Sydney Harbour to launch Australia Day

WHETHER you're into sheep shearing, whip cracking, fireworks or surfing, there is something for everyone this Australia Day.

And a 100-year-old Iraqi-born grandmother and a two-year-old Indian boy are among nearly 3600 people from 113 countries to become citizens across the state on Sunday.

The largest ceremonies in NSW will take place at Sutherland and Blacktown.

Meanwhile in Sydney, an indigenous ceremony will welcome in Australia Day with a ritual fire at the Opera House at 7.30am.

The fire, along with offerings from around the world will then be carried onboard a boat, before meeting bark canoes under the Harbour bridge for a smoking ceremony.

It will commemorate our past and future, with the national anthem to be sung in the Eora language.

Throughout the day, other free festivities include the popular race of Sydney's ferries, as well as the Australian army parachute display over Circular Quay.

In a new event, tug boats and 10 yachts will perform a "ballet" on the harbour.

Singers Mahalia Barnes and Prinnie Stevens will entertain with the sounds of motown in Darling Harbour from 6pm.

Ms Barnes said it is a great opportunity to celebrate and be grateful.

"We live in one of the most amazing countries in the world, we are very, very lucky," she told reporters on Saturday.

"The best thing about it is that everyone goes out and has a good time."

At 8.45pm, fireworks will mark the finale of the festivities on the harbour.

Meanwhile, face painting, an animal farm and a 3pm concert with The Wiggles will be rolled out at Hyde Park through the day to keep the kids entertained.

"Police have said that the crowd that comes to The Wiggles, Dorothy the Dinosaur and Peppa Pig are the best behaved crowds of the Australia Day weekend," Blue Wiggle, Anthony told reporters.

"It is a lovely, lovely day for families to come along, celebrate Australia and the multicultural society we live in."

Further west in Sydney's Olympic Park, about 6000 Sydneysiders are expected to head to Bicentennial Park for fireworks, sheep shearing, whip cracking and sheep dog trial shows.

Elsewhere in the state, more than 110 people are hoping to break a world record by riding the same wave at North Broulee Beach on the NSW south coast.

At Newcastle a national maritime festival will be held from 8am to 5pm.

Across the state, police are urging people to slow down after almost 800 speed infringement notices were issued on day one of the long weekend campaign.

"With 168 major crashes and one fatality, I'd like to again remind drivers to slow down, stay within the speed limit; no deadline is worth dying for," NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith said in a statement.

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UK teacher tells of Kruger elephant attack

A BRITISH teacher who suffered a serious leg injury when an elephant tore through her car in South Africa has told how she desperately tried to drive away.

Sarah Brooks, who works at the Sir John Gleed School in Lincolnshire, and her South African fiance Jans de Klerk, were attacked by the elephant as they drove through the Kruger National Park on December 30.

The couple have now returned to England after Brooks spent more than a week recovering from a pelvis fracture and stitches to her right leg after the elephant's tusk pierced it.

The pair have received death threats since footage of the attack - which they say was heavily edited to make it look as if they drove towards the animal - went viral.

The 30-year-old science teacher told the Daily Mail she "completely freaked" as the elephant stormed towards them and in her panic was unable to find reverse in the hire car.

The couple then resorted to stopping, turning off the ignition and looking at the ground, but seconds later the elephant rammed into them.

"The next thing I heard was Jans screaming at me: 'Drive! Drive!'," Brooks said.

"I somehow managed to turn the engine on, Jans found reverse, but just as I got it going, the elephant tipped us up.

"Then he crushed the undercarriage by ramming it with his head, and the key snapped out of the ignition. 'I remember thinking, 'We're never going to be able to drive away now' - and the next thing I knew we were rolling.

"At that moment, your life flashes through your head. I thought, 'We've only been together a year-and-a-half, life's good. Why now? Why the hell now? It just isn't fair.' I didn't know if either of us would live."

She recalled how the bull elephant twice missed her when his tusks ripped through the car before one pierced her leg leaving her streaming with the blood.

De Klerk, who was left unhurt, managed to pull her across to his side of the car, from which the elephant finally walked away only after pushing it up against a tree and smashing the windscreen.

The incident was captured on film by tourists in a car behind, but they drove off after the attack believing the pair to be dead.

The distressed couple, who feared attacks from other animals, waited for help after phoning de Klerk's brother but it was 25 minutes before a helicopter landed.

"They took me to a doctor, where I was patched up before being taken to a hospital to check for internal injuries," Brooks said.

"In the back of the ambulance, I said to Jans: 'I don't want ever to spend another day apart from you.' He said: 'Marry me then?' I said: 'Yes.'"

She told the newspaper that she pleaded with the tourists not to publish the footage, but days later an edited version went viral.

The male elephant, who was believed to be a risk to other tourists, was destroyed after the incident.

The animal had been "on musth", a periodic condition where testosterone levels rise and elephants become more aggressive, and had fought with another elephant earlier that day.

The couple said park rangers told them they were "just unlucky" and had done nothing wrong.

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Phone data spying illegal: US govt panel

A US review panel has warned the NSA's collection of citizens' phone records is illegal. Source: AAP

A US government review panel has warned the National Security Agency's daily collection of citizens' phone records is illegal, recommending the president abandon the program and destroy the hundreds of millions of phone records.

The recommendations by the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board go further than President Barack Obama is willing to accept and increase pressure on congress to make changes.

The panel's 234-page report included dissents from two of the board's five members - former Bush administration national security lawyers who recommended that the government keep collecting the phone records.

The board described key parts of its report to Obama this month before he announced his plans last week to change the government's surveillance activities.

In that speech, Obama said the bulk phone collection program would continue for the time being.

He directed the Justice Department and intelligence officials to find ways to end the government's control over the phone data.

He is also insisting on close supervision by a secretive federal intelligence court and reducing the breadth of phone records the NSA can investigate.

Phone companies have said they do not want to take responsibility for overseeing the data under standards set by the NSA.

In addition to concluding that the daily collection of phone records was illegal, the board also determined that the practice was ineffective.

"We have not identified a single instance involving a threat to the United States in which the program made a concrete difference in the outcome of a counterterrorism investigation," it said, and added, "We are aware of no instance in which the program directly contributed to the discovery of a previously unknown terrorist plot or the disruption of a terrorist attack."

It said the NSA should instead seek individual records relevant to terror cases directly from phone service providers under existing laws.

The board wrote that the phone surveillance did not have a "viable legal foundation" under the Patriot Act, which was used to provide legal backing for the operation after it was secretly authorised by President George W Bush.

The White House disagreed with the oversight board.

"The administration believes the program is lawful," said national security spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden.

The NSA's surveillance programs and other data mining operations came to light last year, drawing intense criticism after revelations fuelled by an estimated 1.7 million documents taken by former NSA systems analyst Edward Snowden and handed over to several journalists.

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Shark drumlines to appear in WA waters

A shark barrier to protect beachgoers at a popular Western Australian beach has been completed. Source: AAP

THE drumlines designed to catch and kill large sharks off the West Australian coastline - which have caused much anger among anti-culling activists - are set to appear in the water this weekend.

The private contractor charged with laying and monitoring the drumlines in the south-west of the state is believed to have been told to get started in time for the Australia Day long weekend.

The Fremantle-based fisherman, who has appeared in the media but has not been identified, will lay the lines at beaches at Old Dunsborough, Meelup and Castle Rock, before moving on to Gracetown - the site of the fatal attack late last year that prompted the WA government's controversial policy.

Old Dunsborough beach is where a 300m-long shark barrier is being trialled, 100m from the shore, just in time for the public holiday.

The drumlines will appear off the south-west first, after federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt granted WA an exemption under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, allowing the protected great white shark to be killed.

But plans to set drumlines off Perth beaches have been delayed, after potential professional contractors pulled out because of alleged threats from environmental activists.

Government fisheries officers will now be ordered to perform that duty, beginning within weeks, according to the state government.

Protesters, however, are determined to disrupt those efforts, with a national rally planned for February 1.

Even Hollywood star Ricky Gervais, the creator of the smash-hit comedy The Office, has appeared on social media holding up a sign decrying the WA government.

Gervais later said on Twitter: "Animals don't have a voice. But I do. A loud one. I'm a f****** big mouth. My voice is for them. And I'll never shut up while they suffer."

The death of Chris Boyd at Gracetown was the seventh in WA waters since August 2010 and came only a month after abalone diver Greg Pickering was mauled.

In seeking the exemption, the state government said the spike in attacks had dented tourism and leisure-based businesses, with recreational diving operators reporting a greater than 90 per cent plunge in people learning to dive.

But the plan has incensed conservationists, with the Humane Society labelling it "a complete disgrace", while thousands of protesters recently rallied against it on a Cottesloe beach frequented by the state's Liberal premier.

Mr Hunt confirmed that after this summer trial, which ends on April 30, there would have to be a full federal environment act assessment if the policy was to continue.

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NZX joins Asia-Pacific markets' decline

NEW Zealand shares have retreated as the market joined a region-wide decline.

The NZX 50 Index fell 39.263 points, or about 0.8 per cent to 4911.076 on Thursday. Within the index 35 stocks fell, seven rose and eight were unchanged. Turnover was $101.7 million.

Across Asian-Pacific markets there was a downturn after Chinese data showed manufacturing was shrinking.

"The negative data out of China flowed on particularly through Australia," said James Smalley, a director at Hamilton Hindin Greene.

"We just seem to be following those trends at the moment."

Budget retailer Warehouse Group led decliners after it warned its first half profits could fall as much as 13 per cent. New Zealand's largest listed retailer slid 4.5 per cent to $3.54.

Among other retail stocks to fall, outdoor equipment chain Kathmandu Holdings dropped 4.4 per cent to $3.35 and Hallenstein Glasson, which was punished last week after it issued a profit warning, fell 2.9 per cent to $3.35.

Listed property entities declined as the talk of an interest rate hike "sooner rather than later" diminished the appeal of property stocks that typically return a steady cash dividend, Mr Smalley said.

Goodman Property Trust fell one per cent to 97 cents. Kiwi Income Property Trust dropped 0.9 per cent to $1.10. DNZ Property Fund fell 0.3 per cent to $1.53, and Argosy Property was unchanged at 93 cents.

SkyCity Entertainment Group slipped 1.8 per cent to $3.82 and Fletcher Building fell 0.3 per cent to $9.13.

Mr Smalley said some of the heat came out of the tech stocks as investors took the opportunity to take profits.

Xero, whose share price has gained 480 per cent in the past 12 months, declined 1.4 per cent to $42.59 and Wynyard slipped 7.6 per cent to $2.93.

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OceanaGold leads NZX gains

NEW Zealand shares have gained for a second day to a two-month high, led by OceanaGold, which exceeded its gold production forecasts.

The NZX50 advanced 28.668 points or about 0.6 per cent to 4950.339 on Wednesday.

Within the index 26 stock rose, 15 fell and nine were unchanged. Turnover was $107.9 million.

Melbourne-based mining group OceanaGold led the index higher, with the shares up 7.7 per cent to $2.11 after it said it beat its gold production forecasts for 2013.

"When there is any announcement out of a gold company about production rates you do get a knee jerk reaction from the market," said Mark Warminger, portfolio manager at Milford Asset Management.

"That will settle down in the following days and months. Ultimately it depends on the price of gold."

F&P Healthcare shares rose 3.9 per cent to $4.12, the highest the respiratory and sleep apnoea mask makers have been in nearly seven years.

Retirement village operators Ryman Healthcare, Summerset Group and Metlifecare joined the health sector rally.

Ryman was up 0.3 per cent to $8.17, Summerset also lifted 0.3 per cent to $3.65 and Metlifecare gained 0.2 per cent to $4.25

"Healthcare is a safe place to be, in case of any little hiccup in the market, health is seen as safe stock," Mr Warminger said.

Stocks with Australian interests rose as the kiwi dollar weakened against the Australian dollar.

SkyCity Entertainment Group, which has casinos in Darwin and Adelaide, advanced 1.8 per cent to $3.89, Fletcher Building rose 1.1 per cent to $9.16 and outdoor clothing retailer Kathmandu was up three per cent to $3.45.

Telecom shares rose 0.4 per cent to $5.80 after it won the final lot of 4G radio spectrum in the government's auction.

Shares in energy efficient light bulb maker and marketer Energy Mad doubled to an intraday two-year high price of 68 cents, after it said its cost saving bulbs will be sold in the US market through online retailer Amazon. The stock closed at 60 cents, up 76 per cent.

Trade Me Group led the decliners, dropping 1.7 per cent to $4.13 and Diligent Board Member Services fell 1.5 per cent to $4.68.

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$88 million extra cash for Customs "war"

THE federal government will spend an extra $88 million to boost the capacity of Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) to screen mail, air and sea cargo.

Immigration Minister Scott Morrison made the announcement at Port Botany in Sydney on Wednesday.

"Customs and Border Protection will increase inspections of high-risk cargo and mail and also increase the intensity of examinations which will maximise the potential of stopping illegal firearms and drugs before they hit our streets," Mr Morrison said.

As part of the package, an investigation squad will be created to assist existing law-enforcement task forces to arrest firearm and drug traffickers.

Container inspection operations will be expanded at Sydney and Melbourne, as well as mobile X-ray technology for ACBPS staff.

It will also include 15 extra detector dog teams to increase inspection of cargo.

"We're in a war against drug syndicates, against those who would seek to import weapons into this country, drug precursors, steroids," ACBPS chief executive Michael Pezzullo said.

"In a war you need weapons, you need bullets.

"We will use those capabilities in the war we're engaged in."

NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell said the money would help stop the flow of illegal weapons and drugs into his state.

"This is a very welcome announcement from Tony Abbott and Scott Morrison," he said in a statement.

The extra funds will also complement the NSW government's efforts to fight drug and alcohol-fuelled violence, the premier added.

Following intense public pressure over alcohol-fuelled violence, Mr O'Farrell announced a raft of tough new measures on Tuesday to crack down on offenders.

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Business still lacks appetite to employ

An improving trend in business is not likely to prevent unemployment from rising over the next year. Source: AAP

A MODEST improvement in business conditions is unlikely to stop the jobless rate rising over the next year, a leading business group has warned.

A depreciation in the Australian dollar will have helped business conditions to a degree but firms are still struggling, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry says.

"They have limited appetite to invest and employ and that is unlikely to improve until there is a more sustained pick-up in trading conditions across the economy," the chamber's acting chief economist Burchell Wilson told reporters in Canberra on Monday.

"It is also telling us that the unemployment rate is expected to rise over the next 12 months."

The chamber's latest survey of investor confidence showed some positive trends, such as for sales and profitability, albeit coming off a low base.

The survey's business conditions index rose to 52.6 points in the December quarter from 51.1 points in the previous three months, which had been the first reading above 50 in almost three year.

However, while sales and profitability improved, they remain entrenched below the 50 mark that separates expansion from contraction.

The business expectations index also eased slightly to 55.5 points from 56.5 points.

The survey came as the Australian dollar slipped to a fresh three and a half year low towards 87.50 US cents, having been in a gradual decline since last Thursday's labour force date that showed weak employment growth in December.

The federal government in its mid-year budget released just before Christmas forecast the unemployment rate rising to six per cent by June, up from 5.8 per cent as of the end of last year.

The government expects the jobless rate to rise even further over the following year.

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NSW bushfire upgraded to emergency

AN emergency warning has been issued for a bushfire burning in northwest NSW.

The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) issued the emergency alert for the Oxley Crossing blaze northeast of Coonabarabran at 3.55pm (AEDT) on Monday.

"A bushfire is burning in a south easterly direction towards the township of Rocky Glen," the RFS said just before 4pm.

"If you are not prepared, leave now in an easterly direction towards Gunnedah.

"If you are staying with your property, make final preparations now and seek shelter as the fire front arrives."

The fire has already burnt through more than 100 hectares, a year after major bushfires threatened homes and an observatory in the region.

The Transport Management Centre said the Oxley Highway was closed in both directions about 25km east of Coonabarabran.

Eastbound motorists were being diverted at the Newell Highway to travel via Narrabri while westbound motorists are diverting via Black Stump Way.

Ninety-nine fires were burning across the state on Monday morning, with 26 of them still out of control.

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Cate continues Oscar march after SAG win

Australian actress Cate Blanchett has won a Screen Actors Guild Award for her role in Blue Jasmine. Source: AAP

ANOTHER day, another award for Cate Blanchett.

The Australian actress continued her domination of Hollywood award season on Saturday night with a win at the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards for her lead role in Woody Allen's comedy-drama Blue Jasmine.

A week ago, Blanchett claimed a Golden Globe and on Thursday she was nominated for an Oscar.

She has also won more than 10 other major critics awards.

The haul has created a dilemma for Blanchett.

How will she get all of the trophies in her bags for the return flight to Sydney?

"I hope Australian Customs will be kind," Blanchett told reporters backstage at Los Angeles' Shrine Auditorium.

There is one trophy Blanchett is yet to claim: an Oscar.

The SAG win confirms her almost unbackable favouritism for the best actress Oscar at the March 2 Academy Awards.

In 2005, when Blanchett won the supporting actress SAG award, she went on to win her first Oscar, supporting actress for The Aviator.

Blanchett's sweep of awards season comes despite competition from some of the greats of the business.

The other SAG best actress nominees were: Meryl Streep (August: Osage County); Sandra Bullock (Gravity), Judi Dench (Philomena); and Emma Thompson (Saving Mr Banks).

In other SAG categories, Matthew McConaughey continued his run at the best actor Oscar with a SAG victory for Dallas Buyers Club.

His co-star, Jared Leto, won the supporting SAG while 12 Years a Slave's Lupita Nyong'o caused an upset in the supporting actress category.

Nyong'o beat favourite Jennifer Lawrence (American Hustle) and heavyweights Julia Roberts (August: Osage County) and Oprah Winfrey (The Butler).

In the TV categories, Modern Family won the best comedy ensemble and Breaking Bad took the drama ensemble.

Breaking Bad's Bryan Cranston also won the lead actor in a drama series award.

Helen Mirren, for Phil Spector, caused an upset over Top of the Lake duo Elisabeth Moss and Holly Hunter in the TV movie or mini-series category.

The SAGs were held at The Shrine auditorium in Los Angeles.

SAG is the union representing more than 100,000 actors.

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NZ boy dies after sand hole collapses

A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD boy has died at a New Zealand beach after a hole in the sand collapsed on him and suffocated him.

The accident happened at Pataua South Beach, near Whangarei in Northland, on Sunday afternoon.

The boy had poked his head into a hole in the sand and the sand collapsed around him, pinning him in, St John northern communications shift manager Tony Devanney told AAP.

He was pulled out of the hole but could not be revived.

It was not clear how long the boy was stuck in the hole, he said.

Mr Devanney said it did not appear the hole was all that big.

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