Malcolm Fraser backs Greens senator

ADELAIDE, July 6 AAP - Australia's major political parties are engaged in a "race to the bottom" using fear to fuel the debate over asylum seekers, former prime minister Malcolm Fraser says.

Appearing at a public forum in Adelaide on Saturday, the former Liberal leader has thrown his support behind Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young in her bid to be returned at the coming election.

He has described her as a "resolute and far-minded voice" on asylum seeker policy.

He stressed his support was for the "person, not the party", though he also remained concerned at the prospect of either the Liberal or Labor parties gaining control of both houses of parliament.

"The state of the political debate in Canberra is wretched," Mr Fraser said.

"There's been a race to the bottom of the barrel on refugee and asylum seeker issues.

"They seem to believe that who can get toughest will win most votes."

Mr Fraser said the opposition's policy to turn back the boats would not work, and while recent talks between Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Indonesian authorities had made progress, the asylum seeker was a world-wide problem that required a global solution.

"Labor and Liberal talk as though Australia is the only target. It's not," he said.

"We are a tiny part of a world problem."

Mr Fraser said judging by the reaction on Twitter, he was aware his support for Senator Hanson-Young had angered some of his former colleagues.

"It's certainly pleased some people, but it's annoyed others," he said.

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Pussy Riot members plan appeal

Lawyers for the jailed members of Russian band Pussy Riot will appeal their clients' convictions. Source: AAP

LAWYERS representing the two jailed Pussy Riot bandmates have confirmed reports they will be appealing the women's hooliganism convictions.

Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Maria Alyokhina have served close to half of a two-year sentence handed down by a Moscow court last August after they were found guilty of organising a protest concert in a city church.

Lawyer Irina Khrunova has revealed she hopes to present the appeal to the Russian Supreme Court based on the argument that the verdict was illegal.

The appeal news comes after Alyokhina's bid to win parole was rejected in late May.

Khrunova also hopes to challenge that decision.

A third member of the group, Yekaterina Samutsevich, was also convicted for her part in the gig, but her sentence was suspended last October and she walked free.

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Union reveals MP pay rise documents

THE Queensland government didn't have to give its MPs a $57,000 pay rise, documents publicised by a union reveal.

The government on Friday upped the base salary of state MPs by 41 per cent to $194,000 annually.

It relied on advice from Crown Law which warned them it was illegally low after the Bligh government froze wages in 2009.

State MPs are required to earn $500 less each year than their federal counterparts, but the moratorium meant their salaries fell way behind.

The public service union Together has obtained the documents which shows the state government didn't legally have to give itself the increase.

The remuneration tribunal reported in December 2011 that Queensland should cut all ties to federal government remuneration.

"The tribunal recommends that any existing linkages between the remuneration of state and territory parliamentarians and assembly members and the base salary of federal parliamentarians be severed on the basis that it cannot be justified without a state based work value assessment similar to that conducted for federal parliamentarians," the document reads.

That advice was relayed to Premier Campbell Newman from the Clerk of Parliament Neil Laurie in April 2012.

Mr Laurie told Mr Newman he had four options; seek new advice on how to set members' salaries, link salaries to senior executives in the public service, have a new or existing tribunal set pay or continue to link it to federal counterparts but with greater variation.

The government had been saying its hands were tied.

Together union secretary Alex Scott says the documents reveal there is no basis for the "outrageous and obscene" pay rise.

"It shows what the government has been saying about the pay rise is lies, lies, lies," he said.

Opposition leader Annastacia Palaszczuk says it is within the government's power to amend or reject the pay rise and urged Mr Newman to act.

"This government is totally out of touch with what the people are saying out there," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"This is a government that solely cares about feathering its own nest.

"It is obscene, irresponsible and unforgivable."

She says if nothing is done, she'll invest her pay rise back into the community.

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Treasurer appeals gaming levy court loss

THE Victorian government will fight a recent loss in a legal battle with betting firms Tatts and Tabcorp.

Treasurer Michael O'Brien had determined that the two major gaming companies were liable for about $42 million each under the government's health benefit levy for operating poker machines in the 2012/13 financial year.

But the companies successfully argued they should not pay that amount as they had lost their duopoly over pokies operated outside of Crown casino 46 days into the year.

The Victorian Supreme Court ruled on June 24 that the treasurer had erred in his determination, and would need to revaluate the levy to be charged.

Mr O'Brien has now lodged an appeal against that ruling.

Tatts and Tabcorp say they will defend the appeal.

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Alannah MacTiernan nominates for Perth

FORMER West Australian Labor minister Alannah MacTiernan has nominated to become a candidate for the federal seat of Perth.

Lawyer Matthew Keogh withdrew his nomination before the midday deadline on Thursday, leaving Ms MacTiernan as the only nominee.

Another lawyer, Tim Hammond, who unsuccessfully contested the seat of Swan at the 2010 election, was touted as a strong contender but announced on Monday that he wasn't seeking to run because he had a young family.

The vacancy was created by the retirement of Defence Minister Stephen Smith, who announced last week, following the return of Kevin Rudd as Prime Minister, that he was bowing out of politics at the next election after holding the seat for 20 years.

It is one of only three federal seats held by Labor in Western Australia.

Asked about Ms MacTiernan on Thursday, WA Premier Colin Barnett said she would be a strong candidate.

"If Alannah has a go, it will be a full-on campaign, that's for sure," the Liberal leader told reporters.

"But this coming federal election is going to be closer than perhaps people thought.

"Certainly, the three federal seats that Labor holds in Western Australia, the Liberal party is going to be going after those very strongly."

The Liberal candidate for the seat of Perth is Geraldton-born petroleum engineer Darryl Moore.

During her time in state parliament, Ms MacTiernan was one of the most recognised and outspoken WA ministers, spearheading several major infrastructure projects including the Perth-to-Mandurah rail line.

She spent 17 years in state politics until she resigned in 2010 to run for the federal seat of Canning, but was beaten by Liberal Don Randall.

Ms MacTiernan returned to public life as the mayor of the City of Vincent the following year.

And she earned herself national headlines when she called for former prime minister Julia Gillard to step down after WA Labor suffered a crushing defeat in the March state election.

"I don't want to be horrible ... (but) you can't be a leader when people don't want you as their leader," she said at the time.

Mr Keogh said he had withdrawn in the interests of party unity.

"In the interests of providing a united Labor team to fight for the re-election of the Labor government, I have withdrawn my nomination for pre-selection for the seat of Perth," he said in a statement.

"I am of course disappointed to not be contesting the seat, as are many others.

"I have known and worked with Alannah for a long time and she will be a formidable candidate in Perth."

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Rudd books NPC for debate with Abbott

PM Kevin Rudd (R) has booked the National Press Club for a debate with Tony Abbott on the economy. Source: AAP

PRIME Minister Kevin Rudd has booked the National Press Club for a debate with Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, daring him to turn up and face him on the economy.

And he says former Prime Minister John Howard would be welcome to attend in Mr Abbott's absence.

Mr Rudd says the Australian people face big choices on the economy, environmental policy and jobs.

"I cannot understand why Mr Abbott does not seem to have the ticker to want to come forward and participate in a national debate," he told reporters in Canberra.

"So in consultation with the National Press Club, we have set aside next Thursday for a debate."

Mr Rudd says between now and then he will be hounding Mr Abbott "up hill and down dale" to ensure he turns up.

He says Mr Howard is welcome to come and help Mr Abbott, or take part in the debate in Mr Abbott's absence.

In the week since his return as PM, Mr Rudd has persistently goaded Mr Abbott to participate in a series of debates.

But Mr Abbott has said he'll debate Mr Rudd once he names the election date.

Mr Rudd said the first debate could be about debt and deficit and future debates about immigration policy and carbon pricing.

"It's time to fess up to the Australian people about what you really stand for and what your real policies are for the future or are they all just soundbites and slogans," he said.

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Fugitive arrested over Vic vampire killing

ONE of Australia's most wanted men, Mark Adrian Perry, has been arrested in Perth over the Melbourne murder of a self-proclaimed vampire.

Western Australian police arrested Perry, 45, at a factory in the Perth suburb of Morley at about 6.45pm (AEST) on Tuesday.

Victorian detectives have travelled to Western Australia, where Perry is expected to appear before the Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday afternoon.

Victoria Police will apply for Perry to be extradited to face charges over the 2003 murder of Shane Chartres-Abbott.

A $1 million reward was offered in 2009 for information on Perry's whereabouts.

Chartres-Abbott, 28, was gunned down by two men in front of his girlfriend and father outside his home at Reservoir, in Melbourne's north, on June 4, 2003.

At the time of his death he was on trial for the rape of a female client, who told police Chartres-Abbott believed he was a vampire who needed to drink blood to survive.

Police allege the murder was revenge for a 2002 rape.

Two other men were charged over the murder in March 2008 and October 2012 and are serving time in jail.

Police said in 2009 that Perry had lived in a number of places since becoming aware that he was wanted for questioning, including in Western Australia, Queensland and Thailand.

Perry was last seen in Queensland in September 2007, but was believed to be living under a new identity and may have changed his appearance.

Earlier this year, a court heard that a former police officer, David Waters, and a then-detective sergeant, Peter Lalor, assisted Chartres-Abbott's shooter to find the escort's home.

Neither Mr Lalor nor Mr Waters has been charged and they have both strongly denied any involvement.

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Hodgman farewelled at state service in Tas

AS his daughter Tori put it, Michael Hodgman would have loved every second of it.

Federal minister, staunch monarchist and much-loved larrikin, Mr Hodgman has been farewelled by close to 1000 people at a state memorial service with all the pomp he loved so much in life.

His son, Tasmanian Liberal leader Will Hodgman, donned the trademark Australian-flag tie and the service finished with his beloved God Save The Queen.

"Dad would be loving every second of this," daughter Tori Hodgman said.

She told the service of a Tasmanian parliamentary debate in 2004, during which The Mouth from the South proudly reminded the house of his entitlement to a state funeral.

He declared he'd like to be dropped at sea, befitting of his navy background, but - as always - there was humour.

"I'd like to be dropped off the north end of Bruny Island," he'd said.

"I'd like to do my little bit to help the Tasmanian crayfish industry."

Will Hodgman told the audience he was yet to meet an enemy of his father's despite a federal and state parliamentary career of more than 40 years.

The evidence of that was everywhere.

Liberals including Senate leader Eric Abetz and former federal minister Peter Reith joined Labor figures Barry Jones and, representing the prime minister, Julie Collins.

Tasmanian Labor Premier Lara Giddings and Greens leader Nick McKim were also there.

Mr Hodgman was remembered as a colourful QC, "the best show in town", whose willingness to defend anyone earned him another moniker, Mickey the Mobsters' Mouthpiece.

Any ire he saved for those he considered bad drivers, labelling them republicans, socialists and, for the worst, Labor voters.

He so loved the Geelong Football Club that he tore up then ate a poster of the West Coast Eagles on the Cats' official bus after a loss in the AFL grand final.

The Geelong team song joined Waltzing Matilda and Frank Sinatra's I Did It My Way as other favourites to get an airing for a man whose motto was: "Live every day as if it was your last."

"I'm sure we would have got more time with him if he hadn't worked so hard and we definitely would have if he hadn't played quite so hard," Will Hodgman said.

"But that time wouldn't have been nearly so rich."

Flags flew at half mast in Tasmania in memory of Mr Hodgman, whose official service was the largest in the state since the death of former premier Jim Bacon.

Mr Hodgman was buried at a private funeral service last week after losing his battle with emphysema aged 74.

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Monash councillor eyes Crean seat

AN ALP member who became Victoria's youngest ever mayor is weighing up his chances of replacing Simon Crean in the federal seat of Hotham.

Geoff Lake says he will consult his family on Monday night before deciding whether to stand for Labor preselection in the safe Victorian seat vacated by the former minister and Labor leader.

The 33-year old was first elected to Monash City Council aged 20 and in 2000 became Victoria's youngest mayor at 22.

He has also been president of the Australian Local Government Association and the Municipal Association of Victoria.

Cr Lake, who has a seven-month-old baby boy, told AAP he was considering a move to federal politics.

"I'm going to have a chat with my wife and family," he said.

"It's something I am interested in."

Cr Lake said he would like to see a rank and file ballot for the preselection.

The only exception to this would be if there was an August election where a decision would be required from the ALP national executive, he said.

Cr Lake said he admired Mr Crean, who has held the seat for 23 years.

"He is someone I've looked up to and respected," he said.

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Carr raises whaling with Japanese

AUSTRALIAN Foreign Minister Bob Carr says it's crucial that differences with Japan over its controversial whaling program do not extend to other areas in the relationship between the two countries.

Speaking after a bilateral meeting with his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida in Brunei on Monday, Senator Carr said he had re-stated Australia's objections to what Tokyo insists is a scientific whaling program.

The comments come as Japan prepares to deliver its opening submission in a case brought by Australia at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague on Tuesday that challenges the validity of annual whale hunt in the Southern Ocean.

But while again condemning the practice, Senator Carr also said that the depth of the relationship between Tokyo and Canberra went far beyond one issue, and that care must be taken to ensure that strong relationship continued.

"We are strongly opposed to whaling even when it's described as scientific whaling as it is by the Japanese," Senator Carr told AAP.

"But with the Japanese we quarantine our differences over this subject from the rest of our strong relationship because it's so important to both Japan and Australia.

"I'm confident we can handle the case in the court sensitively to minimise any negative public perceptions in Australian or Japanese circles."

Senator Carr said he believed that Japan would honour any decision made by the ICJ.

"I think they would have to abide by it."

Australia, which last week made its opening arguments in the case which has been brought after the failure of years of diplomatic efforts to resolve the matter, wants the 16-judge panel to rule that Japan's whaling program isn't science-based.

The Australian side argues that the annual hunt breaches the 1946 whaling convention which only allows harpooning "for purposes of scientific research".

But Tokyo points to the convention's preamble which states its aim is "the proper conservation of whale stocks".

Japan last week seized on comments from an expert witness for Australia that the program isn't a threat to minke stocks and therefore does conform to the convention.

During hearings at The Hague last Thursday, US mathematics professor Marc Mangel admitted Japan's target of catching 850 minke whales in the Southern Ocean each year "will not in any way endanger the stock".

Australian lawyer James Crawford had argued that the whaling program isn't based on real science, but in fact is "a parody of science".

The case was finally brought this year after years of diplomatic pressure from Canberra, and after Prime Minister Kevin Rudd who as opposition leader first pledged to take Tokyo to court while campaigning to become prime minister in 2007.

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RM Williams farms put under receivership

A PRIVATE carbon farming company run by former News Limited chief Ken Cowley has been placed into receivership.

RM Williams Agricultural Holdings, which owns carbon and cattle stations in Queensland and the Northern Territory, appointed insolvency firm PPB Advisory as administrators last week.

Mr Cowley, the Sydney-based company's chairman, is also the chief shareholder.

The receivership does not affect the well-known RM Williams fashion and boot retailer, which Mr Cowley also owns in partnership with private equity.

"These entities will continue to trade on a business as usual basis," PPB Advisory said in a statement.

PPB Advisory receiver Stephen Parbery said the administrators were "working closely and collaboratively with the board of RM Williams Agricultural Holdings to conduct a review of the business".

RM Williams Agricultural Holdings owns the 516,800 hectare Henbury carbon farm in the Northern Territory.

It also owns the Labelle Downs and Welltree stations in the Northern Territory, and the Mirage Plains and Inglewood Farms properties in Queensland.

RM Williams Agricultural Holdings, formed in May 2009, was named after the late Australian bush entrepreneur Reginald Murray Williams.

Mr Cowley, a former chairman and chief executive of Rupert Murdoch's News Ltd, was a close friend of Mr Williams until his death in 2003.

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Gunpowder blast kills man in Qld

A MAN is dead and two others have been seriously injured after gunpowder exploded in far north Queensland.

Police say the men were believed to have been trying to dispose of expired gunpowder in a burn-off on a rural property west of Mareeba on Saturday morning.

It caused an explosion, killing a 58-year-old Cairns man and seriously injuring another 58-year-old man and a 33-year-old man.

One suffered chest injuries and the other had serious lacerations to his arm.

Police say the cause of the blast is not suspicious.

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