Hills’ epic spray at US church

Adam Hills' latest rant was aimed at the Westboro Baptist Church. Source: YouTube

The genius comedian and Academy award-winning actor has died aged 63.

ADAM Hills = 1, Westboro Baptist Church = 0.

The Aussie comedian took aim at the controversial American Church on his UK talk show after the group threatened to picket Robin Williams' memorial service.

Just days after the Mrs Doubtfire star died, the church announced on their Twitter page that "Robin Williams is in hell" for playing several gay characters in films and for supporting the US troops.

But on his TV show The Last Leg, Hills unleashed an epic rant at the Church, suggesting they go after more deserving targets than Williams.

"If you really believe in standing up to those threatening the Christian way of life, Westboro Baptist Church, how about putting your money where your mouth is, taking a direct flight to Iraq and picketing the people threatening to behead Christians if they don't convert?" said Hills.

"I will personally pay for every member of the Westboro Baptist Church to fly to Iraq right now. I'll even fly you first class and pay the carbon offset because I reckon one of two things will happen.

Shirley Phelps-Roper and her daughter Megan from the Westboro Baptist Church. Source: AFP

"Either you'll die while defending your beliefs and you'll be carried away to heaven by a gold chariot to sit at the right hand of God for all eternity OR if I'm right, and I'm willing to bet a dozen first class flights that I am, God will be standing at the pearly gates alongside a 5 ft 8 hairy American comedian dressed as a middle aged Scottish nanny saying, 'Heeeellllooooo'.

"Just when you think there's a chance he might let you in, God will look back and go, 'Hey, not only do I love fags but I fu**ing hate di**s'."

The Westboro Baptist Church member's failed to show up to Williams' memorial service which was held yesterday in San Francisco, but they did respond to Hills on twitter, saying, "Iraq here we come".

Originally published as Hills' epic spray at US church

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Petrol giants ‘ripping off’ motorists

moneysaverHQ's Moira Geddes talks to Bingle spokesperson Marcela Balart about what causes petrol price hikes and variations at the pump.

Unlawful ... The ACCC has begun legal proceedings in the Federal Court against most of the nation's petrol retailers. Picture: AFP/Norbert Millauer Source: AFP

THE ACCC has begun landmark legal action against most of the nation's petrol retailers and a fuel market data company it has been investigating since 2012, alleging they have ripped off motorists by sharing pricing information.

In proceedings commenced in the Federal Court, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission claims "information sharing arrangements" between market data company Informed Sources and BP, Caltex, Woolworths, Eureka (Coles Express) and 7-Eleven allowed the petrol retailers to communicate with each other about their prices, thereby "substantially lessening competition" in breach of the law.

"The ACCC alleges that the arrangements were likely to increase retail petrol price coordination and cooperation, and were likely to decrease competitive rivalry," ACCC chairman Rod Sims said.

"Given the importance of price competition in petrol retailing, the ACCC is concerned that consumers may be paying more for petrol as a result," Mr Sims said.

'(The) arrangements were likely to increase retail petrol price coordination and cooperation' ... Australian Competition and Consumer Commission chairman Rod Sims. Source: News Limited

"The ACCC alleges that fuel retailers can use, and have used, the Informed Sources service as a near real-time communication device in relation to petrol pricing.

"In particular, it is alleged that retailers can propose a price increase to their competitors and monitor the response to it. If, for example, the response is not sufficient, they can quickly withdraw the proposal and may punish competitors that have not accepted the proposed increased price," Mr Sims said.

Woolworths responded: "To be clear, Woolworths Petrol uses Informed Sources to gather actual published prices in the market to ensure we are the most competitive.

"We do not understand how shutting down these websites and apps will benefit consumers.

"Woolworths will strongly defend our use of Informed Sources for the benefit of our customers."

Caltex said it "strongly rejects the allegation that the (Informed Sources) service is in any way illegal. Caltex will defend the ACCC action".

But Australian Automobile Association CEO Andrew McKellar said: "Motorists strongly support the legal action taken by the ACCC.

"The allegations of coordinated price sharing among fuel retailers are deeply concerning and should be examined thoroughly."

Originally published as Petrol giants 'ripping off' motorists

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Dockers to appeal Fyfe ban

Fremantle's Nat Fyfe has been suspended for the third time in two years. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: News Corp Australia

FREMANTLE has opted to appeal star midfielder Nat Fyfe's two-game suspension, with a hearing to take place tomorrow evening.

The Dockers sought an extension this afternoon as the club weighed up its options to challenge last night's AFL Tribunal ruling, which penalised Fyfe for striking Hawthorn's Jordan Lewis.

With Fremantle's top-four hopes potentially hinging on its final game of the season against fifth-placed Port Adelaide, and Michael Barlow already ruled out for a fortnight with a broken thumb, the club is desperate to have Fyfe available.

The grounds for Fremantle's appeal are not yet known.

The decision comes after Fremantle coach Ross Lyon said a still-maturing Fyfe had to learn to harness his competitive spirit in the right way following his third suspension in the past two seasons.

"He's a young player. I think what gets lost with Nathan is he's 22,'' Lyon said.

"But he's a real emerging leader at this football club. Really big influence on and off the field and he's a pleasure to coach.

"It's just that competitive spirit. It's just harnessing it in the right way. In the heat of the moment it doesn't take much to go wrong to find yourself in trouble.

"And clearly what compounds it is the system of loading and past penalties ... from an offence that was debatable anyway.

"I've got no real concerns there. Nathan's an incredibly intelligent guy, focused firmly on team success and I'm sure he'll get the balance right.''

THE BOYS DISCUSS FREO'S WEAPONS IN THE SUPERFOOTY PODCAST BELOW OR CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE IN ITUNES

Forward Hayden Ballantyne is a certain inclusion to face the Lions, while midfielder Nick Suban and defender Garrick Ibbotson are also pushing strongly for a return to the team.

Lyon said the potential loss of both Fyfe and Barlow in Fremantle's engine room would be significant.

"It's not ideal, straight away you lose 60 possessions and a couple of goals,'' he said.

"But we're a no excuse football club. So I've already spoken to the players — we're squarely focused on Brisbane.

"They're in really good form and have got some top flight players and they've knocked off some finalists up there.

"We understand the magnitude of the challenge but we aim to respond powerfully.''

Lyon said he was not worried about playing a day game at the Gabba, after Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson's criticism over the conditions.

"We love the heat and the sun, coming from Perth,'' he said.

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WA Parliament to investigate FIFO suicides

THE families of fly-in, fly-out workers who have committed suicide have a welcomed a decision by WA Parliament to investigate the deaths.

The Education and Health Standing Committee tonight agreed to hold an inquiry into the suicides of FIFO workers in WA.

The committee, whose chair is former mental health minister and Government MP Graham Jacobs, will confirm its terms of reference tomorrow.

It will present a "preliminary report" to Parliament by the end of the year.

● If you are experiencing depression or are suicidal, or know someone who is, help is available. Lifeline: 13 11 44, Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636

A parliamentary inquiry has the power to compel mining bosses to provide evidence at public hearings about the mental healthcare they provide employees.

The decision comes after the families of FIFO workers who have committed suicide have spoken to The Sunday Times in recent weeks calling for action to stop the deaths.

It is understood there have been at least nine suicides in just over a year.

Four Pilbara deaths from March to November last year have already been referred to the State Coroner for a potential inquest.

Mental Health Commissioner Tim Marney also said recently he wanted to appoint a senior doctor to do a case-by-case review of the deaths.

Mr Marney said FIFO workers had "greater exposure to risk factors known to contribute to deaths by suicide".

Rhys Connor, a 25-year-old father of one, took his life in July last year.

The family of the concreter and carpenter released his suicide note to The Sunday Times last month in a bid to raise awareness of the mental health problems facing the state's FIFO workforce.

The note warned West Australians "don't know what it's like to work FIFO and have depression".

His family also released haunting video footage from an interview conducted just days before Rhys's death as part of a yet-to-be-released government-funded project into our mining workforce.

In the interview, Rhys said workers were struggling with depression, relationship breakdowns and boredom.

He said anyone planning to work FIFO should "rethink" the idea.

The Sunday Times and PerthNow took the rare step of publishing Rhys's poignant last words.

● WATCH RHYS'S VIDEO HERE

This was done in consultation with mental health experts, who believe the best way to reduce our suicide toll is through open dialogue about the issue.

His mother Anita Miller had urged the Education and Health Standing Committee to take up the inquiry – which was introduced into Parliament as a motion by Opposition Leader Mark McGowan.

Tonight, Ms Miller said was relieved the inquiry will ahead.

"It won't bring Rhys back – but it could save others from committing suicide," she said.

Ms Miller, who said she would give evidence at the inquiry if asked, said the biggest issue facing FIFO workers was the stigma attached to mental health issues.

She said open debate, like the inquiry, was vital to breaking this down.

John Migas, whose brother Stephen took his life on November 9 last year, said it was good to see WA's politicians trying to "make a difference".

John said he would also give evidence at the inquiry if asked.

"If they need me to help then I will," he said.

"I'm willing to do anything that can save lives or stop another family from going through what we have."

Stephen was working for subcontractor D & S Drainage Services on a Fortescue Metals Group maintenance project. He took his life in his donga a week before his 37th birthday.

John said he hoped mining companies would be called upon to give evidence at the inquiry.

Mr McGowan said the inquiry was a "great opportunity to find ways of saving lives from the scourge of suicide."

"I'm very supportive of the mining industry and hope they take this opportunity to put forward their view on this important issue and what else can be done to prevent suicides," he said.

"FIFO workers are a very important part of our community and it suits many families lifestyles.

"It's essential that we support this workforce and their families."

There are about 50,000 FIFO workers in WA.

Other members of the Education and Health Standing Committee include former police minister Rob Johnson and Labor MP Rita Saffioti.

* If you need help, contact Lifeline WA 13 11 14 or crisischat.lifelinewa.org.au

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