The trial of Federal MP and former Western Australian premier Carmen Lawrence is finally underway in Perth. Dr Lawrence has pleaded not guilty to three charges of giving false testimony to the Marks Royal Commission. A report released in Brisbane today says the world could face a future without coral reefs unless steps are taken to reduce global warming. The report says warmer oceans are the cause of coral bleaching which devastates reefs. Experts have disagreed over the fate of the world's coral reefs following the release of a report which says the reefs may be gone within 30 years.
Some experts say the report exaggerates the danger to the reefs.
But Mr Costello still has plenty of obstacles to overcome before his reforms become reality. The leadership brawl in the Australian Medical Association has spilled over wiht all six members of the Executive Council putting their positions on the line. One of Australia's leading international authorities rejects the claim that cycling has a major drugs problem. New South Wales Industrial Court judge Trish Kavanagh says the sport is taking a strong stand against the drugs problem. Former prime minister Malcolm Fraser has criticised the Australian republican movement's strategies in the lead-up to the constitutional referendum.