12:10:00 19/03/2010
It's dominating politics in two countries - health reform has led to a cancelled trip and an early election debate. The US President is staying home to concentrate on his healthcare plan, while the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader are preparing for a formal debate next Tuesday. More
12:14:00 19/03/2010
The cliff hanger vote on the Obama administration's signature domestic policy has forced the President to stay at home and reschedule his trip to Indonesia and Australia. Political observers say the cancelled trip is a missed opportunity to discuss important matters like Afghanistan with Kevin Rudd. More
12:18:00 19/03/2010
US watchers in Australia are confident President Obama's rescheduled visit in June will go ahead because of the high value he places on US relations with the Asia Pacific. More
12:21:00 19/03/2010
Mining magnate Andrew Forrest is coordinating a new push to address Indigenous disadvantage, particularly in education and jobs training. He's drawn on his own background growing up in regional Western Australia with many Aboriginal friends to spearhead what's to be known as Generation One. More
12:24:00 19/03/2010
The Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience has been helping young Aboriginal students complete their studies and to even contemplate going on to tertiary education. The program will work with Generation One to try and boost Aboriginal education and employment levels. This year it will operate in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. More
12:28:00 19/03/2010
One of Australia's most prestigious universities wants to boost the number of disadvantaged students enrolling in its courses. The University of Sydney says less than 10 per cent of its students come from lower socio-economic backgrounds. High among a range of proposals is a bonus points system that would give students from disadvantaged schools an extra five points on their tertiary entrance ranking. More
12:31:00 19/03/2010
The lastest opinion poll in Tasmania is predicting the state is headed for a hung Parliament with the Greens holding the balance of power. The Greens say they're willing to negotiate with either major party. Both the Liberals and the Government say they'll talk to the Greens but they've ruled out doing any deals. More
12:34:00 19/03/2010
The latest poll in South Australia is showing that a hung Parliament may not be a fait accompli, with a crucial seat held by an Independent looking like it could fall to Labor. The Advertiser poll shows that the strong Liberal vote in Mitchell could mean that Independent Kris Hanna loses his seat to Labor, giving Labor an extra buffer against a potential loss of seats elsewhere, and possibly a slim majority. More
12:38:00 19/03/2010
New research claims those who panicked and withdrew their money from super funds at the low point in the global financial crisis would be much worse off. Researchers say there will be more older Australians relying on the pension to help them top up their losses. More
12:41:00 19/03/2010
German scientists say they've created a three dimensional invisibility cloak. The researchers from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology have hidden a bump on a gold plate using metamaterials that bend light and space making the gold plate appear flat. More
