Mai stories in ABC Radio s AM program, Thurs Dec 23

AAP General News (Australia)
12-23-1999
Mai stories in ABC Radio s AM program, Thurs Dec 23

SYDNEY, Dec 23 AAP - The main stories in today's 8am (AEDT) edition of the ABC's AM program:

* The head of the ANZ bank John McFarlane has warned that continued rises in the 30-day
bill rate might lead to a half percentage point hike in mortgage rates early in the new
year. Access Economics director Chris Richardson said this was just one of the signs inflation
was emerging in the economy again.

* BHP's fight over individual contracts in Western Australia will move to NSW today
as 6,700 workers walk off the job in Port Kembla. Two meetings are planned in Port Kembla
today to decide whether to shut the works down for 24 hours in protest. BHP said it would
not give in.

* A report on the MRI scanner scam is expected to be released today. It is expected
dozens of radiologists will be prosecuted. The Health Insurance Commission has been looking
into allegations that the radiologists used inside Budget information or backdated contracts
to obtain subsidies for the purchase of magnetic resonance imaging machines. Interview
with opposition health spokeswoman Jenny Macklin.

* The battle over land-clearing has shifted to Western Australia, where the Environment
Protection Authority has proposed a ban on clearing native vegetation. Farmers are calling
for the state or federal government to start paying compensation if the proposal is adopted.

* Melbourne radio station 3AW has suspended presenter Bruce Mansfield after allegations
that he gave interviews in exchange for free goods and services. The Age newspaper has
claimed Mr Mansfield received a free holiday to England worth $23,000 in exchange for
on-air mentions and interviews. Interview with 3AW station manager Graham Mott.

* The federal government is set to introduce new legislation to allow the army reserves
to serve overseas in combat, peacekeeping or emergencies for the first time since World
War Two. The former chief of the reserves, Major General Denis Luttrell, says special
measures will be needed to compensate employers. Interview with Mr Luttrell.

* Prime Minister John Howard and Treasurer Peter Costello have been branded Scrooges
by an international campaign for the cancellation of Third World debt. Australia is owed
$65 million. Jubilee 2000 is criticising Australia for not cancelling the debts owed by
Nicaragua, Ethiopia and Vietnam. Interview with Jubilee 2000 spokesman.

* There is growing fear in the US of terrorism linked to the New Year celebrations.

The US government has warned Americans overseas to avoid large crowds over the holiday
period. Domestically, the government is taking preventative action to try to stop any
terrorist activities that may be planned.

* The five Queensland MPs who broke away from the One Nation Party have formed a new
party called the City Country Alliance. Interview with parliamentary leader of One Nation,
Bill Feldman.

* Immigration Minister Philip Ruddock is taking his campaign against illegal immigrants
to the Middle East. Mr Ruddock will attempt to let people know that they are not welcome,
the trip is dangerous and they will not be able to stay indefinitely. Interview with Mr
Ruddock.

AAP vc/eg/wjf/sub

KEYWORD: AM SUMMARY

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