Aussie slang crash course for tourists

With thousands of competitors arriving in Adelaide over the coming weeks for the Lifesaving World Championships, some of their biggest hurdles away from the beach will be comprehending Aussie slang, the way locals speak and the nation's quirky customs. Picture: Calum Robertson Source: adelaidenow

FOREIGN competitors and officials attending next month's Lifesaving World Championships can expect teasing, casual service and crude language.

A comprehensive cultural guide prepared by the host Surf Life Saving Australia also gives advice on how to order a beer, phrases such as "loo", "she'll be right" and "feeling a little crook".

The Rescue 2012 Australian Lifestyle Briefing document has been sent to 103 team officials from 42 countries to prepare athletes, delegates and supporters for their trip Down Under.

More than 3500 competitors from Australia, Asia, Europe, South America, the US and Africa will contest the event from November 7 to 18.

The event will take place across Glenelg Beach, Christies Beach and the State Aquatic Centre.

Rescue 2012 protocol manager John Fitzgerald, a leading official who was formerly SLSA's director of development, wrote the briefing document.

The former educator said the contents were a combination of research and his own personal experiences.

He said they were designed to make overseas visitors feel more comfortable and better enjoy their stay.

"This is written for people coming from overseas who are part of the international lifesaving community ... competitors and ILS officers," he said.

"I don't think we are putting ourselves down. This is how we are. We speak quickly and are hard to understand.

"We take short cuts in our language and we expect people to understand what we are saying. We are not precise in our language."

The briefing document mixes generic tourist information, such as currency, driving, beach safety and sun protection, with quirky local customs and mannerisms.

The guide also aims to assist with the language barrier.

It advises that, in Australia, teasing can be "a common way of testing someone and letting them know they've been accepted".

"Just have a laugh and you'll get along just fine," it says.

Visiting lifesavers were given a tantalising preview of the diverse, fresh and high-quality cuisine on offer in Adelaide, and also a frank appraisal of the service they might encounter.

"Australian service is often more casual than in many countries, even in expensive restaurants and hotels. You will very rarely get fawning service."

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Gillard misogyny speech lifts popularity

A new poll suggests Julia Gillard's misogyny speech has done wonders for her personal standing among voters.

• Prime Minister opens 10-point lead over Tony Abbott
• Labor's two-party vote rises for fourth consecutive month
• Separate polling shows Kevin Rudd would boost ALP vote  

JULIA Gillard's now famous parliamentary misogyny speech has lifted her personal standing and widened the gap between her and Tony Abbott.

Apparently it's also relegated any possible threat from former prime minister Kevin Rudd.

The latest Fairfax-Neilsen poll on Monday gives Ms Gillard a 10-point margin over Mr Abbott - her biggest lead since February 2011.

She is now seen as preferred prime minister by 50 per cent of voters - up three points from the last poll, while Mr Abbott has slipped four points to 40 per cent.

And Labor's two-party vote has risen for the fourth consecutive month.

The coalition remains ahead in the two-party vote but has eased one point in five weeks to 52 per cent while the government added one point to 48 per cent.

The poll, of 1400 voters taken last Thursday to Saturday, shows Labor's primary vote is steady on 34 per cent, while the coalition's has fallen two points to 43 per cent.

The Prime Minister swipes at the Opposition Leader with cries of 'sexist' and 'misogynist' during a heated display in Parliament.

The Greens picked up a point to 11 per cent.

Fairfax said the poll results will strengthen Ms Gillard against any threat from Mr Rudd who is increasing his activity in the electorate.

It comes amid fresh debate about Ms Gillard's role in the 2010 coup against Mr Rudd that has been sparked by a new book by former MP Maxine McKew.

Also in the poll, disapproval of Ms Gillard dropped five points to 48 per cent (approval minus disapproval), giving her a net approval of minus 1.

Her 47 per cent approval rating is her best since March 2011.

In contrast, Mr Abbott's disapproval is up one point to 60 per cent, a new personal record high while his approval also firmed one point to 37 per cent.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard's  "sexism and misogyny" speech has given her a lift in the polls. File picture: Kym Smith

His net approval is steady at minus 23 per cent, equalling his personal record low.

It comes as separate polling leaked to The Australian shows that restoring Kevin Rudd to the Labor leadership would boost the government's primary vote by 11 percentage points and put it on track for victory at a federal election.

The polling, conducted by Galaxy Research from October 12-15 for a major left-wing union and obtained by The Australian, shows Labor would be transformed from a losing position in three key marginal seats under Julia Gillard's leadership to victories in all of them if Mr Rudd were restored to the prime ministership.

Read more on the Galaxy polling at The Australian.
 

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Police foil robbery, three on the run

Police arrest one of the armed robbers within the grounds of UNSW. Picture: David Strong Source: The Daily Telegraph

Police looking for an armed person on the UNSW campus. Picture: Danny Aarons Source: News Limited

POLICE have foiled a major armed robbery believed to be of a cash in transit van moments before it was planned to take place today but three armed men are still on the run.

Heavily-armed tactical officers this morning ambushed the would-be robbers in a black Audi sedan, as they made their way through Kensington, in Sydney's east.

Dozens of police pursued the stolen vehicle, until it was rammed and cornered in the grounds of the University of NSW.

The campus came to a standstill as police swarmed the grounds this morning.

A student who lives on the university campus, named only as Hamish, told the ABC he was woken by the sound of a car crashing into a wall of Baxter College.

''I thought a crane or a building had collapsed because I heard a lot of people yelling,'' he said.

PolAir was brought in watch the chase from above, and give guidance as to the vehicle's whereabouts.

Two men, aged 29 and 36, were arrested and taken to Maroubra Police Station, where they are currently assisting police with their inquiries.

However, three men, believed to have been in the back seat of the car, ran from the vehicle and are still on the run.

A local school was locked down for up to an hour, while police scoured the suburb for the wanted men, described as being of Pacific Islander/Maori appearance.

Teachers from Our Lady of the Rosary stepped in to protect pupils as the armed police operation played out next door.

The teachers were ''on guard'' amid panicky scenes in usually quiet Grosvenor St between 8am and 9am.

''It was the full crack squad. A lot of the police had guns and you could only see their eyes,'' one mother told AAP.

A search of the car allegedly recovered three handguns, suggesting it was "highly organised", a police source said.

Police looking for an armed person on the UNSW campus in Kensington near the High Street entrance. Pic: Danny Aarons Source: The Daily Telegraph

Witnesses described seeing police in full body kit patrolling the scene at the university.

"Two men have been arrested, but the operation is still ongoing," a police spokeswoman said today.

Another witness said he had seen a police helicopter overhead, while there was a heavy police presence on the ground.

"There are police everywhere, with their full kit and kaboodle on," he said.

"I'm not sure exactly what's happened, but a woman says she walked into a coffee shop and saw some guy running away jumping fences."

A worker on a neighbouring construction site said he saw a man with a backpack run from police.

''They thought they had him cornered, but he seemed to get away,'' the man said.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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'Porn star' slur victim hurt, offended

Apology ... MP Amanda Fazio / Pic: Jeff Herbert Source: The Daily Telegraph

Deeply hurt and offended ... Gold Coast businesswoman Liz Hamilton. Source: The Daily Telegraph

THE long-time partner of Tweed MP Geoff Provest was stunned and deeply offended by comments from an upper house MP likening her to a "B-grade porn star".

Gold Coast businesswoman Liz Hamilton, who runs her own events company, was accompanying Mr Provest to the NSW parliamentary ball last Thursday when upper house MP Amanda Fazio posted: "Geoff Provest has a date that looks like a retired B-grade porn star."

Ms Fazio has since deleted the remarks and yesterday issued a public apology.

"I am deeply sorry for the comments I made on Facebook and the hurt and offence they have caused," Ms Fazio said.

"The comments were wrong and completely unacceptable. I apologise unreservedly to Ms Hamilton and Mr Provest."

Ms Hamilton, who has been with Mr Provest for four years, declined to comment on the apology but said she remained hurt by the comments, releasing a photo of the dress in question.

"I'm stunned," Ms Hamilton said. "The only thing uncovered was my arms and neck, it was a full-length dress, no splits.

"I am really concerned my reputation is being damaged.

"I own my own company and I don't dress inappropriately.

"I MC events and always wear suits.

"This is deeply offensive.

"She's an intelligent woman and she knew what she was putting on Facebook.

"We should look up to people who are in parliament because they choose to be there - their partners don't."

Opposition Leader John Robertson said he did not plan to discipline Ms Fazio for the comment. "Amanda will issue an unreserved apology and we'll move on," Mr Robertson said.

He said given the current debate about misogyny in federal parliament "everyone is very aware of what's appropriate and what's inappropriate".

"I don't believe people in the Labor Party are sexist," he said.

But NSW Minister for Women Pru Goward said Mr Robertson had not gone far enough. "The Labor Party has played a political game with sexism. This is a wake up call," Ms Goward said.

"I think (Mr Robertson) needs to go a bit bigger than that ... and I think the best thing for (Ms Fazio) to do is to apologise in parliament.

"She is an elected representative. You cannot go around slandering people and saying things like that."

Mr Robertson had previously tweeted that Ms Fazio's comments were "inappropriate & offensive".

"There's no place for it," Mr Robertson wrote.

But Ms Goward has publicly asked the Labor Party to stop "cheapening" the debate on sexism.

"This is a big shot across Labor's bow, they have increasingly used (sexism) as an attack on us (the Coalition) for the last 20 years," she said.

"It is time they copped it."

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Nation mourns death of its 39th soldier

A 24-YEAR-OLD Commando from South Australia has become the nation's 39th fallen warrior from the war in Afghanistan.

The special forces operator was on a search and destroy, or "disruption", foot patrol on Sunday afternoon with the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) and Afghan security forces when he was killed instantly by an insurgent bomb.The patrol was clearing a mud-walled compound known locally as a qala. The Digger from the 2nd Commando Regiment was the only casualty.He was declared dead at a coalition medical facility before his body was flown back to Tarin Kowt by helicopter.

Elite troops from the SAS and commandos routinely raid qalas, usually at night, to capture or eliminate insurgent leaders and bomb makers.

Eighteen special forces soldiers have fallen in action in Afghanistan since February 2002, including six killed by improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Digger killed by bomb in Afghanistan

Defence refused to release any details about the soldier due to family reasons or of the operation itself because the mission, against an known insurgent network, was ongoing.Chief of Defence General David Hurley said the soldier was highly qualified with operational experience.

"His commanding officer described him as an exceptional soldier who will be remembered as genuine, honest and dedicated," General Hurley said.

"His loss will be deeply felt by those who knew him.

"On behalf of the army and the defence community, I offer my deepest sympathy to the soldier's family and friends."

Prime Minister Julia Gillard warned that there would be ongoing fighting against insurgents in Oruzgan Province.

"We have lost a brave soldier who was going about difficult and dangerous work in Afghanistan. That is clear to us. And his loss will be mourned by the whole nation," Ms Gillard said.

She said the mission to prepare Afghan national forces to take over security responsibility from Australian and coalition forces remained on track despite the dangers.

"What we are seeking to do is to build up the capability of Afghan forces so they can take the fight to the insurgents. And we are on track with that training mission."

Ms Gillard visited Afghanistan a week ago and she said the morale of Australian troops was high and they were determined to see the mission through.

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Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, who stands firmly behind the government, said all Australians would feel the loss of the seventh Australian soldier to fall this year.

"Like all who have served our country, and who serve our country in the Australian Defence Force, he sought to make the world a safer place. All Australians honour him," he said.

Defence Minister Stephen Smith said the government believed that completing the mission in Afghanistan was in the national interest.

"We believe we are on track to transition to Afghan-led security responsibility overall in Oruzgan Province over the next 12 to 15 months," he said.

"It continues to be difficult and dangerous and that will remain the case."

Greens leader Christine Milne expressed her condolences and urged the government to bring our troops home as swiftly and safely as possible.

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Uni cuts to slash research jobs

Universities Australia chief executive Belinda Robinson says the nation is in a "budget pickle''. Source: The Australian

THE Gillard Government has been accused of hypocrisy for preaching the virtues of education while cutting and delaying funding for universities and training.

Educators say $1 billion in higher education cuts over four years in the mid-year budget will cost 1450 research jobs, turn foreign students off studying here and produce a lower-quality graduate.

Students taking university scholarship courses will give up $82.3 million meant to fund things like text books as the Government ditches a plan to index their $2050 payments.

Masters students will miss $167 million as an extension of financial support is delayed until 2017.

About 10,000 students who have been overpaid payments like Youth Allowance will be hit with interest charges for the first time if they refuse to give back the money, saving the Government $33.5 million in bad debts over three years.

More than $300 million in savings will be made as trades training in schools is extended but delayed.

School teachers have had $175 million in reward payments put off.And universities will miss $499 million that had been earmarked for research infrastructure under the Sustainable Research Excellence program and have $270 million in performance funding deferred.

The Government said it realised some decisions would be unpopular but pointed to Budget pressures like having to increase Tertiary Student Assistance payments by $381 million.

But Opposition Education spokesman Christopher Pyne said Labor could not talk up education spending while taking it away.

Group of Eight chair Professor Fred Hilmer, who represents Australia's top eight universities, said funding changes would cost 1450 research jobs.

He said universities would have to enrol more students and churn out students of a lower quality to make up the shortfall.

"These short-sighted decisions ... make our universities less attractive to international students and researchers,'' he said.

Universities Australia chief executive Belinda Robinson said Australia was in a "budget pickle'' because it relied too heavily on mining.

The irony was that research into other industries could solve this, she said.

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Pride of the fleet sails into port

Jean Neysen chats with sailors on board HMAS Parramatta / Pic: Cameron Richardson Source: The Daily Telegraph

SYDNEY and other ports around the nation will be blitzed by navy sailors and their cash next October when the Navy celebrates the centenary of the first ever fleet review in October 1913.

Taxpayers will fork out about $12 million for the event from October 3-11, but according to Premier Barry O'Farrell that money would be returned many times over by sailors and their families and other visitors to the Harbour City.

Jean Neysen followed her dad Donald McKenzie into the Royal Australian Navy and she is over the moon about the prospect of 500,000 people lining Sydney Harbour to welcome in a fleet of 40 warships from 20 countries and a dozen tall ships as well as 10,000 cashed-up sailors.

Mr McKenzie was a leading telegraphist on board HMAS Australia when the brand new Australian fleet, the fledgling Commonwealth's first big ticket purchase, sailed through Sydney Heads to be greeted by massive crowds.

"He was born in Broken Hill and the first time he saw the sea, when he was a very small child, he thought it was going up, but then he found it was flat," Mrs Neysen said.

Her father joined the navy at 16.

"All he wanted was a life at sea."

Mrs Neysen hopes to meet more people whose fathers were on board one of the seven warships in the first fleet review. Mr McKenzie joined the Victorian Navy before moving across to the RAN when it was formed.

Mrs Neysen joined up in the dark days of 1942 and was a wireless operator like her dad.

Navy chief Vice-Admiral Ray Griggs, who escorted her on board the frigate HMAS Parramatta anchored near the Opera House yesterday, said it would take most of the day for ships in the International Fleet Review to enter the Harbour.

Following the review they will participate in the biggest naval exercise in Australian waters for 25 years.

"If you have got half a million people on the foreshore it is a wonderful way to commemorate the arrival of our navy for the first time," Mr O'Farrell said.

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Nation 'unprepared' for big disasters

Former federal emergency services minister Robert McClelland says Australia has an inadequate and unsophisticated system for dealing with natural disasters such as cyclone Yasi. Picture: AP/NASA
Source: AP

AUSTRALIA needs to boost its "shamefully inadequate" emergency services funding and set up a national body to oversee disaster management, former federal emergency services minister Robert McClelland says.

Mr McClelland says more attention should be given to preventing poor planning decisions before they lead to unnecessary damage and the loss of life.

"In short, the consequences of failing to develop a more sophisticated approach to emergency management is inevitably more loss in terms of lives, property and environment but also, potentially, in terms of maintaining a civil society," Mr McClelland said in a chapter of a book, Next Generation Disaster and Security Management, to be released on Wednesday.

Australia should consider having a similar organisation to the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Mr McClelland said.

A central body like FEMA would oversee the three Australian agencies that deal with natural and security emergencies - the national security resilience policy division, the national security capability development division and Emergency Management Australia.

Mr McClelland said once a dedicated agency was set up to focus on all aspects of emergency prevention, preparation, response and recovery, it would have to push for enough funds for national emergency management capability.

The commonwealth spends less than $30 million a year on natural disaster mitigation strategies, the former minister said.

"Currently, unfortunately, funding is shamefully inadequate," he said.

Mr McClelland said governments had helped to create a culture of entitlement rather than a culture of prevention.

"This has occurred because the emphasis of government has been on being seen to provide assistance to individuals after they fall victims to a natural disaster rather on developing strategies and working with communities to prevent those communities from falling victim to disaster in the first place," he said.

Mr McClelland said eligibility to Australian government disaster recovery payments (AGDRP) should be tightened for those disadvantaged from natural disasters or terrorism, which would free up funds to prevent injury loss and damage from future events.

An adult affected by a natural disaster or terrorist event is entitled to $1000 while a child can receive $400.

"A 20 per cent saving on the AGDRP commitments in respect to the Queensland floods and cyclones Yasi, for instance, would have released approximately $166 million for future mitigation measures," Mr McClelland said.

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