Gold Coast Titans hit by porn scandal

The Gold Coast Titans CEO David May (centre). His wife Kortney Olson, who has confirmed on a fitness website that she has made ''fetish videos'', has a training role with the club's under-20s side. Picture: Adam Head Source: The Courier-Mail

NATIONAL Rugby League club the Titans have been hit by a fresh scandal following explosive revelations a fetish-porn star, who has overcome a drug and alcohol addiction, is training their under-20s squad.

And in a further concern for the NRL and the club, it can be revealed the female in question, Kortney Olson, is the wife of recently-appointed Titans chief executive David May.

News Limited online has obtained a slew of offensive and pornographic material featuring Olson, a natural bodybuilder and fitness fanatic, found widely on a number of internet porn and bodybuilding websites.

But the Titans have defended the move, claiming Olson is only a volunteer, although the Gold Coast boss' wife claims in a personal blog on her fitness website that she is an "official employee of the Titans".

Speaking exclusively to News Limited online, Titans boss May confirmed he was aware of his wife's pornographic work, but said he was proud she had overcome battles with drugs and alcohol to play a respected role at the club.

"Before I met her she had issues with drugs and alcohol," May said.

"But I am very proud of Kortney and she has turned her life around.

An image of Kortney Olson from her webpage, where she claims to be an official employ of the Gold Coast club.

"I love her very much, she is a beautiful person."

At least two Titans staffers, furious at Olson joining the club a fortnight ago, have complained to Gold Coast management.

In one interview with a fitness website, Olson confirms "making fetish videos" and claims her "bisexual side ... puts a lot of stress on a person's relationship".

Some of the pictures and videos are so sexually explicit they cannot be published.

The explicit content is a major breach of the NRL's code of conduct, chiefly Sections 12 and 14, which pertain to upholding the image of the NRL and public confidence in its brand.

With May's knowledge, Olson was appointed assistant strength-and-conditioning coach to the Titans' under-20s side two weeks ago.

The 31-year-old American, who has competed in a number of bodybuilding competitions, also claims to work with the under-16s and under-18s outfits and Aboriginal kids as part of the Titans for Tomorrow program.

Sporting the tattoo 'KO' on her shoulder, Olson has a cult following of fans and an online presence via a surfeit of naked and salacious photographs. Her name is associated with dozens of ``adults only'' sites.

Her Youtube page includes a spoof video, uploaded this year, in which she gives a demonstration of ``how to dominate a man in the bedroom."

In a previous interview on a bodybuilding website, Olson reveals her former partner's dislike for her partaking in pornographic films.

"I would NEVER do girl/guy videos. For me personally that is crossing the line," Olson says.

"I would still do girl/girl videos if my fiance didn't mind.

"I miss it…I love beautiful women!"

The ARL Commission will come under pressure to take action against the Gold Coast, which almost went broke with debts of $25 million earlier this season.

Olson's involvement is particularly worrying because the NRL has made a strategic move to attract mothers and females to the sport, with the code now celebrating the Women in League round annually.

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'Broody' royals cause baby bet plunge

The Prince and the Duchess were described as 'broody' during a visit to Cambridge. AFP PHOTO/ CHRIS JACKSON Source: AFP

A BRITISH bookmaker has suspended betting on the 2013 birth of a royal heir, as odds tumble amid a surge in wagers.

Following a visit by Prince William and wife Catherine to Cambridge, where the couple displayed "broody" behaviour, punters went into a frenzy, Britain's Daily Star newspaper reported.

"We saw numerous bets for a royal new arrival throughout the Jubilee ... but the betting went through the roof again this week," betting agency Coral spokesman David Stevens told the tabloid.

"We cut the odds 1-4 and then again to 1-8, at which point we decided to suspend the betting."

During Wednesday's visit to the city from which the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge take their title, William was thrilled to receive from a wellwisher a home-made baby jumpsuit emblazoned with the words "Daddy's little co-pilot".

Awwwww, wouldn't he make a great dad? Picture: AP Photo/Arthur Edwards

Royal Air Force helicopter pilot William, 30, gladly accepted the gift, saying: "I'll keep that."

Meanwhile Catherine's new haircut, labelled as "mature" by royal watchers, has columnists debating if the future queen consort is readying herself for motherhood.

Betting agency Ladbrokes have cut their odds on 30-year-old Catherine giving birth in 2013 to 1-5, with twins at 33-1.

Punters can place money on a wide range of elements relating to much-anticipated Cambridge first-born, including name, birth date, gender, even hair colour.

Agency William Hill is offering 8-1 odds on the child being a ginger like William's brother, Prince Harry.

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Row erupts over Palestine vote

A United Nations vote has given Palestine non-member observer state status. Source: Herald Sun

A WAR of words has broken out over Australia's decision to abstain from a United Nations vote giving Palestine non-member observer state status.

Foreign Affairs Minister Bob Carr said the vote would encourage peace talks, while Opposition Leader Tony Abbott said it should have been voted down until Palestine accepted Israel's right to security.

And the Greens argued the Federal Government was out of step with the world.

The UN resolution was approved overnight yesterday by more than two-thirds of the 193-member world body - a vote of 138-9.

There were 41 abstentions, including Australia, and fierce opposition from the US and Israel.

The vote was a major diplomatic win for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, the leader of Fatah, following rival Hamas's recent bloody exchanges with Israel in Gaza.

Senator Carr said it was hoped Palestine's improved status - from observer to non-member observer state at the UN - would be a fillip for renewed peace talks.

Despite intense pressure from the US and Israel to vote against elevating Palestine's status, he said Australia had "respectfully disagreed" on the ballot.

"We have a separate foreign policy," Senator Carr said.

"We did it as a nation committed absolutely to the right of Israel to survive and the right of Israel to defend itself.

"We did so as a nation that urges both sides not to exploit and not to overreact to this vote at the UN."

But he said Australia abstained as a "friend of Israel more than a little impatient with the settlement activity, which is making the two-state solution more difficult and more complex".

Australian Greens leader Christine Milne said she was disappointed Australia was not part of the "overwhelming global consensus" that supported the Palestinian bid.

Israel had argued the increased status was an attempt to bypass peace negotiations and it threatened to add legitimacy to an entity whose Hamas leaders had vowed to destroy Israel.

The result was met by jubilant crowds in the West Bank, where hundreds gathered in Ramallah's main square, waving flags and chanting "God is great".

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Sisters blamed for abuse by foster child

Date/Time: 2012:11:30 20:34:19 Source: The Courier-Mail

THREE sisters who were repeatedly sexually abused by a foster child have been told by the Child Safety Department they share the blame for failing to lock their bedroom doors.

The sisters are suing Child Safety for putting them at risk of the sexual offender, who two years earlier was convicted of raping a three-year-old girl.

But once again Child Safety has used taxpayer's money to take legal action against a mother, arguing she was at fault and should have better protected her children and should contribute to any court-ordered compensation.

Last week, The Courier-Mail revealed that Child Safety failed to tell a foster mother about the troubled sexual history of a 15-year-old foster child, who went on to allegedly rape her son.

She is now taking legal action, however, Child Safety said it was her fault for not supervising the foster boy and hit her with a contribution claim.

The State Government is refusing to comment on the cases even though Minister Jann Stuckey, when opposition spokeswoman, said placing the youth in foster care with young girls "was the last thing that should have occurred'.

"The Government has again failed children in care," Ms Stuckey said.

It comes as the sisters, frustrated by the time taking to get a legal resolution, are desperate for justice.

The foster boy was 15 years old when he "persistently" and "repeatedly" sexually assaulted them, then aged 17, 16, and 13.

He was sent to live with the girls in 2006 when their mother agreed to foster him.

Police records show the family said Child Safety told them that the boy posed no risk to them, and although he had "done something" to another child, it was the fault of the previous carer.

That "something" was the rape of a three-year-old girl.

Now aged in their 20s, the sisters say they are suffering a range of problems, including depression, nightmares, anxiety, decreased mobility, flashbacks and loss of employment.

The matter has been filed in the District Court and is progressing.

Child Safety's latest amended defence dated December 23, 2011 alleges the mother and victims contributed to their own ordeal.

"The alleged consequences were caused or contributed to by the negligence of (two of the sisters) in: failing to lock (their) bedroom door; failing to inform (their) mother of the acts ... (and) failing to tell (their mother) the foster boy was entering (their bedroom at night)."

However, a court heard the offender somehow was able to get into the girls' locked bedrooms.

In 2008, the offender was convicted of 14 sexual offences against the girls, but the sentencing judge let him out after just 204 days already served.

Judge Sarah Bradley said at his sentencing: "Clearly your behaviour had very serious consequences for all three of the girls.

"They obviously found each of the incidents terrifying and it has had serious and ongoing consequences and effects for them, both emotional and physical and in terms of their relationships with members of their family.

"Right from the outset, each of the girls made it clear that your advances were not welcome, but nevertheless you persisted in going into their rooms at night when they were asleep and sexually abusing them, even to the extent of - it's unknown how - but getting through doors that had been locked."

In their statement of claim, prepared by Shine Lawyers, the sisters argue that Child Safety knew the foster boy had a history of sexualised behaviours against other children, had sexually assaulted other girls, and that he was "likely to sexually assault or attempt to sexually assault and behave in an indecent manner" toward each of them.

And "placing the foster child with the plaintiffs ... exposed (them) to an unnecessary and unreasonable risk of psychiatric/psychology injury".

In an affidavit to police, the oldest girl said: "I can remember just before (he) came to stay with us, we had a visit from someone at the Department of Child Safety. He sat my sisters, mother and I down and he told us something about (him).

"He said that he had done something to a two-year-old child at his last placement at (location). He said that it was an exaggerated matter and that it wasn't as bad as it really was."

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Complaint? Shut up, we don't care

Gemma Fish's ordeal started within minutes of them checking into their hotel in the resort of Catalonia Riviera Maya Source: Supplied

• Couple's romantic holiday not up to scratch
• After they complain, woman receives abusive emails
• "Shut the **** up with ur moaning and book with Thomas Cook"

HAVING spent more than $4500 on a romantic holiday to Mexico, Gemma Fish and her fiance were devastated by the"prison cell" room they were given.

But far worse was to come.

A month after Miss Fish complained to British tour operator Thomson, she was sent abusive emails telling her to "shut the **** up" and book with rival company Thomas Cook instead.

The couple's ordeal at the hands of Britain's biggest package holiday firm started within minutes of them checking into their hotel in the resort of Catalonia Riviera Maya.

The holiday had been planned as a joint Valentine's Day and birthday celebration for Gemma, 29, and her fiance Andrew Bracchi.

"When I arrived at my hotel, the room looked nothing at all like what was advertised on the Thomson website and not what I had expected given the price I paid," said Miss Fish.

She had paid extra for a premier room, but found that the decoration was spartan with chipped floor tiles, two beds, a desk and a TV.

"Quite frankly it was more like a prison cell than what you would expect after paying £3,000 ($A4500)  for a holiday. It was just horrendous. I was appalled that they could do this to us," she said.

She immediately contacted Thomson through its 24-hour "holidayline" telephone service. Her complaints were acted upon and the couple were moved to a better room, although other niggles remained about the noise, poor food and the beach.

A month after returning home to Fuengirola on Spain's Costa Del Sol, she received a series of abusive emails, suggesting she stop moaning and use rivals Thomas Cook in future.

The first, apparently from a woman member of the customer service team, read: "Gemma do * really think we give a ****? Because we dont so shut the **** up with ur moaning and book with Thomas Cook coz we dont want ur custom lol and the hotel have said * r one MOANING b***h'."

Miss Fish told BBC's Watchdog Daily program that she was shocked by the emails, saying: "I don't swear myself, so I was absolutely gobsmacked that they were even able to get through the system with that language in. It was just awful, and after everything we'd been through on the holiday, it was just the final bit for us really. It wasn't nice at all."

Thomson has blamed a disgruntled employee for sending the abusive emails.

A spokesman said: "Thomson would like to apologise to Ms Fish for the unacceptable emails she received.

"An employee interfered with a number of internal email accounts, sending inappropriate emails.

"We carried out a full internal investigation, as well as supporting the police in their investigation, the issue was dealt with immediately and the staff member was dismissed."

Initially, the company offered the couple an apology and some holiday vouchers. This was then improved to a cheque for £100 ($150) and then £150 ($230) – but Miss Fish insists that this is still unsatisfactory.

The spokesman said: "We would like to reassure our customers that the interference of these email accounts was an isolated incident. Customer service is of paramount importance to Thomson."

More at The Daily Mail

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Waiter's dying warning saved others

WAITER Stuart Groen called out to warn his workmates - and possibly saved their lives - as he was electrocuted on the flooding kitchen floor of a Newtown cafe.

The shocking details of the death of Stuart - brother of Channel 7 weather girl Sara Groen - have been revealed as the owner of the cafe, Peter Stojkovic, was convicted of failing to keep the staff safe from danger and fined $100,000.

The 25-year-old had been working for Cafe C in King St, Newtown for just 10 days before the tragedy in December, 2009, which happened as the staff prepared to close the restaurant for the night.

They noticed the bar and cafe area was covered in water and rang the manager, Olga Stojkovic, at home. She told them to make sure the pump was plugged in and turned on because the grease trap had previously overflowed when the pump was off.

As chef James Singh turned on the switch, Stuart was walking towards him across the kitchen.

"(Stuart) cried out and warned the others to 'get out' and fell to the ground - coming into contact with the wet well's cover plate and/or surplus water in the area," Justice Michael Walton of the Industrial Court of NSW said in his judgment.

"Mr Singh tried to assist Mr Groen by reaching out his hand to pull Mr Groen off the floor - however he suffered an electric shock. He tried to move and grasped part of a metal preparation table that was also electrified.

"After some minutes, he began to fall, came free of the table and was able to get out of the kitchen.

"The mains power was disconnected before Mr Singh returned to the kitchen to render further aid to Mr Groen who was unconscious."

Staff tried to revive him but Stuart died later at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. The cafe owner pleaded guilty to breaching the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Stuart's mother, Linda Groen, read a victims impact statement which painted Stuart as a fun-loving, intellectual, adventurous, caring and independent young man who was a writer, poet and musician.

sJustice Walton said the Groens were a close family and Stuart's father remained too grief stricken to join the family in court.

Sara Groen, who last year left Sydney to join Seven's Melbourne newsroom, has never spoken of the tragedy. Late last year she birth to her first child - daughter Estelle Kathryn Kirby - after marrying long-time love Clark Kirby.

Justice Walton said the damage to the cable was foreseeable and would have been discovered had the cafe had the pump regularly checked.

Ms Stojkovic told the court that she felt sad and remorseful and had tried to get in touch with the Groen family to express her condolences but had been unsuccessful.

The cafe is up for sale.

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Transgender father wins custody clash

A FATHER of three who underwent a sex change operation has won the right to help raise his three girls while living his life as a woman.

The 49-year-old will have equal, shared responsibility for the girls, aged seven, 12 and 17, in all areas, except their education and health, after a 31/2-year custody battle in the Federal Magistrates Court.

The Courier-Mail cannot name the father, but he is referred to as "Ms Parer" in a recently released judgment on the Legal Aid-funded litigation. His former wife appeared without a lawyer.

The girls will live with their mother in her "blended household" after "weathering taunts, jibes and ridicule from peers" about their father's gender transition.

The decision follows criticism "Ms Parer" introduced the girls to other "transgender persons", showed them an M-rated feature film about transgender and allowed them to be photographed at the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras family fun day.

According to the judgment, the mother became "concerned" after a photo of the girls appeared in a magazine alongside photos of three male "pole dancers" and "two men kissing".

In handing down his judgment, Federal Magistrate Joe Harman said the mother had "further concerns" about "inappropriate matters being posted on 'Ms Parer's' facebook page" and "Ms Parer advertising for clients as a sex worker and/or engaging in such work".

However, there was no further explanation of the allegations given in the judgment, in which Mr Harman praised both parents for doing their best to parent the girls in the "circumstances".

The parents were married for 12 years after meeting in alcohol and drug rehabilitation.

They split up, the mother remarried and they shared custody while "Ms Parer" lived in a "same-sex" relationship.

Mr Harman declared it "entirely appropriate" for "Ms Parer" to give his eldest daughter a "tin containing condoms".

The father argued "my gender reassignment is different to my being a parent" and while the two eldest girls refuse to see the father, Mr Harman said he was satisfied "Ms Parer" was capable of caring for the youngest girl, who would eventually stay overnight.

ainsley.pavey@news.com.au

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Fresh sorrow as family takes Daniel home

Bruce Morcombe speaks to the media outside Brisbane Magistrate's Court yesterday. Source: The Courier-Mail

FOR years they hoped their missing boy would walk through the door. Today, Daniel Morcombe will be taken home to the Sunshine Coast, leaving his parents Bruce and Denise Morcombe feeling like they have received "fresh news" of his fate.

The family that has earned the admiration of a nation was yesterday granted permission to receive Daniel's remains after developments in the committal hearing for the man accused of his murder.

"We started the week not even knowing if we'd be allowed in the court room. We've sat through four days of somewhat difficult evidence," Mr Morcombe told The Courier-Mail last night.

"We're just digesting this extremely late development (of being able to take home Daniel's remains). We're just focused on being together ... and we'll think about the funeral (today).

"It is relief, I suppose, that we worked so hard to get to this position but there is no joy in this room. We're all sitting here a little blank-faced thinking about how the next eight to 10 days will pan out.

"It is a little bit like having fresh news that your son's been killed.

FOLLOW ROLLING COVERAGE FROM YESTERDAY'S COURT PROCEEDINGS

"It's sad news that we're here and now we've got the process of organising a funeral, as families do when they lose a loved one.

"For the next week and a half we'll have one eye on the committal hearing and obviously a huge distraction in organising Daniel's funeral.

We haven't spoken about funeral arrangements yet ... I think we're all just shell-shocked."

The State Coroner will hand over Daniel's remains to a Sunshine Coast funeral home, where they will be stored until his parents make funeral arrangements.

Brett Peter Cowan, 43, has been charged with child stealing, deprivation of liberty, indecent treatment, murder and interfering with a corpse.

It marks a frustrating few months for the Morcombes, who were privately dealing with legal bureaucrats, who, as late as yesterday, were disagreeing about who had the final say over whether Daniel's remains could be released.

Denise and Bruce Morcombe at court in Brisbane yesterday.

A Queensland Police Service detective yesterday told the Morcombes that they would finally get their boy's remains back.

The move was prompted when the State Coroner Michael Barnes made a snap decision to release the bones after Cowan signed a three-page document stating he did not require the remains for his defence.

A formal bid for Daniel's bones began in August when the Morcombes' lawyer Peter Boyce, of Butler McDermott Lawyers, applied to the Coroner for their release.

Mr Barnes then requested submissions from the Director of Public Prosecutions, Cowan's lawyers and the QPS.

While the DPP declined to respond and the defence was at the time undecided, the QPS claimed the coroner had no power to rule on the family's application.

According to police, the remains were seized under a crime scene warrant and as criminal charges had been laid in connection with the death, the remains were theirs.

However, Mr Barnes believed he had the power to release them under the Coroners Act, but did not want to jeopardise a trial - or force the Morcombe family to resort to legal action in order to secure the release of Daniel's remains.

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Call the cops? They're already listening

POLICE are increasingly bugging telephones to make arrests, according to new figures to be released by the Government today.

Attorney-General Nicola Roxon will table statistics which show evidence used in court from phone intercepts and surveillance has almost doubled in the past year.

Surveillance evidence used in murder cases almost doubled from 53 to 106 incidents, while surveillance evidence for kidnapping (15 to 72) and serious drug offences (1531 to 2765) also soared.

Ms Roxon is hoping to push through new proposals which would allow the bugging of many more Australians by lowering the threshold from suspected crimes that carry a seven-year sentence to those with a three-year jail term.

The proposed new measures have been criticised by civil liberties campaigners but welcomed by ASIO, police and other law enforcement agencies as essential additions to their arsenal to tackle crime in the 21st century.

The proposals would also force telcos, internet service providers, social networks and others to retain data for two years - an issue that has raised questions about privacy rights.

"We need to make sure police have the tools they need to catch criminals," Ms Roxon said.

"Now more than ever, criminals are using technology to commit crimes and evade the law.

"These new statistics show telephone interception and surveillance powers are playing an even greater role for police so they can successfully pursue kidnappers, murderers and organised criminals."

But Civil Liberties Australia director Tim Vines said all the statistics proved was that more people were being spied on.

"The prosecution has a legal responsibility to release all evidence collected, the results do not indicate a result, rather they just show police are increasingly using the surveillance," he said.

"The other concern is the information collected by the surveillance is now being used by third parties."

He said information can be passed on to third parties, such as the RSPCA and Councils without a person's permission.

He said the figures also indicate an increase in the surveillance of people not suspected of being involved in any crime but unknowingly having links to someone being targeted by authorities.

A Parliamentary Joint Committee is currently investigating possible national security reforms, including police powers to intercept and use such surveillance methods.

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Days of the geek could be numbered

Technical geniuses who struggle with interpersonal relationships, like the characters from The Big Bang Theory, could find themselves on the outer if they neglect to brush up on their people skills. Picture: Channel 9 Source: Supplied

THE days of the geek could be numbered with staff in traditional "boring jobs'' increasingly required to have people skills to survive in the office.

Accountancy firms are increasingly searching for people able to build relationships and management abilities - ahead of technical geniuses who struggle with interpersonal relationships.

The improvement of accountancy software together with the development of search engines has meant many accountancy candidates only need look technically "competent'' in front of the client. Building good relationships is the most important thing.

Accountancy firm Collins SBA principal Sean Devenish said the idea of the reclusive accountancy geek was valid in the past, but progressive firms are changing that.

"I've been stuck in those social situations where people say: 'Accountancy is so boring. Why did you go into it? ','' he said.

"Where accountancy is going is far more exciting and demands a much higher calibre of person.

"You are managing a client relationship now and they are coming to you for advice. It's not just spitting out technical answers to them.''

Mr Devinsh added that workers who used to be able to quote obscure corners of tax law are becoming increasingly obsolete because the average Joe can find most of that information on Google.

Melinda Garcia is a research and development psychologist at One Test, a company which conducts psychometric testing for employers to find the best candidates.

"Certainly in the space of emotional intelligence and soft skills there has definitely been an increased interest from employers,'' she said.

"With emotional intelligence a lot of research now that is talking about how important it is for any role - whether that be customer facing or in sales or leadership. 

"These sorts of social and communication skills are quite critical in the accountancy world.'' 

The idea of the reclusive accountancy geek was valid in the past, but progressive firms are changing that.
 

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Witnesses quizzed over AWU scandal

Julie Bishop questions Julia Gillard in parliament over the AWU affair. Picture: Gary Ramage Source: The Australian

VICTORIAN police have begun interviewing key witnesses as part of an investigation into the Australian Workers Union scandal.

Fraud squad detectives have contacted at least two people, including retired Greek-born builder Kon Spyridis, who said he spoke with police on Monday in relation to payments he'd received from the AWU in the mid-1990s.

Police have also contacted former Slater & Gordon employee Olive Brosnahan, who in 1993 did the conveyancing on the Melbourne property at the centre of the affair.

The move by police came as Prime Minister Julia Gillard yesterday declined, amid multiple questions from the Opposition, to give a direct answer when asked if she had written to WA's Corporate Affairs Commission vouching for the bonafides of the association 20 years ago.

Ms Gillard provided legal advice for the incorporation of the AWU Workplace Reform Association, but has denied any knowledge of its operations.

She labelled Deputy Opposition Leader Julie Bishop - who is under fire after admitting to meeting key witness Ralph Blewitt - an embarrassment before telling Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, who has remained silent on the affair in parliament this week, that she would answer if he asked the question.

"Get up and ask it yourself, then I will answer it," she thundered at her political rival.

Liberal Senator George Brandis used parliamentary privilege to call Ms Gillard's account of her actions "implausible."

A spokeswoman for Ms Gillard said Victorian police had not approached the Prime Minister.

Victorian police are investigating whether criminal action took place during 1992 to 1995 in relation to a series of unauthorised union accounts. The Kerr St Fitzroy home, which was purchased for $230,000, was partly financed with around $67,000 from the AWU Workplace Reform Association.

The Opposition has questioned the Prime Minister's involvement in helping to purchase the property, although Ms Gillard insists she has done nothing wrong and that her role was limited to witnessing a power of attorney from Mr Blewitt, a former AWU official and self-confessed "bagman".

That document gave Ms Gillard's then boyfriend, Bruce Wilson, authority to secure a loan and purchase the property, which was later sold in 1996.

Mr Spyridis told News Limited that police had quizzed him over work he had done for the AWU in the mid-1990s. In August, the retired builder broke a 17-year silence to clear Prime Minister Julia Gillard of allegations that funds from the AWU "slush" had helped to pay for renovations on her Melbourne home.

Yesterday, Mr Spyridis denied he had ever approached former AWUVictorian State Secretary Bob Smith seeking payment for unpaid work.

"I don't remember Bob Smith," he said.

Mr Smith declined to comment on whether he had been contacted by the fraud squad.

It is understood Peter Gordon who was one of two Slater and Gordon senior staff who interviewed Ms Gillard around the time she left the firm over the AWU association affair has not been contacted by police.

Victoria police said the fraud and extortion squad "is currently assessing a file which relates to the alleged misappropriation of funds from a Union. Victoria Police does not confirm who may or may not be under investigation or providing statements."

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Daniel's bones 'laid on table'

The committal hearing into Daniel Morcombe's murder continues on Thursday.
Source: The Courier-Mail

WHEN search crews uncovered bones from the dirt of a Glass House Mountains crime scene, they drove them to the house of a senior pathologist and laid them on the table under his veranda.

The initial examination of a left humerus, left tibia and left fibula thought to be Daniel Morcombe's was in stark contrast to later examinations of bones carried out in sterile laboratories behind screens preventing scientists from so much as breathing on them.

The unusual revelation was made on day three of the committal hearing into Daniel Morcombe's murder during the cross-examination of Professor Peter Ellis, a pathologist of more than 30 years experience.

Brett Peter Cowan, 43, has been charged with five offences, including murder, over the teenager's death.

DAY 1: COVERAGE OF COURT PROCEEDINGS, MONDAY, NOV 26

DAY 2: COVERAGE OF COURT PROCEEDINGS, TUESDAY, NOV 27

DAY 3: COVERAGE OF COURT PROCEEDINGS, WEDNESDAY, NOV 28

The Brisbane Magistrates Court heard the bones were driven to the professor's house by Detective Sergeant Graeme Farlow and forensic biologist Kirsty Wright on August 21, 2011.

Police at the time had been seeking advice to ensure the bones were human.

Prof Ellis later conducted an autopsy, but was unable to determine a cause of death from the remains recovered.

Follow rolling coverage here when Day Four of the Daniel Morcombe committal hearing begins.

Defence lawyer Michael Bosscher said that while steps were taken to prevent contamination, it had "clearly" not been a controlled environment.

"You indicate in your statutory declaration that that was done using careful isolation protocols to maintain DNA integrity," he said.

Prof Ellis agreed, saying he changed gloves between the handling of each bone and placed a sterile sheet over the table.

"Kirsty Wright is actually a forensic biologist so she made sure that we were suitably protected, if that's the right word, or the bones were suitably protected from me by having the mask and the sterile unused gloves," he said.

"It was actually done on the table under the veranda, quite literally, and that was covered by a sheet.

"Not one of our sheets, but a disposable paper sheet to protect it from anything on the table."

On Tuesday, the court heard some of the bones later underwent DNA testing in a New Zealand laboratory where scientists worked behind screens and wore hats, face masks, glasses, lab coats, booties and two pairs of gloves.

"I have an image in my mind of a James Bond movie where you are all in semi-space suits," Mr Bosscher told NZ-based forensic scientist Catherine McGovern.

Ms McGovern said there was no indication the samples had been contaminated.

It is believed Cowan will contest the charges.

Follow rolling coverage here when Day Four of the Daniel Morcombe committal hearing begins.

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Study: How smoking rots your brain

There are 3 million smokers in Australia and 70% say they want to quit. Picture: Thinkstock Source: Supplied

SMOKING is known to be highly damaging to physical health, being a major factor in cancer and heart disease.

Now, however, its alarming effects on the mental well-being of millions of smokers have been outlined by scientists in the UK.

Lighting up regularly has been associated with a sharp decline in the performance of the brain, according to their study.

They found that middle-aged smokers performed worse on tests compared with those without the tobacco habit.

The project examined memory, planning and overall mental ability after four and eight years. The tests included asking people to learn new words or name as many animals as they could in a minute.

Researchers concluded that smoking "consistently" reduced all three performance measures after four years.

They also found that high blood pressure and being overweight took their toll of brainpower - but not as much as smoking.

There are 3 million smokers in Australia and 70% say they want to quit. Every year, about 19,000 Australians die from diseases caused by smoking and one in two lifetime smokers will die from their addiction.

This study examined risk factor data for more than 8,800 people aged 50 and over who were taking part in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. The researchers at King's College London were investigating links between the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke and the state of the brain.

Recent laboratory research suggested a compound in tobacco called NNK provokes white blood cells in the central nervous system to attack healthy cells, leading to severe neurological damage.

Dr Simon Ridley, of Alzheimer's Research UK, said: "Research has repeatedly linked smoking and high blood pressure to a greater risk of cognitive decline and dementia. This study adds weight to that.

"Cognitive decline as we age can develop into dementia, and unravelling the factors linked to this decline could be crucial for finding ways to prevent the condition."

Jessica Smith, of the Alzheimer"s Society, said: "We all know smoking, a high blood pressure, high cholesterol and a high Body Mass Index is bad for our heart.

"This adds to the huge amount of evidence that also suggests they can be bad for our head too."

On 1 December 2012, Australia will be the first country in the world to introduce plain packaging legislation. The aim is to reduce the number of smokers in Australia.

Will you give up smoking on December 1? Tell us below

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Gillard's ex on the AWU slush-fund

Former boyfriend of Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Bruce Wilson. Picture: Robert Mckell Source: The Daily Telegraph

PRIME Minister Julia Gillard advised how to fill out forms for the incorporation of a union association differently after it was first knocked back for registration, her former boyfriend last night claimed.

The association Ms Gillard later described as a "slush fund" was successfully incorporated after the forms were changed, Bruce Wilson said after blaming a technical issue for registration failure.

"I went to her and said `look can you fix it whatever it is that needs to be fixed.' It wasn't a big issue, it wasn't like oh jeez, let's call in half the Slater and Gordon crew it was a simple matter that needed to be done, she did it, end of story," he told the ABC's 7.30.

"Simply there was some forms that needed to be filled out in a different manner. It was a bit like going and asking for example this form didn't look right...what do we need to do. She made the necessary changes, I told her Ralph was going to then re lodge the forms and she said if that's the case I better fill this out.

"That is where everybody makes a fuss now because she has got handwriting on the form. It is not a real big deal to be honest with you."

Ms Gillard only wrote on the front page the words Australian Workers Union - Workplace Reform Association, Mr Wilson said.

In a bizarre revelation, Mr Wilson claimed former union bagman Ralph Blewitt, with whom Mr Wilson established the association, had taken money from it and buried wads of cash in his backyard.

"I know this sounds crazy but he had been packaging it up and burying it in his backyard, of all things," Mr Wilson claimed.

"I said he better dig it up and get it back into the bank. He showed me a package of money that had been destroyed, it had been in his garden or some such thing and got moist."

Mr Wilson, who did not go to the police over the backyard cash burial, said he felt sorry for his former partner and claimed renewed scrutiny of the association which he said had seven or eight objectives, including the election of union officials, was politically motivated.

A home in Fitzroy bought in Mr Blewitt's name was purchased with $100,000 from the Association but he said it was not wrong and the money had not come from the union members.

He also said that while he didn't recall giving a union employee $5000 to put in Ms Gillard's account, he said he may have.

"Did I ask Wayne Hem to do that? Perhaps, specifically can I recall it? No I can't," he said.

"The only thing that may have happened and I am not saying it did or it didn't, I simply don't recall is the $5000. Wayne was a nice enough guy, I have no reason to be at odds with him if he said that happened then perhaps it did. I just don't recall it."

He denied giving any money from the association to Ms Gillard.

It came after Ms Gillard's former law firm Slater and Gordon released a statement detailing why it hadn't told police or the AWU about claims of misconduct involving Mr Wilson which emerged in 1995.

Slater and Gordon also revealed that in the wake of the affair it had to drop the AWU as a client to avoid a conflict.

Legal advice obtained by the firm confirmed disclosure of information "to the union would have represented a conflict between the interests of the union and the interests of the official.

"Slater and Gordon ceased acting for both clients after it became aware of this conflict situation."

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Prominent jockey's son killed in accident

TRAGIC CRASH: Charlie Galloway died when hit by a car in a garage at this Hope Island estate. Mike Batterham Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

WELL-known jockey Scott Galloway and his partner Lisa are grappling with the death of their toddler son in a freak car accident in a Gold Coast garage yesterday.

Charlie Galloway, 18 months, was playing in the garage of a house at Hope Island when he was struck by a Range Rover 4WD about 9am when the woman who lives there drove in after dropping her own children at school.

Mr Galloway and his partner Ms Cuddihy, who live at Benowa, were visiting the Hope Island family after attending the weekend wedding of trainer Brian Smith.

Inspector Geoff Palmer said the driver screamed frantically to Mr Galloway and Ms Cuddihy, who were inside the house and they attempted to revive their son until paramedics arrived.

However, the boy was declared dead at the scene.

A devastated Mr Galloway yesterday spoke briefly of his shock, as friends described a man who lived for his children.

"You never expect something like this to happen," he said.

Close friend and fellow jockey Joe Bowditch said Mr Galloway was devastated by the accident.

"I spoke with him earlier and he was just distraught . . . it's just bloody tragic," Bowditch said. "Scott is a proud dad who lived for his kids.

Scott Galloway winning the Chairman's Handicap at Doomben on Hume in May this year. Picture: Peter Wallis

"He loved them to bits. He was always telling me how good they were going.

"I'm a father myself and I cried all morning. I had a lot to do with the little fella (Charlie) since he was born last year.

"This is probably the worst thing that could ever happen in your life."

Mr Galloway has another son, William, aged about four, and an 11-year-old stepson, Jarred.

Mr Bowditch said the racing community would rally around the bereaved family.

"There are already moves to set up a fund to help him and Lisa," he said.

"Money's probably the last thing on his mind at the moment but he's probably going to need an extended break from racing to deal with his grief and the bills don't stop.

"I've been speaking to a few of the boys (fellow jockeys) and we'll look after him."

Insp Palmer said it was a "tragic time" for everyone.

"It's a traumatic event and we will be looking at counselling for everyone who attended the scene," he said.

"The forensic crash unit are speaking with all parties involved as well as the parents of the child involved."

Two older children were also in the house at the time and all have been offered counselling, Insp Palmer said.

The family is well known in racing circles. Lisa Cuddihy is the daughter of former leading jockey Peter Cuddihy.

Mr Galloway has won multiple Gold Coast premierships and regularly races in Brisbane.

Yesterday his manager Glen Courtney said his eight rides across the next few days had been cancelled.

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Shock images distress Morcombe parents

Daniel's father Bruce Morcombe speaks to media outside the Brisbane Magistrates Court on the second day of committal hearing against Brett Peter Cowan. Source: The Courier-Mail

PHOTO after photo, hour after hour, Bruce Morcombe watched as the court was shown images of his dead son's bones.

Seated in a specially reserved section of Brisbane Magistrates Court Room 20, Mr Morcombe stared at the screen on which a scientific officer laboriously analysed images showing the remains of his 13-year-old boy.

It was the second day of what is expected to be a two-week committal hearing for the murder of Sunshine Coast teenager Daniel Morcombe.

Brett Peter Cowan, 43, faces five charges, including luring Daniel to his murder and hiding his body in the Glass House Mountains between December 7 and 25, 2003.

Follow rolling coverage here when day three of the Daniel Morcombe committal hearing continues.

Daniel's remains were found last year after an enormous search effort, in which police and volunteers sifted through mud, sand, creeks and dense foliage, shoulder-to-shoulder on hands and knees.

The court was told police recovered 17 "skeletal elements" in searches that involved dozens of hydrology, forensic, geomorphology and even archeology experts in August and September, 2011. Sergeant Donna MacGregor, a scientific officer, was one of many experts called to the Glass House Mountains to assist police in the search.

As State Emergency Services volunteers and police cadets sifted through the mud, it was up to Sgt MacGregor to "come down the line" and examine anything suspicious to determine whether it was bone, the court was told.

Yesterday, she was asked to examine about 50 images of bones as they were displayed on a screen in Court 20, explaining what they were and how they were identified.

It was only one element in a confronting day of evidence for the Morcombes, who listened as experts gave graphic evidence of animal activity and the state of their son's remains.

DAY 1: COVERAGE OF COURT PROCEEDINGS, MONDAY, NOV 26

LOOKING BACK: Bruce and Denise Morcombe at the Daniel Morcombe Foundation office in Maroochydore. Picture: Glenn Barnes

DAY 2: COVERAGE OF COURT PROCEEDINGS, TUESDAY, NOV 27

The court also heard from New Zealand DNA expert Catherine McGovern, who matched DNA from Daniel's toothbrush to the bones, and various scientific officers.

Forensic officer Senior Constable Ashley Huth was asked about examining a mulcher and a Mitsubishi Pajero in 2011 - neither of which contained any traces of DNA eight years after the murder.

Denise Morcombe left the room as what was believed to be her son's tibia, fibula, rib, vertebrae, part of his hip and other fragments were shown on screen.

"The evidence was very clinical and difficult to sit through but we're committed to the process so we do our best to manage all of that," Mr Morcombe said outside court yesterday.

Daniel Morcombe went missing while waiting for a bus at the Kiel Mountain overpass bridge Woombye. Picture: John Wilson

"None of us were really expecting to see the number and volume of photos - maybe that's just naivety on our part."

He said the photos and a child's replica skeleton - used by Sgt MacGregor to point to particular bones - had been confronting.

"I think just seeing the mannequin skeleton and the images made it all that very much real and raw for her," Mr Morcombe said. "As it did for all of us."

Cowan is yet to enter a plea but is expected to plead not guilty to all charges.

Follow rolling coverage here when day three of the Daniel Morcombe committal hearing continues.

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Solar and wind may power Australia

Solar power: Australia has an abundance of solar energy that can be safely harnessed. Picture: Dean Martin Source: The Advertiser

SOLAR and wind could become the cheapest sources of energy and almost exclusively power the country in coming decades as carbon prices climb, the Climate Commission says.

A report, to be released today by chief commissioner Professor Tim Flannery, notes the vast potential from sunlight and wind and "solar PV and wind could be the cheapest forms of power in Australia for retail users by 2030, if not earlier, as carbon prices rise".

Prof Flannery said improvements had driven down the cost of renewable energy so much that Australia's uptake had increased more than a decade faster than earlier imagined.

He said people might find it hard to believe communities could one day be powered almost entirely by renewable energy, but people would never have believed they would one day carry around little computers in their pockets.

"It's like anything, computers or mobile phones, they started off expensive and over time the cost just declines and we've seen that with wind and now with solar,'' he said.

But the report The Critical Decade: Generating a Renewable Australia has no detail around how renewable energy and fossil fuel prices might compare in the future. Prof Flannery said technology moved so quickly, it was impossible to form concrete predictions.

Renewables currently make up 10 per cent of Australia's energy mix and the report says growth was subject to innovation, community acceptance and regulation.

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No soft serve for Mr Whippy's rivals

Stan Gordon is unhappy with George Calombaris (left) using his Mr Whippy name. Picture: Ian Currie Source: Herald Sun

A SETTLEMENT may yet sweeten the sour relationship between Mr Whippy and the Master Chef.

Mr Whippy owner Stan Gordon has been locked in a dispute with TV cook George Calombaris, whose Melbourne restaurant St Katherine's serving a dessert called "Mrs Whippi" - which the ice cream king says infringes his trademarked "Mr Whippy".

But ending the matter is simple if Mr Calombaris is ready to listen, Mr Gordon said.

"Just stop using it! It's not yours!" he said.

"He is a celebrity and I'm not so he thinks he can do whatever he wants but you can't breach someone else's trademark.

"If he becomes a little more humble, I am sure this thing will go away."

Mr Calombaris's lawyer, Nick Zevros, said no settlement had been discussed as yet but the parties would likely meet for mediation ahead of next year's trial.

Mr Zevros said his instructions were to defend against the claim but he remained uncertain about the damages sought.

"He says in his statement of claim that there were 20 to 30 outlets when he bought the business," he said.

"We don't know where they are."

Mr Zevros also ruled out any personal animosity on the part of Mr Calombaris.

"Mr Calombaris thinks very highly of Mr Whippy ice cream," he said.

"They bring back childhood memories."

Mr Zevros's firm this month warned Mr Gordon against discussing the case with the media, Mr Gordon claims, urging him to "sort (it) out through the courts".

But the warning fell on angry ears after the firm described him as having "no relevant reputation" as he had "never sold its desserts in restaurants and especially not in high-profile restaurants operated by celebrity chefs".

Mr Gordon's company, Franchised Food Company, owns the rights to Mr Whippy, Cold Rock, Pretzel World and Nut Shack all part of the "snacks and treats" market he says holds its market in buoyant times and grows when it's tough.

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Trio shells out with eggsellent work

Josh O'Meara, Andrew Fincher and Chris Wright are hoping to turn one egg into $1 million for charity. Picture: David Caird Source: Herald Sun

TURNING a single egg into $1 million for charity is the ambitious goal of a trio of Melbourne friends, but it is gaining traction and attention from as far afield as Sir Richard Branson.

Creative consultant Joshua O'Meara said the idea of using a solitary egg to "trade up" has already turned the simple egg - valued at just 40 cents - into $40,000 in just 13 trades.

The 1egg1world initiative has seen the egg exchanged first for a cheap CD, then a board game and later on to a clapped-out Toyota which fetched $500 at a local wrecker's yard after just making the distance.

The money was then traded for a Sir Donald Bradman signed cricket bat, on to a Cathy Freeman signed portrait, then an African safari tour with flights. Currently, deals are in place - perhaps ironically - to trade the current value for 125,000 Farm Pride eggs - 18 pallets worth - to be purchased by Ritchies Supermarkets in a deal which will net approximately $40,000.

Through his marketing group Shades of Green, Mr O'Meara has been in contact with Sir Richard's office about the potential to trade for a seat on one of his Virgin Galactic space flights when the value increases.

"The project seems to be taking off and our latest trade is fairly humorous," Mr O'Meara, 26, said.

"We'll be only a trade or two away from a flight to space on Virgin Galactic, which we've tentatively penciled in after getting in touch with Richard Branson's personal assistant who loves what we're doing.

Farm Pride has actually agreed to brand the eggs for us as well, which we're pretty excited about and they'll be available to purchase through Ritchies Victorian stores if people want to be part of the action," he said.

Josh and his university mates, Chris Wright and Andrew Fincher, both 24, began the project 18 months ago after taking inspiration from a Canadian man who traded one red paper clip all the way up to a house.

The trio hope to reach the magic million dollar mark in another five to 10 trades.

The money will be split between environmental charity Cool Australia, third-world health clinic provider Traditional Health Care, and child poverty group Orphfund, with 10 per cent going to the group's future endeavours.

Click here to visit the 1egg1world website

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Sarah raises her Voice against trolls

Singer Sarah De Bono says trolls wreck the fun for everyone else on social media. Picture: Stephen Cooper Source: News Limited

SARAH De Bono, former contestant of The Voice, says that people who use Facebook or other forms of social media to attack or abuse others - particularly those who victimise people who have died are "disrespecting the system".

"They are obviously going about things the wrong way and ruining it for everyone else," she said.

De Bono's comments come in the wake of a multitude of attacks occurring on more than 500 social media "burn books" of Australian public schools.

News Ltd discovered that more than 500 schools were running Facebook pages dedicated to humiliating their peers, extending the burden of cyber bullying outside the school gates.

''A lot of my fans sometimes they'll have fights - they call themselves the Debonators,'' De Bono said.

''Every time someone behaves that way I'll always be like 'It's not worth it' and every time something like that happens I tell them and they apologise and say they value each other and I'd like to keep it that way.''

Having been cast into the spotlight by talent show, The Voice, the 20-year-old singer - now signed to Universal Records - has had to learn quickly how to cope with a sudden influx of social media fans.

Asked if she had been targeted by trolls, De Bono said only that her experience on social media had been ''very positive''.

In less than a year, the pint-sized pop star has earned more than 91,000 subscribers on Facebook, 70,000 Instagram followers and 88,400 Twitter followers.

She told News Ltd that at first she hated Twitter, but that she learned quickly how to engage with her fans by having them participate in quizzes and have them ask her questions about herself to see if she can get them right.

"I also did a 'Sing with Sarah' competition on Facebook," she said, where she encouraged people to compose their own covers of her songs and upload them.

De Bono's social media activities have seen her invited as an "ambassador" to a Hamilton Island "Instameet" where she spent the weekend taking photos and hanging out with competition winners whose Instagram pictures won them a free trip to the island.

Claire Connelly attended as a guest of Hamilton Island

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Arafat's body to be exhumed in probe

The body of Yasser Arafat will exhumed to determine how the Palestinian leader died. Source: AP

THE remains of former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat will be exhumed on Tuesday as part of a renewed investigation into his death, a Palestinian investigator says.

Arafat died in November 2004 in a French military hospital, a month after suddenly falling ill. Palestinian officials claim he was poisoned by Israel, but have not presented evidence. Israel has denied such allegations.

Earlier this year, the detection of a lethal radioactive substance in biological traces on Arafat's clothing sparked a new investigation. Tests were inconclusive, and experts said they need to check his remains to learn more.

On Tuesday, Swiss, French and Russian experts will take samples from Arafat's bones, said Tawfik Tirawi, who heads the Palestinian team investigating the death.

Arafat will be reburied the same day with military honours, but the ceremony will be closed to the public, Mr Tirawi told a news conference.

Forensic experts are slated to exhume the body of former Palestinian president Yasser Arafat to investigate claims he was killed by radioactive poison. Lindsey Parietti reports.

Earlier this month, workers began prying open the concrete-encased tomb in Arafat's former government headquarters in the West Bank city of Ramallah.

The Palestinian Authority, the self-rule government in the West Bank, had hesitated before agreeing to exhume the remains, in part because of cultural and religious sensitivities.

Since mid-November, the gravesite has been surrounded with a blue tarpaulin and roads leading to the Arafat mausoleum were closed.

Arafat is still widely revered in the Palestinian territories, and Palestinian officials said they don't want the process observed by media and others.

The new probe into his death began this summer, after a Swiss lab discovered traces of polonium-210, a deadly radioactive isotope, on clothes said to be his.

The clothes were provided by Arafat's widow, Soha, and given to the lab by the Arab satellite TV station Al-Jazeera.

Separately, Mrs Arafat asked the French government to investigate, while the Palestinian Authority called in Russian experts.

Arafat's death has remained a mystery for many.

While the immediate cause of death was a stroke, the underlying source of an illness he suffered in his final weeks has never been clear, leading to persistent conspiracy theories that he had cancer, AIDS or was poisoned.

Many in the Arab world believe Arafat, the face of the Palestinian independence struggle for four decades, was killed by Israel.

Israel, which saw Arafat as an obstacle to peace, vehemently denies the charge.

There is no guarantee the exhumation will solve the mystery.

Polonium-210 is known to rapidly decompose, and experts are divided over whether any remaining samples will be sufficient for testing.

 

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Fans get direction to shop

There's only One Direction that these excited fans Tabitha Nagel, Tallula Nagel, and Meg Anderson will be heading in Adelaide to find their memorabilia. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe Source: adelaidenow

There's only One Direction that these excited fans Tabitha Nagel, Tallula Nagel, and Meg Anderson will be heading to find their memorabilia. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe Source: adelaidenow

FORGET Topshop or H&M, there's just one store that One Direction fans are excited about.

Tabitha Nagel, 14, sister Tallula, 10, and friend Meg Anderson, 14, will be among the first in line when a temporary store dedicated to their idols, British boy group One Direction, opens in King William St next month.

Fans will be able to select from more than 125 products including onesies, T-shirts, hats and posters from the 1D World pop-up shop.

"I'm so excited for the shop to open in Adelaide," Tabitha said.

"My friends and I are obsessed with them all; I love Louis (Tomlinson)."

"You can't get a lot of One Direction stuff in Adelaide, so some of my friends went to the store in Sydney when it was opened there and got T-shirts and posters and all sorts.

"I think they're bringing out a beach range, which would be so cool to have a One Direction bikini, and there's also One Direction onesies that you can get.

"My friends and I are all getting matching ones."

The 100th shopper at the Adelaide store will win a double pass to one of the sold-out One Direction concerts in Adelaide in September next year.

The 1D World store will be open from December 1 to 31 at 66 King William St, city.

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Dodgy emails getting workers fired

"People need to engage their brains before sending an email," says business expert Naomi Holtring. Source: HWT Image Library

FAILING to report people who send you inappropriate emails - including pornography - at work could get you fired, experts are warning.

Improper use of email and social media is behind many of the mediations taking place in our workplaces, with people unaware of their employer's policies or simply not thinking they will get caught.

Joydeep Hor, from management firm People & Culture Strategies, said porn was still the most common type of offensive material being sent around office computers.

Rude emails that undermine the reputation of managers or co-workers and the accidental "reply-all" email are also common problems.

"I just find it extraordinary people don't think records are going to be kept and they're not going to be caught out," Mr Hor said.

"I often joke my favourite defence proffered by an individual in trouble for distributing porn is 'I don't understand why I'm in trouble, I don't discriminate against anyone - I sent the email to everyone I work with'.'' 

A NSW solicitor told News Ltd he represented a man who was fired for receiving a pornographic email from a co-worker but failing to report it.

"This idiot started sending him emails," he said. "He hadn't looked at it and he deleted most of them - but he didn't report it."

The solicitor said the man received compensation after he sued for unfair dismissal, but he did not get his job back.

Jade Muir, a 30-year-old business analyst from Perth, said she was disciplined for accidentally sending her boss an email that had been intended for her secret office boyfriend.

"My then boyfriend and I were at the pub together and my boss drove by in a car. The next day I sent an email to him (the boyfriend) saying we should be careful not to be seen together and she (the boss) replied 'was this meant for me?'" Ms Muir said.

"I had to have a meeting with HR and my boss."

She was later informed she was not allowed to email or speak to her boyfriend while at work.

Catherine Davidson, a conflict management consultant, said 80 per cent of her workplace mediations contained references to inappropriate work emails or social media posts.

She said many of these occurred outside of work hours when people were affected by alcohol or distracted by "relaxed'' environments.

"People forget to draw the line around work behaviour and sometimes they use forms of communication outside of work hours forgetting the same conditions apply," she said.

Naomi Holtring, from InterMEDIATE, said she was surprised that office workers still hadn't learned proper email etiquette.

"People need to engage their brains before sending an email," she said.

How NOT to get in trouble for work emails

Check you have not accidentally hit "reply all'' before sending an email.

Always double check the email address of the person you are emailing.

Do not name people in emails, or write things that would undermine the reputation of colleagues.

Do not share pornography at work, even using your personal email.

Check your employer's policies so you know the rules

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Sad farewell to TV's mad hatter

Dallas the iconic American drama TV series that revolves around the Ewings returns to television in a new series for 2012.

WATCH as Larry Hagman stars along side Barbara Eden in I Dream of Jeannie.

WATCH this iconic clip to the original series of Dallas where JR gets shot in his office.

Larry Hagman, the star of the TV series Dallas,  has died at 81. Source: Supplied

Larry Hagman as TV's favourite rogue J.R. Ewing in Dallas. Source: Herald Sun

Larry Hagman at the Logies in 1985 with Rowena Wallace. Source: Herald Sun

LARRY Hagman, whose role as Dallas villain J.R. Ewing made him one of the biggest stars in television history, has passed away at 81.

It is understood the actor's Dallas co-stars Linda Gray and Patrick Duffy were with him when he died on Friday in a Dallas hospital.

"Larry was back in his beloved Dallas re-enacting the iconic role he loved most," his family said in a statement.

"Larry's family and close friends had joined him in Dallas for the Thanksgiving holiday. When he passed, he was surrounded by loved ones. It was a peaceful passing, just as he had wished for.

"The family requests privacy at this time."

While the showbusiness industry is in shock over the news, those close to Hagman, who had also starred in I Dream of Jeannie, were aware of his dire state of health.

Late last year Hagman had revealed he had a "treatable" form of cancer.

He said he intended shooting the Dallas reboot while he had treatment.

"As J.R., I could get away with anything - bribery, blackmail and adultery. But I got caught by cancer," he had said.

Born in Fort Worth, Hagman was the son of Broadway legend Mary Martin and a local district attorney.

Larry Hagman with Barbara Eden in I Dream Of Jeannie. Source: Herald Sun

Hagman with Barbara Eden in I Dream of Jeannie.

Hagman played Ewing in the original Dallas series from 1978 through 1991.

The third season ended in March 1980 with an episode in which J.R. was shot. The show's "Who Shot J.R?" campaign delivered monster ratings.

A long-time drinker, Hagman spent several weeks in 1995 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre where he underwent a liver transplant.

The actor made a big impression when he appeared as a guest at the 1985 Logie Awards.

Larry Hagman with wife Maj Axeisson in 2006. Source: Herald Sun

Hagman with wife Maj Axeisson in 2006.

He was set to join Logies host Greg Evans on stage when the autocue broke down, forcing an anxious Evans to refer to old-style cue cards hidden on the dais.

Hagman sidled up to Evans and with a smug grin placed his 10-gallon hat over the cue cards.

"Larry's publicist told us that I could ask Larry four questions, and that if I deviated from those four questions Larry would leave the stage," Evans recalled.

"The four questions had been taped to the lectern and Larry came to the stage and placed the hat fair on top of them.

"He didn't have that much to say. When I asked him what he'd enjoyed about being in Australia so far, he gave a one-word answer: 'Lunch'. I thought, this is going to be hard."

Another Logies guest told how Hagman carried a personal, hand-held fan with him everywhere he went.

"He hated cigarette smoke and that was an era when a lot of people smoked," the guest said.

"Whenever anyone smoking came near Larry, he would point the fan at them to blow the smoke away."

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Girl shot dead in public urination row

A 17-year-old has been shot dead and her mother injured after they complained about a man urinating near their house.  Source: The Courier-Mail

A 17-YEAR-OLD girl has been shot dead by a man, allegedly after objecting to his urinating near her home in New Delhi.

The man also reportedly shot the girl's mother in the incident, in the Nizamuddin area late on Wednesday.

Police began investigating after a complaint was filed the following day and said overnight they would soon arrest the accused, a former tenant in the building where the family lives.

"The man ... was relieving himself at the staircase leading to the house, when the girl and her mother objected and shouted at him to leave," area police chief Sunil Kumar said.

"An angry argument followed, after which the man left. He returned to the girl's apartment with a pistol sometime later and shot them," Mr Kumar said.

Mr Kumar said the "sudden provocation" resulting from the argument had led to the murder.

Nearly half of India's 1.2 billion people do not have toilets at home and many people urinate or defecate in the open.

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Liner gastro - seasick before you start

The Voyager of the Seas, which cruised into  Circular Quay last night, has been hit by a gastro outbreak. Picture: Bill Hearne Source: News Limited

Guests on board the mega liner who began to feel unwell after boarding today were offered a free consultation at the medical centre. Source: Supplied

BOARDING of the mega liner Voyager of the Seas was thrown into chaos yesterday following an outbreak of a gastrointestinal illness thought to be norovirus.

Some 135 passengers already aboard the ship, which arrived from New Zealand on Thursday, were struck by the illness, along with eight staff, a spokeswoman confirmed, adding this was about 4 per cent of the ship's guests.

"Those affected by the short-lived illness have responded well to over the counter medication administered on board the ship"' Royal Carribbean said in a statement late yesterday.

Queues at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Circular Quay stretched hundred of metres as frustrated new passengers were kept waiting for hours.

The company tried to distance yesterday's long boarding delays from the illness outbreak, saying the two were unrelated. This contradicted earlier advice given in writing to boarding passengers.

A spokeswoman for the ship's owners Royal Caribbean said the queues winding around Circular Quay were mostly the result of thousands of new passengers disregarding allocated staggered boarding times.

A statement issued yesterday afternoon said thousands of new passengers for an overnight cruise had instead arrived early and en masse, in the hope of getting aboard ahead of their allocated time.

Earlier in the day, however, boarding passengers were given a statement which gave the norovirus outbreak as the reason for the delay in boarding.

Passengers were asked to fill out forms revealing whether they had recently suffered from gastro or flu-like symptoms.

Those who ticked `yes' were taken aside for medical check ups.

"In an abundance of caution, we are conducting some enhanced cleaning onboard the ship and within the cruise terminal ... To help prevent any illness from affecting your cruise," said a statement from owners Royal Caribbean.

But many passengers said they were not informed of the outbreak or any other the reason for the delay.

Passenger Hayley Walls of Brisbane, who was travelling with a friend, said she wasn't informed about the situation.

"Nobody said anything to us about it, we didn't receive any paper informing us either," she said.

"I wondered what was going on, why they were cleaning so much."

She said they had waited for an hour and a half in the line, without the delay being explained.

Another passenger, Anne, of Newcastle, also said she wasn't informed.

"Nobody said anything about it, I had no idea. People were complaining about the long line and the wait for rooms to be ready," she said.

"I'll make sure to wash my hands a lot."

Passengers were unable to enter their cabins upon boarding and were instead directed to the Windjammer restaurant.

Rooms that were meant to be ready at 1pm were closed for cleaning until 4pm.

Passengers waiting to board the Voyager of the Seas this afternoon were left in the queue for hours after an outbreak of gastro on board. Picture: Sophie Schneider Source: Supplied

Some in the long queues winding around Circular Quay became increasingly frustrated. Staff were handing out information sheets explaining the gastro breakout, which Royal Caribbean said had been limited to "a small percentage of guests."

Guests on board who began to feel unusual after boarding today were offered a free consultation at the medical centre.

Those who felt uncomfortable cruising following the gastro scare were offered replacement cruises at a later date.

Voyager of the Seas, the largest mega liner to call Australia home, cruised into Sydney Harbour on Thursday night for her debut season.

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Good news: A mo can fight skin cancer

Hairier the better: A new study has found facial hair helps ward off cancer. Picture: Thinkstock Source: Supplied

IF YOU thought moustaches were solely to distinguish regular males from 1980s cricket players and hipsters, think again.

A study suggests that facial hair has benefits well beyond aesthetics.

Researchers from the University of Southern Queensland have discovered that moustaches and facial hair reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Using dosimetric techniques, which are instruments that measure the skin and indicate the amount of radiation absorbed over a given period of time, scientists found that people with facial hair had reduced their skin's exposure to the sun by roughly one-third.

The longer the hair was, the better it was at protecting against skin cancer.

Video: Movember - the movie

The results of this study are pretty much common sense. Although we previously might not have had the science to back it up, people cover up to hide from the sun, so it make sense to assume that a layer of thick hair could serve as protection, too.

There's no word yet on whether fake moustaches or putting your finger over your upper lip work as effectively.

So there you go. Moustaches aren't only good for prostate cancer awareness and prevention. They're fighting the skin cancer battle for us too.

Video: History of moustaches in fashion

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Good news: A mo can fight skin cancer

IF YOU thought moustaches were for distinguishing regular males from 1980s cricketers and hipsters, think again.

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Girl tied up in school toilets

A SCHOOLGIRL has been tied up inside the toilets of her school in Wollongong, police say.

The 11-year-old was leaving the toilet block at Port Kembla primary school on Thursday afternoon when a man allegedly grabbed her, police say.

The man forced her into a toilet cubicle and tied her up, then fled the scene.

The girl freed herself and reported the incident to a teacher.

Police say the man was described as 165 centimetres to 170 centimetres tall, wearing black tracksuit pants, a black hooded jumper and black joggers.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Mad and maxed - a Falcon hell for hoons

Nice... but do they come in black? Source: Supplied

WITH a supercharged V8 engine it's the most powerful highway patrol car to ever hit Australian roads - but it will spend most of its time attracting revheads instead of trying to fine them.

The limited edition Falcon GT - the fastest ever car built by Ford Australia - has all the latest technology to catch high-speed crooks but it will be used as a public awareness vehicle at events across NSW to break down the barriers with car enthusiasts.

''I was a bit apprehensive at first, and so were the guys I think,'' says Sen-Sgt Mark Stevens, who took the car to its first meeting with revheads at Sydney Dragway at Eastern Creek on Wednesday night.

''But once people came up and started asking about the car, it was all good.''

Flashing lights, cameras... and action. Picture: Craig Greenhill

The first experiment appeared to be a success; someone at the event posted a photo of the police car on Facebook, which attracted 67 comments in half an hour.

At the track, it quickly drew a crowd.

Ford fans Brett Luland from Wyee and Nick Vardakos from Cronulla were among the admirers.

Sen-Sgt Mark Stevens shows off NSW Police's latest highway patrol vehicle, a Ford Falcon GT at Eastern Creek Raceway. Picture: Craig Greenhill

''It isn't fair. It has too much power I reckon,'' joked Vardakos, the owner of a Falcon XR8 ute.

''They should be allowed to race it,'' said Luland, who owns an almost identical Falcon GT bearing the number plates 'CanFry'.

''It's a conversation starter,'' says Inspector John Lipman, the commander of the traffic technology section.

''It's about interacting with car enthusiasts and having a similar vehicle to what they would have or what they might aspire to.''

It's also about having revheads realise what technology police have and ''hopefully encourage them to stay within the law.''

Fully loaded with the latest radar unit, number plate-reading technology and a suite of on-board computers, the police GT Falcon is worth in excess of $100,000, about $70,000 of which was for the car alone.

Nick Vardakos, Senior Sergeant Mark Stevens and Brett Luland -with the GT at Eastern Creek Raceway. Picture: Craig Greenhill

It was funded by the Motor Accidents Authority; after two years the car will be displayed in the police museum.

The car is build number 150 of the latest limited edition Falcon GTs to commemorate the NSW Police 150th anniversary.

The standard Falcon GT has 335kW of power but this one has 400kW after it was upgraded with a bigger exhaust and fuel injectors.

Until now, the most powerful police car in Australia was a Holden Special Vehicles V8 used by Queensland police, with 325kW.

But both the Holden and Ford have neck-and-neck performance, able to reach the speed limit in about five seconds.

This reporter is on Twitter: @JoshuaDowling

More car news and reviews at carsguide.com.au

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Police release pair over Sarah's murder

A candlelit vigil will be held tonight, to remember murdered Melbourne woman Sarah Cafferkey

UPDATE: TWO men arrested today over the murder of Sarah Cafferkey have been released from police custody.

A 32-year-old from Tarneit and a 34-year-old from Point Cook, who were arrested at a Tarneit home about midday, were released from the St Kilda Rd police complex pending further inquiries.

The pair was released about 9pm after being questioned by detectives, with the investigation into Ms Cafferkey's death continuing.

It comes as community members held a candlelight vigil to remember Ms Cafferkey tonight.

Point Cook residents, shocked by the discovery of Ms Cafferkey's body in a house in the suburb, attended the vigil at a local park at 7.30pm.

Sarah Cafferkey's life will be remembered.

Organiser Alice Osborne said the community wanted to show their respect for Sarah and her family.

"The community is devastated ... we are also wanting to show Sarah's family we are very saddened about what has happened and we care for them and are supporting them," Ms Osborne said.

Yesterday, the man accused of stabbing Ms Cafferkey to death and dumping her body in a wheelie bin sat silent in court.

In an olive polo shirt and with a shag of bleach-blond hair, Steven James Hunter appeared briefly in Melbourne Magistrates' Court charged with murder.

The man charged with killing Sarah Cafferkey has been remanded in custody after a brief court appearance.

His lawyer noted the case already had received significant media attention and, while asking that Hunter's street address be deleted from the charge sheet to be released to the media, he told Magistrate Donna Bakos he hoped the press would "be mindful" that Hunter had now been charged.

Prosecutor Luke Exell said that the police brief of evidence would be served on Hunter's solicitors by February.

Hunter sat staring into his lap during the procedural filing hearing. With powerful arms, one bearing a visible tattoo, he stood when Ms Bakos addressed him.

She noted he had no custody management issues and had no intention of applying for bail.

Steven James Hunter is driven from the St Kilda Rd Police Station. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Homicide squad investigators arrested Hunter on Tuesday after he was tracked to a flat in Caroline St, Hawthorn.

The special operations group locked down the street before telling Hunter to come out with his hands up.

It took Hunter less than a minute to emerge from the second-storey unit.

An out-of-sessions hearing on Tuesday night heard Hunter fatally stabbed 22-year-old Ms Cafferkey with repeated blows at his Bacchus Marsh address on November 10.

Detective Sen-Constable Damien O'Mahoney told the court Hunter had made admissions about the killing. He will appear in court on March 27.

- with Michelle Ainsworth

paul.anderson@news.com.au

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Aussie scientists un-discover island

A screen grab of a Google Map which shows a red arrow pointing at what is marked as Sandy Island, but which Australian scientists say does not exist. Source: Supplied

A SOUTH Pacific island identified on Google Earth and world maps does not exist, according to Australian scientists who went searching for the mystery landmass during a geological expedition.

The sizeable phantom island in the Coral Sea is shown as Sandy Island on Google Earth and Google maps and is supposedly midway between Australia and the French-governed New Caledonia.

The Times Atlas of the World appears to identify it as Sable Island. Weather maps used by the Southern Surveyor, an Australian maritime research vessel, also say it exists, according to Dr Maria Seton.

But when the Southern Surveyor, which was tasked with identifying fragments of the Australian continental crust submerged in the Coral Sea, steamed to where the island was supposed to be, it was nowhere to be found.

"We wanted to check it out because the navigation charts on board the ship showed a water depth of 1400 metres (4620 feet) in that area - very deep," Dr Seton, from the University of Sydney, said after the 25-day voyage.

"It's on Google Earth and other maps so we went to check and there was no island. We're really puzzled. It's quite bizarre.

"How did it find its way onto the maps? We just don't know, but we plan to follow up and find out."

News of the invisible island sparked debate on social media, with Twitter user Charlie Loyd pointing out that Sandy Island is also on Yahoo Maps as well as Bing Maps "but it disappears up close".

On www.abovetopsecret.com, discussions were robust with one poster claiming he had confirmed with the French hydrographic office that it was indeed a phantom island and was supposed to have been removed from charts in 1979.

Another claimed: "Many mapmakers put in deliberate but unobtrusive and non-obvious 'mistakes' into their maps so that they can know when somebody steals the map data."

Google said it always welcomed feedback on a map and "continuously explore(s) ways to integrate new information from our users and authoritative partners into Google Maps".

"We work with a wide variety of authoritative public and commercial data sources to provide our users with the richest, most up-to-date maps possible," a Google spokesman said.

"One of the exciting things about maps and geography is that the world is a constantly changing place, and keeping on top of these changes is a never-ending endeavour."

The Australian Navy's Hydrographic Service - the department responsible for producing official nautical charts - told Fairfax media it took the world coastline database "with a pinch of salt" since some entries were old or erroneous.
 

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Girl, 17, dies after Schoolies balcony fall

The scene outside the Chevron Renaissance in Surfers Paradise after a person fell from one of the high rise towers. Picture: Glenn Hampson Source: The Courier-Mail

POLICE investigating the death of a 17-year-old girl who fell from a balcony at Schoolies celebrations on the Gold Coast say it's a "tragic end to a successful week".

The girl fell to her death last night from a balcony on Tower Three of the Cheveron Renaissance complex at 9.30pm.

Police said CPR was performed on the girl at the scene, but she could not be revived.

Speaking from Gold Coast Police Headquarters at midnight, Inspector Pat Swindells called for any witnesses to the fatal fall to come forward.

"We have no further information at this stage We're trying to ascertain what's happened," Insp Swindells said.

"It's a tragic end to a successful week."

Police said they were speaking to members of the girl's family.

The scene outside the Chevron Renaissance in Surfers Paradise after a person fell from one of the high rise towers. Picture: Glenn Hampson

The hotel was immediately placed in lockdown while some of its Schoolie residents took to social media to voice their initial reactions to the event.

They described a scene of panic as schoolies watched in disbelief while paramedics rushed to the girl.

A schoolie on the 24th floor wrote on Facebook: "Someone just jumped off the Chevron balcony 2 floors down from us! Can Freaking see them and oh god paramedics everywhere and the building is in lockdown. This is as scary as hell."

The death is a massive blow to Schoolies organisers, who had presided over a relatively quiet week until tonight's tragedy.

Up to 30,000 Year 12 graduates are in Surfers Paradise for the rite of passage Schoolies festival.

One witness told the ABC he saw the girl fall onto the pool area of the hotel.

The scene outside the Chevron Renaissance in Surfers Paradise after a person fell from one of the high rise towers. Picture: Glenn Hampson

"A girl fell off the balcony - just watched her fall," schoolie Seb Giorgio said.

"I didn't want to watch."

Rory, a barman across the road from the Towers Of Chevron Renaissance, said hundreds of schoolies were standing outside the hotel after the incident.

"I saw 200 schoolies out the front of the building, two ambulance (crews), there were cops everywhere," he told AAP.

Insp Swindells refused to speculate on what may have happened, unable to confirm if drugs or alcohol had played a part in the girl's fall from the high rise.

"Any incident in a high rise is a concern," he said.

The scene from the Chevron Renaissance in Surfers Paradise, with people looking on after a person fell from a balcony in Tower Three. Picture: Glenn Hampson

He warned the class of 2012 to take care while partying for the remainder of the week.

"This week of schoolies has been a fantastic week. The young people who have been coming to Surfers Paradise have been exemplary in their behaviour."

Police said investigations into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy were ongoing.

The tragedy comes just days after 18-year-old Cameron Cox was photographed sleeping on a ledge on the 11th floor of the Surfers Hawaiian Holiday Apartments. The photo, taken by a fellow schoolie and posted on Instagram, sparked national safety discussions.

The Courier-Mail reported this month police were planning a balcony blitz to target high-rises, as debate raged over whether high-rise balconies should be locked off during the annual party.

Three people fell to their deaths from Gold Coast skyscrapers last month.

Police have previously ordered some balconies be closed, but pressure was mounting in the lead up to this year's festival for a full balcony lock-up.

It is understood coast unit managers have considered the move, but didn't follow through.

Matt Lloyd, who runs the accommodation website schoolies.com, told The Courier-Mail this month any decision to lock balcony doors could not be made hastily.

"A lot of students book a year in advance and they are paying for rooms they expect to have balconies," he said.

-- with AAP

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