Today both Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott revealed their policy positions on immigration and border protection. And it looks as though the asylum seeker debate has the potential to once again become a pre-election fighting ground. Abbott said if elected he will reinstate many of John Howard’s policies, such as offshore refugee processing like the Pacific Solution in Nauru.While Gillard rejected his idea she revealed she was in talks with East Timor’s President about establishing a regional facility there to process refugee claims. But just how different is this from Abbott’s proposal? Featured in story: Julian Burnside, a human rights advocate and barrister.

Two policemen in Queensland are seeking a reprieve from disciplinary action for their bungled investigation of a death in custody. The Crime and Misconduct Commission (or CMC) found that Queensland Detective Senior Sergeant Raymond Kitching and Detective Sergeant Darren Robinson mishandled the investigation into Cameron Doomadgee’s death in custody on Palm Island. The CMC advised Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson to discipline the two men, and other investigating officers. Now Kitching and Robinson are seeking an injunction, to prevent the commissioner from delivering his response by end of day today. Featured in story: Sam Watson, Indigenous social worker and Alf Lacey - Mayor of Palm Island.

The roll-out of Taser stun guns to all frontline police in NSW was approved, despite serious problems in an official review, which was kept secret by the State government. Police say a non-lethal option can be vital - but portions of the review released after a Freedom of Information fight show officers have misused Tasers. Instead of a last resort option, the review found the guns have been used as a compliance weapon. Featured in story: Sydney Morning Herald journalist, Dylan Welch.

Many of the bottles and cans people buy have a 5 cent redeemable voucher attached. But unfortunately for most Australians they are unable to redeem a refund – unless, of course, they live in South Australia. That may soon change with the State and Federal Environment Ministers agreeing yesterday to revisit plans for a national container recycling scheme. But the idea is not without its critics and is drawing fierce heat from the Food and Beverage Industry. Featured in the story Terri-Anne Johnston CEO of Clean Up Australia, Kate Carnell CEO of Australian Food and Grocery Council, Senator Scott Ludlam The Australian Greens

Amnesty International is urging East Timor to reconsider legal loopholes that allow Indonesian army officers who took part in serious war crimes to go unpunished. A new report from Amnesty has found the latest Penal Code, still allows exemptions for war crimes. During the 24 year Indonesian occupation which ended in 1999, those crimes included mass killings, arbitrary imprisonment, sexual violence and torture. Despite the fact that more than 200 thousand people lost their lives, the Timorese government is opposed to bringing those involved to account.