DOMESTIC
Petrol prices – As the international price of oil soared past US$130 a barrel, Australians saw prices at the pump go past $1.60, prices which would be higher if not for the strength of the Australian dollar. Some commentators warned the price could get to US $200 a barrel and that the pressure on prices would be intense.
Liberal leadership – It seems all calm on the opposition front once again after the leak of an email in which Malcolm Turnbull criticized his leader’s petrol excise policy was leaked saw extensive media coverage of the Liberal leadership, with much speculation on who leaked the email and Turnbull forced to publicly support the excise policy.
Glenn Wheatley – The former entertainment big wig was released from gaol to serve out the rest of his sentence for tax evasion and fraud in home detention. Once again the media coverage was intense, with crews staking out the Wheatley home, despite not being able to get a glimpse of him and relying on media releases for information.
Pensions – Some pensioners took their unhappiness with the budget to the streets of Melbourne last week and the focus of unhappiness continued to be over the pension and carers benefits not being increased, although PM Rudd defended the Budget, saying one off payments had been increased and a thorough review was underway.
Tony Mokbel – The trial of convicted drug smuggler Tony Mokbel on murder and further drugs charges commenced in Melbourne this week, with the court hearing a range of allegations against him, while his lawyers continue the attempt to declare his extradition from Greece illegal.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Burma Cyclone – UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon is visiting Burma in an attempt to get greater international aid access to areas of the country devastated by Cyclone Nargis three weeks ago, while the military leaders continue to claim international aid is an excuse to interfere in the country’s politics.
China Earthquake – The official death toll following last week’s earthquake in central Sichuan Province has now climbed over 50,000 as further tremors, mudslides and poor weather have hampered efforts to find survivors amongst the rubble in many towns and villages in the region.
US Presidential race – Yet another draw in the Democrat primaries, with Clinton winning Kentucky and Obama winning Oregon has led to further speculation that Clinton will continue to campaign for the nomination right up to the Convention in August, despite now being unable to overtake Obama in the delegate count.
BUSINESS NEWS
Interest rates – The minutes of this month’s RBA board meeting were released, showing the Bank had seriously considered another rate rise and are worried about continuing strong price growth.
In other business news: the Australian dollar headed closer to parity with the US dollar this week, peaking above 96 cents; the alcopops tax was dismissed by many business commentators as simply a revenue measure rather than health-based decision; and Macquarie Bank head Allan Moss wandered off into the sunset with a $50million payout.
TALKBACK
Pensioners were angry with no increase in the weekly pension in the budget, and they got on talkback to discuss it in big numbers; petrol prices maintained their long held dominance of the talkback airwaves; while the State of Origin and the release of Glenn Wheatley also had people ringing in.
SPORT
Despite being underdogs at home, the NSW side dominated the first State of Origin match in front of a record TV audience, despite not selling out ANZ stadium; the Waratahs have a home semi-final this Saturday in the Super14; Ricky Ponting posted his 35th Test century on the first day of the first Test against the West Indies; Manchester United won the Champion’s League and Jeff Kennett told the Demons to head for the Coast.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Our country is going through a variety of storm-like plots and intrigues that are much severer than Nargis, and they are endless”
Burma’s leadership continues to get its priorities woefully wrong
Tracking the media, monitoring the message
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