Video Referee Awards Greg Inglis a Controversial Try in Melbourne Blues V Maroons State of Origin 1, 2012
The video referee in State of Origin 1 has awarded Greg Inglis a try in a move that sealed the game for Queensland. While the video replay appears to show Inglis lose control of the ball and therefore knock on, the referee has apparently ruled that New South Wales' Farrah has played at the ball meaning Inglis' second attempt was clean. Prior to this try, the score was 12-10 in favour of Queensland.
What do you think?
Whitney Houston Dead - Dies at Beverly Hills Hilton
WHITNEY Houston, who reigned as pop music's queen until her majestic voice and regal image were ravaged by drug use, erratic behavior and a tumultuous marriage to singer Bobby Brown, has died. She was 48.
Publicist Kristen Foster said Saturday that the singer had died, but the cause and the location of her death were unknown.
According to gossip website TMZ.com, Houston died at the Beverly Hilton hotel.
A police crime lab vehicle was reportedly seen outside the hotel shortly after her death was reported.
At her peak, Houston the golden girl of the music industry. From the middle 1980s to the late 1990s, she was one of the world's best-selling artists. She wowed audiences with effortless, powerful, and peerless vocals that were rooted in the black church but made palatable to the masses with a pop sheen.
Source: AP
Publicist Kristen Foster said Saturday that the singer had died, but the cause and the location of her death were unknown.
According to gossip website TMZ.com, Houston died at the Beverly Hilton hotel.
A police crime lab vehicle was reportedly seen outside the hotel shortly after her death was reported.
At her peak, Houston the golden girl of the music industry. From the middle 1980s to the late 1990s, she was one of the world's best-selling artists. She wowed audiences with effortless, powerful, and peerless vocals that were rooted in the black church but made palatable to the masses with a pop sheen.
Source: AP
6 Men Charged with Murder in Horsham
Victoria Police have charged six men in relation to the murder of a 25 year old Horsham man on Friday 10 February 2012.
The six men have been named as Shane Willshire, 24, Gavin Willshire, 27, Shane Campbell, 38, Matt Lovett, 21, Christian Pickering, 25, and Ryan Jones, 20. They have all been charged with one count of murder.
All the men faced an out of sessions hearing and were remanded in custody to appear in Nhill Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. They are all residens of Horsham.
The deaceased man from Horsham was found with life threatening injuries at the intersection of Shirley Street and McMillan Court around 10pm on Friday night.
He was taken to the Wimmera Hospital but died of his injuries the same night.
The six men have been named as Shane Willshire, 24, Gavin Willshire, 27, Shane Campbell, 38, Matt Lovett, 21, Christian Pickering, 25, and Ryan Jones, 20. They have all been charged with one count of murder.
All the men faced an out of sessions hearing and were remanded in custody to appear in Nhill Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. They are all residens of Horsham.
The deaceased man from Horsham was found with life threatening injuries at the intersection of Shirley Street and McMillan Court around 10pm on Friday night.
He was taken to the Wimmera Hospital but died of his injuries the same night.
Apple Steve Jobs Dead at 56
Steve Jobs Dies - October 5, 2011
Former Apple Chief Steve Jobs has died aged 56 according to reports. Apple executives have confirmed the death according to Associated Press.
Apple's board of directors said in a statement:
"We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today"
"Steve's brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve.
"His greatest love was for his wife, Laurene, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts."
Steve Jobs had been suffering from pancreatic cancer for some time.
Jobs' death came just a day after the release of the Iphone 4s.
Former Apple Chief Steve Jobs has died aged 56 according to reports. Apple executives have confirmed the death according to Associated Press.
Apple's board of directors said in a statement:
"We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today"
"Steve's brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve.
"His greatest love was for his wife, Laurene, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts."
Steve Jobs had been suffering from pancreatic cancer for some time.
Jobs' death came just a day after the release of the Iphone 4s.
Video - Andrew Walker Carlton Mark of the Year 2011
Andrew Walker - AFL Mark of the Year Video - Carlton Versus Essendon - July 23, 2011, MCG
Carlton forward, Andrew Walker took what will certainly be judged mark of the year in 2011. The game between Carlton and Essendon was tight until half time but the Blues ran away in the 3rd quarter, piling on 8 unanswered goals. Eddie Betts was the star for Carlton booting 8 straight goals, and another contender for goal of the year in the third term.
Andrew Walker's Mark of the Year Video (Mark of the Century?)
Carlton forward, Andrew Walker took what will certainly be judged mark of the year in 2011. The game between Carlton and Essendon was tight until half time but the Blues ran away in the 3rd quarter, piling on 8 unanswered goals. Eddie Betts was the star for Carlton booting 8 straight goals, and another contender for goal of the year in the third term.
Andrew Walker's Mark of the Year Video (Mark of the Century?)
Video Protester Attacks Rupert Murdoch in UK Hacking Hearing Inquiry
Rupert Murdoch Attacked in British Parliamentary Inquiry into Phone Hacking - Cream Pie or Shaving Cream Attack - Video - Wendi Deng Strikes Back
A protester has interrupted proceedings into the hacking inquiry by attempting to attack Rupert Murdoch and his son James Murdoch. The unknown man who somehow made his way into the hearing was arrested by police. It is understood that the man was injured in his attack. It is also believed that the attacker came armed with a cream pie, shaving cream or something similar
While Rupert Murdoch was not harmed, his wife Wendi Deng countered the attack by striking at the protester. Rupert Murdoch appeared unmoved by the entire incident.
The protester was quickly subdued and the hearing was immediately suspended.
Police and security services are likely to come under scrutiny for the lapse.
Audience members at the hearing which was open to the general public, queued up for hours for the highly anticipated event. Early indications suggest that the assailant managed to smuggle a substance into the room.
Following a 10 minute suspension, the hearing continued into the phone hacking scandal.
Video of Attack on Rupert Murdoch at Phone Hacking Inquiry in London
A protester has interrupted proceedings into the hacking inquiry by attempting to attack Rupert Murdoch and his son James Murdoch. The unknown man who somehow made his way into the hearing was arrested by police. It is understood that the man was injured in his attack. It is also believed that the attacker came armed with a cream pie, shaving cream or something similar
While Rupert Murdoch was not harmed, his wife Wendi Deng countered the attack by striking at the protester. Rupert Murdoch appeared unmoved by the entire incident.
The protester was quickly subdued and the hearing was immediately suspended.
Police and security services are likely to come under scrutiny for the lapse.
Audience members at the hearing which was open to the general public, queued up for hours for the highly anticipated event. Early indications suggest that the assailant managed to smuggle a substance into the room.
Following a 10 minute suspension, the hearing continued into the phone hacking scandal.
Video of Attack on Rupert Murdoch at Phone Hacking Inquiry in London
Loyalty Japan Earthquake Injured Dogs Video
A true definition of loyalty. A dog stands by his injured friend after surviving the Japanese earthquake and Tsunami.
By all reports the dogs were rescued and given medical attention.
By all reports the dogs were rescued and given medical attention.
ASX Trading Crashes Due to Technical Problems
Systems Down - Trading Halted - Technical Difficulties - ASX Broken - Australian Securities Exchange Trading Plaform Crashes Intra Day due to Technical Issues - Market Closes Early
Trading on the ASX was suspended mid afternoon due to technical issues. Shares in numerous listed companies went into inquiry mode just after 2.15pm, with the majority of other companies following suit just after 2.45pm.
No explanation has yet been given by the ASX as to the reasons for the crash.
Trading platforms are stating the following "All markets in ASX trade have been placed into enquire mode pending further investigation of technical difficulties."
From Commsec:
We are aware that the ASX has closed the Australian Market for technical reasons, we will continue to update this message as the situation changes. This situation is beyond our control.
The call centre is experiencing high demand and we recommend that you do not call CommSec at this time.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Trading on the ASX was suspended mid afternoon due to technical issues. Shares in numerous listed companies went into inquiry mode just after 2.15pm, with the majority of other companies following suit just after 2.45pm.
No explanation has yet been given by the ASX as to the reasons for the crash.
Trading platforms are stating the following "All markets in ASX trade have been placed into enquire mode pending further investigation of technical difficulties."
From Commsec:
We are aware that the ASX has closed the Australian Market for technical reasons, we will continue to update this message as the situation changes. This situation is beyond our control.
The call centre is experiencing high demand and we recommend that you do not call CommSec at this time.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Maxy News Comment Policy
Your News - Maxy News
Useful Income Tax Help Information
Australian Stock Exchange Information
Advertising Privacy