Ludlam praises campaign effort

Greens Candidate Scott Ludlam votes at Highgate with Greens Party leader Christine Milne. Source: News Limited

GREENS Senator Scott Ludlam can rest assured the party ran its "strongest grassroots campaign" yet – doorknocking "20 times" more homes in the election re-run in a bid to save his political career.

Buoyed by a "dangerous" Abbott Government and "broken" Labor Party, Senator Ludlam said his team worked just as hard the second time around, but on a "much larger scale".

Throughout the campaign, volunteers had phoned 55,000 households and doorknocked almost 30,000 homes. – after winning back his lost seat in the recount that saw 1370 votes go missing.

"I think what we saw was the political winds completely change direction," he said.

"We were sailing into strong headwinds last year," he said. "This year things have turned around, partly because of things that we've done, partly because of just how bad this Government turned out to be.

"That completely changes the dynamic – and it's allowed us to run the strongest grassroots campaign we've seen here in a while. "We have never done anything on this scale before. But that's what you can do – it's a combination of energy and passion but also fairly hard-nosed organising and strategy."

Last night, he revealed that his "last" speech to Parliament – when he told the Prime Minister to take his "heartless racist exploitation of people's fears and ram it as far from WA as your taxpayer-funded travel entitlements can take you" – was just a chance to "get it off my chest".

Senator Ludlam, who was elected in 2007, maintains that the media storm that followed, prompting more than 800,000 people to watch the clip on YouTube, "caught us by surprise".

"If you go back to our strategic plan from two months ago it didn't say write a speech that will be watched by 800,000 people," he said.

"In fact, it was just something I wanted to do to get it off my chest because I figured it might be the last opportunity. So when it strikes a resonance, you can't plan for it.

"But it does seem to have crossed political lines, which has been my favourite thing about it. The number of people who said 'I never would have voted for you before but thank goodness somebody said what I was thinking' – that's really nice to hear."

Senator Ludlam, whose profile has been boosted in the fallout of the recount debacle, has even taken to DJing at a nightclub to win over the youth vote and climbed a 400-year-old karri tree to put forest conservation on the campaign map.

He sensationally snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in the recount of the original September 7 result, which had seen him lose his seat. He requested the recount after the original revealed a razor-close finish with a 14-vote difference altering the result.

He credited Jess McColl with being "the best campaign manager in modern political history".

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Chinese ship finds ‘pulse signal’

Most intensive hunt yet underway in the southern Indian Ocean for missing flight MH370. Paul Chapman reports.

Tireless ... HMAS Toowoomba is one of eleven ships scouring a 217,000-sq-km patch of ocean northwest of Perth near where investigators believe MH370 went down on March 8. Picture: Chris Beerens Source: AFP

THERE are reports that a Chinese patrol ship has discovered a "pulse signal" in the southern Indian Ocean while searching for debris from missing flight MH370.

According to China's Xinhua News Agency, the ship, Haixum 01, detected a signal with a frequency of 37.5 kilohertz per second. It was reported the sounds were heard for about 90 seconds.

The reported discovery comes as the batteries powering the black box from the plane are expected to expire as early as Monday.

The president of pinger manufacturer Dukane Seacom has confirmed that this is the "standard beacon frequency" of both black boxes on MH370 — the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder.

Searching for signals ... a towed pinger locator (TPL-25) on the deck of Australian Defence Vessel Ocean Shield. Source: Supplied

Commercial jets are equipped with two black boxes — the Cockpit Voice Recorder and the Flight Data Recorder — that transmit acoustic signals on a beacon frequency of 37.5 kHz.

These sounds, or pulses, cannot be heard with human ears. Australia's Ocean Shield is towing a pinger locator listening for sounds at this frequency, and the British ship HMS Echo had a hull-mounted device capable of detecting the same pulses.

Haixun 01 picked up the signal at about 25 degrees south latitude and 101 degrees east longitude, the official Xinhua news agency said. The location appears to be far to the west of the current search location

Shanghai-based Xinmin Evening News cited its reporter on board the patrol ship as reporting that the ship's crew had "basically confirmed" that the signal was from the missing Boeing 777-200.

MH370? ... A Chinese vessel has picked up a pulse signal at 25 degrees South, 101 degrees East. Source: Supplied

However, experts have cautioned that the same signal could come from "a variety of things".

"It could be a false signal," oceanographer Simon Boxall told CNN. "We've had a lot of red herrings, hyperbole on this whole search."

The media office of the Joint Agency Coordination Centre said the could not say anything about the signal or whether it had come from MH370.

"We are unable to verify any such information at this point in time," the office said.

According to the Royal Australian Navy's mission commander on the Ocean Shield, James Lybrand, it would be expected that if a boat passed over the black box, the sound would quickly fade as the ship moved away.

It would then be required to turn back over the search area and "localize" the frequency emissions, which could take hours.

Commander Lybrand said yesterday there was "negligible" chance any pings at 37.5kHz was from biological sources, such as whales, and would almost certainly be from one of the two black boxes.

"We can't verify this information at this point in time," said a spokesman for Joint Australian Coordination Centre.

Scouring ... Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail takes off from Perth Airport on route to conduct search operations for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 in southern Indian Ocean. Picture: Rob Griffith Source: AP

It has been nearly a month since Malaysia Airlines flight 370 disappeared en route to Beijing on March 8 with 239 people on board.

Up to 10 military planes, three civilian jets and 11 ships are scouring a 217,000-sq-km patch of ocean northwest of Perth near where investigators believe the plane went down on March 8.

Australian Defence Minister David Johnston was asked about the matter during a live cross on ABC24 for the WA Senate election.

"I know nothing. I don't want to confirm anything because I think there has been a lot of this sort of false positives," Senator Johnston said.

"Let's wait until we have an official release.

"But look, I'm excited, I'm optimistic, but let me tell you it's a very, very big ocean out there and up until this time, we've had a lot of disappointment."

Senator Johnston said he had not had a chance to "get to the bottom of this" as he had been busy with the election, but stressed there had been "a huge probability of false positives" in relation to the missing Malaysian Airlines flight.

"Let's just stay calm," he said.

He said he would await information from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

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#WAvotes: Labor crashes as Greens take hold

Liberal candidates David Johnson, Michaelia Cash, Linda Reynolds and Slade Brockman address supporters at the South of Perth Yacht Club in Applecross. Source: News Corp Australia

LABOR'S primary vote is on track to crash below 25 per cent in the WA Senate re-run as support for the Greens and the Palmer United Party has surged.

After a train wreck of a campaign by the ALP, the result will spark bitter recriminations in Labor leader Bill Shorten's demoralised caucus.

There are fears that as few as one-in-five WA voters had supported the ALP.

The result is likely to prompt fresh demands for federal intervention into the troubled WA Labor branch.

The fate of Labor Senator Louise Pratt is also hanging in the balance - but there were hopes she could hang on with the support of strong preferences from the Greens.

The Liberals are still hopeful of hanging onto three of the six Senate spots up for grabs.

Vote counting for the WA Senate election re-run starts at the Central Institute of Technology in Mount Lawley PICTURE: JORDAN SHIELDS.

But support is bleeding to Clive Palmer's PUP party.

While it was too early to call the final result, the outcome is likely to deliver a win for two Liberal senators, Greens Senator Scott Ludlam, Labor's Joe Bullock and Clive Palmer's PUP candidate Dio Wang.

Senator Pratt and the Liberal's Linda Reynolds were in the hunt for the final spot.

FULL COVERAGE:

Palmer United Party WA Senate candidates Dio Wang and Des Headland talk to a PUP volunteer at Landsdale Primary School. Picture: THEO FAKOS

■ Defiant Pratt fights odds

■ Ludlam praises campaign effort

■ Palmer's big spend 'worth it'

■ Roll up, roll up to the Senate circus

■ Joe Spagnolo: Party over for voters

Louise Pratt addresses the Labor faithful at the Tattersalls Bowling and Recreation Club.

With the no show vote from fatigued voters forced back to the polls as high as 15 per cent, the low voter turnout favoured the Greens.

The Australian Electoral Commission said that postal votes and pre polls were up on last year.

"It's looking fantastic at this stage,'' Greens leader Christine Milne said about 8pm.

"We're going to take it right up to Tony Abbott."

WA Greens Senator Scott Ludlam said the result was a blow to the major parties.

The WA Senate by-election followed an Australian Electoral Commission bungle in September that saw 1370 votes go missing, throwing the original result into doubt.

At the September poll about 93 per cent of West Australians turned up to vote. It also saw Clive Palmer go missing in action on the day of the ballot.

"From my perspective it's difficult to look past Labor, Liberals, the Greens and Palmer Party as the serious contenders," former Labor minister Stephen Smith said as polls were closing yesterday.

"I think Liberals are at risk of getting two senators rather than three.

"If the Liberals were only to get two senators out of a six Senate race, that would be the first time in a quarter of a century it would have occurred."

Departing for his North Asia trade tour, Prime Minister Tony Abbott, who accused Mr Palmer of trying to buy seats in Parliament, urged voters to send a message on the Senate's blocking the abolition of the mining tax and the carbon tax.

"This election in Western Australia does matter. It is important for your future. It is important for the future of our country,'' Mr Abbott said.

West Australians couldn't escape Mr Palmer in the last month, with the eccentric minerals boss drowning the state in a big-spending advertising barrage.

Media analysts believe the PUP spent 10 times the amount of the major parties on TV advertisements urging voters to "Stick It Up Em'' and describing the Australian Electoral Commission as "mongrels".

But yesterday, Mr Palmer and his two-thumbs-up salute were nowhere to be seen.

PUP's top Senate candidate Dio Wang had no idea where his leader was.

"I'm not sure, to be honest. He might be here. I only met him once this week to be honest," he said.

Mr Palmer's media minder Andrew Crook said his boss was not in WA.

"He's left WA, that's correct," Mr Crook said.

But Mr Palmer himself claimed to be in Albany, 420km from Perth, when he spoke to The Sunday Times on his mobile phone yesterday.

"I'm in Albany. I am giving a speech. How long does it take to drive to Perth?'' he said.

On Friday, Mr Palmer suggested he was in Kalgoorlie.

But while there were photographs of his candidates campaigning in the Goldfields, there were no images released of the businessman.

Advertising monitoring firm Ebiquity estimated PUP had spent $500,000 on TV ads, but Liberal sources suggested it could be up to $6 million overall.

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Defiant Pratt fights odds

Labor Senate candidate Louise Pratt, with partner Aram Hosie, after voting at Dianella Heights Primary School. Source: News Limited

LOUISE Pratt last night described the past seven months as the "longest of her life".

The Labor senator has been fighting for her political survival as Labor's No. 2 candidate on its Senate ticket and her future may be unknown for weeks as preferences are counted.

And yesterday Senator Pratt followed her partner Aram Hosie's advice to voters – and defied ALP recommendations – by voting below the line.

In front of the media at Dianella Heights Primary School, Ms Pratt spent at least five minutes filling in every box below the line of her ballot paper as the ALP's No. 1 candidate Joe Bullock watched on glumly.

With Mr Bullock, an ultra-conservative union boss chosen as the party's No. 1 candidate, insiders were extremely worried that a predicted poor Labor showing would have Ms Pratt miss out on one of the six Senate spots up for grabs.

The salt on the wound has been Mr Bullock's dismal campaign, including questioning his running mate's sexuality.

Ms Pratt is an openly gay politician whose partner was a female, but is now legally a male.

Also this week audio surfaced of a speech Mr Bullock gave in November to a Christian group in which he said Labor could not be trusted.

Labor candidates Joe Bullock and Louise Pratt voting at Dianella Heights Primary School. Source: News Limited

Labor strategists were predicting yesterday that the party would need 29 per cent of the vote to win two spots.

Ms Pratt said her friends and family – particularly her partner Aram Hosie – had given her the support she had needed to stay positive and face the possibility that her Senate career was over.

"It has been the longest seven months of my life," she said. "The experience has certainly made me stronger.

"I've been lucky to have wonderful support around me. Aram is an extraordinary, emotional, practical and personal support to me.

"I am extremely lucky to have him as a partner especially at this stressful time. He is my rock."

Ms Pratt's sexuality and her relationship with Mr Hosie came under the spotlight when Mr Bullock said of his running mate: "She's a lesbian I think, although after her partner's sex change I can't be sure."

Asked if she was disappointed her sexuality had been brought up during the campaign, Ms Pratt said: "Joe and I have been debating these issues for decades. (His) views are no surprise to me."

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DEJA VOTE: Who gets your nod in poll re-run?

History will repeat itself tomorrow as WA heads back to the polls

AFTER 210 days, one recount, 1370 lost ballots, an Australian Electoral Commission investigation, a Court of Disputed Returns ruling and two AEC resignations, Western Australia will finally get one more chance to vote for six Senate seats tomorrow.

And the result they deliver could make the numbers in Australia's Senate very interesting for Tony Abbott, whose performance as prime minister will be thoroughly polled six months into his tenure.

● VOTE NOW: Who's leading our PerthNow poll? Scroll down to join in and see results posted so far

● WHERE TO VOTE IN SENATE POLL RE-RUN

While the federal government won't change following WA's fourth election in just over a year, the ability for the coalition to make change through policy will be affected.

And if the late campaign whispers come true, and the Liberals drop the third seat they won at the original poll and Labor gains one, then the horse trading in Canberra with the minor parties will reach Magic Millions proportions.

Opposition leader Bill Shorten, pictured at a Perth primary school with candidates Louise Pratt and Joe Bullock, indicated he was concerned about a bungle by the AEC, but was not going to panic.

Will you vote tomorrow in the Senate election re-run?

Who will you vote for in the WA senate election?

The last day on the hustings was dominated by how many feet Labor's number one candidate Joe Bullock could fit into his mouth at once.

Senator Scott Ludlam, pictured after the WA Senate recount by the WA Electoral Commission in Perth.

After revelations earlier in the week of a 1996 conviction for assault, it's been revealed he delivered a speech last year to a Christian group during which he admitted he didn't always vote Labor, and had called some of the ALP membership ``mad''.

That prompted an apology via email to Labor members, with the partner of Labor's number two candidate Louise Pratt urging the WA electorate to vote below the line.

The free kick for the Liberals was gleefully accepted by Foreign Minister Julie Bishop.

"When Labor's number one candidate says he doesn't vote Labor, why should anybody else,'' Ms Bishop said.

Ironically, Mr Bullock is almost certain to win a seat, despite his gaffes, and it was the Liberal's third candidate Linda Reynolds who was battling hardest.

"We are not considering not picking up that third seat. Linda Reynolds won that spot fair and square,'' Ms Bishop said.

With preference deals and a more favourable senate ticket position set to benefit Ms Pratt, the heavyweight battle between Clive Palmer and Greens Senator Scott Ludlam will be vital on Saturday and beyond.

After a week of carpet bombing the electorate with radio and TV ads, Mr Palmer appeared to self-destruct on the eve of the election with an angry interview with the ABC followed by a grumpy morning on radio.

Asked by 2UE's morning show about a sign writing business in New South Wales that claims it is still owed thousands of dollars by the Palmer United Party, the billionaire got shirty.

``Well that's just bulls--- That's not true. There's no action against us, there's no letter of demand. It's just Rupert Murdoch ... making up another story. I'll see you later, bye bye,'' he said, before hanging up.

Senate Candidate Joe Bullock Mr Bullock, pictured in Belmont this week, brushed aside a recently revealed assault conviction, saying ``that was a long time ago''.

Senator Ludlam, who has campaigned hard against a waning vote from the last election, said he was confident.

"There was a swing against us in WA, and I think we have taken care of that,'' he said.

And it was expected all parties would have to battle against a lower turnout from the election-weary WA population, with predictions of polling levels as low as 75 per cent.

After another blunder involving an unsecured ballot box, the AEC said there had been no more issues - so far.

A record number of 75 candidates will contest Saturday's election, up from 65 in September.

A full run-down of the controversies on WA election eve

The re-run of the WA Senate election will be a referendum on the first half year of Tony Abbott's reign, but will also prove the biggest test yet for the nation's electoral commission.

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) admitted on Thursday that about 75 pre-poll votes at the RAAFA Estate retirement home in Merriwa, in Perth's outer suburbs, were put in an unsecured ballot box and then transferred to a secure box in breach of proper procedure.

Palmer United Party leader Clive Palmer, the AEC's harshest critic, called for more heads to roll, after two key AEC staffers resigned over the last debacle, and even called for a royal commission.

The votes were declared invalid and the retirement home's elderly residents had to recast them on Friday.

One of the residents said she hadn't even put her vote in a box and it had instead been taken by ``the lady''.

Both sides of politics were troubled to hear of the latest controversy to dog the AEC, which was lashed by former police commissioner Mick Keelty after his investigation into the 1370 ballot papers that went missing during a recount last year.

The AEC's harshest critic, Clive Palmer, called for more heads to roll, after two key AEC staffers resigned over the last debacle, and even called for a royal commission.

Mr Keelty found fault with just about every aspect of the AEC's handling of the second count, but the commission said on February 28 that it had implemented key practical recommendations of his probe.

But two days before West Australians marched back to the polls for the fourth time in just over a year, those reassurances were a distant memory as news of yet another ballot box blunder emerged, leaving confidence in the AEC shattered.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott, who has not held back in his disdain for the AEC's ``ineptitude'', said Australians had a right to expect there would be no errors this time around.

AEC spokesman Phil Diak said every step would be taken to minimise the chance of mistakes, and refuted suggestions voter fatigue in WA would result in a low turnout, saying early voting had been encouraging.

Meanwhile, Labor's lead candidate Joe Bullock has increased his press conference appearances - particularly at schools - after earlier commentary that he'd not fronted the media enough, all while copping fresh flak for reportedly telling a Christian group in November that Labor needed unions so it didn't follow ``every weird lefty trend''.

He also reportedly called the ALP membership mad, said he'd rather be expelled from the party than vote for gay marriage, and revealed he had voted against Labor in 1975.

Voters on Saturday will elect six senators from 77 candidates with the coalition, Labor, the Australian Greens, Palmer United Party and myriad micro parties fighting for the upper house seats..

The Liberals pounced on Mr Bullock's reported comment that running mate Louise Pratt - who he shunted to second on Labor's ticket - was a ``poster child for the left'', saying it pointed to disunity and dysfunction in the party.

On Friday, Mr Bullock also brushed aside a recently revealed assault conviction, saying ``that was a long time ago''.

The Liberals have had their own controversies - at the state level, with former Treasurer Troy Buswell quitting Cabinet and facing criminal charges after a mental breakdown following late-night, post-wedding car crashes - but Mr Abbott remains supremely confident it won't dent the party's election chances.

And what about their stablemates, the Nationals? Candidate Shane Van Styn - affectionately referred to by Barnaby Joyce as ``Van the Man'' - has also appeared media-shy, proving less visible than his deputy leader.

Palmer United Party's Dio Wang has also been scarce in Perth, fronting regional media rather than facing the harsh glare of the metropolitan spotlight. He said it was more important to talk to voters than journalists.

But his leader has been all over the press, saying those who wanted to interview Mr Wang could get on a plane and see him on the hustings in Broome, Karratha or Kalgoorlie.

PUP was also criticised for bombarding the airwaves and blanketing WA's only daily newspaper in campaign advertisements, with the highest office in the land through to the Greens accusing Mr Palmer of trying to buy a seat in the Senate - although Greens Senator Scott Ludlam has also splashed a fair amount of cash on ads.

Mr Palmer says it's his own personal money and he can do with it as he pleases.

But Greens leader Christine Milne tied it back to Mr Wang's absence from mainstream media.

``It really makes no sense that he's spending a fortune on advertising but is gagging his own candidates from talking to the people,'' Senator Milne said.

``And that's because when they open their mouths, they say something different to what Clive wants to say.''

PUP was also lambasted by the Liberals for preferencing the HEMP party seventh out of 33. The HEMP party's lead candidate James Moylan has said he doesn't even want to be a politician.

Mr Palmer, as usual, shot back.

``The Liberals are preferencing high on the ticket of the Liberal Democrats, who don't believe in the legalisation of hemp, they believe in the legalisation of heroin and all drugs,'' he told AAP.

``They also believe in assisted suicide, abolishing the pension - which maybe Abbott does too - and abolishing social security.

``And they're getting the preference way before us in the Liberal ticket.''

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Clinical Hawks smash Dockers

Reigning premiers Hawthorn lead by Cyril Rioli and Sam Mitchell demolish Fremantle by 58 points in a stunning performance.

AFL: Hawthorn v Fremantle MCG. April 4th 2014. Cyril Rioli kicks the first goal. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

Match. "A GAME or a contest in which two or more contestants or teams oppose each other".

This was no match and certainly no contest.

Hawthorn last night obliterated the Dockers with such unmerciful power and precision it will scare the living daylights out of the rest of the competition.

This is a side which has scaled football's summit, and yet it applies frenzied pressure, runs to space with such undying desire and is so clean by foot you'd swear they were striving to break a premiership drought.

Sam Mitchell shrugged off a calf injury to finish with 36 possessions. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

That is what Fremantle is trying to do, and yet if last night is any indication it could be another 50 years away.

Hawthorn lead by 75 points early in the last quarter before finally taking the foot off the Dockers' throat to win by 58 — 21.11 (137) to 11.13 (79).

At the end of it all, it was hard to believe these were the two sides locked in a ferocious arm wrestle only six months ago on the same ground in the biggest game of the year.

Luke Breust was at his creative best with four goals. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

This was a journey back in time to the old Freo; the purple mob who would go into their shell away from home and put in insipid performances outside WA.

Records were broken everywhere.

Hawthorn's score was the biggest the Dockers have conceded in the Ross Lyon era and the Hawks' 492 disposals the seventh-most ever recorded.

The home side won the ball inside and shared it on the outside with such mesmeric efficiency Fremantle literally couldn't get its hands on the ball.

Isaac Smith kicked two goals in a minute in the second quarter to blow the game apart. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

The uncontested possession count stood 31-0 after 15 minutes and Fremantle didn't take a mark of any kind until the 16 minute mark of first quarter.

Will Lanford got into the act, kicking his first career goal, much to the delight of the faithful. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

At half-time it was the worst disposal differential (-133) ever under Lyon. The Dockers' 128 possessions at the main break was also the lowest of the Lyon era.

Yes, Michael Barlow (injured) and Nat Fyfe and Zac Dawson (both suspended) provide an asterisk. But if that's the case what does Luke Hodge, Brian Lake, Ben Stratton and Brad Sewell provide?

No, absentees are a cop-out.

Brad Hill had a career-high 30 disposals. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

There were periods last night where you could have argued the Dockers had thrown in the towel. It is a harsh accusation, especially at the Grand Finallist, but there was a distinct 'It's all too hard' stink about them for much of the game.

So out of their depth were they that it was like watching Melbourne in its darkest hour or Greater Western Sydney or Gold Coast shortly after birth.

David Mundy was muzzled by Will Langford, Ryan Crowley was given a hiding from Sam Mitchell, Michael Walters Chris Mayne and Hayden Ballantyne combined for two goals.

Ryan Crowley is chased and tackled by Cyril Rioli. Picture Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

And yet again, Aaron Sandilands' ruck dominance (33 hit-outs) didn't translate to clearance ascendancy.

As bad as Fremantle were, Hawthorn was super impressive. It's Round 3, but if the Hawks don't win this year's premiership, it won't be complacency that brings them unstuck.

Last night they outworked, out-hassled and out-skilled the so-called second-best side in the country. They got extra numbers to the contest and after winning possession, simply didn't give it back.

Matt Spangher filled a key defensive post admirably. Picture Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

Cyril Rioli provided the highlights; Jordan Lewis and Mitchell the drive. Six Hawks had 30 disposals or more.

Goals don't get more exciting that Luke Breust's in the first quarter after Rioli and Paul Puopolo combined majestically on the wing to slice open the Dockers. Fremantle's famed full-ground defence was made to look like witches hats.

This wasn't a Grand Final rematch.

It was a statement.

HAWTHORN:

FREMANTLE:

SAM EDMUND'S BEST PLAYERS

HAWTHORN: Mitchell, Lewis, Smith, Suckling, Roughead, Breust, Rioli, Birchall

FREMANTLE: Pavlich, Pearce, Hill

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Pratt defuses ‘lesbian’ controversy

Louise Pratt, right, with partner Aram Hosie. Picture: Richard Hatherly, STM. Source: News Limited

LABOR Senator Louise Pratt has attempted to gracefully defuse a controversy over whether or not she's a lesbian after it was revealed that her Labor running mate Joe Bullock questioned her sexual orientation because her partner has changed gender to become a man.

As the ALP campaign in WA continued to lurch from one disaster to the next in the final 48 hours to the poll, Senator Pratt took to the social networking site Twitter to argue it's not the first time someone has asked the question. Her partner, Aram Hosie, a transgender person who was born a woman but is now legally a man.

● Louise Pratt talks about life with her transgender partner, Aram Hosie

● Where to vote in Senate poll re-run

"For those asking - I'm not offended. Joe is right: I am a passionate #marriageequality advocate, and he's not the first to ask the question that he did,'' Senator Pratt said today.

"Do appreciate all the supportive comments I have received. No need though for anyone, including journos, to be taking offense on my behalf."

Mr Bullock, a right-wing union leader who stole the number one spot from Senator Pratt, told a Christian group last November that working people were right not to trust Labor and questioned Kevin Rudd's religious views because "he'd change his mind over a cup of coffee''.

Describing Senator Pratt as a campaigner for "homosexual marriage" he went on to say, "she's a lesbian I think, although after her partner's sex change I can't be sure".

Asked if she was hurt by Mr Bullock's comments during a joint press conference in Perth this morning, Senator Pratt rejected the suggestion.

"No, Joe and I are members (of the) Labor Party for good reason. We have a lot more in common than we would ever have that's different and that's because we both want to champion the rights of ordinary West Australians,'' she said.

During the debate on gay marriage, Senator Pratt gave a tearful speech arguing for her right to marry Aram.

"We exist. We already exist . . . all we ask is that you stop pretending that we don't," she told the Senate.

Senator Pratt's partner today urged Labor supporters to vote for her "below the line" rather than give Mr Bullock their first preference.

"Three words. Below. The. Line,'' he said on Twitter

In response to another Twitter user, Mr Hosie said, " It wasn't about marriage per se. He was asking whether @Louise_Pratt was a lesbian given her trans partner (aka me. Lol)."

Mr Bullock also confirmed today he had voted for the Liberal Party after Gough Whitlam's dismissal.

Bullock shows ALP dysfunction, says PM

"Well look, I didn't vote Labor in 1975. I join are joined the Labor Party in 1978. I've supported the Labor Party ever since,'' he said.

Listen to the full transcript of Mr Bullock's remarks here: http://dawsonsociety.com.au/articles/bullockfaithpoltics/

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Libs try to spoil Palmer party

Clive Palmer says he wasn't surprised by the last-minute attempt to stop him from handing out his how-to-vote cards, which has failed. Picture: File image Source: News Corp Australia

A LAST-MINUTE attempt to rule Clive Palmer's WA how-to-vote cards invalid has been scuttled by the Australian Electoral Commission increasing the chances of the party snaring a sixth Senate spot.

Senior Liberal sources have confirmed they complained to the AEC earlier today that the how- to-vote cards may breach electoral laws because they do not clearly state they are authorised by the Palmer United Party. But the AEC disagreed ensuring they can be handed out tomorrow.

● WHERE TO VOTE IN SENATE POLL RE-RUN

The complaint could have thrown a wildcard into the ballot on Saturday by forcing PUP to pulp their how-to-vote cards or rush to print new material.

"We've queried it. We thought we would get it checked,'' a Liberal campaigner said. "But the AEC says there's no problem."

Mr Palmer, who is campaigning in Kalgoorlie, said he wasn't surprised by the last-minute attempt to stop him from handing out his how-to-vote cards.

"They've been trying to sabotage their campaign every day. There's nothing wrong with our how-to-vote card,'' he said.

Internal party polling suggests the Liberal Party's primary vote is down on last year's result with a strong risk that they will secure only two out of six Senate spots up for grabs.

Some political campaigners believe published polling has overestimated the Liberals primary vote and undercooked support for Palmer United Party.

Under that scenario, a likely outcome is two Liberal senators, two Labor senators, Green Senator Scott Ludlam securing a spot and a Palmer United Party senator increasing the eccentric millionaire's balance of power role in the Senate.

But a low voter turnout is expected to make the result hard to predict.

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Japan ends Antarctic whaling hunt

Australia celebrates while Japan expresses disappointment over International Court of Justice order to halt whaling. Paul Chapman reports.

A delicacy in Japan ... Packs of whale meat hang at a whale meat specialty store at Tokyo's Ameyoko shopping district. Source: AP

JAPAN says it is cancelling its annual Antarctic whaling hunt for the first time in more than a quarter of a century in line with a UN court ruling.

A "deeply disappointed" Tokyo earlier this week said it would honour Tuesday's judgment by the United Nations' Hague-based International Court of Justice (ICJ) that the program was a commercial activity disguised as science. Tokyo, however, did not exclude the possibility of future whaling programs.

AUSTRALIA WINS JAPANESE WHALING CASE IN THE HAGUE

JAPANESE LOSE TASTE FOR WHALE MEAT AS AUSTRALIA WINS CASE

Antarctic whaling cancelled ... Three dead mink whales lie on the deck of the Japanese whaling vessel Nisshin Maru, in the Southern Ocean. Source: AP

Today, officials said the next Antarctic hunt, which would have started in late 2014, had been scrapped, just weeks after the most recent one finished.

"We have decided to cancel research whaling (in the Antarctic) for the fiscal year starting in April because of the recent ruling," a fisheries agency official said.

But he added that "we plan to go ahead with research whaling in other areas as scheduled", including the northern Pacific. Japan also has a coastal whaling program that is not covered by a commercial whaling ban.

Australia, backed by New Zealand, hauled Japan before the ICJ in 2010 in a bid to end the annual Southern Ocean hunt.

WILL JAPAN RESUME ANTARTIC WHALING? COMMENT BELOW

Victorious ... (From left) Members of the Australian delegation, Justin Gleeson, Bill Campbell and Philippe Sands before the verdict in the case against Japanese whaling at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. Source: AFP

Tokyo has used a legal loophole in the 1986 ban on commercial whaling that allowed it to continue slaughtering the mammals, ostensibly so it could gather scientific data.

However, it has never made a secret of the fact that the whale meat from these hunts can end up on dining tables.

Public consumption of whale meat in Japan has steadily and significantly fallen in recent years, and there is little support for whaling itself.

But aggressive anti-whaling campaigns hardened sentiment among the Japanese public, who came to see the issue as an attack on differing cultural values.

"I think everyone knew all along that research was a fig leaf to disguise commercial whaling," said Jeffrey Kingston, an Asian studies professor at Temple University in Tokyo.

"But the Japanese government erred in thinking that this loophole ... provided a legal basis for continued whaling as long as it asserted that it was for research. It did not anticipate that the research argument would be exposed as a sham." Japan had argued that its JARPA II research program was aimed at studying the viability of whale hunting, but the ICJ found it had failed to examine ways of doing the research without killing whales, or at least while killing fewer of them.

"Whale meat is an important source of food, and the government's position to use it based on scientific facts has not changed," Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi told a press conference on Tuesday in response to the judgment.

Cancelled Antarctic whaling ... Japanese whaling fleet's harpoon vessel Yushin Maru No. 2 with a minke whale in the Southern Ocean. Source: AFP

Yesterday, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said his government would abide by the court ruling, but added that the ruling was "a pity and I am deeply disappointed".

Some legal experts have suggested Japan might simply redesign its whaling program to skirt the ICJ ruling, but Australia and New Zealand are expected to keep up the diplomatic pressure to ensure Tokyo abides by the spirit of the pronouncement.

However, Shohei Yonemoto, visiting professor on global environment and bioethics at the University of Tokyo, said the ruling would provide Tokyo with a convenient way of getting out of a money-losing and controversial business.

"Japan should not miss this opportunity to use the ruling as an excuse to fully review its whaling program without losing its face," he said.

Hisayoshi Mitsuda, professor of environmental sociology at Bukkyo University in Kyoto, added: "Financially, whaling doesn't pay — it's a decaying industry." Three countries — Japan, Norway and Iceland — use objections or exceptions to continue whaling, a practice observers say claims more than 1000 of the marine mammals, some endangered, each year. But Japan is the only country to conduct whaling under a scientific permits category.

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Sharks never kept diver from water: girlfriend

The body of a diver reported missing south of Perth has been recovered and has signs of a shark attack.

THE girlfriend of diver Mick McGregor – who was possibly killed by a shark – says he was an ocean lover who was never scared of sharks.

Friends have described the 38-year-old as a joker who loved the water.

Mr McGregor, of Erskine, a suburb of Mandurah, went missing while scuba diving with friends about 3km off the Dawesville Cut on Saturday.

His body was recovered by police divers yesterday, four days after he vanished.

A police spokeswoman said initial examinations showed what appeared to be shark bites, and police are investigating whether that could have been the cause of death.

However, none of the four friends he was diving with saw a shark attack.

Mr McGregor's girlfriend Elizabeth Cambage is devastated, but relieved his body had been found.

"He loved being under the water and maybe he would have been chasing those crayfish around and not realised he's running out of time," she told Ten News.

Mick McGregor, whose remains were found with possible shark bites four days after he went missing on a dive near Mandurah. Picture: Facebook Source: Supplied

She said the possibility of encountering sharks never stopped Mr McGregor from going into the water. "If there was a shark in the water then he'd be in it too," she said.

One of his friends who was on the fateful diving trip, Shane Wylie, said waiting for Mr McGregor to resurface was the "worst feeling I've ever felt."

"It was a routine dive, we were doing what we loved and then something's gone wrong," he said.

Mr Wylie described Mr McGregor as the "best person" he had ever met.

"Basically everyone whose ever met him says how nice he is," he said.

"We just waited and watched, hoping to see him ... the ocean was where he loved to be and where he'll be forever."

Mick McGregor, whose body was found yesterday after he went missing while diving with friends on Saturday. Picture: Facebook Source: Supplied

Friends and family of Mr McGregor have taken to social media to express their shock and grief.

"You were the brother I never had," Secret Harbor man Shane Wylie said.

"There will never be anyone to replace who you were and I will never forget the times we've had.

"I'd give everything I've ever had for one more trip on the boat or for one more lame ass joke."

Brookton woman Gemma Hutch posted: "Love you forever mate xx there will never be anyone like you again".

Police divers today finished searching the area where Mr McGregor's body was recovered.

The search team returned to the area off the Dawesville Channel today to look for Mr McGregor's dive gear and clues about what happened to him.

Police are preparing a report for the State Coroner.

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‘500 dolphins caught in nets’

WA scientists say about 500 dolphins have been caught in the Pilbara trawl fishery in the past 10 years. Picture: File image Source: Supplied

ABOUT 500 dolphins have been caught in the Pilbara trawl fishery in the past 10 years, West Australian scientists say.

Murdoch University PhD candidate Simon Allen and colleagues from the Cetacean Research Unit have made the claims based on independent observer data, which shows methods to reduce dolphin bycatch are not working.

"Independent observers reported bycatch rates of about 50 dolphins per year, which is double the number reported by the skippers of these vessels," Mr Allen said.

Under-reporting was not unusual around the world, especially where marine mammal capture was illegal, he said.

"This doesn't necessarily mean that skippers are deliberately under-reporting," Mr Allen said.

"Fishers are concentrating on the job at hand and may not see a dead dolphin fall out of the net on winch up."

A report by the WA Fisheries Department detailed similar findings, but instead suggested self-reporting mechanisms in place were accurate and the impact posed negligible risk, Mr Allen said.

But researchers said modified bycatch reduction devices with top-opening escape hatches could be more effective.

The scientists have also called for a reinstatement of independent observers and in-net video collection to accurately measure bycatch.

"The next step is to calculate the acceptable levels of human-caused dolphin mortality, which requires an estimate of the dolphin population size in the region," Mr Allen said.

"If the ongoing bycatch exceeds that threshold, switching to alternative, less destructive fishing methods, like trap or line fishing, should be considered."

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Heartbreak over horror double fatal

Peter Liebeck who died with a friend in a car crash in Hilton. Picture: Facebook Source: Supplied

THE grieving father of one of two men who died in a horror crash overnight has urged people to "make the most of every minute" with their loved ones.

Geoff Liebeck's 20-year-old son Peter Liebeck died two blocks from home when a car he was travelling in with three friends crashed with a ute in the southern suburb of Hilton about 2am.

Mr Liebeck, who was in the back seat, died at the scene, while his friend Benny Brown, who was sitting next to him, died at Fremantle Hospital a short time later.

The four men were travelling in a silver Mazda sedan when it crashed with a white Ford Falcon ute at the intersection of South Street and Carrington Road.

Two men are dead and three others injured after a horrific 2am crash in Hilton.

The 43-year-old man who was driving the ute, and two male passengers of the sedan, have been taken to Fremantle Hospital with serious injuries.

"Make the most of every minute because you never know when there'll be a knock on the door. Nobody expects it but let me tell you it's real when it knocks," Geoff Liebeck told Seven News tonight.
Family and friends visited the crash site today to pay their respects. It was reported the crash was one of the worst some police officers had been to.

Mr Liebeck's cousin Grace wept as she pleaded with people to use their common sense on the roads. "There's so many families devastated today," she said.

Police are seeking witnesses who may have seen either car before the crash.

An 86-year-old man on a gopher is in a critical condition after he was hit by a car in Willetton today. Picture: Twitter/Ten News Source: Supplied

ELDERLY MAN ON GOPHER HIT BY CAR

An 86-year-old man who was hit by a car while trying to cross the street on his gopher in Willetton this morning is in a critical condition in Fremantle Hospital.

The man was hit by a silver Hyundai Getz while crossing Acanthus Road about 11.40am.

It is the third serious crash today, after the death of three men in two separate crashes this morning.

THIRD DEATH NEAR GERALDTON

Another man has died after being thrown from his car near Geraldton this morning.

Police say the 70-year-old man's car rolled on Geraldton-Mount Magnet Road between 8.40am and 8.45am, about 5km west of Mullewa.

No other vehicles are believed to be involved in the crash.

He became the state's 45th road victim this year.

Police are calling for witnesses to the crash or people who saw the man's white station wagon bearing Geraldton number plates before the crash to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Diver remains found ‘with shark bites’

Water Police have found human remains, believed to be that of a man who went missing from a diving trip at the weekend. Source: News Limited

A DIVER missing for four days in waters near Mandurah may have been a shark attack victim after human remains were found with bites late today.

The 38-year-old man went missing on Saturday after failing to resurface during a dive 5km offshore from the Dawesville Cut just south of Mandurah.

He had been on a diving trip with four friends, who contacted police at about 1.30pm when he failed to return to the boat.

A WA Police spokeswoman said following an extensive air, land and sea search, water police found human remains believed to be of the missing man close to the dive site.

"Initial investigations indicates the male may have received shark bites," she said.

The spokeswoman said the man's friends did not witness any attack and the cause of death was unclear at this stage.

Further investigations and consultation with relevant experts will be undertaken, she said.

The man was reportedly a local Peel man who knew the area well and was an experienced diver.

The matter is being investigated by the coronial investigation unit and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.

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Which WA holiday is Aussie No.1?

Cruising the Kimberley is the No.1 holiday in Australia, according to the Australian Travel list. Picture: True North Source: Supplied

WHERE'S your next holiday?

If you're following the experts' recommendations, the answer will likely be Western Australia.

Australian Traveller has listed Australia's 100 Greatest Holidays Of All Time in a special collectors' edition of the magazine.

Have the experts got it right? Tell us your ideal Aussie holiday.

The special edition of Australian Traveller magazine, out Wednesday. Source: Supplied

The list is the result of more 12,000 nominations, a panel of 20 travel experts and hundreds of hours of analysis.

The No.1 spot was taken out by relatively little-known WA experience, cruising the Kimberley.

A total of 16 WA travel experiences made the list, making it the most popular state/territory for Australia's best holidays.

Traditional holiday favourite Queensland came a close second with 15 holidays on the list.

Tasmania was the other big winner, with Australia's most highly rated luxury stay, best walking holidays and Australia's best road trip.

Tassie's little-known drive The East Coast Escape beat iconic road trips such as The Great Ocean Road (No.8) and the Big Lap (No.3) to take the No.2 position.

"If you've ever done it, you'd know why," Australian Traveller magazine editor Georgia Rickard said.

"It's absolutely breathtaking."

And, she said, it was a pleasant surprise to see an affordable holiday option come in at No.2.

"The best thing about the East Coast Escape road trip is that the luxury is in the environment," she said.

"Hobart, Maria Island, The Hazards, Wineglass Bay, Bay of Fires… it's one long, continuous reel of six-star surroundings. And you can absolutely do it without blowing the budget, there's plenty of affordable accommodation along the way."

Tasmania's luxury lodge Saffire Freycinet also caused upset by coming in at No.5, nabbing the hotly-contested title of best luxury lodge from perennial favourite qualia at Hamilton Island (No.10).

The list is reflective of Australia's changing travel palate, Rickard said.

"As a nation, we're becoming much more discerning about what we want from our holidays," she says.

"It's not enough to plonk yourself by a pool anymore – we want authentic experiences, unique destinations, and trips that enrich our lives in some way.

"A bit of brag factor doesn't hurt, either."

Another surprise – Australia's best island break is found in NSW, at Lord Howe Island (No.7).

Top 10 best holidays in Australia

1. Adventure cruise in the Kimberley, Western Australia

Luxury ship True North is one option for exploring the Kimberley in WA. Picture: True North Source: Supplied

2. Road trip the East Coast, Tasmania

A road trip around Tasmania's East Coast takes in spectacular sights such as the Bay of Fires. Picture: Tasmanian Walking Company Source: Supplied

3. The Big Lap

An epic road trip around Australia is a dream of many - and comes in at No.3 on the best Aussie holidays. Source: Supplied

4. Explore Kakadu, Northern Territory

Explore the natural attractions of Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory. Source: Supplied

5. Stay at luxe lodge Saffire Freycinet, Tasmania

Saffire Freycinet is Australia's most sought-after luxury lodge stay, according to the Australian Traveller list. Source: Supplied

6. Foodie break in Margaret River region, Western Australia

Amberley Estate winery in WA's gourmet Margaret River region. Picture: Tourism Western Australia Source: Supplied

7. Beach holiday on Lord Howe Island, New South Wales

Lord Howe Island offers spectacular scenery and fantastic walks. Source: Supplied

8. Road trip the Great Ocean Road, Victoria

The Twelve Apostles on the Great Ocean Road - Victoria's top entry on the list of great Aussie holidays. Source: Supplied

9. Gourmet escape in Barossa, South Australia

Maggie Beer's Farm Shop in the Barossa Valley. Picture: South Australian Tourism Source: Supplied

10. Stay at luxe lodge qualia, Queensland

At No.10 Queensland entry qualia at Hamilton Island - one of Australia's most prominent luxury resorts - just slipped in to the top 10 list. Source: Supplied

For the full list of 100 holidays, see the special edition of Australian Traveller, out on Wednesday.

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Lost MH370 ‘a blessing in disguise’

There is nothing 'abnormal' in the communications transcript of flight MH370 according to authorities.

Public face ... Malaysia's Defense Minister and acting Transport Minister Hishammuddin Hussein has been at the forefront of the nation's response to the missing plane. Source: AP

THE public face of the missing Malaysia Airlines flight tragedy says the event is a "blessing in disguise".

Malaysia's Defence and acting Transport Minister Hishammuddin Hussein shocked followers on Twitter when he agreed with someone who suggested there was bright side to the disaster.

Kuala Lumpur-based journalist Ismail Amsyar tweeted: "#MH370 is a blessing in disguise for all of us. I understand now the beauty of unity, the sweetness of having each other. @HishammuddinH2O"

Six minutes later Hishammuddin replied: "Right u are:)"

— Hishammuddin Hussein (@HishammuddinH2O) April 2, 2014

Followers were quick to question the appropriateness of the tweet.

Alan Cook tweeted: "@HishammuddinH2O @IsmailAmsyar hmmmm not sure the families will be happy to hear that translate it so they can read your statment #mh370".

Hj Azman HMZ also quickly responded: "@HishammuddinH2O @IsmailAmsyarSorry. I beg to differ with max consideratn & respect to the families. MH370 can't be a blessing!".

Whether or not it was a blessing, police have now opened a criminal investigation into the disappearance of the plane.

Not feeling blessed ... Chinese relatives of passengers on the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 wait for new information at a hotel in Beijing. Source: AFP

In response Ismail Amsyar, who works for The Malaysian National News Agency or BERNAMA, tweeted: "but u shud see how united we are defending our country from being accused, how strong the local media dispelling -ve reports".

The journalist, who spent two years at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, then back-pedalled on his original tweet.

"@hjazman got what u mean..but m not being insensitive or anything. I look at them as my family and i want them back. My apology," he tweeted.

Minutes later, he followed up with this: "@hjazman I've been covering this issue since day 1. they are all my family, my Malaysian family. if they hurt, so do i."

The investigation was classified as a criminal investigation, according to reports in The Wall Street Journal citing Malaysia's police chief.

As the search for the missing Boeing 777-200ER continues into its 25th day, a series of updates linked to The Wall Street Journal's Twitter feed quoted police chief Inspector General Khalid Abu Bakar as saying police had taken more than 170 statements for the ongoing probe, and would interview more people.

"Investigations may go on and on and on. We have to clear every little thing,'' Abu Bakar told reporters in Kuala Lumpur.

"At the end of the investigations, we may not even know the real cause. We may not even know the reason for this incident."

As the so-far fruitless search for the missing plane continues, the aviation industry has announced it will create a taskforce to make recommendations for continuously tracking commercial airliners because "we cannot let another aircraft simply vanish''.

Nine planes headed out to the search zone about 1,500km west of Perth on Wednesday and another nine ships continue to scour the area, with authorities warning the already 25-day hunt for the Malaysia Airlines plane "could drag on for a long time".

Seeking the truth ... a ground crew member from the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force signals to a P3 Orion pilot for engine startup at RAAF base Pearce. Source: Getty Images

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Activists ‘bring shark back to life’

Amazing footage have been captured by conservationists who swam with an 2.4m tiger shark off Perth to bring it back from near death.

AMAZING pictures and video have been captured by conservationists who swam with an 2.4m tiger shark off Perth to bring it back from near death.

The shark was hooked on a WA Government drum line off Trigg Beach overnight and released by Fisheries officers about 7am.

But observers on three boats, including a Sea Shepherd vessel and an Animal Amnesty vessel, saw the animal floating just below the surface and begin to turn upside down, indicating it was close to death.

They swam with the injured shark for more than an hour and a half, helping it to re-oxygenate its vital organs and muscles.

Among those who swam with the shark, which was bleeding from hook wounds, was Ocean Ramsey, the Hawaiian who shot to fame after riding the dorsal fin of a massive great white shark.

Shark scientist Riley Elliott swims with a tiger shark off Perth as part of a one-and-a-half hour effort to revive it after it was hooked and dumped. Picture: Twitter/NoWASharkCull

The 28-year-old is in Perth to document WA's shark catch and kill program.

Animal Amnesty spokeswoman Amy-Lea Wilkins, who also helped revive the tiger shark, said: "Everyone was starting to think it was time to give up. Then it gave a kick, then a couple more big kicks and then it swam off. It was really classic.

"It wasn't particularly dangerous. We could see the shark was close to death and it was a matter of everyone taking turns – two people swimming with the shark and one spotter.

"We kept tickling it under the chin and moving it to help get the oxygen into its system. It was really beautiful to see it swim off."

Activists swim with a tiger shark, hooked by drum lines off Perth and dumped by Fisheries officers, for one-and-a-half hours to revive it. Picture: Twitter/NoWASharkCull

Andy Corbe, who was also among the rescue team, said the swimmers held the shark's pectoral fins as they swam with it just below the surface.

"It was pretty epic. Luckily we had about 15 people who took it turns to swim with the shark," he said.

"It's not dangerous. These guys are shark experts and the tiger sharks are incredibly tired by the time they get off the Fisheries boat because (the officers) don't oxygenate them properly."

Ms Ramsey was dubbed the "shark whisperer" after she was filmed holding onto the dorsal fin of a five metre great white shark to change perceptions of the apex predator.

Conservationists swim with and revive a hooked tiger shark today. Picture: Neil Henderson

The model, who with a film crew is following the Fisheries vessel patrolling the hooks off Perth beaches, said: "It's absolutely disturbing and disgusting. It's disrespectful to nature and even to the community because essentially they are luring sharks closer to shore."

She described how on Tuesday she watched as a 3.5 metre tiger shark was shot and dumped at sea and a one metre tiger shark was released "alive" despite appearing to be dead.

"It's a complete waste of life because of the ineffectiveness of the methods. The small sharks aren't surviving and the large ones are tortured for a long period of time before they are eventually put out of their misery," she said.

"The Fisheries guys just don't know how to handle the animals. They were unable to kill (the larger shark). They started dragging it out as if they had killed and then they realised they hadn't killed it so they had to stop and shoot it again.

A tiger shark was hooked and released by Fisheries officers off Perth today. Picture: Neil Henderson

"It's hard (to witness) for someone who works with sharks and gets to see them alive, to see how beautiful and misunderstood they are. I feel like this cull is just coming out of fear and is a knee-jerk reaction by politicians because they feel like they have to do something."

Ms Ramsey said a shark cull in her native Hawaii from 1959 to 1976 was found to be "completely ineffective" and WA's policy was not based on sound science.

The shark advocate, who spoke at an Alternatives to Shark Culling Forum in Perth on Sunday, said far more Australians died each year from drownings than shark attacks.

"To come here and see in our current day and age, with the scientific knowledge we have, a first-world country killing something so vitally important to our ecosystem is shocking and disturbing on so many levels. It's very hard to stomach," she said.

Ocean Ramsey swims with a great white shark. Picture: Juan Oliphant

New Zealand shark scientist Riley Elliott is also documenting WA's shark drum lines as part of a series for NZTV.

The University of Auckland PhD candidate said the State Government should fund other shark mitigation measures, such as expanding its tagging scheme.

"This entire policy to protect the beaches came about to save tourism because everyone feared the sharks," Mr Elliott said.

"What they've done is far more damaging to their image, and how people view Western Australia, than the six or seven shark attacks that there were."

Hawaiian shark conservationist Ocean Ramsey, who is in WA documenting the state's shark kill policy. Picture: Juan Oliphant

Ms Wilkins questioned how many other sharks had been released alive by Fisheries only to die later.

"It just goes to show how much effort is needed to revive a shark after it's been hooked on a drum line and not able to move or get oxygen through its gills," she said.

Earlier today, a string ray was caught and released off Leighton Beach at 6.30am. It is the first known by-catch since the program started on Australia Day.

Meanwhile, the Marine Response Unit, a group of anti-cull activists, said its HQ was raided by Fisheries and WA Police on Tuesday after allegations it had interfered with a drum line.

A shark is caught on drum lines off Perth yesterday. Picture: Water Inspired Juan Oliphant

The group said on its Facebook page that its boat had been confiscated, along with computers, mobile phones, cameras and other recording equipment.

Tiger, bull sharks and great whites over 3m are destroyed but those under the size limit are released under WA's catch-and-kill shark mitigation strategy.

A shark is caught on drum lines off Perth yesterday Picture: Water Inspired Juan Oliphant

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Teacher strike, rally over funding cuts

Thousands of disgruntled educators, led by Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, marched on Parliament today to protest education funding cuts in a strike that closed more than 100 WA schools.

THOUSANDS of disgruntled educators, led by Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, marched on Parliament today to protest education funding cuts in a strike that closed more than 100 WA schools.

Teachers, parents and students brought Perth's CBD to a standstill with a march up to State Parliament, with Prime Minister Tony Abbott and WA Premier Colin Barnett the main targets.

Crowd estimates wildly varied, with Premier Colin Barnett telling Parliament that while 8600 teachers were absent from work, less than 5000 turned up for the rally.

However, union organisers estimated up to 25,000 people attended rallies across WA – including 20,000 at the Perth event.

With Mr Shorten at the head of the Perth march, he accused Mr Barnett of ``selling out'' the state.

The PM has suggested teachers in Perth should be working, not protesting against jobs and funding cuts.

``It is not just about the politics, not just about the shameful cuts, it is fundamentally about our children,'' Mr Shorten said.

``It is a terrible betrayal of our kids that we have people in power cutting school budgets.

``Our children have to compete with the rest of the world. How dare the Barnett government, how dare the Abbott government say that that the average is good enough.

``The average is never good enough for our children.''

Thousands of teachers and supporters march through the city to Parliament House protesting cuts to education funding. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper

As the march flowed up St Georges Terrace, Mr Abbott and his cabinet would have been able to hear the chanting as they held a meeting in one of the nearby city office towers.

Earlier, Mr Abbott told 6PR radio he was ``not familiar with the particular grievance today'' but said ``the place for teachers is in the classroom with their students''.

He defended the Liberal state government's management of education, saying funding in WA was probably more generous than other Australian jurisdictions, and again praised its independent schools model.

``So I know that there are lots of good things happening in WA schools,'' Mr Abbott said.

WA Labor leader Mark McGowan addresses the Parliament House teachers' rally. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper

The state government says the strike action is unlawful and politically motivated ahead of the re-run Senate election on Saturday.

While protesters held up placards mocking the state government, a plane flew overhead bearing the banner: ``Let's fix this mess - vote 1 Liberal''.

The colourful crowd — estimated to number about 20,000 — many holding placards attacking the Barnett Government's education cuts, gathered on Langley Park, from 10am.

From 11am the growing crowd began marching through the city to Parliament House.

Protesters let their signs do the talking at a teachers' rally against education cuts. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper

One placard simply read: "Shame'', another said: "Barnett is the Grim Reaper''.

The crowd appeared to be a mixture of striking teachers, parents, grandparents and dozens of primary-school aged children.

Unions of WA secretary Meredith Hammat addressed the crowd, saying: "This is an important day. Today is all about sending a message to the Barnett Government who have so far refused to listen to us. We don't want anymore job cuts.

"We are here today because we believe in public education.''

Thousands of teachers and parents join a strike protesting education cuts by the Barnett Government. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper

Woodbridge Primary School special needs education assistant Jay Sprigg said she was "fighting for the kids".

"As a parent of a child with special needs, it's vital to have EAs (education assistants) at schools," she said.

"It doesn't only affect school, it affects the home life."

Woodbridge Primary School teacher Jenni Bannani told PerthNow she relied on aides to help with students with special needs or disabilities.

Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten fires up the Langley Park crowd. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper

"One year I had five anaphylactics, two diabetics, and an Aspergers in the class," she said.

"I'm not trained in medical things. The aides are vital. We've got more special needs kids than ever before."

Special needs education assistant Juanita Walmsley added that the extension programs being cut from schools kept children off the street.

"They're getting taken away, pastoral care is getting taken away," she said.

Thousands of teachers and parents join a strike protesting education cuts by the Barnett Government. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper

"Those sorts of things are needed to give the kids some sort of direction."

Thousands of teachers and parents join a strike protesting education cuts by the Barnett Government. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper

Prime Minister Tony Abbott suggested the striking teachers should be teaching instead or protesting.

Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten addressed the crowd on the foreshow before it set off along St Georges Terrace to Parliament House, where the crowd is expected to further swell.

Mr Shorten told the crowd that today's rally wasn't about pay.

"I understand that in this country and in this state we do not sufficiently value our teachers and education assistants," he said.

"It is a betrayal of our kids to cut the education assistants.

"They deserve to have a Premier who doesn't sell them out."

Mr Abbott told 6PR radio he was ``not familiar with the particular grievance today'' but said ``the place for teachers is in the classroom with their students''.

He defended the Liberal state government's management of education, saying funding in WA was probably more generous than other Australian jurisdictions, and again praised its independent schools model.

``So I know that there are lots of good things happening in WA schools,'' Mr Abbott said.

While protesters held up placards mocking the state government, a plane flew overhead bearing the banner: ``Let's fix this mess - vote 1 Liberal''.

The state government says the action is unlawful and politically motivated ahead of a re-run of the Senate election on Saturday. The last time teachers rallied on the steps of parliament, that too was before an election and featured a megaphone-wielding Mr Shorten.

Lockridge mother-of-five Rae Koha told PerthNow she was at the rally to support her children's school, Lockridge Primary School.

"We've had education programs that have been lost in our school already," she said.

"It's really sad. Why can't they take the money from elsewhere, why education?"

Education Department special needs worker Jackie McDonald described the education budget cuts as "ridiculous".

"The kids need the special needs time, especially because we're seeing so many behavioural problems," she said.

"The kids are our future."

The Education Department confirmed that 103 schools will be closed by today's strike.

Last week Education Minister Peter Collier revealed the extent of the fallout from the planned rally and slammed the action as "political", "unnecessary" and "irresponsible".

Schools which will close include more than 55 primary schools, 22 high or district high schools, 15 education support centres and three remote schools.

About half of those were in the metropolitan area and the other half in country areas, including a "significant number" in the Pilbara.

The Education Alliance said it hoped the strike action will send a strong message to the Barnett Government about its education cuts.

More than $180 million has been cut from the education budget and the Alliance is concerned that there will be even more cuts in the upcoming state budget.

"Students, parents and educators are now seeing the impact of these cuts in their schools," SSTUWA President Pat Byrne said.

"The fact that 103 schools will close today and many others will be running on a skeleton staff shows how seriously school staff take this issue.

"Despite the Department's best efforts to prevent them from voicing their displeasure over these cuts, education staff are still angry enough to forfeit a day's pay to stand up for the education of their students."

United Voice Secretary Carolyn Smith said the Premier and Education Minister were dismissing the public's concerns over the issue by refusing to speak at the rally.

"Mr Barnett and Mr Collier have shown a lack of commitment to Western Australia's children by refusing to come and explain their actions to the community today," she said.

CPSU/CSA Branch Assistant Secretary Rikki Hendon said today's action should send a clear message to the government.

"Colin Barnett and Peter Collier need to start listening to the community and put this funding back into public schools," she said.

"We want them to understand that the community won't accept any further cuts to the education budget when they hand down the state budget in May."

Mr Collier last week described the rally — a "complete disruption" to the public education system — as "political opportunism" by unions just days before the April 5 WA Senate election re-run.

"I want to say at the outset I am extremely disappointed that the strike is going ahead," he said.

THE SCHOOLS AUTHORISED TO CLOSE:

Goldfields Education Region

Coolgardie Primary School

Menzies Community School

Ngaanyatjarra Lands School (Wingellina Campus only)

O'Connor Education Support Centre

O'Connor Primary School

Ravensthorpe District High School

Esperance Senior High School Education Support Centre

South Kalgoorlie Primary School

Mid West Education Region

Bluff Point Primary School

Carnarvon Community College (Marmion Street Campus only)

Holland Street School

John Willcock College

Mt Tarcoola Primary School

Mullewa District High School

Waggrakine Primary School

North Metropolitan Education Region

Ashfield Primary School

Coolbinia Primary School

Noranda Primary School

Arbor Grove Primary School

Bambara — Padbury Community Kindergarten

Belridge Education Support Centre

Davallia Primary School

Dianella Heights Primary School

Duncraig Senior High School

Eddystone Primary School

Gidgegannup Primary School

Helena Valley Primary School

Inglewood Primary School

Joondalup Education Support Centre

Joondalup Primary School

Kinross College

Lockridge Primary School

Moorditj Noongar Community College

Mundaring Primary School

Roseworth Education Support Centre

Swan View Senior High School

Wanneroo Senior High School

Yanchep District High School

Pilbara Education Region

Baler Primary School

Cassia Primary School

Cassia Education Support Centre

Karratha Primary School

Newman Primary School

Newman Senior High School

Port Hedland Primary School

South Hedland Primary School

Tambrey Primary School

Wickham Primary School

South Metropolitan Education Region

Armadale Education Support Centre

Belmont Primary School

Bertram Primary School

Bull Creek Primary School

Bungaree Primary School

Cannington Community Education Support Centre

Carcoola Primary School

Castlereagh School

Cloverdale Primary School

Coolbellup Learning Centre

East Waikiki Primary School

Fremantle Primary School

Kalamunda Primary School Education Support Centre

Kardinya Primary School

Kelmscott Primary School

Kensington Secondary School

Kenwick School

Lathlain Primary School

Leda Education Support Centre

Maida Vale Primary School

Malibu School

Meadow Spring Education Support Centre

Medina Primary School

North Dandalup Primary School

Safety Bay Senior High School

Samson Primary School

Southern River College

Success Primary School

Walliston Primary School

Westfield Park Primary School

Wilson Primary School

Winterfold Primary School

Yule Brook College

South Bunbury Primary School

Spencer Park Education Support Centre

South West Education Region

Allanson Primary School

Amaroo Primary School

Borden Primary School

Bridgetown High School

Busselton Primary School

Collie Senior High School

Maidens Park Primary School

Manjimup Education Support Centre

Manjimup Primary School

Nannup District High School

Northcliffe District High School

South Bunbury Primary School

Spencer Park Education Support Centre

Wheatbelt Education Region

Avonvale Education Support Centre

East Narrogin Primary School

Kellerberrin District High School

Narrogin Primary School

Southern Cross District High School

Toodyay District High School

Wongan Hills District High School

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MH370’s last official transcript

Former Defence Chief Angus Houston says the search and rescue operation of MH370 is the most challenging he has ever seen.

Deliberate action ... CMalaysia Airlines' pilot Captain Zaharie Ahmad Shah and daughter Aishah Zaharie. Source: Facebook. Source: Facebook

MALAYSIAN officials have released the official transcript of the last conversation between the cockpit of flight MH370 and air traffic controllers before it vanished.

And they have reiterated the investigation team's belief that what happened to the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 was done deliberately by someone on board.

The air traffic control transcript shows that in the moments before the plane reporting systems were turned off and it did a turn and disappeared from civilian radar everything appeared to be absolutely normal in the cockpit.

But soon after the pilot or co-pilot said the words "Good night, Malaysian three seven zero" at 1.19am on March 8, MH370 disappeared.

MALAYSIA AIRLINES FLIGHT MH370: The final horrifying hours

MALAYSIA AIRLINES FLIGHT MH370: Search for plane could still take weeks

CCTV footage captures Captain Zaharie Ahmad Shah, pilot of the Boeing 777 flight MH370, being frisked while walking through security at Kuala Lumpar International Airport. Source: YouTube

Malaysia's Defence and acting Transport Minister Hishammuddin Hussein, who released the transcript tonight, said there was no indication of anything abnormal in the transcript.

But, in a statement Mr Hussein reiterated the investigator's belief that what happened to the plane was a deliberate action.

"The international investigations team and the Malaysian authorities remain of the opinion that, up until the point at which it left military primary radar coverage, MH370's movements were consistent with deliberate action by someone on the plane," Mr Hussein said.

Australian and International Pilots Association president Nathan Safe agreed tonight the transcript appeared "completely benign".

"There is absolutely nothing in the transcript that even hints at being unusual to me," he said.

"It all looks normally to me. The whole 'goodnight' part is totally innocuous. I've said it a hundred times myself.

"Not even 1 per cent of its contents would raise suspicion for me."

Not giving up hope ... Chinese relatives of passengers from missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 pray before a meeting at the Metro Park Lido Hotel in Beijing. Source: AFP

The air traffic control transcript begins at 12.25 and 23 seconds on the morning of Saturday March 8, when the plane was still on the ground, readying for take off and the pilot or co-pilot says Good morning to air traffic control.

"Delivery MAS 370 Good Morning," the cockpit says.

At 12.26 and 21 seconds, the cockpit says: "MAS 370 we are ready requesting flight level three five zero to Beijing.

At 12.27 and 27 seconds, the cockpit says: "Ground MAS370 Good morning Charlie One Requesting push and start."

At 12.40 and 38 seconds the tower tells MH370 they are cleared for take off and MH370 replies: "32 Right Cleared for take-off MAS370. Thank you Bye."

At 12.42 and five seconds MH370 takes off from Kuala Lumpur and says "Departure Malaysian Three Seven Zero."

The conversation is then normal as the plane continues to climb between 12.42am and 1.19am and reports its altitude.

At 1.19 and 24 seconds, the tower says: "Malaysian Three Seven Zero contact Ho Chi Minh 120 decimal 9 Good Night."

Five seconds later, MH370 says: "Good night, Malaysia three seven zero".

Search could take weeks more ... A shadow of a Royal New Zealand Air Force P3 Orion aircraft in low cloud searching for the missing plane over the Indian Ocean. Source: AFP

Mr Hussein said the air traffic control transcript had been released to the families of passengers on board the plane and had initially been held as part of the police investigation.

Malaysia Airlines had previously said the good night sign off was believed to have been said by the co-pilot however this is yet to be confirmed and police forensics officers are still working on the voice recording.

The three-week hunt for Flight MH370 has turned up no sign of the Boeing 777 plane, which vanished on March 8 with 239 people on board bound for Beijing from Kuala Lumpur.

The search zone area has shifted as experts analysed the plane's limited radar and satellite data, moving from the seas off Vietnam to the waters west of Malaysia and Indonesia, and then to several areas west of Australia. The current search zone is a remote 254,000 square kilometres that is a roughly two-hour flight from Perth.

Today, Australia said it had deployed an airborne traffic controller over the Indian Ocean to prevent a mid-air collision among the many aircraft searching for the jetliner.

An Australian air force E-7A Wedgetail equipped with advanced radar "is on its first operational'' task in the search area in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority said in a tweet. Earlier, Angus Houston, who heads the joint agency coordinating the multinational search effort, said the modified Boeing 737 will monitor the increasingly crowded skies over the remote search zone.

Today, 11 planes and nine ships were focusing on less than half of the search zone, some 120,000 square kilometres of ocean west of Perth, with poor weather and low visibility forecast, according to the new Joint Agency Coordination Centre. A map from the centre showed that the search area was about 2,000 kilometres west of Perth.

Some of the aircraft have been dropping as low as 60 metres above the water — and occasionally dipping even lower for brief periods — raising concerns of collisions with ships that are crisscrossing the zone.

Under normal circumstances, ground-based air traffic controllers use radar and other equipment to keep track of all aircraft in their area of reach, and act as traffic policemen to keep planes at different altitudes and distances from each other. This enforced separation — vertical and horizontal — prevents mid-air collision. But the planes searching for Flight 370 are operating over a remote patch of ocean that is hundreds of kilometres from any air traffic controller.

The arrival of the E-7A "will assist us with de-conflicting the airspace in the search area,'' Houston told reporters in Perth. The plane can maintain surveillance over a surface area of 400,000 square kilometres at any given time, according to the air force's website.

Tomorrow in Kuala Lumpur officials will hold a closed-door briefing for families of the passengers on board the plane and will include briefings by technical experts from Malaysia, China and Australia.

Search goes on ... A small boat sits in front of HMAS Success while they search for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 in the southern Indian Ocean. Source: Getty Images

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Troy Buswell faces 11 driving offences

Troy Buswell has been charged with 11 driving offences over the night he drove home from a wedding and allegedly crashed into several cars.

TROY Buswell has been charged with 11 driving offences over the night he drove home from a wedding and allegedly crashed into several cars in Subiaco.

Late today, police released a statement saying they had charged a 48-year-old man over a number of traffic crashes in Subiaco in the early hours of February 23.

The former treasurer and transport minister avoided any drink-driving charges. WA Police Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan said last month that Mr Buswell was unlikely to face drink-driving charges because any conviction without breath test analysis was virtually impossible.

"Police will allege the man drove in a careless manner and as a result of his driving, crashed into cars parked on Olive Street and Barker Road causing damage to four vehicles and a Telstra pole," the police statement read.

"It will be further alleged that the man failed to stop at these traffic crashes and failed to report the crashes to police."

Mr Buswell, who remains on personal leave until April 10, will face the Perth Magistrates Court on April 29.

Troy Buswell resigned from Cabinet after his ministerial car crash was revealed. Picture: File image

PerthNow understands police have not formally questioned or interviewed Mr Buswell over the alleged crashes which happened six weeks ago.

State Government media advisers declined to answer questions today put to them about why an interview with Buswell had not occurred.

"We have no comment on this. As I understand it, a police investigation is ongoing and any queries about that investigation should be directed to them," a government spokeswoman said today.

Late today, the Premier issued a brief statement: "Late today I was made aware via a police media release that Troy Buswell has been charged with various traffic offences.

"The matter is being handled by WA Police and is now before the courts and I don't intend to make further comment."

The damaged front of Troy Buswell's ministerial car, which was towed away for further police examination. Picture: Nine News

Perth lawyer Laura Timpano, who is believed to be assisting Mr Buswell with his legal affairs, has been contacted for comment.

It's understood the charges will not affect Mr Buswell's ability to continue as the member for Vasse.

For the past several weeks police have been investigating the crashes in Subiaco which occurred about the same time Mr Buswell damaged his white Holden Caprice on the front gates of his Roberts Road home in the early hours of February 23.

Police took statements from a number of people who reported damage to their cars on the same night.

These included residents in Barker and Olive Streets.

Troy Buswell pictured at the February 22 wedding reception. Picture: Nine News

Police seized Mr Buswell's car for forensic examination as part of their inquiries.

Mr Buswell took personal leave from February 24. He resigned as Treasurer and Transport Minister on March 9 after details of the gate prang became public.

He sought treatment in Perth and Sydney for a mental health breakdown.

Mr Buswell is still a member of State Parliament and the member for the South West electorate of Vasse. He has yet to return to Parliament.

Mr Buswell, who has been charged via summons, is facing three counts of fail to stop at a traffic crash, four counts of fail to report a traffic crash and another four counts of careless driving.

The penalty for failing to stop at an accident where no-one is injured is a fine up to $1500, while the court can choose to impose a period of licence disqualification.

The penalty for failing to report an accident where there is no injury and the driver is a fine of up to $400 for a first offence and up to $800 for a subsequent offence.

Each careless driving charge carries a fine of up to $600 and three demerit points.

Mr Buswell's chief of staff at the time, Rachael Turnseck, resigned from government last week. Ms Turnseck was with Mr Buswell at the wedding, but left before him, it has been reported.

Mr Barnett said while he knew of Mr Buswell's breakdown since February 24 after a meeting with Ms Turnseck, it was not until March 9 that she informed him of the car crash. That was the day Mr Buswell rang the Premier to resign.

Mr Barnett has previously stated it was up to Mr Buswell, not his staff, to report the incident.

with AAP

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Billionaire trio join PM to Asia

Tony Abbott visits MH370 search headquarters in Perth, saying Australia will keep looking for the missing plane, for the sake of the families.

Off to Asia ... Prime Minister Tony Abbott and billionaire businessman Andrew "Twiggy " Forrest. Source: News Limited

A TRIO of billionaires will travel with the Prime Minister to Asia next week as part of the biggest ever Australian business delegation to the region.

Businessmen James Packer, Kerry Stokes and Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest will join more than 600 business people on the tour which will include Japan, South Korea and China.

Together these three countries buy more than half of Australia's exports. China is our biggest trading partner, followed by Japan and South Korea in fourth place.

Tony Abbott will seek progress on a trifecta of free trade deals and push the message that Australia is once again "open for business".

"Trade means jobs," Mr Abbott told an Asian business forum last week.

JAMES PACKER: My personal life is a disaster

TOYOTA AUSTRALIA: Exports the key to its future

Business leaders will take part in an "Australia Week in China" event organised by trade minister, Andrew Robb.

Joining more than 600 business executives ... Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Seven Network chairman and Australian businessman Kerry Stokes. Source: News Corp Australia

Foreign minister Julie Bishop will also attend while Mr Abbott has given his parliamentary secretary Josh Frydenberg the task of shepherding the travelling party of 20 CEOs, including Westpac boss Gail Kelly, Commonwealth Bank boss Ian Narev, ANZ's Mike Smith, Orica's Ian Smith and the Business Council of Australia's Jennifer Westacott.

All three travelling billionaires have significant business interests in China and have pushed for closer economic relations.

Mr Packer's punt on casinos in Macau is paying dividends. He warned a business conference in late 2012 that Australia should not take our relationship with China for granted.

"There is a perception, whether fair or unfair, within China that Australia is, for want of a better description, a less grateful friend than it should be," he said.

Owns casinos in Macau ... Billionaire businessman James Packer. Picture Craig Greenhill Source: News Corp Australia

Mr Stokes, whose interests include a company which sells Caterpillar trucks and equipment in northeast China, warned the same conference that Australia's decision to accept US troops stationed in Darwin had sent the wrong message.

Mr Forrest's Foretsecue Metals Group has shipped more than 27 million tonnes of iron ore to China and Mr Forrest himself is reportedly looking at expanding into live cattle exports to China.

China's voracious demand for Australian minerals helped sustain our economy during the global financial crisis.

Business now sees Asia's burgeoning middle classes as the next big business opportunity. More than a billion people will join the ranks of the global middle class by 2020 — most of them in Asia.

The three countries Mr Abbott will visit next week are home to 1.5 billion people with a combined economic output of $15 trillion a year. It is estimated Asia will generate about half the growth in global output between now and 2030.

"For Australia, the tyranny of distance has given way to the advantage of proximity," Mr Abbott told last week's forum.

Part of delegation ... ANZ CEO Mike Smith. Picture: Sam Mooy Source: News Corp Australia

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