Main stories in Thursday's AM program

08-12-2010
Main stories in Thursday's AM program

SYDNEY, Aug 12 AAP - Main stories in Thursday's AM program:

* Opposition treasury spokesman Joe Hockey says Labor's $2.1 billion to the Parramatta-Epping
rail link was made hastily and at the last minute, and another example of making promises
that will never amount to anything.

* Federal Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese says the government has been in
consultation with local and state governments about the rail link for some time, and it
seems all except the coalition are pleased with the funding promise.

* Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Opposition leader Tony Abbott faced questions from
undecided voters in Rooty Hill on Wednesday night, with Abbott fielding questions over
his leadership style from the forum floor while Gillard took questions from the stage
about gay marriage and the economy.

* Many undecided voters taking part in the forum said the opportunity to hear both
the leaders speak cleared up some of the complicated issues surrounding the election campaign.

* Some Iraqis living in the Victorian regional city of Shepparton expressed some concerns
within their community about the election campaign, particularly on cultural issues, refugees
and a lack of understanding around Islamic practices.

* For voters living in the safe Victorian Liberal seat of Murray has been raised as
a key concern in this election campaign along with asylum seekers, immigration, water
and child care.

* The first person to be extradited from Indonesia over people-trafficking offences
has been found guilty in a Perth District Court and could face a jail sentence of up to
20 years.

* Following the explosion of an oil rig run by an Australian-based operator off the
coast of West Timor about 12 months ago, fisherman have been turning to people smuggling
to make quick money after their seaweed farms and fish stocks were virtually destroyed.

* An angry flight attendant who launched an expletive-laden tirade at a rude passenger
over the flight intercom, stole two beers and then slid out the plane down an emergency
chute is being hailed as a working-class hero even though he faces seven years in jail.

AAP nep/rl

KEYWORD: MONITOR AM PROGRAM

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