LIVE: Nail-biting end to Super Bowl

Baltimore Ravens survive a second-half fightback from San Francisco 49ers to win Super Bowl 47 in New Orleans.

THE Baltimore Ravens are the NFL champions, winning Super Bowl XLVII after a thrilling fightback by the San Francisco 49ers fell just short.

The game ended 34-31 in favour of the Ravens, who had built up a 22-point lead before a stadium blackout halted proceedings for more than half an hour during the third quarter.

The delay seemed to affect Baltimore's momentum, with the 49ers scoring the next three touchdowns.

The 49ers had first-and-goal in their final drive, trailing by five points, but quarterback Colin Kaepernick could not connect with a receiver.

Raven's kick off returner Jacoby Jones made this incredible record-breaking run on the very first play of the second half.

Five biggest plays of the Super Bowl

So the Ravens, despite not scoring another touchdown, eventually prevailed to give legendary linebacker Ray Lewis the perfect send-off.

The Ravens gave away a safety to run down the clock, making it 34-31, and while San Francisco had one last chance on the subsequent kick-off return, the runner was quickly swallowed up by Ravens tacklers, ending the game as the Baltimore players and staff poured onto the field in celebration.

The lights go out at the New Orleans Super Dome during the third quarter of the Super Bowl. Courtesy: One HD

Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco was voted the game's MVP, throwing three first-half touchdown passes, while Jacoby Jones returned the second-half kickoff 108 yards, a Super Bowl record.

Flacco's superb first half and Jones' return gave Baltimore a 28-6 lead, and with no team in Super Bowl history having overcome a deficit of more than 10 points, the game looked in the Ravens' keeping.

But moments later, lights lining the indoor arena faded, making it difficult to see, and the game was stopped.

Beyonce sings Crazy In Love during the halftime show at Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans. Courtesy: Channel One HD

For 34 minutes the showpiece event was at a halt, with some players sitting by the sideline, others on the field, while some tossed footballs and limbered up. Throughout, the cheerleaders went through their routines.

When action resumed, the momentum in the game suddenly switched. Kaepernick and the 49ers scored 17 consecutive points, getting as close as 31-29.

However, they could not get ahead and lost a Super Bowl for the first time, blemishing their previously perfect 5-0 record and remaining one short of Pittsburgh's record six titles.

Beyonce, Kelly Roland and Michelle Williams get the band back together to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show. Courtesy: One HD

The AFC champion Ravens, a franchise that moved from Cleveland to Baltimore 17 years ago, improved to 2-0 in the big game.

They also won the championship in 2001, when Ray Lewis was voted the game's MVP.

Lewis was not a major factor this time, but he was a center of attention, playing in the final game of his 17-year career.

Check out the best ads from Super Bowl XVII in part two of a two-part compilation.

As well as Lewis, it was a triumph for Baltimore coach John Harbaugh, who got the better of younger brother Jim, who led San Francisco in the first instance of brothers coaching against each other in the Super Bowl.

Still, the older brother didn't do it without a large dose of anxiety as San Francisco rallied.

First, Kaepernick threw a 31-yard touchdown pass to Michael Crabtree who turned and got past some lax defense to cut the deficit to 15 points midway through the third quarter.

Check out the best Super Bowl ads in part one of a two-part compilation.

Then, with 5 minutes left in the third quarter, Frank Gore swept around right end for a 6-yard TD run, making it 28-20.

San Francisco tacked on David Akers' 34-yard field goal to get within 28-23 after he missed from a longer distance but the Ravens fouled by running into the kicker. It was his third successful kick of the game after hitting from 36 and 27 yards in the first half.

About two minutes into the fourth quarter, rookie kicker Justin Tucker made a 19-yard field goal to stretch the Ravens' lead to 31-23. Not long later, Kaepernick's 15-yard run around the left side - the longest TD run by a quarterback in Super Bowl history - made it 31-29. His 2-point conversion pass intended for Randy Moss was incomplete.

Bobbie Williams of the Baltimore Ravens holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy after beating the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII.

A 38-yard field goal by Tucker made it 34-29 with 4:19 left in regulation. Kaepernick and the 49ers drove toward the endzone, but on fourth down, his fade pass toward Crabtree was incomplete, with Jim Harbaugh screaming, to no avail, on the sideline for a holding penalty.

Before the game began, with 100 million or so Americans expected to tune in on TV, a chorus of 26 children from Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. - where 20 students and six adults were killed in a shooting rampage in December - sang America the Beautiful, accompanied by American Idol alum Jennifer Hudson.

Grammy winner Alicia Keys performed the national anthem, while Beyonce put on a stunning show with a reformed Destiny's Child for the half-time entertainment.

Joe Cool's steady hand guides Ravens home

The best and worst Super Bowl ads

Lights go out on Super Bowl

Beyonce wows the crowd in half-time show

Pictures: All the Super Bowl action

Pictures: Super Bowl fans

See how the game unfolded by replaying our live chat below

On a mobile device? Click here for a better viewing experience

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Battle begins: Networks unveil big guns

Head-to-head: Revenge on Channel Seven; Channel Nine's The Block All-Stars; My Kitchen Rules on Channel Seven. Source: news.com.au

MONDAY night was the first big night of TV for the year, with all of the networks pulling out the big guns and unleashing their ratings winners upon viewers.

Our favourite renovators returned with the premiere of The Block All Stars on Channel Nine.

Channel Seven came out guns blazing with a spicy episode of My Kitchen Rules, followed by the first episode of Season 2 of Revenge.

Over on Channel Ten, MasterChef: The Professionals contestants faced the wrath of Marco and Matt after Sunday night's "reinvention" test.

For those of you who couldn't manage three channels at once, here's what you might have missed:

The Block All Stars (Channel 9):

Dust, despair, repair, Scotty Cam in flannel, blatant product placement... it must be another series of The Block.

Australia's favourite renovating show returned to our screens tonight but this time with some old friends – former contestants Amity and Phil from Season One, Mark and Duncan from Season Three, Josh and Jenna from Season Four and Dan and Dani from Season Five.

All are back to give the title another shot and they have six weeks to renovate a heritage listed house in Sydney's beachside suburb of Tamarama and build a few rooms onto the back "all by themselves".

Yes, the big shock of this series is that the "Blockheads" are totally in charge of the build. But haven't they always been before, you ask?

We thought so too, but apparently not.

The look of shock and horror on the faces of the contestants when they learned of their fate was priceless, especially poor Amity and Phil who quite rightly pointed out that they are the rank outsiders.

"Everyone else has at least one tradesperson and we have us, people who put on concerts for a living," said Amity who has been writing a musical about motherhood since leaving The Block and who will juggle raising children with rendering walls this year.

The smart money is on newlyweds Josh and Jenna who rolled up their sleeves and got their hands dirty straight away, much like young guns Dan and Dani who had similar enthusiasm but who have decided to go it without a builder, a decision that will no doubt prove cataclysmic. Have the All Stars learnt nothing? Always, always, always get professional help.

The worst thing about this series is the format, it's been 10 years since the first series of The Block so we are covering old ground here and let's be honest, if you've seen one renovated marble fireplace you have seen them all.

But the best and most important element of the show is the couples, who are not just familiar faces by now but from what we have seen so far, nice people. It may only be episode one but everyone has been helpful, kind and obliging – even the uber competitive Dan and Dani.

It's too early to say whether The Block will win the tough ratings timeslot but at least it gives viewers who don't care for cordon bleu and croquembouche another option.

So who is your favourite couple and who do you think will win? Tell us in the comments below.

My Kitchen Rules (Channel 7):

It's almost ironic that "karma" is an Indian term but karma is exactly what was served up to Spice Girls Jessie and Biswa on tonight's episode of My Kitchen Rules.

For the girls who promised "three straight 10s", they couldn't have executed a more epic failure if they tried.

Viewers and fellow contestants alike delighted in their demise as their cocky attitude unravelled into a televised cooking cock-up. 

From the moment they offended their guests by they declaring "no more boring dinners", they'd already left a bad taste in their mouths - but no one knew that bad taste would progress to the point of "inedible".

The girls were dealt the blow of one of the worst - if not THE worst - score in MKR history.

After all their criticism, all their snarkiness and promises of grandeur, the girls were given dismal threes by their rivals, with Pete Evans giving one dish a horrifying one point out of ten.

But the contestants were lucky they got any food at all.

Just when viewers started to think one of their tactics was to starve their guests within an inch of their lives so that anything they served up tasted like a gift from the gods, their entree came out two hours after guests had arrived.

Poor old Mick said he almost ate the elephant ornament on the table and "wouldn't have cared if the dog had just eaten out of his meal" he was that deliriously hungry.

Their samosa was given a pass, the pani puri described as "weak" and "below average" by Evans and the disappointing yogurt lassi left guests feeling "queasy".

As they cried into their goat biryani main, it only got worse with Manu declaring the meal "read better on the menu with their fancy Indian words" than it tasted.

The verdict overall was not good.

With more tears, away went Jessie's fake eyelashes and her dreams of impressing anyone at this point.

Despite vowing to pull it together for the best dessert ever, their gulab jamun - consisting of a deep-fried donut ball in a curdled yogurt mess - was described as "foul" "inedible" and "really unpleasant" by everyone at the table.

In the end, the girls gathered their dismal 41 points out 100, slumped into a heap on the floor and felt humiliated that they had let "their whole culture and the whole Indian community down".

"I just wanted to crawl into a hole and disappear", said Biswa.

It will be interesting to see if their attitudes change at the judging table from now on. Perhaps they should make like the real Spice Girls and retire.

Meanwhile, over on MasterChef, there was a lot less drama in the kitchen and food being served a whole lot quicker.

The quick fire challenge gave contestants 30 minutes to cook their dishes in round one, 20 minutes in round two and just ten minutes in round three, all using one core ingredient.

Cassie was the talk of the night with viewers asking, can you serve chocolate with vegetables? Apparently you can.

Revenge (Channel 7):

Where to begin? In the wake of last season's antics in the Hamptons, the first episode of season two rocked viewers with an explosive debut episode filled with more lies and conspiracies.

The first thing we learn is that the increasingly corruptible Daniel Grayson is now dating Ashley Davenport (Victoria's assistant) following his called-off engagement with Emily Thorne - just why he is dating her, we are yet to find out but we're sure the social-climbing Ashley has not exactly fallen head-over-heels.

Fun-loving socialite Charlotte Grayson is stuck in rehab after an attempted suicide last season and it's thought her father, the ever-shifty billionaire CEO Conrad, is keeping her there to control her inheritance.

The faux Amanda Clarke is now heavily pregnant with Jack's baby - or is it? Jack finally tackles the big issue of the baby's father but we're all left wondering.

The two big shockers are that Emily's mother, long-since thought to have died, is suspected to be alive and Emily is on a mission (with the help of her trusty sidekick Nolan) to find her.

Finally, matriarch Victoria Grayson, who we all thought had perished in an airplane crash at the end of season one, is alive and in hiding while the feds build a case against her estranged ex, Conrad.

The end of the opening episode leaves even more unanswered questions than the end of season one as Emily ponders her next move and the stakes are raised even higher.

What did you think of tonight's episode? Leave your comments below.

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PM: Stop trying to destroy me

Julia Gillard has accused her own MPs of trying to destroy her Government from within as she addressed a shattered caucus. Source: Supplied

• Caucus source: PM accuses own MPs
• Clear sign Gillard concerned about new challenge
• Former PM Rudd absent from meeting

JULIA Gillard has accused her own MPs of trying to destroy her Government from within as she addressed a shattered caucus ahead of the resumption of Parliament tomorrow.

A source inside the caucus told The Daily Telegraph that the PM said she was aware that MPs had been leaking to journalists with the intention of backgrounding against the Government. Backgrounding is where politicians provide sensitive information to journalists under the assumption they will not be named.

In a clear sign that Ms Gillard and her backers are concerned about another challenge being mounted against her leadership, the PM said that marginal seat MPs would be the only ones to suffer from the continuous leaking.

While talk of Kevin Rudd has been revived following today's disastrous poll results, the former PM was a noticeable absence from the meeting. Mr Rudd was said to be unwell.

The caucus met at 2pm today in Parliament.

Ms Gillard then claimed that the source for her claim of backgrounding MPs was a journalist.

The caucus also elected Communications Minister Stephen Conroy as the new Senate leader to replace Chris Evans, who rocked the Government on Friday night when he stepped down from Cabinet, along with Attorney General Nicola Roxon.

A caucus spokesman said Ms Gillard's remarks had been "implicit" and had not referred to individuals.

 "She referred to media that had said to her a range of negative comments, or people with negative comments, were waiting for them when they came back from leave."

Caucus had been shaken by the messy start to the year, which included a row over the selection of Nova Peris as a Senate candidate, a shock announcement of the election date, and two cabinet ministers announcing they would quit at the election.

"We need to make sure we're all united," Ms Gillard was quoted as saying.

In an evaluation of Ms Gillard's remarks today, one unimpressed Labor MP who did want to be named said: "It's everyone else's fault."

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Ravens win Super Bowl thriller

Baltimore Ravens survive a second-half fightback from San Francisco 49ers to win Super Bowl 47 in New Orleans.

THE Baltimore Ravens are the NFL champions, winning Super Bowl XLVII after a thrilling fightback by the San Francisco 49ers fell just short.

The game ended 34-31 in favour of the Ravens, who had built up a 22-point lead before a stadium blackout halted proceedings for more than half an hour during the third quarter.

The delay seemed to affect Baltimore's momentum, with the 49ers scoring the next three touchdowns.

The 49ers had first-and-goal in their final drive, trailing by five points, but quarterback Colin Kaepernick could not connect with a receiver.

Raven's kick off returner Jacoby Jones made this incredible record-breaking run on the very first play of the second half.

Five biggest plays of the Super Bowl

So the Ravens, despite not scoring another touchdown, eventually prevailed to give legendary linebacker Ray Lewis the perfect send-off.

The Ravens gave away a safety to run down the clock, making it 34-31, and while San Francisco had one last chance on the subsequent kick-off return, the runner was quickly swallowed up by Ravens tacklers, ending the game as the Baltimore players and staff poured onto the field in celebration.

The lights go out at the New Orleans Super Dome during the third quarter of the Super Bowl. Courtesy: One HD

Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco was voted the game's MVP, throwing three first-half touchdown passes, while Jacoby Jones returned the second-half kickoff 108 yards, a Super Bowl record.

Flacco's superb first half and Jones' return gave Baltimore a 28-6 lead, and with no team in Super Bowl history having overcome a deficit of more than 10 points, the game looked in the Ravens' keeping.

But moments later, lights lining the indoor arena faded, making it difficult to see, and the game was stopped.

Beyonce sings Crazy In Love during the halftime show at Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans. Courtesy: Channel One HD

For 34 minutes the showpiece event was at a halt, with some players sitting by the sideline, others on the field, while some tossed footballs and limbered up. Throughout, the cheerleaders went through their routines.

When action resumed, the momentum in the game suddenly switched. Kaepernick and the 49ers scored 17 consecutive points, getting as close as 31-29.

However, they could not get ahead and lost a Super Bowl for the first time, blemishing their previously perfect 5-0 record and remaining one short of Pittsburgh's record six titles.

Beyonce, Kelly Roland and Michelle Williams get the band back together to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show. Courtesy: One HD

The AFC champion Ravens, a franchise that moved from Cleveland to Baltimore 17 years ago, improved to 2-0 in the big game.

They also won the championship in 2001, when Ray Lewis was voted the game's MVP.

Lewis was not a major factor this time, but he was a center of attention, playing in the final game of his 17-year career.

Check out the best ads from Super Bowl XVII in part two of a two-part compilation.

As well as Lewis, it was a triumph for Baltimore coach John Harbaugh, who got the better of younger brother Jim, who led San Francisco in the first instance of brothers coaching against each other in the Super Bowl.

Still, the older brother didn't do it without a large dose of anxiety as San Francisco rallied.

First, Kaepernick threw a 31-yard touchdown pass to Michael Crabtree who turned and got past some lax defense to cut the deficit to 15 points midway through the third quarter.

Check out the best Super Bowl ads in part one of a two-part compilation.

Then, with 5 minutes left in the third quarter, Frank Gore swept around right end for a 6-yard TD run, making it 28-20.

San Francisco tacked on David Akers' 34-yard field goal to get within 28-23 after he missed from a longer distance but the Ravens fouled by running into the kicker. It was his third successful kick of the game after hitting from 36 and 27 yards in the first half.

About two minutes into the fourth quarter, rookie kicker Justin Tucker made a 19-yard field goal to stretch the Ravens' lead to 31-23. Not long later, Kaepernick's 15-yard run around the left side - the longest TD run by a quarterback in Super Bowl history - made it 31-29. His 2-point conversion pass intended for Randy Moss was incomplete.

Bobbie Williams of the Baltimore Ravens holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy after beating the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII.

A 38-yard field goal by Tucker made it 34-29 with 4:19 left in regulation. Kaepernick and the 49ers drove toward the endzone, but on fourth down, his fade pass toward Crabtree was incomplete, with Jim Harbaugh screaming, to no avail, on the sideline for a holding penalty.

Before the game began, with 100 million or so Americans expected to tune in on TV, a chorus of 26 children from Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. - where 20 students and six adults were killed in a shooting rampage in December - sang America the Beautiful, accompanied by American Idol alum Jennifer Hudson.

Grammy winner Alicia Keys performed the national anthem, while Beyonce put on a stunning show with a reformed Destiny's Child for the half-time entertainment.

Joe Cool's steady hand guides Ravens home

The best and worst Super Bowl ads

Lights go out on Super Bowl

Beyonce wows the crowd in half-time show

Pictures: All the Super Bowl action

Pictures: Super Bowl fans

See how the game unfolded by replaying our live chat below

On a mobile device? Click here for a better viewing experience

23.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cruise worker's death not suspicious

Passengers disembarking the cruise ship in Darwin. Picture: Daniel Hartley-Allen Source: News Limited

THE DEATH of a 24-year-old singer on a cruise ship in Darwin is no longer considered suspicious by police.

The American woman, believed to be the lead singer and dancer on board the Regent cruise ship Seven Seas Voyager, was found dead on Sunday morning in the ship, which was docked in Darwin.

Police initially treated the death as suspicious and an autopsy was carried out.

"The crime division are no longer treating the death as suspicious. However, a full brief will be provided to the coroner in due course," Detective Superintendent James O'Brien said in a statement.

"Further toxicology results will be analysed in due course to determine the exact cause of death," Supt O'Brien said.

A 24-year-old woman has been found dead in her cabin on board a cruise ship moored in Darwin Harbour.

Police said the US consulate had been told of the incident and the woman's next of kin had been notified.

Prior to the ship's departure today some passengers said they were shocked the woman, believed to have been from a dance group that boarded in Sydney, had died.

"It is a shame and you have to feel for the crew because they are the unfortunate ones," said John Harrold, a passenger from Los Angeles.

"They aren't letting any of them off the cruise ship. They are the ones being held captive," he said.

Fellow passenger Sue Depp, from New York, said it was rumoured that the dead woman had been scheduled to have a workout in the ship's gymnasium yesterday, but did not turn up.

"They sent someone to her cabin to see why, and they found her," Ms Depp said.

For more go to the NT News

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King mystery solved after five centuries

Jo Appleby, a lecturer in human bioarchaeology at the University of Leicester, led the exhumation of the remains. Picture: AP Photo/Rui Vieira, PA Source: AP

A SKELETON that lay undisturbed for 500 years and was found last year buried under a council car park in north England is that of reviled king Richard III, the last English king to die in battle.

In what is being hailed as the biggest British archaeological find of the century, scientists yesterday confirmed DNA analyses showed the remains found in Leicester Council social services car park were that of the king who died in battle in 1485.

The DNA was matched to Canadian-born carpenter Michael Ibsen, who six months ago was unaware he was a direct descendent of the king's eldest sister. Researchers had spent months tracing the bloodlines to find Mr Ibsen who had since moved to north London. It was a mouth swab he provided, and that of another anonymous relative, that was then matched to DNA extraction from the skeleton found almost all intact except for his missing feet.

The skeletal remains as they were found by archaeologists. Picture: Getty/University of leicester

There had been a great deal of circumstantial evidence that it was the king, including a curvature of the spine which Shakespeare had described as a hunchback and the injuries he sustained in battle.

But the scientific confirmation was made at the University of Leicester before more than 100 journalists from around the world who had assembled to hear the expert evidence and images of the battle-scarred skull and body of the 15th century ruler.

Richard III was a real king whose story has been twisted by legend, but he is generally thought to have been a harsh and merciless ruler. Picture: Universiry of Leicester

University of Leicester deputy registrar Richard Taylor said the finding and five-month scientific investigation and confirmation was "truly astonishing" and a thrilling find for the world.

They confirmed the body had no coffin or shroud and there were eight wounds on the skull and two on the body, most occurring at time of death in battle. Death was determined to have been with a blow to the base of the skull, consistent with a blow from a Halberd consisting of an axe blade topped with a spike mounted on a long shaft. Injuries also to jaw and cheek after death were determined to have been "humiliation injuries" inflicted after death. Other wounds showed he had been stabbed in the back and the buttock, again after death possibly as his body was being paraded.

Canadian-born furniture-maker Michael Ibsen, a direct descendant of the eldest sister of Richard III, in his workshop in London. His DNA was used to determine that the skeleton was indeed the monarch's. Picture: AFP PHOTO/JUSTIN TALLIS

Lead archaeologist Richard Buckley said science had shown "beyond reasonable doubt" the body was that of the king.

King Richard died in 1485 at the Battle of Bosworth Field, a defining moment in the civil War of the Roses between the House of York and House of Lancaster. The battle was chronicled by Shakespeare, including the famous line Richard was supposed to have yelled after he fell from his mount in the middle of the battleground: "a horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse" before he was killed.

The king was returned to Leicester tied to the pommel of his horse but then secretly buried in a small friary, to keep away from those who wanted to possibly destroy the body many suspected had murdered his brother and his two prince nephews to seize the throne. The friary was later leveled by the Tudor kings and lost in time.

A feud in England has now developed as to where King Richard should be buried. Possibilities include burying him at Westminster Abbey or Windsor Castle with the other kings; taking him back to York for burial; burying him at Leicester Cathedral, where he has been in its shadow for centuries; or a burial and grand ceremony at the Catholic Westminster Cathedral in London, because he was a Catholic.

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Ministers want return of Rudd magic

New appointments to Julia Gillard's frontbench have been sworn in at Government House in Canberra

SENIOR Labor ministers are urging their party to make use of former leader Kevin Rudd's popularity, as Julia Gillard's fury at leaking Caucus members is interpreted as a lashing out at Rudd supporters.

Regional Australia Minister Simon Crean believes Mr Rudd should be considered an asset.

"He is an asset and we should use him, but it has to be a disciplined asset," he told ABC radio.

"If the combination of discipline plus the asset can be agreed upon, it would be a fantastic boost to our fortunes."

Labor minister Anthony Albanese agreed.

Kevin Rudd sawing up trees after  Brisbane storms. Senior Labor figures want the party to make use of his campaigning skills. Picture: Annette Dew

"We need to engage Kevin Rudd and use him wherever possible," he said.

Mr Rudd, who lost the leadership in June 2010, has maintained a high profile. He recently rejoined Seven's Sunrise political panel and continually attends fundraising events for Labor candidates.

The Prime Minister yesterday told a Caucus meeting of MPs they had to be unified and told them journalists had complained to her that when they returned from leave, they had messages waiting for them from MPs offering "negative assessments."

Newspoll has the coalition leading Labor by 56 per cent to 44 per cent in two-party terms, while News Ltd's Galaxy poll has the coalition ahead 54-46.

The NT Senate preselection intervention, the arrest of suspended Labor MP Craig Thomson and the resignations of senior ministers Chris Evans and Nicola Roxon had created an "unnecessarily terrible week" for the government, one Labor figure said.

Ms Gillard told MPs the leaks would only damage colleagues in marginal seats.

Mr Rudd was missing from the Caucus room and was only due to arrive in Canberra for the first parliamentary sitting week of the year last night.

He was battling illness yesterday and spent the morning at the doctor in Brisbane with his youngest son Marcus, who was also unwell.

Ms Gillard also faced questioning from Senator Doug Cameron about how Trish Crossin was pushed aside to make way for Labor novice Nova Peris in the Senate.

She told colleagues it took ten years for her to get into parliament and that putting Ms Peris into the Senate as Labor's first indigenous representative was the right thing to do.

Five days after announcing an election date eight months out, Ms Gillard told MPs the campaign was yet to start and that she had only fixed the government's term.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott fronted his own senior colleagues yesterday, urging Shadow Cabinet members to start behaving like an "alternative government" and to not take anything for granted.

He told MPs he believed Australians had wanted the Coalition to "hold the Government to account"

"But I think what people are now looking for is for a little bit more from us. They want us not so much to be an Opposition but to be an alternative government," he said.

A Coalition frontbencher said Mr Rudd's supporters were "circling" Ms Gillard.

But political consultant and Rudd confidant Bruce Hawker said the former leader was behind Ms Gillard.

"He is backing her in," Mr Hawker told AAP.

"It's all hands to the pump. They need their most talented people to campaign rigorously."

23.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

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%

23.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

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.

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23.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

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.

23.18 | 0 komentar | Read More