News broke today of the possible sale of a large share in Qantas to a foreign body. The airline revealed that it has been approached by a consortium led by the Macquarie Bank and American equity firm; Texas Pacific Group. Under current laws foreign ownership of the kangaroo brand is limited to less than 49 per cent but workers unions are worried that any sale will result in immediate job cuts. Senior lecturer in global politics at the Australian National University, Doctor Michael McKinley, tried to put the possible sale of Qantas into perspective.

South Australia and the Northern Territory are overhauling their secondary schooling systems and the burden of responsibility is falling on the shoulders of year tens. These students are being made to create a life plan as part of their compulsory and assessable course work. But is fifteen too young to be making these kinds of decisions?

The RSPCA has now got evidence that shows the Australian public is against the live export trade – they’ve conducted a telephone poll with 600 residents, to see what they thought about transporting live animals to foreign countries. The results - 60 per-cent thought the practice was inhumane. But with the drought, options for farmers are wearing thin, and the live export market is looking promising as a financial alternative. MIKE HAYWARD is from Meat and Livestock Australia explains how the drought is pushing an international demand for live animals. JANE SPEECHLEY from RSPCA Australia tells what they think about the live export trade increasing and the available alternatives to the trade.

Australia is becoming more involved in the Asia Pacific region. We're spending more money and investing more of our future in the perception of common prosperity with our neighbours. The recent unrest in Tonga and Fiji, our on-going committment to East Timor and rising tension over West Papua has put Australia in the position of... at best 'guardian' and at worst 'dictator' of the region. But as Australia becomes increasingly involved with the internal affairs of our neighbours theres is the chance that we'll be seen in a harsher light.

Federal Family Services Minister Mal Brough announced dramatic changes to Australia's welfare system today. Under the new plan, up to 40% of the money currently paid directly into the accounts of welfare recipients would be restricted for use on household expenses such as groceries and rent. Minister Brough claims the changes are necessary to protect the rights of children in homes where he believes money is being misspent on cigarettes, gambling or alcohol. Mark Leahy of Welfare Rights SA has condemned the proposed changes and says they are paternatlistic.