The ABC does not warrant the accuracy of the transcripts. ABC Online users are advised to listen to the audio provided on this page to verify the accuracy of the transcripts. Despite argument that rescue workers may not have had access to special equipment held by the army early enough, parents of the lost men and rescue headquarters are convinced that the search has been as thorough as possible. The First Special Response Group is made up of volunteers from the United States and Canadian armed forces specialising in disaster response and search and rescue missions. Just when we all thought a Federal Goverment was finally going to make a hard decision on whether to build a second major airport in Sydney, they've put it off again.
Diplomacy is the latest weapon being deployed against illegal immigrants to Australia.
The Federal Government is seeking Indonesia's help after the weekend interception of 140 Iraqis on an Indonesian vessel at Christmas Island. Bill Kelty is to quit as ACTU secretary early next year, a position he has held for 17 years. Labor's Simon Crean worked with Kelty as ACTU president before going into Parliament. Only weeks away from an election in Victoria, sections of the union movement are voicing concerns about corruption within the Labor Party. This could be the first real test for ALP leader Steve Bracks who has only been in the job since March.