show 86 per cent are just not ready to clock off.

Figures released today by REST Industry Super show just one in seven baby boomers believes their finances will enable them to successfully retire.

The research published in The Journey Begins report found 51 per cent of baby boomers are slightly prepared once they leave the workforce and 35 per cent are completely underprepared.

REST chief executive officer Damian Hill said the results showed baby boomers were not "financially nor psychologically ready for retirement."

"There's a worryingly low understanding among baby boomers about the cost of funding retirement," he said.

"Almost half believe they won't have to give anything up come retirement due to financial constraints, so there's quite a gap in wants versus actuality there."

The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia's latest estimates on funds needed for retirement estimated $56,236 a year was needed for a "comfortable lifestyle" for a couple and $41,090 for a single person.

ASFA's chief executive officer Pauline Vamos said the survey results were a concern.

"A lot of baby boomers are thinking about retirement but for a lot a people it's a question of `where do I start'," she said.

"Talk to your fund, talk to your adviser...and people need to think about how much they need in retirement to live on.

"But there's a lot of baby boomers working as hard as they can to build up their nest egg and not thinking about retirement."

The results also found 70 per cent of baby boomers had not sought financial advice when working out a retirement plan.

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Aussie homes priced out of reach

HOUSE prices in Australia remain among the most unaffordable in the developed world. PIC: Drew Fitzgibbon Source: The Courier-Mail

HOUSE prices in Australia remain among the most unaffordable in the developed world.

The annual Demographia survey describes house prices in Australia - based on price to income - as "vastly overpriced", with southeast Queensland scoring poorly.

Of the 39 housing markets studied in Australia, all were rated as either "seriously" or "severely" unaffordable, based on median house price to annual household income ratios of more than four times.

The average ratio for all Australian markets is 5.6 times, which rises to 6.5 times in the large capital cities.

The report said a lack of competitively priced land was helping drive up prices.

Demographia ranks anything below an average house price to average pre-tax income ratio of three times as "affordable".

Australia has nothing in this category, while the US, which has been through a housing collapse, has 100 out of 216 districts classed as affordable.

Moderately unaffordable runs up to a multiple of four, where again Australia has nothing.

"Overwhelming economic evidence indicates that urban containment policies, especially urban growth boundaries, raise the price of housing relative to income. This inevitably leads to a reduced standard of living and increases poverty rates, because the unnecessarily higher costs of housing leave households with less discretionary income to spend on other goods and services," the report said.

"The higher costs ripple into rental markets, tightening the budgets of lower income households who already suffer from lower discretionary incomes."

The analysis does not take into account other factors such as tax, population shifts and interest rates.

Just shy of 75 per cent of Australia's 39 housing markets as defined by Demographia are classed as "severely unaffordable".

The most unaffordable area was Port Macquarie in NSW, with a price-to-income ratio of 8.6, while the most affordable was Shepparton in Victoria with a multiple of 4.5 times.

In Queensland, the Sunshine and Gold Coast ranked the worst, with an affordability ratio of 8.0 and 7.6.

Brisbane came in at 5.8, close to the middle of the pack.

The report notes: "Each of Australia's major markets, with the exception of Sydney, had housing affordability within the (multiple of 3.0 affordability range) during the 1980s, before the widespread adoption of urban containment policies, which is referred to as 'urban consolidation' in Australia."

Overall, Hong Kong, Vancouver, Honolulu, Bournemouth in the UK and Port Macquarie were ranked as the world's five most unaffordable markets.

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Hewitt tipped out of Open

Lleyton Hewitt was unable to win his first-round clash with Janko Tipsarevic at the Australian Open. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

LLEYTON Hewitt's career resurrection hit a wall by the name of Janko Tipsarevic.

The Australian veteran came to Melbourne Park brimming with renewed confidence, but he ran into the Serbian No.8 seed who has as much determination and a couple more weapons which he rode to victory, 7-6 (4) 7-5 6-3.

Hewitt's greatest strength is his love of a scrap and getting back every ball.

But Tipsarevic is a younger version, which is why the match lasted 3hr 2min.

After a tight opening set in which the hometown hero looked the better player only to falter late, Hewitt raced to a 3-0 lead in the second set.

Then the match changed complexion.

Tipsarevic proceeded to win 10 of the next 12 games to seize control of the match which he never relinquished.

A frustrated Hewitt later admitted he didn't think he'd done too much wrong, but the Serbian had played out of his skin.

"Frustration, disappointment, they are the first feelings," Hewitt said.

"More so when you put in the hard yards, do the right things and I felt I didn't play a poor standard match. He just played too well on the big points.

"I was pretty happy with my ball striking, I moved pretty well so I'm just frustrated with the result.

"The quality of baseline points out there tonight were pretty high for most part and his scrambling and passing shots from out of position was exceptional tonight."

Hewitt thought he was a tad unlucky to come up against Tipsarevic at the peak of his powers.

"I don't think he does play like that all the time," he said. "He played as well as he can play, there's no doubt about it."

Lleyton Hewitt was outclassed by world No.8 Janko Tipsarevic on Rod Laver Arena. Picture: Jason Edwards Source: Herald Sun

Tipsarevic admitted afterwards that when he heard he was playing on Rod Laver Arena on the opening night, he prayed it wasn't against Hewitt.

"I was saying, 'Please, please don't say it's Lleyton'," Tipsarevic said after his win.

"It is as tough as it gets to play Lleyton here and I'm just really, really happy that I managed to win in three sets.

"I think the difference was I took my chances and Lleyton didn't because the first two sets really could have gone either way."

Hewitt, 31, declared coming into his 17th consecutive Australian Open that he was hitting the ball better than he could remember after finally getting his body right following five surgeries over the past four years.

He showed he was back to something like his best at last week's Kooyong Classic where he comfortably defeated No.6 ranked Juan Matin del Potro in the final.

But Tipsarevic, 28, is one of the most improved players on the circuit over the past couple of years. He has finished in the top 10 the past two years after turning his career around by living and breathing his profession 24/7.

It was the sixth time Hewitt has fallen in the first round, most recently against David Nalbandian in 2011.

Hewitt's exit hands the baton over to Bernard Tomic as Australia's man most likely with the Queenslander kicking off his Open campaign tonight on Rod Laver Arena against Argentine Leonardo Mayer.

There was no surprise in the fact the Hewitt-Tipsarevic match was a scrap, with both players more than happy to slug it out on the baseline although the Australian did some of his best work when he made it into the net.

Janko Tipsarevic celebrates his straight sets win over Lleyton Hewitt. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source:

The Serbian's rise up the rankings over the past two years has been because of his improved court movement, which meant he was able to match Hewitt stride for stride, negating the two-time grand slam winner's main asset.

Put simply, he gets as many balls back as Hewitt does which is saying something.

The Australian started the way he wanted, being the aggressor and by most measurements he should have been a long way ahead in the opening set.

Hewitt was forced to save a break point in the 11th game and only got it after a successful challenge on an ace.

He then had 00/30 on Tipsarevic's serve but the Serbian manage to close out his service and then race to a 4-0 lead in the tie-break.

Hewitt did save two set points before evenutally succumbing 7-4 in the tie-break to end an epic 69-minute first set.

The statistics showed Hewitt had hit 24-14 winners -- including 12-5 advantage at the net -- but had blown all that with a 23-11 unforced error count.

Hewitt took control of the second set before uncharacteristically losing his way.

The biggest problem was his serve which lost the plot, going well under 50 per cent as he left the door wide open for Tipsarevic who strolled through it.

After falling 0-3 down early in the third, the Australian fought back to even the ledger, but he suffered his fifth break of serve in the eighth game which handed Tipsarevic victory.
 

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What's annoying? The little extras

Will Jenkins and Steve Brown get stuck into a pie but wish they didn't have to pay for sauce as well / Pic:Adam Taylor Source: The Daily Telegraph

THERE was a time when tomato sauce was squeezed on to pies, ginger came with sushi, and restaurants didn't blink when you brought a cake from home.

But more businesses are charging for these little extras, which most people don't expect to pay for.

Whether it's 50c for soy milk in your coffee, 80c for a cardboard beer tray or 50c to toast a sandwich, these add-ons are stretching consumer budgets - and patience.

Pie lover Steve Brown doesn't reckon he should pay 25c for a sachet of sauce.

"You wouldn't buy a hamburger and then expect to pay more for mayonnaise," the 26-year-old said.

"I understand costs for businesses but the issue of sauce gets under people's skin because you can buy litres of the stuff for a couple of dollars."

It doesn't end there.

Bringing a bottle of wine to dinner sets you back a minimum $3 corkage fee.

And some Sydney restaurants charge up to $6 per person in "cakeage fees".

Cinemas make you buy 3D glasses for $1 to watch a 3D movie, while certain furniture outlets charge a hefty $200 per pillow for scotchguarding.

One of the most infuriating surcharges is the "handling" fee for concert tickets purchased online through ticketing agencies then collected at the box office.

Worse is the fact you are charged a handling fee even when you have printed off the tickets on your own computer and the only person "handling" them is you.

"The service and delivery fee factors in a variety of costs including ticket delivery, costs associated with taking, processing and fulfilling the ticket booking and the technology we use to provide you our services," Ticketek managing director Cameron Hoy said.

Wisdom Business Coaching owner Matt Malouf, who consults businesses on lifting profitability, said most "extras" should be built in.

"I teach my clients that competing on price is always risky," Mr Malouf said.

"It's about value to the customer. If you provide a great experience based on the work you do, you can charge a higher price and all the add-ons can be inclusive."

Savingsguide.com.au founder AJ Wilson said that while "add-ons" were a "part of life", families could save by doing their research.

"These costs are unavoidable in some instances but costs associated with big ticket items can be avoided," he said. "You can control things like cars and washing machines."

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Cop 'had sex with prostitute in station'

Sergeant Mark Garner in 2004 / Pic: Brad Wagner Source: The Daily Telegraph

A SENIOR policeman has been charged with allegedly having sex with a woman at a police station - and allowing her to handle his Glock pistol.

Kingscliff area supervisor Sergeant Mark Garner will face Lismore Local Court in March charged with police misconduct and weapons charges.

It is alleged the 48-year-old was on duty at Kingscliff station, on the far north coast, on September 16, 2011 when he had "sexual intercourse with a female at a police station whilst on duty, involving the misuse of a prohibited pistol" - his police-issue Glock.

It will be alleged the woman, a prostitute and mental health patient, was being interviewed by police at the station between 2am and 4am that day. The case centres on alleged photo evidence of the incident, taken by the woman on her mobile phone.

Detectives were alerted in late 2011 and Sgt Garner was charged on November 29 after an internal investigation by the Professional Standards Command.

He has been stood down, pending an outcome of proceedings. He did not appear at Tweed Local Court yesterday and his solicitor Russell Baxter told Magistrate Michael Dakin he was instructed not to enter a plea on behalf of his client to charges of police misconduct, possession of an unauthorised pistol and allowing an unauthorised person to possess his police weapon.

Mr Baxter asked for the case to be moved to Lismore Local Court where it would likely progress quickly to the District Court and into the hands of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

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Long fall from joy to tragedy

Simon Gittany entering the Downing Centre Courts / Pic: Tim Hunter Source: The Daily Telegraph

SHE was a glamorous former dancer and he was the man she credited with forever changing her life for the better.

But within months of a surprise marriage proposal in front of a rapturous gathering, Canadian Lisa Cecilia Harnum was allegedly forced off a high-rise balcony by the same man who had knelt before her with a ring in his hand.

Simon Gittany, 39, yesterday faced a committal hearing in Downing Centre Local Court which will decide if he will stand trial for murdering the 30-year-old, who plunged to her death in July 2011 from the balcony of the apartment they shared in the exclusive The Hyde building.

Prosecutors allege Gittany - who they claim was a jealous and controlling partner - pushed or threw Ms Harnum from the 15th floor of the complex in Sydney's CBD after a heated argument.

Video - accused posts surprise engagement video online

A neighbour heard a woman screaming, "God help me, help me" before the death, the court was told.

Crown prosecutor Daniel Noll said Gittany was seen on CCTV grabbing Ms Harnum around the neck and pulling her back into the apartment with his hand across her mouth about a minute before he emerged again - this time alone.

"At that stage, we say, (Ms Harnum) has died on the pavement below," he said.

But a series of amateur videos posted on YouTube last year under Gittany's name show a different side to the allegedly troubled relationship.

In a clip at her 30th birthday party, the slightly-built ballerina covers her face in her hands before smiling and nodding her approval as he proposes, with the couple then embracing as the audience applauds.

"He has changed my life and made me a better person inside and out, and I am truly grateful," Ms Harnum said.

Gittany's barrister Anthony Bellanto QC said there still seemed to be "some speculation" from police about how Ms Harnum could have been forced off the balcony, which featured glass barriers and metal bars. Ms Harnum suffered from eating and sleep disorders and was taking medication with side effects that included irrational behaviour, the court heard. Gittany has pleaded not guilty to murder.

The committal continues today.

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Deadly flu could be headed for Australia

Four-year-old Gabriella Diaz is given a flu shot at a health center in Boston, which declared a public health emergency due to the harsh flu season. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Source: AP

• 20 children have died from flu in the US
• Influenza strains travel the globe
• Australia should consider US season a "forewarning"

A KILLER flu that's sweeping the US could end up Down Under.

The influenza season has hit early and hard in the United States.

Twenty children have died from the H2N3 virus that has swept across most of the country, there are vaccine shortages, and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has declared a state of emergency.

There have already been five times as many cases reported in New York as there were in the entire flu season last year, and it's not clear if the season has yet peaked.

Golden Globe winner Hugh Jackman is among those hit, and he said he was still battling the strain that had "swept the entire west coast" of the US.

The Australian Medical Association said the overseas experience was a "forewarning" for Australia.

"Last time the flu season peaked early (in the US) there were 50,000 deaths," he said.

"We do tend to parallel the Northern Hemisphere in the south so it's a forewarning that we need to get in early and vaccinate this year. "

Dr Hambleton said the flu would still come in our winter, but that widespread vaccination would protect the vulnerable and reduce the effects in the healthy.

Vaccinations are tailored each year to match the expected strains that develop, mutate, and travel around the world.

The virulent Influenza A strain is the most common, but Influenza B and the H1N1 swine flu are still active.

Influenza Specialist Group chairman, virologist Dr Alan Hampson said they can never be sure what the upcoming flu season will hold but that the situation in the US "does tend to alert us to the fact we may well suffer something similar" and that experts were "watching with interest".

"We really can't predict what's going to happen. It's best to anticipate it could be a bad season particularly for those prone to bad outcomes if they do contract influenza," he said.

"We will soon be heading into the vaccination time. From what I understand from colleagues overseas the vaccine we'll have should be a very good match for the strains circulating in other parts of the world."

Dr Hampson said there were also outbreaks in Hong Kong, and that south-east Asian influenzas often flowed in to Australia.

The specially formulated vaccine will be available in March and will protect against Influenza A (H2N3), Influenza B, and swine flu.

Tens of thousands of Australians get the flu each year, many are hospitalised and some die. The most vulnerable are older people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, pregnant women and anyone with an underlying health problem.

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Puppy saved by hair of the dog

Cleo survived a poisoning by being given vodka as a cure. Picture: Mike Keating Source: Herald Sun

A BOTTLE of vodka has saved the life of a 10-week-old puppy poisoned by anti-freeze.

Cleo, the american staffordshire pup, was struck down with deadly ethylene glycol poisoning after licking radiator fluid off spare car parts in a garage last week.

Within 30 minutes the playful pooch was swaying on her feet, rejecting food and at risk of kidney failure.

Owner Stacey Zammit, 27, from Truganina, rushed Cleo - a Christmas present - to the vet. The pup was only hours away from renal failure and alcohol was the only antidote.

"The vet had a bottle of vodka, which was a gift, so they just hooked her up," Ms Zammit said.

"The next time I saw her I asked if she was wasted and the vet was like, 'yeah'.

"Cleo had really bloodshot eyes and she was pretty unsteady. She couldn't move around much because she was so wasted."

The pup was given vodka every six hours for two days though a tube in her nose, drinking almost a bottle and a half in less than 72 hours.

Animal Accident and Emergency Point Cook vet Dr Yenny Indrawirawan said the "hair of the dog" treatment, which cost more than $2100, was rare but effective.

"The alcohol stops a chemical reaction in the body," Dr Indrawirawan said. "Without the vodka, Cleo was likely to develop renal failure."

Ms Zammit said the pup had recovered and beaten her hangover the same way we do.

"She slept a lot and she was eating a lot, but she seems really happy now."

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Apple cutting orders for iPhone 5

APPLE shares are falling in premarket trading after The Wall Street Journal reported the company has cut its orders for iPhone 5 components due to weaker-than-expected demand.

The newspaper says two people it did not identify by name told it that Apple's first-quarter orders for iPhone 5 screens have dropped to about half of what the company had planned to order.

The report says one of the sources told the newspaper the US-based company has also cut orders for components other than screens. The Journal says it was told Apple notified the suppliers of the order cut last month.

Apple didn't immediately return an email seeking comment.

Apple shares dropped $US18.81, or 3.6 per cent, to $US501.49 in premarket trading on Monday.

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Gang-rape suspects turn on each other

An Indian public prosecutor says there is strong forensic evidence against the five men accused of gang-rape

FIVE men have appeared in court for the first time over the murder and gang-rape of a 23-year-old student in New Delhi amid chaotic scenes that forced the hearing behind closed doors.

A court source said two of the men had offered to cooperate with prosecutors in exchange for more lenient sentences in a case that has sparked three weeks of protests and soul-searching about endemic sex crime in India.

The suspects, residents of New Delhi slums aged from 19 to 35, were brought to the court complex from the capital's high-security Tihar jail under high security due to fears for their safety.

"A chargesheet has been provided to the accused and the next hearing will be on January 10," magistrate Namrita Aggarwal told reporters after the brief hearing.

She earlier ordered the hearing to take place behind closed doors after journalists and lawyers packed the tiny courtroom which had chairs for about 30 people but was struggling to accommodate about 150.

Some lawyers staged noisy protests against the suspects being given defence counsels after two Supreme Court advocates stepped forward offering to defend the men in order to ensure a fair trial.

Indian police personnel escort a prisoner transport vehicle after the men accused in a gang rape and murder case were presented in court. Picture: Prakesh Singh

"It has become completely impossible for the courtroom proceedings to proceed," Ms Aggarwal said in an order that forced all journalists and lawyers not connected with the case to vacate the stuffy court room.

The accused, who could face the death penalty if convicted, are charged with rape, murder and kidnap. A sixth accused, who is 17, is to be tried in a separate court for juveniles.

The next hearing has been set for Thursday.

Though gang-rapes are commonplace in India, the case has touched a nerve, leading to three weeks of sweeping introspection on India's attitudes to women, its often insensitive police force and dysfunctional justice system.

It often takes years to bring a case to court, but the fast-tracked legal proceedings are getting under way barely a week after the 23-year-old medical student died of her injuries in a Singapore hospital.

Indian women carry placards as they march on January 2 to mourn the death of a gang rape victim in New Delhi. Picture: AP

She had been out to watch a film with her boyfriend when they were lured onto a bus where the gang are accused of repeatedly raping and violating her with an iron bar, causing horrific internal damage.

The defendants have been named as Ram Singh, a bus driver, his brother Mukesh Singh, gym assistant Vijay Sharma, labourer Akshay Thakur and fruit-seller Pawan Gupta.

A court source, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, said that Mr Thakur and Mr Gupta had asked to become witnesses to the crime and cooperate with prosecutors.

Police have pledged "maximum security" during the hearing at the court amid fears for the defendants' safety. A man was arrested last week as he allegedly tried to plant a crude bomb near the home of one of the men.

Lawyers at the Saket court complex have decided to refuse to defend the accused, ignoring pleas from India's chief justice that the suspects be given a fair trial.

"No person should be hanged without a proper trial," Supreme Court lawyer M.L. Sharma, who has offered to represent the men, said.

Legal experts say the magistrate Ms Aggarwal will likely transfer the case to a higher court for trial.

Outlining their case before the same court in Saket on Saturday, prosecutors said there was DNA evidence to tie the defendants to the crime scene, as well as testimony from the boyfriend who witnessed the assault.

"The blood of the victim tallied with the stains found on the clothes of the accused," said Rajiv Mohan, part of the prosecution team.

There have been widespread calls for the attackers to be hanged, including from the victim's family.
 

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Giant squid filmed in ocean's depths

This is the elusive giant squid, which can grow up to eight metres in length, found in the sea near Ogasawara islands, 1000km south of Japan. Source: AFP

SCIENTISTS and broadcasters have captured footage of an elusive giant squid roaming the depths of the Pacific Ocean, showing it in its natural habitat for the first time ever.

Japan's National Science Museum succeeded in filming the deep-sea creature at a depth of more than half a kilometre after teaming up with Japanese public broadcaster NHK and the US Discovery Channel.

The massive invertebrate is the stuff of legend, with sightings of a huge ocean-dwelling beast reported by sailors for centuries.

The creature is thought to be the genesis of the Nordic legend of Kraken, a sea monster believed to have attacked ships in waters off Scandinavia over the last millennium.

Modern-day scientists on their own Moby Dick-style search used a submersible to descend to the dark and cold depths of the northern Pacific Ocean, where at around 630 metres they managed to film a three-metre specimen.

After around 100 missions, during which they spent 400 hours in the cramped submarine, the three-man crew tracked the creature from a spot some 15 kilometres east of Chichi island in the north Pacific.

Japan's National Science Museum succeeded in filming this giant deep-sea squid in its natural habitat for the first time in July and the images were revealed overnight.

Museum researcher Tsunemi Kubodera said they followed the enormous mollusc to a depth of 900 metres as it swam into the ocean abyss.

NHK showed footage of the silver-coloured creature, which had huge black eyes, as it swam against the current, holding a bait squid in its arms.

For Mr Kubodera it was the culmination of a lengthy quest for the beast.

''It was shining and so beautiful,'' Mr Kubodera told AFP. ''I was so thrilled when I saw it first hand, but I was confident we would because we rigorously researched the areas we might find it, based on past data.''

Mr Kubodera said the creature had its two longest arms missing, and estimated it would have been eight metres long if it had been whole. He gave no explanation for its missing arms.

He said it was the first video footage of a live giant squid in its natural habitat - the depths of the sea where there is little oxygen and the weight of the water above exerts enormous pressure.

Mr Kubodera, a squid specialist, also filmed what he says was the first live video footage of a giant squid in 2006, but only from his boat after it was hooked and brought up to the surface.

''Researchers around the world have tried to film giant squid in their natural habitats, but all attempts were in vain before,'' Mr Kubodera said.

''With this footage we hope to discover more about the life of the species,'' he said, adding that he planned to publish his findings soon.

Mr Kubodera said the two successful sightings of the squid - in 2012 and 2006 - were both in the same area, some 1,000 kilometres south of Tokyo, suggesting it could be a major habitat for the species.

The giant squid, "Architeuthis" to scientists, is sometimes described as one of the last mysteries of the ocean, being part of a world so hostile to humans that it has been little explored.

Researchers say Architeuthis eats other types of squid and grenadier, a species of fish that lives in the deep ocean. They say it can grow to be longer than 10 metres.

NHK said it and the Discovery Channel are scheduled to air special documentaries on the find later this month.

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Warne a poor excuse for a leader

Shane Warne has been fined $4500 for his on-field fracas with West Indian Marlon Samuels. Watch the incident as it unfolded.

Shane Warne does not play cricket in the spirit of the game, Malcolm Conn says. Picture: Jay Town Source: Herald Sun

ANYONE still wondering why Shane Warne never captained Australia's Test team should take at a look at the long list of charges produced by Cricket Australia yesterday.

Even by Warnie's dodgy standards it was a major meltdown from the Stars' Big Bash captain during Sunday night's Melbourne derby against the Renegades at the MCG.

And sadly it took the focus from a record Big Bash crowd approaching 47,000, which will be almost twice as many as Friday's one-day game between a cobbled together Australia and heavily defeated Sri Lanka at the same ground.

Warne's heated run-in with Renegade and West Indian Marlon Samuels was a disgrace for someone who carries delusions as the best captain Australia never had.

Leadership goes way beyond setting the field and changing the bowling and Warne has fallen at the first hurdle.

If Warne spent less time thinking about himself and more timing thinking about the good of the game he might get it, but at 43 years of age it is probably way too late for that.

Samuels, who has also rightly been charged, started all the nonsense by grabbing David Hussey when he was attempting to run between wickets.

This ridiculous behaviour was for the umpires and the match referee to deal with.

Warne carrying on like a schoolyard bully, a role he plays so well, only inflamed the situation and set a dreadful example for the thousands of kids at the match or watching on Fox Sports.

Do those kids now think it's okay to disrespect opponents and umpires because Warnie does?

We suspect Warne has written more books than he's read. Clearly he has never read The Laws of Cricket.

If he did he would discover, at the front of the book, 'The Preamble – The Spirit of Cricket'.

Cricket is a game that owes much of its unique appeal to the fact that it should be played not only within its laws but also within the spirit of the game.

Any action that is seen to abuse this spirit causes injury to the game itself. The major responsibility for ensuring the spirit of fair play rests with the captains.

The key word is responsibility. Warne does not understand the concept.

He was the greatest player of the modern era. His performances were phenomenal, his achievements amazing.

His greatness has done more for the game than anyone since Bradman and his presence in the Big Bash has given the revamped competition the kudos it desperately needs.

None of this excuses his appalling behaviour.

The Big Bash needs Warne so there was no point banning him for one match.

And he's a multimillionaire earning half a million dollars to play in this Big Bash alone, so fining him $4500 is like grounding a naughty kid for roughly two minutes.

More thought needs to go into a suitable punishment. We recommend:

*Banning Warne from Twitter, hair studios and cosmetic surgeons for the duration of the tournament;

*Seeing if he can do what The Fonz never managed and say he was wrrro...;

*Make Warne memorise and recite the Spirt of Cricket preamble to team mates, opponents and school children around the country.

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Records melt across wide, brown land

Trevor Clare of Limestone Station near Broken Hill, where yesterday's high was over 44C. Picture: Braden Fastier Source: News Limited

WEATHER analysis to be released today is expected to show Australia is sweltering through its hottest days in history.

Bureau of Meteorology forecast modelling estimates show the mercury was expected to hit a new national record yesterday and today.

The previous national high of 40.17C set was on December 21, 1972.

Yesterday's national temperature will be released at 2pm.

We're not even at the half-way mark and it's already looking like the cruelest of summers, with catastrophic weather conditions on the cards over the next 24 hours

Monday may only be a record for 24 hours, as today is expected to be even hotter as the spread of heat widens.

Sydney heatwave just beginning

The national temperature is calculated from about 700 weather stations across the country, but is processed as a mathematical interpolation instead of an average.

Hanna Basso with daughter Brigitta Whilbey at Brighton beach in Adelaide on another hot day. Picture: Calum Robertson

Bureau figures for Sunday, released yesterday, show the national temperature was 39.71C, and marked the first time it has stayed above 39C for five days in a row.

But bureau climate monitoring manager Karl Braganza said he expected that record to stretch to seven days when yesterday and today's figures were calculated.

"The forecast for today and tomorrow is expected to exceed that record of 40.17 degrees," Mr Barganza said.

"It will be touch and go, these records are hard to break. But we're expecting to at least give it a good push."

The hottest place today is forecast to be Oodnadatta in South Australia, at 46C.

The coolest places should be in national parks on the southern tip of Tasmania, at 16C.

Ouyen farmer Brent Morrish walking across scorched Victorian earth with dogs Beau and Lucky.

The bureau believes waves of heat will repeat every few days until a monsoon breaks the pattern.

Weather services assistant director Alasdair Hainsworth said a low near Timor could develop into a cyclone in the next day or two

But he added that without a circuit breaker, the waves of extreme heat would continue.

"Unfortunately, with this super-hot air, we could see this pattern continue repeating itself for a while until we see the hot air flushed out," he said.

Sisters Emma and Zara, from South Yarra in Melbourne, cool off at the Prahran pool. Picture: Stuart Milligan

The bushfire danger extends far beyond Sydney's city limits, with parts of the state are already copping it

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Aussie-made nickname up in lights

New Macca's signs being prepared for the branding changeover / Pic: Dominic Loneragan Source: The Daily Telegraph

McDonald's Engadine staff (L-R) Daniel Antonjuk, 17, Nicola Dwarshuis, 20, Alissa Huigen, 19, Leisa Shields, 16 and Tiffani Huigen, 17 / Pic: Kristi Miller Source: The Daily Telegraph

IT'S been their unofficial catch cry Down Under for decades.

And in a world first, McDonald's is making its much-loved moniker "Macca's" official.

The fast-food giant will change the signage on 13 selected outlets across the country in the lead up to Australia Day.

First will be the franchise at Engadine, in Sydney's Sutherland Shire, which will don the new Macca's slogan from today.

Chief marketing officer Mark Lollback said the move was a nod to the Australianism of the American takeaway.

"We've been a part of Australia for over 40 years now and we're incredibly proud to embrace our 'Australian-only' nickname," Mr Lollback said.

"What better way to show Aussies how proud we are to be a part of the Australian community than change our store signs to the name the community has given us.

"We've got restaurants right around the country joining in on this celebration of our Aussie nickname with Engadine in NSW and Kangaroo Point in Queensland kicking off the rollout today.

"From Wednesday, Victoria will have stores with the new signage just before South Australia and Western Australia join the party on Thursday."

In Sydney, the new signs will roll out at Brookvale, Bondi Beach, Gladesville, Glenmore Park and Thornleigh this week.

They will remain in place until February 4, when the traditional McDonald's signage will return.

Bondi Beach store licensee Glen Simmons said the change was a fitting tribute to the Australian way of life.

"My team at the Bondi Beach restaurant can't wait to see the new signs go up, we're extremely proud to be a part of the celebration of our Aussie nickname," he said. "We'll see the finished signs go up at our stores on Wednesday - it's going to be an exciting day for all of us."

Mr Lollback said the company had launched a formal bid to have "Macca's" listed in the Macquarie Dictionary.

McDonald's opened its first Australian store at Yagoona, in Sydney's southwest, in 1971 after a decade of success in the US.

Do you like this official name-change? Tell us below

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Aussies' revolting holiday from hell

SYDNEY woman Ally Vagg and her boyfriend Bryan Williams are living a South American nightmare, stranded in Bolivia because they are infected with rare flesh-eating parasites that crawl out of their skin.

Ms Vagg, 28, and her Gold Coast boyfriend had returned from a dream trip to the Amazon basin last month with what they thought were infected mosquito bites.

WARNING: DO NOT READ FURTHER IF YOU ARE SQUEAMISH

But when the pair started to feel something squirming under their skin and occasionally poking its head out of some of the open wounds, the couple made the horrific discovery that they had ntehuman bot fly infection.

Fly larvae had been living under their skin, feeding on their flesh. The maggots eventually crawl out of the host body and become large densely haired bot flies that resemble bumblebees.

Ms Vagg and Mr Williams, who have already pulled seven of the worm-like larvae from wounds on their stomach, back and legs, said they had battled language barriers, "useless'' doctors and a third world medical system in Bolivia.

According to medical advice on the bot fly, up to 50 eggs could be living in each wound.

The fly deposits its eggs on to a carrier insect like a mosquito and the larvae penetrate the human host's unbroken skin when the carrier lands.

Mr Williams, who was born in Tamworth and relocated to the Gold Coast 11 years ago, spent days with tape over his stomach wound, a method used to starve the larvae of air and draw them to the surface.

"I lifted my shirt to see the head of it crawling at the top of my skin looking like a worm or fishing bait,'' Mr Williams said.

"That was it, I proceeded straight to the emergency to get it removed.

"The doctor spoke only Spanish, it was 11pm at night and he had never seen this thing that I claimed to have before.''

After several attempts to extract the larvae at his accommodation, Mr Williams' friends finally pulled out three of the inch-long larvae.

"We all nearly puked. Repeatedly.''

There is a chance the pair may have to undergo minor surgery to remove the larvae.

"I am going to the tropical disease doctor for full removal, I don't care if he cuts a dinner plate hole in me with no anesthetic,'' Mr Williams said, who "I can feel it move.''

Local travel doctors said bot fly infection was rare in Australia but tourists occasionally returned from Central and South America with sores that failed to heal because they were infected with the larvae.

The couple hope to return to Australia in mid to late February but must remain in Bolivia until at least next month when they expect to be fully healed.

A Youtube still of a Bolivian Botfly being removed. Source: The Daily Telegraph

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Judgment day: Fire peril at maximum

We're not even at the half-way mark and it's already looking like the cruelest of summers, with catastrophic weather conditions on the cards over the next 24 hours

BUSHFIRES continue across much of Australia as infernal conditions threaten catastrophe.

Tasmania continues to burn, Victoria faces a renewed fire threat and NSW will today wake to its most dangerous fire-risk day on record.

Although one fire near Wagga Wagga had eased by last night, a firefighter has been burned and a tanker destroyed during a blaze at Goulburn.

An emergency alert telephone warning message has been sent to areas in NSW deemed at "catastrophic" fire risk.

Bureau expects national heat record

The NSW Rural Fire Service has sent a warning SMS to the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and the Southern Ranges regions ahead of a 43C forecast and recommends people escape while they can.

The service said people should leave by morning.

NSW Parks and Wildlife rangers have already begun visiting popular campsites amid Tuesday's closure of the state's national parks and reserves.

Stock and wildlife, including this poor wallaby in Victoria, have been lost in the fires. Picture: Sam Rosewarne

A spokesman said rangers would continue visiting campsites on Tuesday morning, encouraging people to leave.

He said there would be no forced evacuations unless there was a fire emergency.

In Victoria, a massive bushfire could potentially double in size and hit small farming communities in Victoria's southwest, as the north of the state faces severe conditions.

There is a threat to lives and property with the southwest Victorian settlement of Drik Drik under direct attack from fire and embers, authorities said on Monday night.

An afternoon wind change swung the 4000-hectare Kentbruck fire on a path to Drik Drik, an agricultural farming area of about 30 houses.

Authorities warned the out-of-control bushfire had the potential to double in size to 8000 hectares in an afternoon with westerly to south-westerly winds of up to 40km/h on Tuesday capable of pushing the fire a significant distance.

Fire services commissioner Craig Lapsley said the immediate concern on Monday night was the Drik Drik area but the key issue would be on Tuesday.

At Dunalley, Tasmania, the local community has been collecting and distributing clothes and other necessities to victims. Picture: Linda Smith

"It will be a fire that will be pushed with winds and we believe that it's got the potential to move significant distance tomorrow, potentially block the Princes Highway and have further impacts on the rural community around Drik Drik and Dartmoor," Mr Lapsley said.

Nearly 500 firefighters and a dozen aircraft are battling the blaze, which started on Friday and has mainly burnt through pine plantations.

The Country Fire Authority said there had been no reports of property damage or loss of life by early Monday night, dismissing earlier rumours that at least one home had been hit by the fire.

A spokeswoman said there was still a risk to lives and property.

A number of roads have been closed and most of the 250 residents of nearby Dartmoor have already left the town.

Mr Lapsley warned the next 24 hours would be critical, but he said the Victorian towns of Portland, Nelson, Heywood and Mt Gambier in South Australia were unlikely to be directly affected by the fire.

"We are doing significant planning on the potential of how large it could get, that is not a scenario that we would see at this stage, where those major centres would be impacted by this fire," he said at the State Control Centre in Melbourne.

Clouds from a nearby bushfire are seen over Mount Wellington in Hobart. Photo: Mark Metcalfe

"It would need a significant run of fire that is not predicted, however in this general area it could increase from 4000 to 8000 hectares in size in an afternoon so it has potential to move, but not to move to impact on major centres."

Mr Lapsley said the main concern on Tuesday was for northern Victoria, which faces yet another day of hot conditions, with total fire bans declared in the Mallee, Wimmera, Northern Country and North East fire districts.

He said there was a severe fire danger stretching along the South Australian border, the Murray River and the NSW border.

Lightning strikes have already sparked blazes in northeastern Victoria and there are also fears that fires across the Murray River in NSW may reach Victoria if they take hold.

Northern parts of the state have experienced several days in a row above 40C.

Victorian fire latest

In Tasmania, which has already taken the brunt of the first of this year's major fires, and continues to do so, Prime Minister Julia Gillard has urged Tasmanians to stay vigilant as bushfires continue to burn out of control.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard at the Tasmania Fire Service's control centre. Picture: Luke Bowden

Ms Gillard travelled through the fire ravaged region between Forcett and Dunalley yesterday after briefings with the emergency management team overseeing the fight against the devastating fires that have gripped the state.

Standing where the Dunalley Primary School once stood, Ms Gillard said she was taken by the cruel, random nature of the bushfires that had taken some homes but not others.

Joined by Premier Lara Giddings, the Prime Minister warned Tasmanians to stay vigilant.

"Fires are still being fought, it is important that people still stay alert."

Ms Gillard said Victorian and South Australian firefighters who had flown in yesterday to offer some respite for local crews were "showing great Australian mateship" and the nation was standing with Tasmanians.

"I want to thank everybody who has been out there helping," she said.

"The nation is standing with them at this very difficult time."

John Yaxley stands in front of the remains of his parents home in Copping. Picture: Sam Rosewarne

Ms Gillard urged all Australians to donate to the Red Cross Tasmanian Bushfire appeal.

All donations would be tax-deductable.

Tasmanian police had searched about 250 properties in Dunalley and to the north of the town, including 90 badly damaged or destroyed buildings, yesterday.

About 65 police and other searchers were continuing to search south of Dunalley to the more densely forested Murdunna and Sommers Bay area.

Acting police commissioner Scott Tilyard said the painstakingly slow process was yet to discover any bodies.

Mr Tilyard said police were working through about 500 enquiries from all over the world, as people tried to locate family and friends.

He said police were still focused on about 100 people whose whereabouts were still yet to be confirmed.

Fire wreckage at Dunalley, Tasmania. Picture: Linda Smith

"We need to focus on those people as a priority."

But last night police said some of those people had registered their whereabouts with authorities.

Southern District Commander Peter Edwards said last night it was difficult to put an exact figure on how many were still unaccounted for.

"It is very fluid," he said.

"But there are still people unaccounted for".

Ms Gillard said she understood the frustration of locals who had not been able to gain access to the region, but stressed safety was paramount with fires still threatening parts of the area with a watch-and-act alert still current for the Forcett area.

The fire front continued to move down the Tasman Peninsula, edging closer to the township of Murdunna.

The Forcett fire remains out of control and is still cause for concern

"A number of people know their home has been destroyed, but as yet for safety reasons they haven't been able to see the damage for themselves," Ms Gillard said.

"(It is) a real stressing position to be in knowing that you have lost so much but not being able to see it for yourself."

A convoy of supplies were being sent to the Tasman Pennisula last night for hundreds of people still stranded and running out of supplies.

In the Upper Derwent Valley, the Lake Repulse fire that has destroyed 16,000 hectares of bush and forest in rugged country near the town of Ellendale was still uncontrolled.

Police will take action against a 31-year-old man from New Norfolk in relation to an unattended campfire at Repulse dam last Thursday.

In the North West, an uncontrolled fire, understood to have been started by a lightning strike on Saturday, had already claimed one shack in Montumana.

Embers and smoke were affecting the nearby coastal areas of Rocky Cape, Sisters Beach and Detention River.

Smoke plume from a bushfire burning at Forcett in Tasmania. Photo: Twitter, @foodsideoflife

The fire was upgraded to emergency status yesterday afternoon, with 11 crews battling the blaze.

Crews were still keeping a close eye on fires at Epping Forest, in the state's North and fires near the East Coast town of Bicheno that had already claimed up to 15 properties.

A eucalptus tree ignites near Dunalley, Tasmania. PIC:: Richard Jupe

A major bushfire swept through Dunalley in Tasmania. Picture: Richard Jupe

One of the houses destroyed in Dunalley. Picture: Linda Smith

Cattle in a blackened paddock outside Ellendale. Picture: Sam Rosewarne

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