Stem of Exercise Bike Used to Kill Carl Williams

Carl Williams Death - Hit From Behind - Police Reveal that Stem of an Exercise Bike was the Murder Weapon

Victoria Police have revealed that Carl Williams was hit from behind with the stem of an exercise bike at Barwon Prison early on Monday afternoon. Williams was believed in the exercise yard or in a day room as part of his daily routine. Williams was housed in the Acacia Unit of the Barwon Prison, which is considered maximum security.

Williams was understood to have been allowed to associate with two other members of the Acacia Unit for about 6 hours every day. They were not under constant supervision.

CCTV footage has reportedly captured the attack on Williams and two men are in the process of being questioned by homicide detectives. It is believed that the two men were the same people who shared the Acacia Unit with Williams.

Williams was serving a 37 year sentence after being convicted over the murder of four people during the gangland killings in Victoria.

Paramedics arrived on the scene at about 1.20pm on Monday. Medical officers had tried to resuscitate Williams but he died at the scene. Initial reports suggest that he died of cardiac arrest but it is not clear if this was caused by the attack.

Carl Williams Dead Killed in Barwon Jail

Convicted Murderer and Underbelly Gangland Boss Carl Williams dies after Jail Bashing Attack

Notorious gangland figure Carl Williams has died after being bashed at Barwon Prison according to reports. Paramedics arrived at the jail at about 1.20 Monday afternoon to find Williams with serious head injuries. He is then reported to have suffered a cardiac arrest and died.

Williams was the subject of an exclusive Herald Sun story on Monday which revealed his daughter's private school fees were paid for by the government.

Police are reportedly at the scene and are investigating. Two people are currently being interviewed by police in relation to the bashing death.

It is believed that Williams was in the exercise yard at the time of the attack. Williams was usually separated from other prisoners but did have a brief time each day for exercise. It has been suggested that usual practice was for Williams to be supervised.

It is yet to be determined if there was an underworld motive for the attack on Williams.

ATO System Bungle - Tax Office Refund Delays

ATO Admits Delay in Processing Taxation Refunds

The Australian Taxation Office is under fire for a cost blowout in the upgrade to their processing system as well as serious delays sending out refund cheques. The ATO has also had to admit an embarrassing mistake of posting out more than 100,000 statements without refund cheques attached.

Thousands of individuals and families have been left without their refund money with some waiting for more than 3 months. And accountants and tax agents have been forced to lay off staff because of serious cash flow problems. Accountants and agents are often paid as part of the ATO refund.

This is what the ATO say in regard to the delays:

Processing status of stockpiled tax returns - latest update 15 April

Anyone who has not already lodged their 2008-09 tax return, and does so now, should receive their refund or notice of assessment within our normal service standards - 94 per cent of electronically lodged returns within 14 days and 80 percent of paper returns within 42 days.

However, I would like to provide another update on where we are in processing the returns we stockpiled due to our upgrade to the income tax processing system.

While we are experiencing some problems which unfortunately are affecting some people in the community we are working as hard as we can to resolve the problems.

To recap, we said we would issue:

236,000 notices of assessment during the week commencing 29 March and actually issued 170,000, and
150,000 notices of assessment during the week commencing 5 April and actually issued 240,000
In total, we have sent just over 1.1 million notices of assessment for individuals to people and overall 684,000 refunds.

Current issues and what we are doing

Last week we noticed an increase in calls from people who received a notice of assessment and were entitled to a refund, but the cheque was not included. Unfortunately, approximately 140,000 cheques were not printed. They are now being printed and will be with Australia Post by Monday 19 April.

We currently have around 100,000 returns from individuals that we estimate are over 30 days old in our system. Not all of these will generate refunds. In fact, we would anticipate roughly half might generate a refund, where the remainder would be tax bills.

While this is more than we would normally have on hand, it reflects the shorter processing time we have had given the need to stockpile any outstanding 2008-09 returns while we switched over to the new system. We are working hard to be back to normal processing service standards with this work as soon as possible.

The reality is that some cases take longer to process and we would always hold some up for legitimate reasons.

For example, we would not release refunds that appeared to be fraudulent or where people may owe money to the Commonwealth, for example, other agencies such as Centrelink and the Child Support Agency. Sometimes, we also check information reported in tax returns where we find discrepancies or need more information on particular claims.

Of the estimated 100,000, approximately 30,000 returns are in this category.

We understand our upgrade has caused frustration and inconvenience for some people and are doing everything we can to ensure any outstanding returns are processed as soon as possible.

For example, we have brought an additional 320 people, have extended work shifts and are working as much overtime as is possible. We are in the process of bringing on an additional 500 temporary people over the next few weeks.

We have been working hard to ensure we get refunds to people experiencing genuine financial hardship and to date have helped over 1,440 people. If people are in this situation we ask that they do not hesitate to call us on 13 28 61 and we will do everything we can to help.

In the information below you will find the answers to some of the questions we are hearing from tax agents and people who have been calling us.

David Butler
Second Commissioner

April RBA Statement on Australian Interest Rates

Statement by Reserve Bank Governor Glenn Stevens after 25 Basis Point Interest Rate Rise in April

Statement by Glenn Stevens, Governor: Monetary Policy Decision

At its meeting today, the Board decided to raise the cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.25 per cent, effective 7 April 2010.

The global economy is growing, and world GDP is expected to rise at close to trend pace in 2010 and 2011. The expansion is still hesitant in the major countries, due to the continuing legacy of the financial crisis, resulting in ongoing excess capacity. In Asia, where financial sectors are not impaired, growth has continued to be quite strong, contributing to pressure on prices for raw materials. The authorities in several countries outside the major industrial economies have now started to reduce the degree of stimulus to their economies.

Global financial markets are functioning much better than they were a year ago and the extraordinary support from governments and central banks is gradually being wound back. Credit conditions remain difficult in some major countries as banks continue to face loan losses associated with the period of economic weakness. The concerns regarding some sovereigns appear to have been contained at this stage.

Australia’s terms of trade are rising, adding to incomes and fostering a build-up in investment in the resources sector. Under these conditions, output growth over the year ahead is likely to exceed that seen last year, even though the effects of earlier expansionary policy measures will be diminishing. The rate of unemployment appears to have peaked at a much lower level than earlier expected. The process of business sector de-leveraging is moderating, with the pace of the decline in business credit lessening and indications that lenders are starting to become more willing to lend to some borrowers. Credit for housing has been expanding at a solid pace. New loan approvals for housing have moderated over recent months as interest rates have risen and the impact of large grants to first-home buyers has tailed off. Nonetheless, at this point the market for established dwellings is still characterised by considerable buoyancy, with prices continuing to increase in the early part of 2010.

Inflation has, as expected, declined in underlying terms from its peak in 2008, helped by a noticeable slowing in private-sector labour costs during 2009, the rise in the exchange rate and the earlier period of slower growth in demand. CPI inflation has risen somewhat recently as temporary factors that had been holding it to quite low rates are now abating. Inflation is expected to be consistent with the target in 2010.

With the risk of serious economic contraction in Australia having passed some time ago, the Board has been lessening the degree of monetary stimulus that was put in place when the outlook appeared to be much weaker. Lenders have generally raised rates a little more than the cash rate.

Interest rates to most borrowers nonetheless have been somewhat lower than average. The Board judges that with growth likely to be around trend and inflation close to target over the coming year, it is appropriate for interest rates to be closer to average. Today’s decision is a further step in that process.

RBA Interest Rates Rise 25 Basis Points in April

Reserve Bank Increases Interest Rates by Quarter Percent in April

The Reserve Bank has hiked interest rates by a quarter of one percent or 25 basis points at their April board meeting. The latest rise brings the cash rate to 4.25%. This rise is the second in a row for the RBA, after raising rates by 25 basis points in April as well as three consecutive rises of the same amount in the last 3 months of 2009.

Standard variable home loan rates for most of the major banks will now rise to over 7%. The National Australia Bank is the only one of the majors to confirm that it wont lift rates any higher than the move by the RBA. No comment is yet in from the ANZ, Commonwealth or Westpac Banks.

The RBA has moved to deal with growing confidence in the Australian economy and fears of rising inflation and steady growth in the property market. In the statement from Reserve Governor Glenn Stevens said that "The Board judges that with growth likely to be around trend and inflation close to target over the coming year, it is appropriate for interest rates to be closer to average. Today’s decision is a further step in that process."

Governor Glenn Stevens has pointed to more interest rate rises over the course of 2010. Commentators have suggested that they believe the cash rate will be closer to 5% or even greater by the end of the year.

Calling it Quits - Malcolm Turnbull Retirement Statement

Statement by Former Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull After Announcing He is Leaving Parliament

I have today formally advised the Leader of the Opposition and the President of the Wentworth FEC of the Liberal Party that I will not be contesting the seat of Wentworth at the federal election later this year.

I thank the people of Wentworth for their support over the last five and a half years. I have enjoyed serving and working with them enormously – there is truly no greater privilege than representing your own community in our national parliament.

Over the years I have appreciated the friendship, support and encouragement of Liberals both in this Parliament and around Australia for which I sincerely thank them. As a Member of Parliament, a Minister and especially as Leader of the Party I have been proud to defend the principles of freedom, opportunity and enterprise so fundamental to the values of the Liberal Party.

I thank John Howard for giving me the opportunity to serve as Environment and Water Minister. With his support I was able to ensure that for the first time in our history the interstate waters of the Murray Darling Basin were placed under national responsibility.

However, I regret that another important reform begun during that time, the establishment of an emissions trading scheme, is no longer Liberal Party policy.

In particular, I thank the Liberal Party and its supporters in Wentworth for their tireless support and loyalty. We have fought and won two very difficult elections in Wentworth and our success, in 2007 very much against the odds, is a tribute to the passion and professionalism of the Wentworth Liberals.

I also thank the many dedicated men and women who have worked on my personal staff, in my electorate and parliamentary offices.

Above all, I thank my family, my wife Lucy and children Alex and Daisy without whose infinite love, patience and cheerfulness it would not have been possible to undertake the many challenging roles I have had in this Parliament.

When I ceased to be Leader of the Opposition at the end of last year I resolved that I would not precipitate a by-election by resigning from Parliament.

However I did say that I would reflect carefully on whether I would run at the election this year and having done so I am making this announcement.

I have received considerable encouragement from my constituents and parliamentary colleagues to run again at the election and I thank them sincerely for that confidence and support. But a decision like this is a very personal and heartfelt one which can only be made by me and my family.

I will of course continue to serve the people of Wentworth as their Member of Parliament until such time as the Parliament is dissolved for the election and look forward to continuing to work with our community and contributing to public policy debate after my time in Parliament is complete.

As to the future, Lucy and I look forward to once again pursuing new opportunities in the private sector.

Finally, I wish our Party and its leaders, Tony Abbott and Julie Bishop, every success in this election year.

Malcolm Turnbull To Quit Parliament - Retire From Politics

Twitter Retirement Announcement - Former Opposition Leader and Environment Minister Malcolm Turnbull Quitting Politics - To Leave Parliament at Next Election

Malccom Turnbull has reportedly announced his retirement from politics at the next Federal Election via his twitter account.

Turnbull's twitter statement says that "I have announced I will not recontest Wentworth at the election this year." The announcement was made on Tuesday morning.

Malcolm Turnbull lost the leadership late in 2009 after pushing ahead with his decision to support the Government's Climate Change legislation. The vote was brought on by disgruntled members of the Liberal Party. The showdown resulted in Tony Abbott winning the leadership by one vote.

Turnbull's supporters had hoped that he would stay on until after the next election when he could again challenge Tony Abbott for the leadership.

The formal Statement from Malcolm Turnbull:

I have today formally advised the Leader of the Opposition and the President of the Wentworth FEC of the Liberal Party that I will not be contesting the seat of Wentworth at the federal election later this year.

I thank the people of Wentworth for their support over the last five and a half years. I have enjoyed serving and working with them enormously – there is truly no greater privilege than representing your own community in our national parliament.

Over the years I have appreciated the friendship, support and encouragement of Liberals both in this Parliament and around Australia for which I sincerely thank them. As a Member of Parliament, a Minister and especially as Leader of the Party I have been proud to defend the principles of freedom, opportunity and enterprise so fundamental to the values of the Liberal Party.

I thank John Howard for giving me the opportunity to serve as Environment and Water Minister. With his support I was able to ensure that for the first time in our history the interstate waters of the Murray Darling Basin were placed under national responsibility.

However, I regret that another important reform begun during that time, the establishment of an emissions trading scheme, is no longer Liberal Party policy.

In particular, I thank the Liberal Party and its supporters in Wentworth for their tireless support and loyalty. We have fought and won two very difficult elections in Wentworth and our success, in 2007 very much against the odds, is a tribute to the passion and professionalism of the Wentworth Liberals.

I also thank the many dedicated men and women who have worked on my personal staff, in my electorate and parliamentary offices.

Above all, I thank my family, my wife Lucy and children Alex and Daisy without whose infinite love, patience and cheerfulness it would not have been possible to undertake the many challenging roles I have had in this Parliament.

When I ceased to be Leader of the Opposition at the end of last year I resolved that I would not precipitate a by-election by resigning from Parliament.

However I did say that I would reflect carefully on whether I would run at the election this year and having done so I am making this announcement.

I have received considerable encouragement from my constituents and parliamentary colleagues to run again at the election and I thank them sincerely for that confidence and support. But a decision like this is a very personal and heartfelt one which can only be made by me and my family.

I will of course continue to serve the people of Wentworth as their Member of Parliament until such time as the Parliament is dissolved for the election and look forward to continuing to work with our community and contributing to public policy debate after my time in Parliament is complete.

As to the future, Lucy and I look forward to once again pursuing new opportunities in the private sector.

Finally, I wish our Party and its leaders, Tony Abbott and Julie Bishop, every success in this election year.

Teen Killed in Lovely Banks Pole Car Crash

19 Year Old Luke Robinson Killed When Car Flips into Pole at Lovely Banks - Three Injured are Katie Bushell, 14, Tom Child, 19 and Ben Curran 19

19 year old Luke Robinson was killed early on Sunday morning when he apparently lost control of his white Holden Commodore and smashed into a pole at Lovely Banks, near Geelong. Three of Mr Robinson's friends were injured and lucky to survive the crash which police believe was caused due to excessive speed and inexperience.

The accident occurred at about 12.50am Sunday morning as the Commodore was driving north along Anakie Road. Mr Robinson is believed to have lost control of the car and hit a pole, which caused the vehicle to flip onto its side. It then continued further, striking another pole. Luke Robinson is believed to have died at the scene.

14 year old Katie Bushell has a broken wrist and cuts and bruises. Her boyfriend, 19 year old Tom Child has a broken neck and other bone fractures and remains in the Royal Melbourne Hospital. The other passenger, 19 year old Ben Curran was not believed to have been wearing a seat belt and was thrown from the car. He was taken to the Geelong hospital with minor injuries.
Police on the scene described the accident as the worst they have ever seen and said that the passengers were extremely lucky to survive.

The teenagers had just been to a party and were going for a drive before heading back to the same event. The passengers are believed to have conceded that Luke Robinson was speeding prior to the crash. It is unclear if he was affected by alcohol.

The death of Mr Robinson took the road toll to 78 for the year 2010, eleven more than at the same time in 2009.

Man Killed After Hit By Car in on Mornington Peninsula

Pedestrian Dies After Being Struck By Car at Dromana

A 31 year old man was killed after being struck by a car at Dromana late on Friday night.

The accident occurred at the intersection of Charles and Carrigg Streets at about 11.45pm Friday night. Police are investigating if the man was on the road before the crash. The 31 year old was hit by a Nissan station wagon travelling north on Charles Street.

Emergecny services arrived at the scene to find the man with life threatening injuries and transported him by air to the Royal Melbourne Hospital where he died at about 7.30am Saturday morning.

The driver and passenger of the Nissan stayed after the accident and assisted police with their investigation. A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Anyone with information regarding this accident should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The death of the man in Dromana took the Victorian road toll to 77, which is 10 more than at the same time last year.

Driver Killed in Cobra Convertible Car Crash

Man Killed in Crash of Cobra Convertible Replica - Horsham

A male driver is his 50's was killed and his passenger injured in a crash of a Cobra Convertible replica at Horsham on Saturday afternoon.

The accident occurred at about 2pm on Saturday when the driver lost control of the Cobra as it was travelling east on Three Bridges Road, Horsham. The car rolled and hit a table drain near Walsh's Road.

The driver died at the scene while the 23 year old passenger was able to free himself from the car which was upside down. The passenger was taken to the Wimmera Base Hospital with minor injuries. Both the driver and passenger are reportedly locals of Horsham.

The cause of the crash is yet to be determined. Police are investigating and will prepare a report for the coroner.

The Victorian Road toll stands at 76 for the year, 9 more than at the same time in 2009.

Fatal Motorbike Crash - Rider Killed on Pyrenees Highway

Fatal Accident - Man Killed - Passenger Seriously Injured in Collision Between Motorcycles and Van on Pyreness Highway, Elphinstone - Two Others Injured

A 52 year old motorbike rider was killed and his female passenger aged in her 40's was critically injured in a crash between their bike and a van on Saturday morning.

The accident occurred at about 9am on the Pyrenees Highway, at Elphinstone. Police are investigating the circumstance surrounding the crash but it is believed that there was a group of about ten riders travelling on the highway.

The 52 year old rider is believed to have died at the scene while his female passenger from Maryborough was taken by helicopter to the Alfred Hospital in a critical condition.

A second motorbike was also involved in the crash. A man aged in his 40's from Maryborough was taken to the Bendigo Hospital with leg injuries while his female passenger also from Marybourough was taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital with back injuries.

Anyone who witnessed the accident is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au

The death of the rider took the Victorian Road toll to 75 for the year 2010. That is 8 more than at the same time in 2009.

Fatal Crash - Motorbike Rider Killed on St Kilda Road

Motorcycle Rider Dies After Crash with Car at St Kilda Junction, Melbourne - Rider Named as La Porchetta Head Rocco Pantaleo

A motorbike rider has reportedly been killed after a collision with a car at the St Kilda Junction intersection on Friday morning. The rider has been named as La Porchetta restaurant founder and head Rocco Pantaleo who was 53. Mr Pantaleo was on his way to the Albert Park Grand Prix when the crash occurred.

The accident is believed to have occurred at about 11.30am between the Rocco Pantaleo and a car at the junction intersection of of St. Kilda Road, Fitzroy Street and Punt Road.

Major delays were experienced around the area as police commenced an investigation. City bound lanes on St Kilda Road were closed for a number of hours. Vic Roads advised motorists to seek alternative routes.

Anyone who witnessed the accident or has other information which could be relevant should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The death of the Rocco Pantaleo takes the Victorian road toll for 2010 to 74 which is 10 more than at the same time last year.

Rocco Pantaleo set up the first La Porchetta restaurant in Carlton in 1985 and the business has become one of Australia's big success stories, with over 80 restaurants across Australia and even in Indonesia.