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Play MP3 of Abbott and Rudd go head to head on health ( minutes)

Samantha Hawley

18:10:00 18/03/2010

Abbott and Rudd go head to head on health

In Question Time, the Government's forced Tony Abbott to his feet to speak on health policy. The Government used its numbers in the House of Representatives to make the Opposition Leader speak for 15 minutes without warning and without notes. More

Play MP3 of Senate rejects formal Scientology inquiry ( minutes)

Sabra Lane

18:14:00 18/03/2010

Senate rejects formal Scientology inquiry

Independent Nick Xenophon's failed for a second time to gain the numbers to set up a Senate inquiry into the Church of Scientology. But the Senator says he'll push for a third time when parliament resumes in May. The Government says an inquiry isn't the appropriate forum to investigate claims of criminality, but says the allegations should be examined in another way. More

Play MP3 of Electricity bills to rise across Australia ( minutes)

Simon Santow

18:18:00 18/03/2010

Electricity bills to rise across Australia

NSW is set to raise power prices by about 30 per cent over the next three years. If the Commonwealth Government's emissions trading scheme becomes a reality, the independent tribunal predicts prices will go up by as much as 64 per cent. The federal Climate Change Minister Penny Wong disputes the estimate. More

Play MP3 of Union boss silent on reports he bought Labor memberships ( minutes)

Felicity Ogilvie

18:24:00 18/03/2010

Union boss silent on reports he bought Labor memberships

The Tasmanian union leader will not comment on claims that he's paid for members of his union to become members of the Labor Party. The ALP says personal information has been stolen and it's looking at taking legal action. More

Play MP3 of Hotel redevelopment puts shadow over Victorian politics ( minutes)

Simon Lauder

18:28:00 18/03/2010

Hotel redevelopment puts shadow over Vic politics

Melbourne's only 19th century grand hotel will have a 26-storey tower built on top of it. The National Trust calls it an appalling decision, but Victoria's Planning Minister has had to defend even more criticism for his handling of the decision making process. More

Play MP3 of sa indi ( minutes)

Nance Haxton

18:32:00 18/03/2010

Independents could decide outcome of SA election

With the results of South Australia's election on Saturday now too close to call, attention is focusing on the seats held by Independents, which may decide who holds power in a hung Parliament. More

Play MP3 of Oil inquiry points the finger at NT Government ( minutes)

Di Bain

18:37:00 18/03/2010

Oil inquiry points the finger at lax government

The hearing into the Montara Oil disaster has begun, with the actions of the Northern Territory Government under scrutiny. One Senator claims the NT's resources department is understaffed and the Territory isn't able to adequately perform its regulatory duties for offshore oil projects. More

Play MP3 of Welcomed news for whistleblowers ( minutes)

Bronwyn Herbert

18:41:00 18/03/2010

Welcomed news for whistleblowers

Whistleblowers have welcomed proposed new federal laws to protect public servants who expose malpractice. But some say the scheme will still lag behind the United States in terms of protection for those who speak out. More

Play MP3 of Queensland nightclubs could face a crackdown ( minutes)

Annie Guest

18:45:00 18/03/2010

Queensland nightclubs could face a crackdown

If you're going to a Queensland nightclub sometime in the future, you may have your identification electronically screened and stored at the door; while closed circuit television follows the progress of your evening inside and an alcohol marshal also keeps a watchful eye. They're just three of 68 recommendations from a parliamentary inquiry underway. More

Play MP3 of Debate over blasphemy laws heat up ( minutes)

Carly Laird

18:50:00 18/03/2010

Debate over blasphemy laws heat up

Ireland's newly-introduced blasphemy laws have caused such outrage that the Government has announced it will hold a referendum on whether to scrap them. Civil libertarians are concerned the laws will prevent freedom of speech. They also fear similar legislation proposed for the United Nations will marginalise minorities. More

Play MP3 of finance ( minutes)