HighLights of the AAP National Wire at 14:45, Feb 16

AAP General News (Australia)
02-16-2009
HighLights of the AAP National Wire at 14:45, Feb 16

MELBOURNE - A court has lifted the suppression order on naming the man charged over
a fatal bushfire at Churchill in Victoria's southeast. (Bushfires Vic Arson Update. See
also Bushfires Vic Sokaluk, Bushfires Vic Nixon)

MELBOURNE - Victorian Premier John Brumby has appointed two commissioners to assist
with the Royal Commission into the state's devastating bushfires. (Bushfires Vic Commission)

Bushfires Vic Wrap to come. See 2nd take of Highlights National for more deatils



CANBERRA - Joe Hockey is expected to take the high profile job of shadow treasurer
in the wake of deputy Liberal leader Julie Bishop's resignation from the portfolio on
Monday. (Bishop Reshuffle. Turnbull presser in Sydney at 1430 AEDT)

Bishop Wrap, Analysis to come



CANBERRA - The federal government's health reform body has called for a commonwealth
takeover of primary care but stopped short of recommending the same step for hospitals.

(Health)

TO COME: Health Wrap, Factbox, plus state and other reaction



SYDNEY - The Australian dream of owning a home is more affordable now than it has been
for five years following lower interest rates and greater government subsidies, a report
says. (Home Affordability on finance wire)



SYDNEY - The State Emergency Service (SES) is bracing for further heavy rain on the
NSW mid-north coast and the Hunter Valley region, while residents southwest of Coffs Harbour
remain isolated by floodwater. (Rain NSW Wrap)



BRISBANE - Floodwaters have steadied in the isolated Gulf of Carpentaria, as authorities
estimate the Queensland-wide damage bill to rise above $210 million. (Floods)

BRISBANE - The number of dengue fever cases in north Queensland has passed 400. (Dengue.

Wrap to come)

TO COME: Floods Wrap, Dengue Wrap



SYDNEY - Facing financial hardship, a Sydney police detective bought into a corruption
scheme offered by a colleague which netted the pair tens of thousands of dollars, a commission
has heard. (PIC Update)

PIC Wrap to come



GOLD COAST - A bouncer accused of murdering a pub patron had to be held back after
punching and yelling racial taunts at his victim, who lay dying on the ground, a court
has heard. (Lombaard)



BRISBANE - Rebel priest Father Peter Kennedy has collapsed and been taken to hospital
just hours after celebrating what could be his last Mass at St Mary's church in South
Brisbane. (Church. Outwatching)



CANBERRA - Rebuilding confidence between India and Pakistan will form a major part
of Foreign Minister Stephen Smith's visit to Pakistan this week, he says. (Pakistan Aust
Update)



SYDNEY - Wesfarmers Ltd has reported a 46 percent rise in net profit saying its businesses
have weathered the global economic crisis and the Coles turnaround is gathering pace.

(Wesfarmers)

Wesfarmers Wrap, graphic to come



MELBOURNE - Another day, another spectacular victory for pole vaulter Steve Hooker,
who is putting together a sustained run of excellence unmatched in Australian athletics
since the heyday of Cathy Freeman. (Aths Hooker Wrap. With factbox, graphic)

MORE jlw

KEYWORD: HIGHLIGHTS NATIONAL

2009 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.