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Friday, 29 August, 2008

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AM is Australia's most informative morning current affairs program. It covers the stories each morning that the other current affairs teams follow for the rest of the day. Below is the latest program summary and transcripts are published as soon as they become available. You can listen to today's full program or individual reports in Real Media, Microsoft Windows Media or MP3.

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Updated Friday, 29 August, 2008

Obama to claim nomination on Luther King speech anniversary

In a few hours Barack Obama will claim his piece of US history, and he'll do it on a day that resonates with Americans. His acceptance of his nomination as the first black presidential nominee of a major political party falls on the 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King's most famous speech.

Obama cheered on by Indonesian schoolmates

When he makes his nomination acceptance speech in Denver, Barack Obama will be cheered on by his former classmates halfway across the world. In his old neighbourhood in Indonesia they've formed a support group named 'good luck Barry', after the name the presidential hopeful went by in the schoolyard.

OECD warns against school performance comparisons

An international report has warned against the kind of public reporting of school performance levels that the Australian Government is proposing. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development says comparing the performances of schools, their principals and teachers does not work as a way of producing better academic results.

Uphill battle for alcopops tax bill

The Federal Government is facing an uphill battle to get its controversial alcopops tax through the Senate. A tax expert says if the bill fails, the Government faces the prospect of having to refund about $300-million in revenue to the alcohol industry.

Putin accuses US of orchestrating Georgia conflict

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has accused the United States of orchestrating the conflict in Georgia for domestic political purposes. Mr Putin's claims have been strongly criticised by the White House and further soured relations.

Gunns admits pulp mill no longer a certainty

The Tasmanian timber company Gunns Limited has revealed it's taking longer than expected to raise the $2-billion it needs to build Australia's biggest pulp mill in northern Tasmania. Financial analysts say the future of the project now relies on Gunns finding a joint investor.

AFL players to submit hair samples for drug analysis

In a first for Australian sport AFL players will have to submit a hair sample for testing to prove they haven't taken illicit drugs in the off-season. The AFL says changes to its policy on drugs give the sport the toughest drugs testing regime in Australia, but that hasn't placated the critics who want harsher penalties for players who test positive.

AFL highlights link between drug use and mental illness

The AFL has also revealed that half of the players with two positive drug tests have a mental illness. Addiction experts say the link between drug use and mental illness is major problem in society.

Jockeys launch campaign for better conditions

Australia's jockeys are launching a national campaign to win a better deal for jockeys. The jockeys say they don't earn the same wages or are covered by the same insurance as other Australian sports men and women.