Frequent flyers get own golf club

Qantas has angered members by cutting frequent flyer points that passengers can earn on cheaper flights.

Battle on for airline customer loyalty ... Qantas Golf Club follows Virgin Australia's deal with BP. Source: News Limited

THE growing battle for loyalty between Qantas and Virgin Australia has spilt on to the golf course.

Qantas will today launch its own "golf club" designed to provide frequent flyers with the ability to earn points for booking tee times.

Qantas Frequent Flyers will be able to earn points on the golf course. Pic: Supplied. Source: Supplied

The initiative comes just weeks after Virgin Australia announced a partnership between its loyalty program Velocity and oil company BP.

To start early next year, the deal will see Velocity members earning points every time they fill up at a BP service station.

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Qantas Golf Club membership will available free to frequent flyers, and earn them one point for every dollar spend at qantasgolfclub.com.

Qantas is hoping to get golfers on board with its latest frequent flyer initiative. Picture: Thinkstock Source: News Corp Australia

Those willing to pay a $249 premium membership will earn three points on all eligible spends.

Qantas ambassador and golf legend, Greg Norman, said any initiative that gave people more opportunity to play golf was "a winner" in his book.

Golf Australia CEO Stephen Pitt said the move would help engage the 800,000 social golfers throughout the country.

"We know the Qantas Golf Club will have a positive effect on the participating clubs through increased foot traffic, rounds played, marketing and future membership opportunities," said Mr Pitt.

Qantas has more than 10 million frequent flyer members, and Velocity 4.5 million.

Virgin Australia has set itself a target of increasing its frequent flyers to 7 million by 2017.

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Voters stop giggling at Sex Party

The Australian Sex Party's Fiona Patten is set to score a seat in the Victorian upper house. Source: News Limited

THE Australian Sex Party's Fiona Patten is on track to secure an upper house seat in Victorian Parliament.

With 60 per cent of the votes counted, early results indicate Ms Patten is well on her way to victory.

The longtime activist told news.com.au she was "trying not to get excited" but believed her chances of election — hopefully alongside her colleague Dr Francesca Collins — were "comfortable".

"I really, really noticed that in this campaign, talking to people at polling booths at train stations and shopping malls, that people understood what our policies were instead of focusing on the (party) name," Ms Patten said.

"Gone were the whispers. There were no silly jokes this time around, no sniggering."

The Australian Sex Party was set up four years ago to counter what it perceived as persecution of the sex industry by politicians using a religious platform.

One of the first issues it campaigned on was a Royal Commission into child sex abuse within the Catholic Church.

"We honestly felt like we played a part in bringing that about," Ms Patten said.

Sex Party Victorian upper house candidate Fiona Patten. Source: News Limited

The party wants prostitution laws reformed and marijuana decriminalised; it wants to see same-sex marriage legalised, equal opportunity for people with HIV/AIDS and age-appropriate sex education in schools.

"But the issue I want to tackle first is one that neither of the major parties will even discuss and that is that 86 per cent of the population want to see a debate on euthanasia," Ms Patten said.

"I mean, we have so many choices in our lives, we have science doing amazing things but at the end of the day we are an ageing population. There are too many ill people, too many patients suffering because they are not allowed to choose a dignified, pain-free death and their families have to watch them suffer, sometimes for years."

The Australian Sex Party believes the government can make lots of money legalising — and taking control of — the marijuana business and using the profits for good. Source: Facebook

If elected, Ms Patten said her first act would be to refer a voluntary euthanasia bill to the law reform commission. She hopes Labor and the Liberals will allow a conscience vote on the issue.

Next on the list is drug reform.

The Australian Sex Party made preference deals with the Basic Rock 'N' Roll Party, Voluntary Euthanasia Party, Animal Justice Party and the Australian Cyclists Party — groups with names reflecting the diversity of the 22 parties competing in this election.

Other fringe parties in with a chance include the Shooters and Fishers Party, the Democratic Labor Party and the Country Alliance.

Fiona Patten, convener of the Australian Sex Party, in Canberra. Source: Supplied

Preference guru Glenn Druery told the Herald Sun yesterday that he was sure of one thing — neither Labor nor the Coalition would hold a majority.

"Minor parties will have the balance of power," he said.

Ms Patten said the fringe factor should be welcomed rather than feared or ridiculed because it represented diversity, which was always a good thing.

"I'm not there to stymie the government, I'm there to broaden debate," she said.

"The fact that we have 22 parties in this election I think shows that people are completely disaffected by the major powers and that they are well and truly ready to discuss the issues that have been ignored for so long because of their controversial or divisive nature."

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‘Don’t buy girls pink this Xmas’

In a lively debate on Fox News, the panel discusses how lobby groups push toy stores to eliminate gender specific aisles.

Greens Senator Larissa Waters has urged Christmas shoppers to rethink buying bright pink jewellery or dolls for little girls. Picture: Supplied. Source: Supplied

GREENS Senator Larissa Waters has urged Christmas shoppers to rethink buying bright pink jewellery or dolls for little girls, linking gender-stereotyped toys to domestic violence and pay inequality.

The minor party's gender spokeswoman has endorsed the 'No Gender December' campaign, set up by grassroots group Play Unlimited, which calls on retailers to stop using old-fashioned gender stereotypes as marketing ploys this Christmas.

HOW PARENTS CAN AVOID GENDER STEREOTYPES

ENOUGH: IS IT TIME FOR BARBIE TO RETIRE?

The 'No Gender December' campaign warns aisles of pink and blue merchandise can lead to serious social problems including violence against women and children. Picture: ThinkStock Source: ThinkStock

It warns aisles of pink and blue merchandise, while seemingly harmless, can lead to serious social problems including violence against women and children.

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SCHOOL LIFE: TEACHERS CAN'T CALL KIDS 'BOYS AND GIRLS'

The campaign has already come under fire from leading child psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg, who labelled it "a nail in the coffin of common sense" and said there was no research to indicate 'gender-stereotyped' toys were unhealthy for children.

But Senator Waters said shoppers should stop and think about how toys are being marketed to children this Christmas.

The campaign set up by grassroots group Play Unlimited calls on retailers to stop using old-fashioned gender stereotypes as marketing ploys this Christmas. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

"While the starkly separate aisles of pink and blue might seem harmless, especially to well-meaning rellies and friends, setting such strong gender stereotypes at early ages can have long-term impacts, including influencing self-perception and career aspirations," Senator Waters said.

The Greens' Larissa Waters and Adam Brandt / Digitally altered image Source: DailyTelegraph

Barbie reinforces negative female gender stereotypes, according to the Greens. Source: AP

"Out-dated stereotypes about girls and boys and men and women, perpetuate gender inequality, which feeds into very serious problems such as domestic violence and the gender pay gap," she said.

"While such serious problems seem so far removed from choosing children's toys, it's important that we think about this issue, especially when so many children's toys are being bought."

Greens Senator Larissa Waters warns that such strong gender stereotypes at early ages can have long-term impacts, including influencing self-perception and career aspirations. Picture: Jack Tran/The Courier Mail Source: News Corp Australia

The web-based campaign is asking shoppers to sign an online pledge declaring their commitment to boycotting gifts that play to gender stereotypes — which could include Barbie dolls for girls, or monster trucks for boys.

It also wants federal parliamentarians to introduce legislation that would ban retailers from marketing toys to children along gender lines.

It is understood the Greens have not yet formed a position on whether the minor party would support any legislative changes.

One of the campaign's organisers, Thea Hughes, said while there was nothing wrong with either girls or boys playing with dolls, parents needed to be aware of the dangers of indoctrinating children into thinking about gender in a certain way.

Leading child psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg said there was no research to indicate 'gender-stereotyped' toys were unhealthy for children. Picture: Supplied. Source: Supplied

"If you are talking about adults, gender stereotyping is completely unacceptable, it should be the same for kids," Ms Hughes, a mother of two boys, said.

Play Unlimited has seized on research from Purdue University in the American state of Indiana which found strongly gender-stereotyped toys did not support children's development as much as gender-neutral toys.

But Dr Carr-Gregg said parents should not start fretting if their son wants a remote control car or their daughter wants a doll.

"These gender differences are hard wired, and while I'm sure socialisation plays a role, to argue that toys in any way relate to domestic violence is, I think, too far a stretch," he said.

"It's a nail in the coffin of common sense."

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‘Don’t buy girls pink this Xmas’

In a lively debate on Fox News, the panel discusses how lobby groups push toy stores to eliminate gender specific aisles.

Greens Senator Larissa Waters has urged Christmas shoppers to rethink buying bright pink jewellery or dolls for little girls. Picture: Supplied. Source: Supplied

GREENS Senator Larissa Waters has urged Christmas shoppers to rethink buying bright pink jewellery or dolls for little girls, linking gender-stereotyped toys to domestic violence and pay inequality.

The minor party's gender spokeswoman has endorsed the 'No Gender December' campaign, set up by grassroots group Play Unlimited, which calls on retailers to stop using old-fashioned gender stereotypes as marketing ploys this Christmas.

HOW PARENTS CAN AVOID GENDER STEREOTYPES

ENOUGH: IS IT TIME FOR BARBIE TO RETIRE?

The 'No Gender December' campaign warns aisles of pink and blue merchandise can lead to serious social problems including violence against women and children. Picture: ThinkStock Source: ThinkStock

It warns aisles of pink and blue merchandise, while seemingly harmless, can lead to serious social problems including violence against women and children.

OPINION: A DOLLY GIRL GETS THE MUNG BEAN MAKEOVER

SCHOOL LIFE: TEACHERS CAN'T CALL KIDS 'BOYS AND GIRLS'

The campaign has already come under fire from leading child psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg, who labelled it "a nail in the coffin of common sense" and said there was no research to indicate 'gender-stereotyped' toys were unhealthy for children.

But Senator Waters said shoppers should stop and think about how toys are being marketed to children this Christmas.

The campaign set up by grassroots group Play Unlimited calls on retailers to stop using old-fashioned gender stereotypes as marketing ploys this Christmas. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

"While the starkly separate aisles of pink and blue might seem harmless, especially to well-meaning rellies and friends, setting such strong gender stereotypes at early ages can have long-term impacts, including influencing self-perception and career aspirations," Senator Waters said.

The Greens' Larissa Waters and Adam Brandt / Digitally altered image Source: DailyTelegraph

Barbie reinforces negative female gender stereotypes, according to the Greens. Source: AP

"Out-dated stereotypes about girls and boys and men and women, perpetuate gender inequality, which feeds into very serious problems such as domestic violence and the gender pay gap," she said.

"While such serious problems seem so far removed from choosing children's toys, it's important that we think about this issue, especially when so many children's toys are being bought."

Greens Senator Larissa Waters warns that such strong gender stereotypes at early ages can have long-term impacts, including influencing self-perception and career aspirations. Picture: Jack Tran/The Courier Mail Source: News Corp Australia

The web-based campaign is asking shoppers to sign an online pledge declaring their commitment to boycotting gifts that play to gender stereotypes — which could include Barbie dolls for girls, or monster trucks for boys.

It also wants federal parliamentarians to introduce legislation that would ban retailers from marketing toys to children along gender lines.

It is understood the Greens have not yet formed a position on whether the minor party would support any legislative changes.

One of the campaign's organisers, Thea Hughes, said while there was nothing wrong with either girls or boys playing with dolls, parents needed to be aware of the dangers of indoctrinating children into thinking about gender in a certain way.

Leading child psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg said there was no research to indicate 'gender-stereotyped' toys were unhealthy for children. Picture: Supplied. Source: Supplied

"If you are talking about adults, gender stereotyping is completely unacceptable, it should be the same for kids," Ms Hughes, a mother of two boys, said.

Play Unlimited has seized on research from Purdue University in the American state of Indiana which found strongly gender-stereotyped toys did not support children's development as much as gender-neutral toys.

But Dr Carr-Gregg said parents should not start fretting if their son wants a remote control car or their daughter wants a doll.

"These gender differences are hard wired, and while I'm sure socialisation plays a role, to argue that toys in any way relate to domestic violence is, I think, too far a stretch," he said.

"It's a nail in the coffin of common sense."

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Official: Big Oil has us over a barrel

Retailers are exploiting the plunging oil price to charge at least $3 a tank more than is reasonable. Picture: Weekly Times Now. Source: WeeklyTimesNow

NEW figures have confirmed the petrol industry has motorists over a barrel, with retailers exploiting the plunging oil price to charge at least $3 a tank more than is reasonable.

The gap between retail and wholesale price of unleaded remains extremely high compared to long-run average, figures released yesterday by the Australian Institute of Petroleum show.

In the past week the gap has averaged more than 15c/L. Picture: Supplied. Source: Supplied

In the past week the gap has averaged more than 15c/L. Yet over the last 12 months the average has been less than 10c/L. Looking further back in time, the typical spread was just 8c/L.

When the margin is 5c/L wider than the average it means motorists running a mid-size car are paying an extra $3 a tank. When it is 8c/L, the added cost is nearly $5 per refuel.

News Corp revealed that in the week to November 23, the gap between the retail and wholesale price was as much as 19c/L.

Despite the retail/wholesale gap, the average price is still the lowest in 18 months. Picture: Adam Taylor Source: News Corp Australia

"It's very concerning that nationally we have seen two weeks of high retail margins, despite a falling wholesale price," said Australian Automobile Association spokesman James Goodwin.

CommSec chief economist Craig James said motorists should be paying 10c/L less than the current national average.

Motorists should be paying 10c/L less than the current national average, CommSec claims. Picture: Andrew Batsch Source: News Corp Australia

The good news, Mr James said, is that the average is the lowest in 18 months. However, he also noted that Singapore's benchmark gasoline price — the starting point for what Australians pay at the bowser — was at a four-year low.

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Taylor reveals Australian tour dates

Could Taylor Swift be turning cynical about love? In a recent interview with Lucky Magazine, Taylor says she flat-out doesn't believe in happily ever afters anymore. But she does want to find a guy she has a major thing in common with: a love of coffee.

Her latest album, '1989' is one of the highest sellers of all time, but the singer has been writing hits for almost a decade. Take a look back at the long career of the young, incredibly talented singer.

Playing Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide ... Recording artist Taylor Swift is returning to tour Australia in November and December next year. Source: Supplied

TAYLOR Swift will party like it's 1989 in 2015 on her Australian stadium tour.

The 24-year-old Swift, whose single Blank Space and album 1989 both top the ARIA music charts, will play Sydney's ANZ Stadium on November 28, Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium on December 5 next year, Adelaide Entertainment Centre on December 7 and Melbourne's AAMI Park on December 11 as part of her 1989 world tour.

Swift will not play Perth on this tour — her third tour of Australia.

Tickets go on sale December 12 at 9am for Melbourne and 10am for other states.

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Chart topper in singles and albums ... Singer/songwriter Taylor Swift is not playing in Perth on the 1989 World Tour when it hits Australia. Picture: Jason Merritt / Getty Images / AFP Source: AFP

Melbourne singer/songwriter Vance Joy has been hand-picked to open Swift's Australian shows.

Swift previously added Joy to the US and Canadian leg of the tour between May and October next year, a prestigious slot which helped break Ed Sheeran in America.

Joy's single Riptide is at No. 34 on the Billboard chart this week — Swift covered the song on a British radio show earlier this year.

``I fell in love with Riptide," Swift said. ``That was it for me. If there's a song I've played more than 500 times chances are I'm probably going to offer that person an opening slot on my tour."

Ready for Victoria's Secret Fashion Show ... Taylor Swift sandwiched between models Lily Aldridge and Behati Prinsloo in London. Picture: Lily Aldridge / Instagram Source: Supplied

Swift told News Corp Australia exclusively the tour will, unsurprisingly, focus on her 'pop' album 1989, which is on track to be one of the biggest sellers of 2014.

"This album has shown itself to be the favourite among my fans, so most of the songs I'm going to play on this tour will be from 1989," Swift said. "Although I do realise it's important to play some things from the past, but it's going to be predominantly 1989. We made a decision to be very bold and very direct with the music on this album and that's going to be the same kind of approach we take with the live show."

"Most songs I'm going to play on this tour will be from 1989" ... Taylor Swift is returning to Australia. Source: Supplied

Swift began her career in country music before heading in a pop direction for previous hits We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together and I Knew You Were Trouble.

1989 has now sold a remarkable 115,000 copies in Australia in five weeks.

Swift turns 25 on December 13 — last year Swift was in Melbourne for her 24th birthday during her Red tour and held a garden party attended by her pop pal Lorde.

With the routing of the 1989 tour Swift is likely to spend her 26th birthday in Melbourne.

CELEBCON: Victoria's Secret Angels take flight

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Man shot dead at Brunswick home

Two women, believed to be family members, at the scene. Picture: Jay Town Source: News Corp Australia

POLICE have arrested the alleged gunman who held two women hostage following the fatal shooting of man at a home in Melbourne's inner-north.

The arrest comes after police in bulletproof vests held early-morning negotiations with the armed man, following the discovery of a body in a backyard of a Brunswick house.

It's believed the shooting occurred after an argument inside the house.

The victim was a family friend, relatives said.

The scene of the shooting in Brunswick. Picture: Jay Town

The former hostages are believed to be the gunman's girlfriend and his 82-year-old mother.

One relative of the suspect said he had spoken on the phone to his elderly aunty and that she said she was safe but distressed.

The scene of the shooting in Brunswick. Picture: Jay Town

FOLLOW OUR LIVE COVERAGE FROM THE SCENE:

The scene of the shooting in Brunswick. Picture: Jay Town

Family members swarmed Donald St as fears mounted for the safety of the women.

Residents were ordered to stay inside their homes as the critical incident response team negotiated with the man.

The scene of the shooting in Brunswick. Picture: Jay Town

Police confirmed the victim and the killer were known to each other.

Earlier, Detective Inspector Ray McLeod- Dryden said officers were speaking to the man.

"We are trying to get him to come out of the premises," he said.

The scene of the shooting in Brunswick. Picture: Jay Town

"It's still in early days of the investigation but we're just trying to resolve this matter as quickly and as peacefully as we can."

Police were called about 9.30pm and discovered a body in the backyard.

A man on the property was armed with a gun and soon locked himself in a bungalow.

Police cordon off Donald St in Brunswick. Picture: Vincent Dao

A number of family members were on the property when police arrived.

Two young women were being comforted by officers.

"Can you get out? Call the ambulance," one woman was screaming into a mobile phone.

Earlier, alarmed residents gathered on the street and potential witnesses were ordered to stay at the scene.

Emotions ran high as a group of young men threatened media gathered at the crime scene.

@AndieHamblin

andrea.hamblin@news.com.au

Originally published as Man shot dead at Brunswick home

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Beyonce’s rumoured secret album

Secret memo ... a record company document posted online suggests Beyonce may be about to release a 14-track album. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

RUMOURS are swirling that Beyonce is on the cusp of releasing another surprise album after a leaked record company document was posted online.

The memo allegedly confirms that the superstar will be releasing 14 more tracks later this month.

The Mirror reports that while the origin and authenticity of the paper is still unknown, it details that the artist's new music will be released on iTunes on November 14 and on CD byNovember 25.

In harmony ... Justin Timberlake is touted as a collaborator on the rumoured Beyonce album. Picture: Jason Merritt/Getty Source: Getty Images

The document also listed a number of potential collaborations, with the likes of Justin Timberlake, Nicki Minaj and Frank Ocean.

Last December, the superstar surprised the world by unexpectedly releasing a self-titled record, which went on to become the fastest-selling album on iTunes ever.

Beyonce's reps have yet to comment on the latest album rumours.

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Is this the one Aussie pollie who gets us?

Senator Ludlam rapping his heart out. Source: YouTube

YOUNG Australians are becoming increasingly important in the political space and some politicians, such as Green's senator Scott Ludlam, realise this.

On the weekend, Senator Ludlam attended PAX, a video game and culture conference in Melbourne where he gave a speech about data retention and what that meant for gamers. For a group of people who have long felt like their opinions did not matter to the grey-haired elite who run the country, this was a welcome change.

It isn't the first time the senator has genuinely reached out to young people, he actually has a long history of bonding with the youth of Australia, here's how ...

He's a sick DJ

Earlier this year, DJ Scotty-Ludz himself took the stage at the Capitol hotel in Perth for Ludalpalooza. Finally, a political party that actually likes to party.

He's a hardcore rapper

Not only does DJ Scotty-Ludz know how to spin the decks, he also can drop a few lines, including an F-bomb. The Senator appeared in Melbourne duo Rap News' latest video, rapping along and attacking the Abbott government's mandatory data retention proposal. He even whacks in a Lord of the Rings reference, "I'll go full Gandalf on this government's arse. Smack down their laws with a dose of: You shall not pass," he rhymes.

He knows we live on Reddit

When running for re-election earlier this year, rather than going the traditional Q&A route, Senator Ludlam took it to where most under-25s spend their life — Reddit. He answered questions honestly about anything from the NBN and copyright laws to the preconception of what the Greens actually stand for.

He even knows how to pose for a cool photo! Source: PerthNow

His 'speech of the year' didn't even need anyone in Parliament for it to go viral

In an empty senate, Ludlam gave a fierce speech to "welcome Tony Abbott to WA". While no-one may have heard it in Parliament, the speech soon racked up 500,000 views and stands at just under 900,000 views at the time of writing. Since that's happened, the senator has spoken about how he believes the internet is the way to speak to people rather than a via a full house in Parliament.

He advocates for things young people want

You want a decent NBN connection? He does, too. Do you want to be spied upon all the time? Neither does he. Do you hate homophobia? He does, too. Do you think science is important for our future? So does Senator Ludlam. Do you value education, innovation and equality? Yes, Scott Ludlam does, too.

He might not be for everyone, but for once, young people finally have someone who knows what they want.

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Is this the new sexy mugshot guy?

New sexy mugshot guy? ... Green-eyed, dreadlocked Sean Kory, 29, has the ladies swooning. Picture: Santa Cruz Police Department Source: Supplied

MOVE over Jeremy Meeks, the internet has a new sexy mugshot guy.

Green-eyed, dreadlocked Sean Kory was arrested on Halloween for allegedly assaulting a partygoer who dressed up as a Fox News reporter in California.

The 29-year-old allegedly shrieked, "I hate Fox News", as he grabbed the victim's prop microphone, rubbed it on his genitals and attacked the victim with a tennis racquet, according to the San Jose Mercury News.

Now bad boy Kory's mugshot has gone viral — and it bears a striking resemblance to Meeks'.

BAIL: People donate money for sexy mugshot guy's $1 million bail

'HANDSOME MUGSHOT GUY': Jeremy Meeks signs model contract

A good-looking mugshot or just a crook ... Sean Kory, 29, does have a slight resemblance to Jeremy Meeks. Picture: Santa Cruz Police Department Source: Supplied

Meeks, 30, is the original "sexy mugshot guy" who was arrested on weapons charges in California in June.

When his ridiculously good-looking mugshot was posted on the local Stockton Police Department Facebook page, his popularity skyrocketed.

The original heart stealer ... Jeremy Meeks might have a messed up past but plenty of women think they can turn him around. Picture: Stockton Police Department Facebook Source: Supplied Source: Supplied

Everything from his piercing blue eyes to his masculine jawline had the ladies swooning and, TMZ reported at the time, landed him a $US30,000 ($34,000) modelling contract (that turned out to be false).

However Meeks was not a model citizen. The convicted felon had served two years in prison for a grand theft conviction, and was also previously charged with resisting arrest.

Sean Kory allegedly attacked a Halloween partygoer dressed as a Fox News reporter. Picture: Twitter/Sean Kory Source: Supplied

Jeremy Meeks has a long rap sheet and is an alleged gang member. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

Like Meeks, Kory's Halloween arrest was not his first brush with the law. In 2008, Kory was arrested in Gainesville, Florida, for marijuana possession.

It is not clear if Kory has been charged over the alleged Halloween attack.

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