Cuba's 'first lady' dies

Vilma Espin, one of the most powerful women in the Cuban revolution that brought her brother-in-law Fidel Castro to power, has died aged 77.

A key figure in advancing women's equality in communist Cuba, Espin was married to Fidel Castro's younger brother Raul, who took over as acting president in July 2006 after the Fidel underwent surgery.

Espin became Cuba's unofficial first lady because Fidel Castro's wife, Dalia Soto del Valle, never played an official role.

A trained chemical engineer, she became a senior figure in the communist regime, where she championed women's rights as president of the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC).

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Kirribilli function ethically kosher, says PM

The Prime Minister has denied breaching his own Ministerial Code of Conduct by hosting a Liberal Party function at Kirribilli House.

The function was held at John Howard's official Sydney residence earlier this month.

from the ABC …..

Minister says Pell as bad as that 'boofhead Hilaly'

Alexandra Smith and Linda Morris

June 7, 2007

The Archbishop of Sydney, George Pell, could be compared to "that serial boofhead Sheik al Hilaly", the NSW cabinet minister Nathan Rees has said in an explosive speech in Parliament.

Liberal leadership speculation absurd: Downer

Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer has described the latest bout of Liberal leadership speculation as "absurd".

With the Coalition trailing Labor in the polls, there has been renewed speculation that it is time for John Howard to hand over the leadership heading into the Federal election campaign.

from the SMH …..

Foreign debt - Australia's black hole

Jacob Saulwick

June 6, 2007

AUSTRALIA'S current account deficit improved slightly in the three months to March following a blowout at the end of last year, but the picture is marred by ballooning foreign debt.

High-speed broadband to woo voters

Lisa Murray

June 5, 2007

THE ROLL-OUT of a multibillion-dollar high-speed broadband network in the cities could be rushed through as the Federal Government tries to seize the upper hand in the debate before the election.

At the same time, it will spend $900 million - $300 million more than expected - on improving internet speeds and access in regional and remote areas.

 
Putin Cautions US Over Missile Defense Plans

By Michael A. Fletcher

Washington Post Staff Writer

Monday, June 4, 2007; 4:24 PM

PRAGUE, June 4 - President Bush arrived here Monday to begin an eight-day visit to Europe, at a time when Russian President Vladimir Putin is threatening to retaliate against U.S. plans for a European missile defense system by aiming some of Russia's weapons at new targets on the continent.

Labor's green 'fanatics' in denial, says Turnbull

The Federal Government is stepping up its attack on the Opposition's climate change policies.

The Environment Minister Malcolm Turnbull is defending the Government's decision to wait until next year before setting pollution reduction targets.

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from the ABC …..

PM tight-lipped on climate change ads

The Prime Minister has dodged questions about whether a new government advertising campaign on climate change is planned.

Labor insists the Government intends sending all eight million households in Australia a taxpayer-funded, full-colour brochure on climate change with a personal cover note from John Howard.

from the ABC …..

Labor hypocrisy on IR exposed, says PM

The Prime Minister has used Question Time to accuse the Opposition of hypocrisy on industrial relations (IR).

John Howard has pointed to Labor's recent criticism of a small business in New South Wales for allegedly stripping workers of entitlements.