$A dips on trade data

The Australian dollar fell by a fifth of a US cent after the release of July trade data. Source: AAP

THE Australian dollar fell by a fifth of a US cent after the release of weaker than expected international trade figures.

Australia posted a goods and services trade deficit of $765 million in July in seasonally adjusted terms, after a $243 million surplus in June, official figures show.

Market forecasts had centred on a surplus of $100 million.

At 1133 AEST, the Australia dollar was at 91.58 US cents, down from 91.76 cents just before the figures were released.

The currency ended Wednesday's local session at 91.29 cents.

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Obama fights for majority on Syria action

PRESIDENT Barack Obama has signed up power brokers in Congress for strikes on Syria but, in an era of insurgent politics haunted by Iraq, there is no guarantee the rank and file will follow.

Obama, who is on the road in Sweden, mobilised his big political and military guns on Wednesday to convince lawmakers to back his plan to punish President Bashar al-Assad over a chemical weapons attack.

The White House can already boast two significant victories.

On Tuesday, Republican House Speaker John Boehner and majority leader Eric Cantor, who more normally torment the president, gave robust support to his strategy.

Then, on Wednesday, the Senate Foreign Relations committee voted by 10 members to seven to authorise action in Syria - albeit under tighter rules of engagement than the White House had requested.

"None of us want the US mired down in another conflict, so the committee has significantly limited the president's original authorisation, while still providing for an appropriate use of force in response to Assad's use of chemical weapons," said Republican Senator Bob Corker.

But for Obama to collect on the huge gamble he made in seeking congressional backing for attacks in Syria, he must win over lower ranking lawmakers who, unlike their leaders, are more concerned with their political skins than US standing in the world.

War weariness stalks America, and votes to authorise action in Syria, likely to begin next week, are tough ones - especially for House and Senate lawmakers up for re-election in 2014.

Republicans face a strain of isolationist and libertarian sentiment roiling a party still working through the political trauma of the Iraq war.

Many establishment Republicans have already been knocked off their perches by "Tea Party" candidates who have challenged them from their right in nominating contests.

Anti-war liberal Democrats meanwhile are making unlikely common cause with conservatives like Senator Rand Paul, who oppose US military action.

Hawks like Republican senators Lindsey Graham and John McCain meanwhile demand a more robust effort than the "limited" strikes Obama has proposed and want to escalate US military aid to the Syrian opposition.

This splintering of party lines is complicating efforts to build a coalition behind action in Syria.

But one White House official predicted sufficient support would emerge between the extremes.

National Security Advisor Susan Rice told NBC News she was "quite confident" that the administration would prevail.

Another official admitted privately that the White House "will lose some Democrats" meaning that significant numbers of Republicans will be needed not just in the House, but in the Democratic-run Senate to get the bill through.

Reliable vote counts are not yet available, as hearings on the authorisation, featuring a passionate Secretary of State John Kerry take place on Capitol Hill.

But a top House Democrat, Chris Van Hollen, when asked by CNN Wednesday whether a war resolution could get through the chamber, replied: "I don't think anybody knows right now."

Though Boehner and Cantor are in favour - other top Republicans are wavering and could siphon away yes votes.

The White House has good reason for concern.

Close Obama aides privately vent frustration that Boehner has been unable to deliver his riotous caucus on other big issues, including on proposed budget deals.

Obama, often criticised for a failure to engage on key priorities on Capitol Hill, has been unusually active.

A senior official said the president was calling lawmakers from abroad. On Wednesday, he also hardened his rhetoric.

"My credibility is not on the line, the international community's credibility is on the line and America and Congress's credibility is on the line," he said.

The comments appeared to be a bid to give Republicans, many of whom defy him on principle, a reason to vote 'yes' other than the fact the president's prestige is at stake.

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Hawke swoops in to help Beattie in Forde

POLITICAL heavyweight Bob Hawke has turbo charged Peter Beattie's campaign at a barbecue south of Brisbane, with both men saying Labor is ready to fight to the end.

After poor polling earlier this month, Mr Beattie knows he has got a tough week of campaigning.

"We're fighters - none of us are going to be wimps - we have to be, this is about Australia's future and it is worth fighting for," he said.

About 100 starry-eyed Labor fans fussed over the political stalwarts and asked for photos.

Some also asked for help with their personal situations such as public housing issues, workers rights and unemployment.

"We had the entree with Campbell Newman and we will get the main course with Abbott," Mr Beattie told one supporter who shared concerns about last years' 14,000 job cuts in the state.

One supporter even brought a small plastic keg which had been moulded to look like Mr Hawke.

Labor's longest serving prime minister was happy to sign the homage.

He gave a spirited speech to the party faithful and asked them to remember Labor's legacies, like Medicare and HECS.

He enlisted them to convert 20 of their friends who are still undecided.

"I'm issuing a challenge. If you can persuade 20 people you will win the election of Forde for this man," he said.

"Just on the basis of education, you should be able to win every one of their bloody votes."

Mr Beattie returned to politics after a six year hiatus to run in Forde against the Liberal National Party's Bert van Manen, who holds the seat by a 1.6 per cent margin.

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New Vatican PM 'deep interest' in Asia

Former deputy PM Tim Fischer says the Vatican's new secretary of state has a deep interest in Asia. Source: AAP

FORMER Australian ambassador to the Holy See Tim Fischer says the Vatican's new secretary of state is a man with a deep interest in Asia and indicative of the change under way in the organisation.

Mr Fischer, Australia's deputy prime minister under John Howard, says Archbishop Pietro Parolin has direct experience of working in Africa and the Americas as a senior Vatican diplomat.

He is currently envoy to Venezuela and has worked on improving ties with communist China.

The position of secretary of state is widely considered the Vatican's number two position.

He will replace Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, regarded as a divisive and controversial figure.

"It is terrific that the new Pope Francis has appointed as prime minister, or secretary of state of the Holy See, a person with deep interest in Asia," Mr Fischer told AAP.

"This shows that Pope Francis continues to fan the winds of change at the very top. I salute the decision and wish the outgoing Cardinal Bertone all the best."

At 58, Archbishop Parolin is regarded as young for this senior position. He takes on his new role from mid-October.

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Sydney teen in court after lift bashing

A 17-YEAR-OLD is accused of waylaying a man in a Sydney train station lift to steal his phone.

The 27-year-old man was followed into a lift at Granville Railway Station by a group of males about 9.30pm (AEST) last Sunday, police say.

It's alleged that while inside the lift the man was repeatedly bashed before the group ran off with his mobile phone.

The victim was able to get help from a delivery driver but required hospital treatment for multiple facial fractures.

Police arrested a 17-year-old at the same station about 5.30pm on Friday.

He's been charged with robbery in company and refused bail to appear at Parramatta Children's Court on Saturday.

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Qld Labor voters warned of Senate deal

LEFT wing voters in Queensland are being told they could inadvertently give conservatives control of the Senate.

The Australian Greens have launched a national advertising campaign to stop Tony Abbott getting total control of the parliament.

Former Australian Greens leader Bob Brown joined the campaign in Brisbane and highlighted Senate preference deals between Labor and Katter's Australian Party in Queensland.

Dr Brown says thanks to the deals a vote for Labor, the Democrats or some progressive parties in the Senate in Queensland ends up being a vote for Katter's Australian Party candidate James Blundell.

Labor has done a deal with independent MP Bob Katter's party in Queensland while the Democrats and some minor progressive parties have also preferenced Katter's Australian Party over the Greens in the Senate.

Dr Brown said Bob Katter opposes gay marriage, stronger animal cruelty laws and protecting the environment.

"Most Australian voters do not want both houses of parliament in the hands of Tony Abbott or people who support his key policies," Dr Brown said in a statement on Saturday.

"But that could be the result of a vote for Labor or the Democrats in the Senate in Queensland next Saturday."

He said progressive voters should vote for the Greens in the Senate.

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Abbott has fans on Gillard's home ground

THE giant Liberal Party banners dominated the Adelaide street corner, the words "Hope, Reward and Opportunity" beaming out across the traffic.

A large gathering of the party faithful, draped in matching blue t-shirts, waited eagerly for their leader to arrive.

The scene looked almost presidential as Tony Abbott took to the stage amid a sea of banners to promise his troops a vision for the future.

"That bright future starts on the seventh of September!" he said, before jumping offstage to mingle with fans.

It's hard to believe this used to be Julia Gillard's turf.

She was the home favourite in South Australia, credited with delivering Labor historic swings in the state in the 2010 election.

But the "Julia Gillard effect" won't play a part in the upcoming election.

The Liberals are hoping her ousting as Labor prime minister by Kevin Rudd will in fact play into their hands in SA and help them win or secure a number of key seats.

Abbott popped by three of these seats on Saturday - Boothby, Sturt and Hindmarsh.

The coalition holds Boothby by a razor-thin 0.6 per cent margin. Local member Andrew Southcott is promising $500 million to upgrade a major local road if elected.

Gillard, who went to school not far from where he was standing, used to have strong local credentials here. But Southcott's not worried he'll lose the seat he's held since 1996, he said.

"Unfortunately for them, Kevin Rudd is the guy who came along and knifed the hometown girl," he told AAP.

Fellow SA MP Christopher Pyne got a boost from Abbott as well, with the opposition leader promising $17.5 million to upgrade a leisure centre in his electorate.

Mary Crouch, a member of the local Norwood Flames basketball club since 1971, said this pledge was a sure-fire vote winner.

"We just need the coalition to win, fingers crossed!" she told AAP as Pyne and Abbott tossed basketballs with children.

The opposition leader had to wear a number of hats on Saturday, switching from local hero to aspiring prime minister as he dealt with questions on Syria's worsening civil war.

Reports that the Syrian regime had employed chemical weapons against their people saw Rudd return to Canberra and suspend his campaign temporarily.

Abbott initially said he'd get his briefing from his deputy Julie Bishop but later his office confirmed he'd be attending the official meeting as well.

He may look like a leader in waiting but Abbott marked the two-week point to the election by warning his supporters to be anything but complacent.

"My friends, there is still much to be done," he said in Hindmarsh, a seat they hope to win from Labor's Steve Georganas.

The stump speech to about 100 people was just a warm up, as Abbott prepares to officially launch the coalition's election campaign in Brisbane on Sunday.

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Greens hammer message of trust, power

The Greens have pledged to introduce a Clean Air Act and an inquiry into Australia's refugee policy. Source: AAP

IN an election campaign where the major parties inevitably shape the main themes, Australian Greens leader Christine Milne is trying to hijack their message.

Both Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott have framed the debate as about who voters can trust, particularly on economic matters.

"This election, like never before, is about who you can trust," was how Senator Milne opened her address to the Greens' national campaign launch on Saturday - before adding the Greens difference.

"Trust to care for people ... and to care for the environment."

There was little party paraphernalia in the small theatre inside Canberra's cavernous convention centre, just a few "Christine 13" and "I'm with Adam" t-shirts.

But the 300-strong crowd was revved up, enthusiastically applauding throughout Senator Milne's speech and shouting "shame" at the record of the "old parties".

They booed and hissed at the statement that if the polls were right, Mr Abbott would be Australia's next prime minister.

"This is a moment for soul searching across the nation about what that would actually mean," Senator Milne said, hammering in her message that the Greens are needed to "Abbott-proof" the Senate.

"Voting Greens is double value voting.

"Not only does it return the Greens but it stops Tony Abbott getting absolute power in the federal parliament."

At this point the computer display behind the senator showed an error message, saying there was only seven per cent power remaining, please plug in for more power.

Senator Milne pledged the minor party would get a senate inquiry into the treatment of refugees, taking evidence from international human rights and legal experts.

It would also push for a Clean Air Act to set up national rules about pollution.

Senator Milne was confident the Greens would do well at the election despite having less star power after the retirement of former leader Bob Brown.

"Our very own wise elder," as Senator Milne called him, sat in the front row, but didn't speak.

"Unlike the other parties, this is not about celebrity," Senator Milne told reporters after the launch.

She had received a standing ovation as she entered the room to the sounds of Empire of the Sun singing, "loving every minute 'cause you make me feel so alive".

"I'm just privileged ... and humbled by the amount of faith and trust that the Green membership around the country has put in me as the leader and in the team that we are taking to the election," she said.

"We can be trusted and our membership knows that."

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Ludlam blasts WikiLeaks over preferences

IF the leading WikiLeaks WA candidate wanted to make a tribute to Nationals Senate hopeful David Wirrpanda, he should have sent a card instead of diverting preferences from the Greens.

That was the response of worried Greens WA Senator Scott Ludlam to WikiLeaks Senate candidate Gerry Georgatos.

Mr Georgatos explained the preference move by saying he wanted to give symbolic recognition to Mr Wirrpanda, a former champion footballer who is vying to be the state's first indigenous senator.

A National Indigenous Times journalist, Mr Georgatos also believes Senator Ludlam "has always been secure of a Senate spot, despite the sad statements put out that apparently the Greens are on a knife-edge in the three Senate spots they're contesting".

He believes Sarah Hanson-Young and Peter Whish-Wilson in South Australia and Tasmania are also secure, dimissing talk by the Greens' of the balance of power being handed to Opposition Leader Tony Abbott as a ploy to garner more voters nationally.

"Gerry is the only person in the country who thinks I'm a shoe-in - I have absolutely zero confidence in his analysis," Senator Ludlam told AAP.

"If he was after a symbolic gesture, he should have sent him (Mr Wirrpanda) a card.

"Preferences are not symbolic. They are actually quite a serious part of our electoral system."

Reflecting on the fate of jailed US soldier Bradley Manning, Senator Ludlam said he would like to get back to the business of sticking up for whistleblowers "with whoever is left standing at the end" of the election.

"That's been occluded in Australia by the debacle that WikiLeaks have imposed on themselves."

WikiLeaks has blamed an administrative error on its preferencing of right-wing party Australia First in NSW.

While Georgatos has described it as a poor judgement call by well-meaning people, he said the party didn't "hold people hostage to mistakes".

Senator Ludlam said he didn't have a plan B if he loses his seat, saying he was throwing everything at the election campaign.

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Dyslexic students counted among disabled

STUDENTS with dyslexia and learning difficulties will get the same funds as those with disabilities under the government's new school funding plan.

It's estimated one in 10 students have dyslexia.

For the first time, all students with learning difficulties will be included in the official nationally consistent collection of data on school students with disability.

This data will lead to the creation of a loading on top of the per-student funding to help schools give more specialised services for students with disability.

Education Minister Bill Shorten said students with disability or learning difficulties would be identified based on what extra help they needed at school rather than their diagnosis.

"It means the level of support for students with disability will no longer be based on the school they go to, the state they live in or how many other kids are competing for the same bucket of money," he said in a statement.

Data collection runs during the next year and the new loading will apply from 2015.

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