Another blow for first home buyers

Clearance Rate: A weekly wrap of the nation's residential property market.

Hit by another blow ... first home buyers are finding it toguh to get into the property market. Source: Getty Images

THE blows keep coming for first home buyers who continue to be pushed out of a booming property market that has lured in investors in droves.

The abolishment of the First Home Saver Accounts in this week's Federal Budget was another hit was hopeful entry-level buyers with the death knell signalled for the accounts which offer users healthy returns of up to 17 per cent.

The removal of first homeowner grants for established properties and record-low interest rates has also resulted in a surge of investors in recent years who have gradually squeezed out entry-level buyers.

RBA ADVICE: Be patient, don't be disheartened

TOP 10: Areas for property growth in Australia

Data from Mortgage Choice shows in the March quarter of this year first-home buyers accounted for just 12 per cent of all loans written compared to 28 per cent in the March quarter.

Investors accounted for about 25 per cent of loans written in the first quarter of 2009 compared to about 27 per cent in the first quarter of 2014.

Mortgage Choice spokeswoman Jessica Darnborough said the investor appetite remained strong and had resulted in an increasing number of first-home buyers dropping out of the market.

"It's definitely an investors' market,'' she said.

"We are now even starting to see first home buyers appear as investors because they can't afford to buy where they want to live so they are choosing to invest in the first instance.''

Loan Market figures also showed a huge drop-off in entry-level buyers in the past five years.

In 2009 first-home buyers accounted for 24 per cent of the market — this fell to just 11 per cent this year.

In 2009 investors accounted for 48 per cent of the market compared to 57 per cent this year.

Loan Market director Mark de Martino said the constant hits to first-home buyers had made it increasingly tough for them to enter the market.

"The removal of First Home Buyer grants and stamp duty concessions has made it even more difficult for first time buyers as they have only their savings to compete against the equity of Investors,'' he said.

The Reserve Bank of Australia's head of financial stability, Dr Luci Ellis, this week urged despondent first-home buyers to remain "patient" and not be deterred by a booming property market.

"It's no surprise as interest rates have fallen it's the trade-up buyers and investors whose demand has increased,'' she said.

"Meanwhile first-home buyers will feel squeezed out.

"It's still probably quite disheartening for first-home buyers, we recognise that.''

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The PM’s deal which helps five kids

Talking adoption ... Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Deborra-Lee Furness, Hugh Jackman and Lisa Wilkinson who have discussed adoption issues within Australia at Kirribilli House. Picture: Carly Earl Source: News Limited

PRIME Minister Tony Abbott's deal to hasten adoptions of children from South Africa will only initially create places for five orphaned children in Australia.

Those children will be HIV-positive, born to HIV-positive mothers or demonstrate developmental delays.

There is hope that the number of South African adoptions will rise, but so far no agreement has been struck to take more than five children over an unspecified period.

The Prime Minister's announcement in early May was reported as a major breakthrough in Australia and South Africa, where some media claim there are an estimated four million orphaned children.

Actress Deborra-Lee Furness, whom with husband Hugh Jackman has adopted two foreign children, joined Mr Abbott to talk up the announcement on the Today Show, saying she was "thrilled" for all parents who are desperate to adopt.

Mr Abbott's language on the same program was, in hindsight, more circumspect. He said that the "potential for overseas adoption is somewhat greater today than it was yesterday".

Australian adoption advocates said they were unaware the arrangement applied to so few children.

"It's taken seven years of negotiation to get five children," said Sydney-based Ricky Brisson of the Australian Intercountry Adoption Network, who nonetheless conceded five was better than

none.

REVEALED: Hugh Jackman and Deborah-Less Furness' family secrets

CALLING FOR HELP: Deborah-Lee Furness calls for changes to adoption laws

Hot topic ... Hugh Jackman, Lisa Wilkinson, Tony Abbott, Deborra-Lee Furness and Tony Abbott discussed adoption issues within Australia at Kirribilli House. Picture: Carly Earl Source: News Limited

John O'Neill, chair of Adoption Awareness, had praised Mr Abbott's South African announcement without being aware of the detail, but said he was not concerned about the small numbers.

"I'm not alarmed about the opening of a relationship with South Africa on a small volume, special needs basis," he said. "This is the next step in a long journey."

The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet's report on Intercountry Adoption was released in redacted form on May 4. It recommended the South Africa deal but gave no detail.

The fine print was revealed on the website of Attorney-General George Brandis, which stated that Australia would work with a group called Cape Town Child Welfare to find homes for five children.

"CTCW has advised that it will initially accept five files from Australia," states the Attorney-General's site.

"Applicants approved to send files will need to be assessed as suitable to care for children with the types of complex medical and health conditions which many South African children in need of intercountry adoption have."

The five children would be "both boys and girls aged up to six years, who have complex medical and health conditions", which likely included HIV-exposed kids in the Aids-ravaged country.

Proposing changes ... PM Tony Abbott and Attorney-General George Brandis meet with representatives from Adoption Awareness to announce the Government's proposed changes to Australian adoption laws. Source: News Corp Australia

The Attorney-General's Department was also unable to say how long waiting times would be if the five applications were successful.

Katinka Pieterse, program director of South Africa's ABBA child protection organisation and vice-chair of the National Adoption Coalition, questioned the figure of four million orphans cited by her country's media.

She suggested there were up to 2.5 million vulnerable children, but only about 2000 children officially up for adoption. All efforts were first made to place them in South African homes.

Ms Pieterse said about 200 children went to intercountry adoption each year, and they typically had health or development issues.

"That is our need," she said. "A lot of them are HIV-exposed and they're the ones we need families for, because we can't always find places for them here."

She said foreign countries were more likely to take children with special needs than South African homes.

Questioned why Australia had struck a deal with only one Cape Town adoption agency, Ms Pieterse explained that there were only a dozen or so accredited adoption agencies in her country.

Ms Pieterse said the overarching South African Central Authority — which did the deal with Australia — was mindful of not creating competition among accredited agencies who might want to offload children.

"It's part of a structured development and it's a start," she said. "It's preferable to work with one agency and then develop relationships with others.

"Adoption is not the ideal position for children. One should seek other options first. My understanding is the agreement is positive but it's definitely not massive."

paul.toohey@news.com.au

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Hughes couldn’t escape evil past

Hey Dad star Robert Hughes has been sentenced to 10 years and 9 months behind bars for the historic child sex offences of four young girls

FOR years former television star Robert Hughes lived happily, "increasingly confident" his victims would stay silent about his "brazen" and "predatory" litany of sexual abuse.

But the stony faced 65-year-old actor — who yesterday learned he will be behind bars until at least 2020 — now lives in "fear for his safety" and is "at risk of significant harm" from the prisoners he will spend at least six years with.

VICTIM: SARAH MONAHAN 'PRETTY HAPPY' WITH JAIL TERM

Judge Peter Zahra fixed a total sentence of 10 years and nine months on the former Hey Dad! star for "engaging in a systematic pattern of abuse upon young girls over a number of years".

'Hey Dad', actors Ben Oxenbould, Julie McGregor, Robert Hughes Sarah Monahan, Mathew Krok and Rachael Beck in 1992. Source: News Limited

Christopher Truswell, Simone Buchanan, Julie McGregor, Sarah Monahan and Ben Oxenbould on the set of Nine's A Current Affair Source: Supplied

He said the term was based on legislation from the time of his offending in the 1980s and 1990s, not on "appropriate" sentencing patterns of today, where non-parole periods are greater.

"There is no evidence the offender remained troubled by his conduct," Judge Zahra said, referring to the years Hughes enjoyed his life and work overseas, as some of his victims struggled with eating disorders, anxiety and a belief "that the world is a cold, evil place".

The nearly two-hour sentence in the Sydney District Court was delivered in front of a packed courtroom, including some of Hughes' victims, and a crowded public gallery.

Missing was Hughes' partner of almost 40 years, Robyn Gardiner — a celebrity agent with a clientele which includes Cate Blanchett — who has returned to London.

Judge Zahra said Hughes "engaged in predatory behaviour" and his "calculating" crimes were forced upon vulnerable victims — one of whom told the court she had followed his instructions because "I was scared, you do what adults tell you to do".

Judge Zahra said Hughes had "exploited the naivety and youth" of his victims "to ensure their compliance".

Cast of TV show Hey Dad, including Robert Hughes, Sarah Monahan and Simone Buchanan on set Source: Supplied

Robin Gardiner, wife of Robert Hughes, gave evidence in his defence at child sex trial. Picture: Brad Hunter Source: News Corp Australia

He was found guilty by a jury last month of 10 charges of sexual and indecent assault — he had stood trial on 11 counts but they had been unable to reach a verdict on an allegation of indecent assault involving a then 15-year-old girl.

One of Hughes' victims, former child actor Sarah Monahan Morris, welcomed the sentence after following the court case on Twitter from her new base in Texas. The man who played her on-screen father on the popular Channel 7 series, which ran from 1987 to 1994, engaged in "sexual misconduct" with the then 11-year-old the court heard, and exposed his penis to her backstage.

"Everyone said he would just get a slap on the wrist so I'm actually pretty happy. I'm happy the girls have been believed. It's a good day,'' she said.

"I'm not a vengeful person but I hope he realises he's a very, very bad man."

The court heard tendered evidence from other women who alleged "sexual misconduct" on the actor's behalf and the judge said those accusations — for which he didn't stand trial — meant Hughes' behaviour had spanned 20 years.

Robert Hughes arrives at the Downing Centre with his wife Robyn Gardiner. Picture: Adam Taylor Source: News Corp Australia

Judge Zahra said the sentence he imposed would not "represent" what is considered appropriate now for crimes of sexual and indecent assault, but that he was bound by previous "statutory regimes and sentencing patterns".

The court heard Hughes' treatment of one victim, whom he molested at his family home, was "degrading and shameful".

He said the first victim, a family friend who was assaulted in her bedroom after Hughes crept in while dining with her parents in the early 1980s, "was entitled to safety and the sanctuary of her own home".

Hughes' lawyer Greg Walsh said they would appeal both the conviction and sentence.

"I think you would describe it as a crushing sentence," he said, adding the actor and his family were "devastated".

He said Hughes feared prison: "Jail isn't a very pleasant place."

He said Robyn Gardiner, despite being in London, would support her partner.

Hughes hid against the wall of the dock for most of the sentence and said nothing as Judge Zahra delivered his fate. Now it is he who suffers in silence.

Charles Billich is one of the most prominent living Australian painters sketched a portrait of Sarah Monahan at the Billich Gallery in The Rocks. Source: News Corp Australia

HOW THE CASE UNFOLDED

MARCH 2010: Hey Dad! Cast member Sarah Monahan alleges that Hughes had engaged in inappropriate sexual behaviour on the set of the show. Fellow cast members Ben Oxenbould and Simone Buchanan supported her claims. Police announce formation of strike force to investigate the claims later that month

SEPTEMBER 2010: Reports that more than 100 people interviewed in relation to the allegations

MARCH 2011: Hughes' daughter rejects allegations in an interview broadcast by A Current Affair from another victim, who claimed she had also been molested by the former star.

AUGUST 2012: Hughes arrested in London with NSW Government seeking his extradition to Australia.

DECEMBER 2012: After being extradited to Australia, Hughes charged with 11 counts of child sexual abuse and released on bail.

FEBRUARY 2014: Trial starts and Hughes pleads not guilty to 11 charges.

APRIL 2014: Jury finds Hughes guilty on two counts of sexual assault, seven counts of indecent assault and a count of committing an indecent act. No outcome was recorded on the final charge, which resulted in a hung jury.

MAY 16, 2014: Hughes sentenced to 10 years and nine months' jail with a six-year minimum non-parole period.

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Health funds to pay your GP

The Abbott government has ignited a battle with state governments over education and health budget cuts.

HEALTH funds want to pay general practitioners to keep patients out of hospital in a health care revolution they claim will deliver "mind boggling savings" for our health system.

The insurers have presented a plan to Health Minister Peter Dutton that would see them sign doctors up to treat their members according to set clinical guidelines.

One major insurer, BUPA, is exploring the possibility of funding palliative care for dying patients in their own homes to cut costs and make patients more comfortable.

"For me dying with dignity is something everybody's keen about," BUPA managing director Dwayne Crombie told News Corp Australia.

"Ultimately most people shouldn't end up in an acute hospital and if possible you should be able to manage most people at home with family and community support from GPs and nurses," he said.

The fund is also examining ways it can get general practitioners to sign more patients up to nurse led counselling programs run by the fund to help patients manage their chronic diseases and keep them out of hospital.

Private Healthcare Australia chief Dr Michael Armitage says initial costings suggest private insurers could save the health system tens of billions of dollars a year by improving primary care.

Dr Armitage accuses doctors of ignoring clinical treatment guidelines drawn up by medical colleges designed to produce the best health outcomes for patients.

A set of guidelines for acute coronary syndrome drawn up by medical colleges and the National Medical Research Council that prescribed six monthly ECG's and two medicines for patients was followed in just 4.9 per cent of patients, he said.

Trying to save ... health funds may pay your health fund to keep you out of hospital. Picture: Thinkstock Source: Supplied

Enormous savings could be made in the health system if doctors followed these plans, he says.

Health funds are prevented by law from paying general practitioners or providing services funded by Medicare.

Health Minister Peter Dutton has told News Corp Australia he won't change this law and he rejected the government's Audit Commission plan of forcing Australians who earned over $88,000 out of Medicare forcing them to buy health insurance for all their health needs.

"We're not going to implement that proposal," he told News Corp.

Such a plan would have seen the premiums of these people nearly triple to $13,500 a year.

However, he says he does want to see insurers have a greater role in the primary care space.

"For 11 million Australians, insurers have a vested interest in helping those patients have a healthy lifestyle and address their health needs and if we can do that in a way that supplements what we provide through Medicare then I think that is good value for the taxpayer," Mr Dutton said.

The minister is waiting for the results of various trials being run by health funds before he makes a final decision.

One of the key problems is how health funds manage the problem of paying GPs to treat members of other health funds or people who are not insured at all.

Under pressure ... doctors and nurses have high patient loads. Picture: Thinkstock Source: Supplied

"I'd much rather there was an industry approach to it because everybody is having to contribute collectively," says BUPA chief Dwayne Crombie.

Doctors are likely to be highly suspicious of the move if it smacks of the managed care health funds operate in the United States that restrict the services patients can get.

Mr Crombie says what the Australian health funds are talking about is "evidence based care" and he says " no-one can disagree with any of those things, because I'd want them as a patient".

Some of the trials being run by the funds, including BUPA, see health funds pay the GP practice to bulk bill their members.

Mr Crombie says there will need to be a rethink now the government wants to increase a $7 GP fee.

"We all know the economic theory that if you put a price signal you do drive down unnecessary demand, the problem with economic theory is the people who go less often to the GP tend to be people at the bottom who've got more need," Mr Crombie said.

"The government have chosen to go ahead knowing the downside and the upside of that and the kind of difficulty GPs and everybody in the area have is to try and figure out how do we ameliorate the impact on those most in need," he said.

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Labor: Budget divides this nation

Opposition leader Bill Shorten slams the Federal Budget in his reply speech, saying it divides the nation.

The Leader of the Opposition Bill Shorten during Question Time in the House of Representatives in Parliament House Canberra. Picture: Gary Ramage Source: News Corp Australia

OPPOSITION Leader Bill Shorten tonight moved to mobilise families against the Budget delivered on Tuesday and against the Abbott government at the next election, which is more than two years away.

An average Australian household will be $6000 a year worse off when the 2016 election is called, Mr Shorten told Parliament tonight in his official response to the Budget.

BILL SHORTEN'S SPEECH IN FULL

"And this is a Budget that shows no understanding or respect for around nine million family budgets," said the Opposition Leader.

He argued Australians would not forgive Prime Minister Tony Abbott at election time for an economic statement that would "divide our nation" and betray their values.

Mr Shorten said voters were "shocked by the brutality of the Government's attack on their way of life" and "angry at a Prime Minister who pretended to be on their side".

He attempted to depict Mr Abbott as a hard-right conservative who had launched "the beginning of extreme policies with an extreme impact on the Australian people".

"This is just the beginning, turning Australia into a place most of us won't recognise - a colder, meaner, narrower place," the Opposition Leader told Parliament.

Labor will oppose the $7 Medicare co-payment, the indexation of petrol excise and changes to the age pension.

Federal Opposition leader Bill Shorten at a doorstop after meeting with a local family to discuss the Government's Budget impact. Source: News Corp Australia

Mr Shorten tonight ignored demands from ministers that he outline his own plans for reducing the Budget deficit and paying long-term for programs such as pensions.

The Budget would take $1733 in 2014-15 from a single income family on $65,000 a year with two children - one in primary school, the other in high school. The addition of higher health costs would take a further $270.90 from family coffers.

By 2016, that figure will reach $5830 and the health costs will have risen to $284.60, according to modelling by the National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling (NATSEM) at the Australian National University.

The Opposition Leader also took aim at Prime Minister Abbott's personal credibility in what he called "a Budget of broken promises built on lies".

Mr Abbott has rejected Labor charges he misled voters at the last election with promises not to increase taxes or touch pension arrangements.

"Say what you like Prime Minister. Spin as hard as you can," said Mr Shorten.

"Australia knows a lie when they see one. They can spot a phony when they hear one. And they know they've been deceived."

Mr Shorten's strongest comments were on changes to the age pension, claiming Mr Abbott saw older retirees as "a burden on the Budget".

The Government wants to increase the age pension by the inflation rate, which would bring lower rises than the current calculation based on wage rises.

Mr Shorten said the $20,000-a-year age pension would be $1700 a year lower had "the Prime Minister's cuts been in place for the last four years".

"Australians living longer should not be treated as bad news. It is good news. It should be celebrated," Mr Shorten said.

"I make this solemn pledge to Australia's pensioners: Labor will not surrender the security of your retirement.

"We will fight for a fair pension. And Labor will prevail."

In reply tonight to Mr Shorten's Budget reply speech, Treasurer Joe Hockey said: "Quite obviously, they're not even ready to govern because they don't believe in anything.

"All they had tonight was all politics and no policy."

On Mr Shorten's challenge to bring on a new election, Mr Hockey said: "We have to put up what the right policies are for the country. We have to put up policies that are going to fix the mess that Labor left. That's what we're doing. It's not easy, it's difficult, but you would think that a new Labor leader after the massive defeat they had at the last election would in fact try to redefine his party and focus on what needs to be done to make up lost ground in relation to economic credibility.

"It's been a very long time since you've had a leader of the Opposition and offered absolutely nothing in the form of new policy."

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Six bikies held: Cash, weapon found

Six members of the Comancheros outlaw motorcycle gang have been arrested, with a weapon and a large amount of cash seized

Police outside the Fitness N Fight Centre, in Perth today. Picture: Twitter/Andrew Nelson, Channel Nine Source: Supplied

SIX members of the Comancheros outlaw motorcycle gang have been arrested, with a weapon and a large amount of cash seized

The six arrested include "senior members" of the Comancheros bikie gang.

A firearm and a "large amount of cash" has also been seized.

The arrests came as heavily armed police raided six properties across Perth targeting the Comancheros gang.

The raids were carried out as part of an investigation into an alleged extortion racket related to a Northbidge business.

The Gang Crime Squad, the Serious and Organised Crime Squad and the Tactical Response Group carried out the raids.

Police raided the Comancheros' clubhouse on Wellman Street in Northbridge, along with properties in Marangaroo, Embleton, Queens Park and Iluka.

Gang Crime Squad officer-in-charge Jeff Christmas told 6PR radio the raids were carried out as part of an investigation into "the alleged extortion of a business in the Northbridge area."

Gang Crime Squad detective sergeant Dean Lampard confirmed six people had been arrested in the raids.

"The raids today were a culmination of a long-standing investigation into extortion offences that are alleged to have been committed by the Comancheros," Det-Sgt Lampard said.

"Detectives are still interviewing the persons involved and further inquiries are being made in relation to their arrests."

Police have so far declined to comment officially what business was the subject of the alleged extortion.

But PerthNow understands it was a karaoke bar on Francis Street in Northbridge.

PerthNow also understands the firearm that was found was located at a home on Money Street in the Perth CBD. Its believed the gun was loaded.

It's understood the firearm was a handgun and had a silencer fitted to it.

Of the six people arrested, its understood two are fully patched members of the Comancheros bikie gang. The other four are believed to be either nominees or associates.

Det-Sgt Lampard added: "We are certainly encouraging anyone who has been extorted or approached in such a matter to contact Crime Stoppers."

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MH370 hits unbelievable snag

Family of missing Malaysian Airlines Captain Zaharie Shah from flight MH370 pay tribute to him. Courtesy: Chumguan Phoon/YouTube

THE so far fruitless search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 has suffered another setback after finding out the search equipment is faulty.

The Joint Agency Coordination Centre say they have discovered a defect in the transponder mounted on Ocean Shield and that a defect may also exist in the transponder mounted on the US Navy Bluefin-21 submersible.

The Australian vessel, carrying the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, arrived back in the southern Indian Ocean search zone on Tuesday following a port visit to Perth after the air and sea hunt was scaled back.

The plan was for it to resume scouring the seabed where transmissions believed to have come from the plane's black box flight recorders were heard last month.

FBI PROBE: MH370 PASSENGER'S LOVER: GETS DEATH THREAT

MH370: SPARKS REAL-TIME TRACKING CALL

CONSPIRACY THEORIES: MORE MYSTERIOUS THAN MH370

Faulty part ... technicians tie down the Bluefin-21 autonomous underwater vehicle. Picture: Paul Kane Source: Getty Images

But the Bluefin-21 was recovered about two hours into its first mission since returning to the search area so a communications problem could be investigated.

During the recovery, Bluefin-21 was damaged but was able to be repaired expeditiously with spare parts on board the ADV Ocean Shield, JACC said in a statement today.

"Examination of the communications problem has established that a hardware defect exists in the transponder mounted on the Ocean Shield and that a defect may also exist in the transponder mounted on the Bluefin-21," the statement said.

This inhibits the ability of the two devices to communicate with each other."

Technical troubles have hindered a resumption of the search for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370.

The transponder mounted on the Ocean Shield and the transponder mounted on the Bluefin-21 communicate with each other during a dive.

When communications issues were experienced on Tuesday, the Bluefin-21 was recovered.

JACC said communication between the two devices had been working effectively up until then.

"Any communications issues previously would have been immediately obvious because communications between the two transponders are closely monitored by an operator on board Ocean Shield," a JACC spokesperson told News Corp.

This defect also had no bearing on the signals detected by the Towed Pinger Locater, which was deployed from ADV Ocean Shield, last month.

"The Towed Pinger Locator does not rely on transponders to communicate with the operating vessel."

Still searching ... the ADV Ocean Shield on the ocean, ready to scour for MH370. Picture: Paul Kane Source: Getty Images

Spare parts for both defects will be dispatched from the United Kingdom. The parts are expected to arrive in Western Australia on Sunday.

"Ocean Shield is currently en route to Dampier, Western Australia, to receive the transponder parts. The journey is anticipated to take a number of days," JACC said.

"At this stage, Ocean Shield is expected go alongside so engineers can make a full assessment of the transponder repairs."

The Boeing 777 vanished on March 8 with 239 people on board after mysteriously diverting from its Kuala Lumpur-Beijing route. It is believed to have crashed far off Australia's west coast.

Air and sea searches over vast stretches of the Indian Ocean have failed to find any sign of MH370.

Australia, which is leading the hunt, has stressed that it believes it is looking in the right area based on satellite communications from the plane.

Officials have said an intensified undersea mission will begin once new and more sophisticated equipment to complement Bluefin-21 can be obtained to search at depths of more than 4500 metres.

The ocean bed in the prospective search zone is not just deep but largely unmapped, meaning specialist sonar equipment and other autonomous vehicles are needed.

JACC said it had now established a Military Coordination and Sub-Surface Planning Cell, led by a Royal Australian Navy hydrographer and US Navy Sea Systems Command representative.

"Preparations to conduct the bathymetric survey are continuing," it said, referring to a study of the ocean floor terrain.

"A Chinese survey ship is now in the search area and will assist in preparations for future operations."

Meanwhile, international experts continue to re-examine satellite imagery and all the data collated so far to try to pinpoint a more precise location for the search.

JACC said vessels from Australia, Malaysia and China and an Australian aircraft remain on standby should any surface debris need investigation.

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Cyclist dies after hit by bus

A bus has hit a female cyclist at the corner of Beaufort Street and Walcott Street in Mt Lawley. Pictured is the bike and thongs believed to belong to the cyclist. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: News Limited

A CYCLIST who was hit by a bus at a busy Mt Lawley intersection this afternoon has died.

Police confirmed a woman in her 40s died after she collided with a bus while cycling along Beaufort Street at about 2.20pm.

She was rushed to hospital after the collision at the Walcott Street intersection.

St John Ambulance paramedics performed CPR on the woman before she was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital on priority.

The driver of the Transperth bus was pictured speaking to Major Crash officers at the scene.

The crash blocked traffic at the intersection, with Beaufort Street closed between Walcott and Vincent Streets.

Major crash investigators are at the scene and motorists are being told to avoid the area.

Police photograph the scene after a bus hit a female cyclist in Mt Lawley this afternoon. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper

However, this evening Main Roads say the crash site has been cleared.

The bus driver speaks to Major Crash officers. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper

The scene at the intersection of Beaufort and Walcott streets in Mt Lawley. Picture Justin Benson-Cooper

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Remains in Nepal could be missing WA man

Missing WA man Matt Allpress, who went missing while trekking in Nepal. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

Matt Allpress, who went missing in Nepal. Source: Supplied

HUMAN remains found in the Nepalese mountains are suspected of being that of a 23-year-old WA man who has been missing for six months.

Matt Allpress has been missing in the Annapurna region since November after he failed to arrive in Sydney following a solo 10-day trek in Nepal.

A Facebook page set-up by Mr Allpress' family and friends said today that two local Nepalese people foraging in the mountains above Sikles, about one hour off the main track, found human remains on Saturday.

The next day, authorities went to the site and reported finding personal equipment belonging to Mr Allpress, the page said.

Police remained at the site today, gathering information but the remains have yet to be formally identified.

The Facebook page said Mr Allpress' mother was in Nepal and his father would arrive later on Monday.

"Matt's family and close friends ask for respect at this difficult time," the Find Matt page read.

A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokeswoman said Australian officials in Canberra and Kathmandu were continuing to provide consular assistance to the Allpress family.

Mr Allpress' friends and family had remained optimistic of finding him alive, creating a social media campaign to help locate him.

Almost $10,000 was raised in December to help continue to fund the expensive aerial and land search.

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The 2014 Budget in a nutshell

David Koch discusses the federal budget and urges Australians to be prepared.

Tough budget ... Treasurer Joe Hockey works on the Budget in the Treasury Building, Canberra. Source: Supplied

THERE will be lots to dazzle voters in tomorrow night's Budget as Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Treasurer Joe Hockey show they are no wimps when it comes to grandly reshaping the economy.

But ordinary families will be asked to shoulder much of the Government's burden, and there will be key Budget measures — affecting basic household finances — you ought keep an eye on.

YOUR INCOME

How much you earn will mean a lot in this Budget. There are just under 300,000 income earners who will be paying the deficit tax because they bring in more than $180,000 a year. And families earning more than $100,000 are expected to lose their tax benefit. There could be other measures where a means test — based on income — will be introduced.

Debate over the Abbott government's first budget is set to dominate parliament this week.

PETROL PRICES

The Government is expected to reintroduce indexation of petrol excise, scrapped in 2001. This will add to family expenses for travel and for goods which have to be transported.

A key factor will be whether the indexation — to increase the petrol excise by the Consumer Price Index, or inflation rate — will return to twice yearly, meaning two certain price increases each year.

The Government's share of every litre bought could rise from 38.1 cents to about 41 cents in a year. Filling the 70 litre tank of a Camry would bring the Government $2.80 in excise.

Will the rest of Australia be laughing after the Budget announcement? Picture: Daniel Munoz Source: Supplied

ROAD BUILDING

The Government is expected to announce it will use the petrol excise to construct roads, and so effectively return the tax to motorists. The Labor opposition will argue many of these projects were already funded and underway. A key element of this measure will be to test how much of the fuel tax goes back to drivers.

The budget centre piece is a history making $80 billion spend on new roads. Courtesy Today, Channel Nine

HEALTH COSTS

The Government wants families to pay more for such routine procedures as consulting a GP. It is expected to introduce a co-payment which could produce significant cost increases for a family with children. Depending on the charge and where it might be imposed, families will have to decide whether to ration visits to a doctor or spend more.

Health care? It'll cost you. Picture: Gary Ramage Source: Supplied

GOVERNMENT SERVICES

The Government will be providing less than it used to with some 70 agencies expected to be abolished. Most voters would be unaware of the functions of most of these agencies, but their abolition will almost certainly affect our everyday lives.

The Federal Budget will reportedly see 16,000 public service jobs slashed, with agencies facing cuts.

EMPLOYMENT

The families of public service workers have been told some 16,000 jobs will be lost when the Budget dust clears. The Government is expected to tighten conditions for those looking for work with termination of the dole and work-for-the-dole being chief sticks to encourage people off welfare.

16,000 jobs lost? Awkward. Source: News Corp Australia

ECONOMY

There will be no shortage of jobs should the national economy take off as the Government hopes. However, increased costs and a retreat in welfare and services would see many families revising their household budgets. If a large number of voters spend less — because they have less to spend or prices have risen — the economy might suffer and job security and small business activity might be among the casualties.

The Immigration Minister on the budget, refugees with criminal backgrounds, and the new super agency for border control.

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Pubs put off-side by Cup bans

Socceroos fans watching coverage in Perth pubs will face strict limits on what and when they can drink.. Source: News Limited

PERTH pubs hoping to screen World Cup soccer matches live will have to comply with a list of strict rules — including promising not to mix alcohol and energy drinks and banning patrons that arrive more than 20 minutes after kick-off.

And publicans will be expected to pay $105 per game for the privilege of screening the world's biggest sporting event.

World Cup matches kick off in Brazil next month. The time difference means all games will take place between midnight-9am local time.

What do you think? World Cup wowsers or a decent goal? Comment below

Pubs wanting to show the matches will have to apply to the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor for a one-off extended trading permit.

But the permit conditions are harsh, including:

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Tom Hafey loses cancer battle

The Fox Footy team pay their respects to former Richmond coach Tom Hafey who passed away aged 82.

Former Richmond coach Tom Hafey has lost his battle with cancer, passing away at age 82 on Monday.

Football legend Tom Hafey enjoys his daily morning swim in the chilly waters of Port Phillip Bay. Source: News Limited

RICHMOND has lost its greatest coach after Tom Hafey died today, aged 82.

Hafey, who coached Richmond to four premierships and also coached Collingwood, Geelong and Sydney, passed away after a short battle with cancer.

"This is an extremely sad day in Richmond's history, to have lost a giant of the club in Tommy Hafey," Richmond CEO Brendon Gale said.

PICTURES: REMEMBERING TOM HAFEY

"Tommy means so much to the Richmond Football Club. He has had an enormous influence on so many people connected with the club.

"His coaching achievements at Tigerland are legendary, and he was a constant source of inspiration to the yellow and black.

"Tommy was a fine example of how to get the most out of life — his mantra of hard work, discipline, dedication, persistence, honesty, loyalty, integrity, good health and vitality, was not only the recipe for success on the football field, but success in his wonderful life.

"At this time, our thoughts are with Tommy's wife Maureen, their children Rhonda, Karen and Jo, and the extended family."

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE TRIBUTES TO HAFEY AND LEAVE YOUR MEMORIES

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou described Hafey as an inspiration.

"Australian Football is mourning Tom Hafey, who numbers among just 14 individuals recognised in our history for service to the game as one of our great coaches. Tom Hafey built teams and clubs to be successful, guided young men to be successful both on the ground and off their ground in their lives and, above all, simply loved our game," Demetriou said.

"Through each of his stints at four clubs, Tom championed fitness, teamwork, morale and dedication, and lived those ideals to the fullest with his personal creed of five Ds that 'Desire plus Dedication plus Discipline plus Determination equals your Destination'."

Tom Hafey played 67 matches for Richmond in the 1950s. Source: Supplied

Hafey was inducted as an Original Member of the Hall of Fame in 1996, as well as being an AFL Life Member.

"Tom's record of 522 games as a senior VFL-AFL coach is exceeded by just four men in history and he was a loyal and trusted friend to thousands across our game, who are feeling his loss deeply today."

Hafey was an average footballer, great coach and father figure to many of the players he mentored from 1966-88.

Hafey was happy to describe himself as a battler in his 67 games for Richmond in the back pocket between 1954 and 1958 (10 goals) after being recruited from Malvern.

And he was too modest to ever speak of his glittering coaching career, but the facts clearly point out he was born for the caper.

Lacking the necessary profile to secure a VFL coaching job on retirement, he coached Shepparton to four grand finals from 1962-65, winning the last three.

The fitness of his players and their desire to play for Hafey had caught the eye of Tiger secretary Graeme Richmond, who appointed him in 1966.

After just missing that year's finals Hafey took Richmond to premierships in 1967, 69, 73 and 74. He resigned after the 1976 season when he believed he had lost the support of powerbroker Graeme Richmond.

Collingwood, which had finished last for the first time in 1976, snapped up Hafey and he took the Magpies to within a point of going from first to last, drawing the 1977 Grand Final before losing the replay to North Melbourne.

Tom Hafey is chaired off the MCG after winning the 1969 Grand Final. Source: News Limited

Losing Grand Finals followed in 1979, 80 and 81 with what some considered a side lacking the quality of some opponents, before Hafey was sacked by Collingwood during the 1982 season.

He then spent three muddling years with Geelong before taking Sydney to the finals in 1986-87, then being sacked at the end of 1988.

He never coached again, finishing with a record of 336 wins from 521 games at a very healthy winning percentage of 64 per cent.

In terms of games coached, Hafey has the equal-best winning percentage of the top 10 with only Jock McHale, Mick Malthouse, Kevin Sheedy and Allan Jeans having sat in charge of more matches.

Hafey with Richmond champion Royce Hart. Source: News Limited

After coaching, he dedicated himself to motivation and fitness, travelling the country where he would put local teams through their paces or speak to schoolchildren about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

His approach to life was highlighted by a positive outlook, beginning with the way he answered his phone. After a caller inquired how he was, Hafey would reply "good and getting better".

He still cut a remarkable physical figure in his 80s, complete with trademark T-shirt and bulging biceps. For almost his entire adult life his day would begin with a run, swim and push-ups at St Kilda beach.

TOM HAFEY

Player:

67 games for Richmond, 1953-58, 10 goals.

Played Richmond Amateurs 1959.

Played Shepparton 1960-65.

Coach:

Richmond coach 1966-76. 248 games for 173 wins, 73 losses, two draws. 20 finals for 15 wins, four losses, one draw.

Collingwood coach 1977-82. 138 games for 89 wins, 47 losses, two draws. 18 finals for nine wins, eight losses, one draw.

Geelong coach 1983-85. 66 games for 31 wins, 35 losses.

Sydney Swans coach 1986-88. 70 games for 43 wins, 27 losses. Four finals for four losses.

Coached Shepparton 1960-65.

Overall Coaching Record:

522 games (fifth most ever) for 336 wins, 182 losses, four draws.

42 finals games (fourth most ever) for 24 wins, 16 losses, two draws.

Richmond premiership coach 1967, 1969, 1973, 1974.

Richmond Team of the Century Coach (1998).

Richmond Hall of Fame Inductee (2002).

Richmond Immortal (2003).

All Australian Coach 1980.

AFL Hall of Fame Inductee 1996 (coach).

Shepparton premiership coach 1963, 1964, 1965.

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Fresh produce scam ‘widespread’

Police raided Safari Place in Carabooda last week. Picture: WA Police. Source: Supplied

UP to a fifth of the fresh produce sold in WA supermarkets is produced using exploited workers or cash payments to avoid the taxman, industry sources say.

And an average WA family would pay up to $20 more a week for fresh fruit and vegetables if all workers were paid award wages.

The WA fruit and vegetable industry is under the microscope after a massive raid involving more than 500 officers and nine government departments on the Le family's Perth vegetable-growing empire in the past week.

Authorities questioned 240 suspected illegal workers, many living in squalid conditions and allegedly forced to work on farms in Perth's northern suburbs for little pay.

But industry sources say it is the tip of the iceberg, with many growers using exploited workers from Asia who work below the award wage because they have overstayed visas or so they can also claim government benefits.

Cash in hand is the "standard business model" for some producers to avoid tax and superannuation payments.

One source suggests up to 20 per cent of fresh produce in WA supermarkets involved illegal workers. Source: News Corp Australia

Vegetables WA former executive officer Jim Turley said it was well known many producers did business in cash.

And a whistleblower whose wife worked at one of Perth's biggest fruit producers – which supplies Coles – said the company had been "employing illegal workers on a massive scale for years".

Regional Labour Hire managing director David Moffat, who has been providing horticulture workers for more than a decade, said dodgy operators put immense pressure on legitimate growers. He said some workers were paid $12-$14 an hour – below the $28-$30 an hour employers must pay when payroll tax, superannuation and insurance are included.

A major WA lettuce grower estimated 20 per cent of the fresh produce in WA supermarkets came from farms using exploited workers.

"And that's a conservative estimate," he said.

Ben Darbyshire, chairman of FruitWest, said apple, stone fruit and citrus growers mainly used backpackers for harvesting and "there is no question of exploitation because there is an award they are paid to".

Independent Grocers Association WA president John Cummings said he was shocked to learn of the exploitation.

A Coles spokeswoman said the supermarket had an ethical sourcing policy requiring contractors not to use child or illegal labour and to pay staff "appropriate wages".

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Fast-track blood test fix for cops

Constable Dominic Morey, Constable Bryce Parsons and First Class Constable Reece Neville. Source: News Limited

THUGS who bite or spit on police will have a mandatory blood test to save officers months of anguish waiting for their own test results to come back.

Today The Sunday Times reveals for the first time shocking details of police officers who faced the nightmare of being spat on, bitten or pricked with needles and then told by the perpetrators: "You're going to die from AIDS."

A WA Police Union report details 66 cases of officers being subjected to spitting, biting or stabbing with syringes while on duty between 2000 and February this year, including the testimony of one who could not kiss his fiancee before their wedding because of AIDS fears.

That officer said after a confrontation with a female offender that left him with blood and spit on his face: "She yelled obscene abuse at me, and then laughed stating that I now had AIDS.

"(My fiancee) said all she wanted to do was kiss me. I told her I couldn't risk giving her anything. She suddenly broke down into tears again and collapsed on the floor. She asked what we would do about the wedding."

The new blood-test laws will be introduced into the WA Parliament within days.

The legislation means those who expose police officers to potential blood-borne viruses must undergo a blood test immediately – instead of the current system in which officers are tested and often wait up to six months for the results.

"This is about protecting our hardworking police officers who put themselves on the front line to protect us," Police Minister Liza Harvey said.

The police union report contains other heartbreaking feedback from officers and the impact the possibility of blood-borne diseases have had on their lives and family.

Among them is an experienced officer who was told he had hepatitis C after being gouged in the arm by an intoxicated woman during an arrest.

"I was shocked and devastated," the officer said. "Not so much for myself, but the devastating reality that I may have infected my family unknowingly."

WA Police Union president George Tilbury said the report highlighted how much the new laws were needed.

"Our officers should not have to put up with such a devastating quality of life for six months when a simple blood test – and a result within days – will reduce stress and allay their fears," Mr Tilbury said.

"The mandatory blood-testing legislation will make a world of difference not only to our members but also to their families and friends."

Among the officers who have endured months of blood tests after potentially being exposed to deadly viruses are First Class Constable Reece Neville, Constable Dominic Morey and Constable Bryce Parsons.

All three said they were relieved the laws would soon be put before Parliament.

First Class Constable Neville is still waiting for his final test results after being exposed to an offender's blood during an arrest in Cannington in February.

"This legislation will take a massive weight off our shoulders," he said. "It's the right thing to do."

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Troy Buswell’s gravy train trip to shame

Troy Buswell returned to Parliament in time to watch Mike Nahan deliver the 2014 West Australian State Budget. Source: News Corp Australia

BIG sections of Troy Buswell's research report justifying his expensive taxpayer-funded trip to Europe and Asia to study light rail last year are plagiarised from public websites and brochures.

A simple check using ­Google reveals many parts of the disgraced former treasurer's 20-page report have been lifted word for word from the internet.

Mr Buswell, who resigned as WA treasurer after revelations he had smashed into four cars in Subiaco while driving home in his ministerial car from a February wedding, supposedly spent three months working on the research paper – which was handed in one month overdue.

Some of the plagiarism is so blatant he did not even bother to update facts.

For example, he refers to Bombardier being part of a consortium "selected in May" to build the Gold Coast light rail system, when it should be May 2011.

● READ TROY BUSWELL'S RESEARCH REPORT

● BUSWELL'S FORMER ADVISER'S $124,000 PAYOUT

The Sunday Times ran the report through the WriteCheck software used to detect plagiarism by university students. It found 29 per cent of report into the European leg of the tour was plagiarised.

According to Curtin University's academic integrity guidelines, if more than 10 per cent of work is copied it is considered plagiarism of the "highest level" and could lead to expulsion.

Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute director Peter Newman said the extent of Mr Buswell's plagiarism was "amazing".

"We would not just fail a student who did this, but they would be expelled," he said.

The university's School of Media head Joseph Fernandez said the report was "slipshod". and would see serious consequences in a tertiary environment.

"If Mr Buswell does not respond to the questions raised by this slipshod report on his study tour the Premier should take the lead and demand a full explanation from Mr Buswell and take appropriate action," he said.

The report has no references, no minutes or specific dates for meetings with officials and no details of discussions held.

Much of the 20-page report is also taken up by captionless photographs that come with no explanation as to what is in the picture, or why it is significant.

Mr Buswell makes six short findings on light rail, which he could have deduced from his office in Perth.

One of the "key findings" is how "light rail can form a very effective component of an integrated public transport system".

Another is that "over time" light rail "can become an embedded part of the community".

Opposition transport spokesman Ken Travers last night said Mr Buswell "should have stayed home and saved taxpayers a small fortune".

"The truth is (Mr Buswell) could have put this report together without ever leaving his office in West Perth," he said.

The Sunday Times asked Jemma Green, a transport expert from Curtin University's Sustainable Policy Institute, to critique the report.

She said it resembled an "early draft".

"The report lacks any detail on how much these foreign rail programs cost, how they were financed and what value was created as a result of them," she said.

The Sunday Times revealed last week the trip cost taxpayers almost $14,000 on hotels, meals, laundry and airport transfers.

Where did Troy Buswell get his report from? Source: Supplied

Premier Colin Barnett has so far refused to release the full cost of the August-September trip, but said Mr Buswell would be made to explain the credit card bill. Yesterday he refused to comment on the study report.

The trip's itinerary included Switzerland, Germany, France, China and Hong Kong. Mr Buswell took the trip with Public Transport Authority managing director Mark Burgess.

While in Europe they were joined by Mr Buswell's then chief of staff Rachael Turnseck. In Asia they were joined by Department of Fisheries director-general Stuart Smith.

Mr Buswell returned to ­Parliament this week for the first time since his resignation as treasurer, which followed a mental health breakdown.

He refused to answer questions about whether he was drunk when he drove from the wedding.

Mr Buswell said he had been diagnosed with bipolar depression, but was looking to forward to life as a backbencher serving Vasse.

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Kennedy bags 11-straight in Eagles rout

West Coast coach Adam Simpson and Josh Kennedy front the media after their side's victory over the Giants at Patersons Stadium.

West Coast's Mark LeCras is yet another player sure to face the wrath of the AFL tribunal this week after this bump on Giants' Will Hoskin-Elliott.

Eagle Josh Kennedy celebrates one of his 11 goals against Greater Western Sydney. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: News Corp Australia

WEST Coast might have been due a change of luck in front of goal and Josh Kennedy was happy to accept it.

With the Eagles having kicked a miserable 30.51 over the past four weeks, Kennedy could only laugh after his awful mongrel punt sailed through to register his fifth goal mid-way through the second term in yesterday's 111-point mauling of Greater Western Sydney.

Eagle Matt Priddis in full flight against Greater Western Sydney. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: News Corp Australia

The bearded spearhead didn't miss the irony after his side had sprayed 1.8 in the corresponding quarter a week earlier in the loss to Fremantle.

Stutter or no stutter, struck sweetly or not, they all went through. The curse had been broken and when it rains it pours.

An irrepressible Kennedy finished the game with 11.0 as a straight-shooting West Coast, the most inaccurate team in the competition leading into the match, halted a four-game losing streak.

His haul was easily the biggest bag of goals by any player this season, with Kennedy kicking three in the opening term followed by two, two and four in the remaining quarters.

FOR LIVE SUPERCOACH POINTS CLICK ON THE MATCH IN THE SCORE CENTRE ABOVE OR HERE IF YOU ARE ON A MOBILE DEVICE

Oozing confidence, Kennedy booted his 10th goal entering time-on of the final term with fans clapping his run-up as if he was a bowler on a hat-trick.

Eagle Nic Naitanui clears the ball out of congestion. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

He was mobbed by teammates in celebration as if a wicket had been taken. The Giants had been clean bowled.

The Eagles still haven't beaten much this season and have another worry with star forward Mark LeCras on report for a high bump on Giant Will Hoskin-Elliott.

LeCras kicked four goals in his return from a broken arm but could have his bye break extended by an untimely suspension.

But at 4-4 Adam Simpson's outfit will go to their break with renewed hope, if not exactly confidence about what the remainder of 2014 might bring.

For the weary and undermanned Giants, a fifth consecutive road trip resulted in a fifth consecutive loss and next weekend's bye will come as welcome respite before some key players return.

Graphic: Champion Data Source: Supplied

The journey to Perth followed trips to Canberra, Adelaide, the Gold Coast and Canberra again as the Giants sunk to 2-6.

Callan Ward and Toby Greene fought hard but it was played on West Coast's terms, with the home side dominating the inside 50 count 67-27 as Matt Priddis led the midfield with 27 disposals and 13 clearances.

The Eagles led by 33 points at half-time after the visitors kicked five goals in the second term from just eight forward entries.

The goals continued to flow at either end in the third stanza, with Hoskin-Elliott showing no ill effects from the LeCras hit as he added his second, while Kennedy kicked his sixth from a set shot as West Coast kept the Giats at arm's length.

Greater Western Sydney captain Callan Ward leads his team from the field. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: News Corp Australia

Nic Naitanui was still below his best but had moments of influence, including when he was cast in the role of a rover during the third term to snap a goal from a boundary throw-in.

It was the maligned big man's first goal in six weeks.

Kennedy's day out continued as he slammed home his seventh from outside the 50m arc in time-on in the third term, while Dean Cox and Jack Darling also kicked two goals for the quarter as the margin blew out.

The Eagles added nine consecutive majors either side of the final change and nine in total in the last quarter, keeping the foot down as the margin broke through the century mark.

Eagle Mark LeCras was reported for a high bump on Giants forward Will Hoskin-Elliott. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: News Corp Australia

BRADEN'S BEST

Eagles: Kennedy, Priddis, Rosa, Darling, LeCras, Hurn, Cox.

Giants: Ward, Greene, Tomlinson, Kelly, Shaw.

VOTES: 3- Kennedy, 2- Priddis, 1- Rosa

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