Fed: The main stories on today s ABC Radio s AM summary

AAP General News (Australia)
12-05-2000
Fed: The main stories on today s ABC Radio s AM summary

SYDNEY, Dec 5 AAP - The main stories in today's 0800 (AEDT) edition of the ABC's AM program:

* At last night's Coalition Christmas party at the Lodge, a split emerged between Treasurer
Peter Costello and National Party MPs on the taxation of family trusts. Interview with
National Party MP Stuart St Clair.

* Economists believe interest rates may go down following today's meeting of the Reserve
Bank of Australia. Interview with Westpac Bank head of economics Bill Evans.

* Environment Minister Robert Hill and Sports Minister Jackie Kelly deny any wrongdoing
in voter registrations during a mud-slinging match in federal parliament. Interview with
Darren Boehm, an independent candidate.

* Maritime workers have achieved 25 crane lifts per hour, the target bitterly opposed
during 1998's waterfront dispute.

* Patrick Stevedore boss Chris Corrigan says the rate has lifted because of a changing
waterfront culture. Interview with Mr Corrigan.

* MUA Assistant National Secretary Mick O'Leary says reliability, not productivity,
is the more important waterfront issue and that 25 is not a magical figure.

* The US Supreme Court tells the Florida Supreme Court judges to reconvene and try
again on their decision to extend the deadline for hand counts.

* New Australian research shows the hole in the ozone layer may begin to close as soon
as 2010 as CFC levels in the atmosphere decline. Interview with scientist.

* The details of a $200 million flood relief package will be released by the federal
government this morning, but the fate of many farmers may also be decided by the banks.

Interview with NSW Farmers Association spokesman.

* Russians queue up for an exhibition of Soviet era underwear.

AAP rk/eg/br

KEYWORD: AM SUMMARY

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