Two a penny

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The Government will make a second attempt to get controversial changes to the ACC scheme through its first reading in Parliament.

Prime Minister John Key said yesterday that the Government would move the House into urgency from today to push through changes to the “boy-racer” legislation and the victim levy bill.

National is negotiating with ACT and the Maori Party for the votes to pass its ACC changes after being forced to shelve the first reading of the proposed legislation last week through lack of support. Progress is being made, but it’s a little too early to tell whether it will be this week,” Key said.

“We’re in negotiations with our partners.

Motorcyclists bear the brunt of the levy increases, but all motorists, and most workers, will pay more from next year.

ACC Minister Nick Smith has unveiled a range of levy increases and changes to entitlements, and a move to shift the full funding of the scheme out to 2019.

The Government will need to get the legislation sent to a parliamentary select committee soon if it is to have any hope of making the changes law by February.

The Maori Party is pushing for tougher criteria proposed for disability payments to be dropped in return for its support, while ACT wants the Government to investigate part-privatisation. If it does not, the ACC’s even steeper levy increases will take effect.

ACT had said it would look at supporting the bill and had put its policy to introduce competition into work place accident insurance on the table.

Mr Key met with Act leader Rodney Hide last night seeking support for the ACC bill.

PROTEST AGAINST CHANGES

Anger over the Government’s plans continued yesterday, with protests in the main centres over proposed cuts to entitlements.It is National Party policy to investigate opening up the part of the scheme that covers work-related personal injuries to private competition, and ACT was likely to push for that.

Victims of sexual abuse are angry that they would need to prove they had suffered mental trauma as a result of sexual abuse before getting ACC-funded treatment.

Victims of sexual abuse are angry that they would need to prove they had suffered mental trauma as a result of sexual abuse before getting ACC-funded treatment.

The ACC proposals include a threshold of a 6 per cent hearing loss before a person is entitled for assistance for hearing aids.

The New Zealand logical Society yesterday accused the Government of turning its back on thousands of people whose hearing has been damaged at work. .

Society president Lesley Hindmarsh said thousands of people with occupational hearing loss, who were previously entitled to ACC help for their hearing aids, may no longer be eligible

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An associate of the father who allegedly carried out the now-infamous balloon boy hoax to promote a proposed reality show is wanted for questioning after e-mails surfaced showing the two had discussed a similar stunt months ago as part of a public relations campaign for the program.

Investigators said they want to interview Robert Thomas, a Denver man who claimed Richard Heene had told him he was planning a media stunt to promote a proposed reality show. Thomas, a self-described researcher, sold his story to Gawker. Thomas said the show would feature Heene as a mad scientist who carries out various scientific experiments.com and provided the Web site with e-mail exchanges between him and Heene.Gawker.”This will be the most significant UFO-related news event to take place since the Roswell Crash of 1947, and the result will be a dramatic increase in local and national awareness about The Heene Family, our Reality Series, as well as the UFO Phenomenon in general,” according to a copy of the show’s proposal provided to the site by Thomas.com editor-in-chief Gabriel Snyder confirmed the New York-based Web site paid Thomas, but declined to say how much for the story billed with the headline: “Exclusive: I Helped Richard Heene Plan a Balloon Hoax.Messages left for Thomas by The Associated Press were not returned.”Snyder said Thomas was planning to meet with investigators Sunday night, though sheriff’s officials did not return messages seeking confirmation.com story that the plan he knew about did not involve Heene’s children.Thomas, 25, said in his Gawker.The drama played out on live television to millions of viewers worldwide.The alleged stunt temporarily shut down Denver International Airport, and the National Guard provided two helicopters in an attempt to rescue 6-year-old Falcon Heene, who was believed to be inside the flying-saucer shaped homemade balloon that hurtled more than 50 miles across two counties. When the balloon landed without the boy, officials thought he had fallen out and began the grim search for his body. When the balloon landed without the boy, officials thought he had fallen out and began the grim search for his body.”"We certainly know that there’s a conspiracy between the husband and wife, you’ve probably seen some of the e-mails and some of the things on the Internet suggesting that there may be other conspirators,” Alderden said. Alderden said the stunt two weeks in the planning was a marketing ploy by the Heenes, who met in acting school in Hollywood and have appeared on ABC’s reality show “Wife Swap. Alderden didn’t name the media outlet but said it was a show that blurs “the line between entertainment and news.Alderden said documents show that a media outlet has agreed to pay money to the Heenes with regard to the balloon incident.”Let’s call it (my statement) short of speculation that a media outlet was in on the hoax, but let’s not discount the possibility,” he said.”It wasn’t clear whether the deal was signed before or after the alleged hoax, or whether the media outlet was a possible conspirator.com had not contacted the Heene family or offered them money for their story, referring to Alderden’s reference to a deal being struck by a media outlet.In an e-mail Sunday to the AP, Snyder said editors at Gawker.The parents weren’t under arrest, the sheriff said.”No, that wasn’t us,” Snyder said. Federal charges were also possible. Federal charges were also possible.The most serious charges are felonies and carry a maximum sentence of six years in prison and a $500,000 fine. Alderden said they would be seeking restitution for the costs, though he didn’t have an estimate.The cost for just the two military helicopters was about $14,500 ($NZ19,785).As Alderden told reporters Sunday that the whole thing was a hoax, the Heenes were shopping for snacks at Wal-Mart, where Richard Heene told thehe was “seeking counsel.”"This thing has become so convoluted,” Heene said, tears welling in his eyes. He said his wife was holding together better than he was.The couple’s attorney, David Lane, issued a statement later Sunday saying the Heenes were willing to voluntarily turn themselves in to face charges. Lane said he advised the family against making public statements.Once investigators got a good look at the “flying saucer” they determined that the thin mylar balloon covered with foil and held together with duct tape would not have been able to launch with the 37-pound-boy inside, according to Colorado State University physics professor Brian Jones.Other parts of the story, including whether the 6-year-old had been hiding in the rafters of the family’s garage during an intense five-hour search also weren’t true, Alderden said.”For all we know he may have been two blocks down the road playing on the swing in the city park,” the sheriff said.The sheriff said all three of the Heenes’ sons knew of the hoax, but likely won’t face charges as a result of their ages. The oldest son is 10. One of the boys told investigators he saw his brother get in the balloon’s box before it launched.Alderden said Heene, a 48-year-old storm chaser, inventor and self-described amateur scientist, has a high school education and most recently earned a living by laying tile.Alderden said investigators had an “aha” moment that the story was a hoax when Falcon turned to his father during a CNN interview Thursday and said what sounded like “you had said we did this for a show” when asked why he didn’t come out of his hiding place.On Friday, Falcon got sick during two separate TV interviews when asked again why he hid.Alderden said they didn’t question the family Friday because they wanted to keep the family’s cooperation by maintaining the appearance that they believed their story. . No charges were filed.Alderden said officials tried Saturday to persuade Mayumi Heene, 45, to go to a safe house, but she declined.Alderden said the children were still with the parents Sunday and that child protective services had been contacted to investigate their well-being. On “Wife Swap,” Heene was portrayed as erratic, at one point throwing a glass of milk on a participant on the program.”Clearly, from all indications, Mr. Heene has somewhat of a temper,” Alderden said.The producer of “Wife Swap” said it had a show in development with the Heenes but the deal is now off. TLC also said Heene had pitched a reality show to the network months ago, but it passed on the offer.

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The Government is considering opening ACC’s work account to private competition as part of a deal to get ACT’s backing for its stalled reforms.

In a sign of National’s sensitivity on the issue, ACC Minister Nick Smith’s office refused to comment yesterday on any talks between the parties.

But ACT leader Rodney Hide confirmed he had put a proposal to National and expected a reply early next week.

Employers and the self-employed make contributions to the work account to cover work-related injuries.

It is understood ACT is offering to back the ACC reform bill if National pledges progress on its own election promise to “investigate opening the work account to competition”. “They’ve gone away and then we will pick it up next week.

Mr Hide was confident a deal could be struck. I don’t think there will be any problems.

Mr Hide said private sector competition would be “ACT’s way”.”

National also said it was committed to competition and choice as the best way to ensure ACC’s efficiency. It’s hard for them to argue against, philosophically.

“National agree with it philosophically.

Dr Smith’s proposed bill would push out the date for fully funding the scheme by five years to 2019, lift levies and trim some entitlements.”

Labour leader Phil Goff said an agreement on Mr Hide’s terms would amount to privatisation. It needs to be passed by February to stop even bigger fee rises. . A spokesman said Maori Party MPs would consider the issue at Tuesday’s caucus meeting.

If talks with ACT fail, National’s other option is to seek Maori Party backing.

A spokesman for Dr Smith declined all comment yesterday, and would not confirm whether any talks with other parties were planned or were under way.

The party is likely to want a softer line on cuts to wage compensation entitlements, especially for seasonal workers.

But Prime Minister John Key said yesterday there were valid arguments to look at the idea, and it was in his party’s policy.

Earlier in the week Dr Smith said consideration of opening the scheme to competition was not a priority. Let’s see how things go. “We haven’t conducted that yet.

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Government insiders confirmed there was some “back and forth” of proposals between National and its support parties

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The small coffin of toddler Aisling Symes has arrived at church draped in an Irish flag and adorned with lilies and her teddy bear.

The service is scheduled to begin at 11am this morning.

The stage in the church hall is packed with hundreds of small teddy bears and pink balloons. . Many of the cards and posters around the church are from local West Auckland children. A cream grand piano stands in the corner amidst numerous tributes to the small child. There were also messages of condolences from the residents of Longburn Rd, the street from which Aisling disappeared last Monday.

In sparkling rainbow writing the messages are adorned with love hearts and say: “Aisling we will miss you” and “Rest in peace”.An autopsy showed she had drowned.

The body of the little girl was found in a stormwater drain on Monday, a week after she disappeared from the home of her late grandparents in Henderson.Mr Watts said the church could hold 450 mourners, so the service would be relayed on big screens to mourners outside.Pastor Russell Watts said the level of practical, loving support had stunned the family and they were happy for the public to attend the funeral.

The order of service shows a picture of the smiling toddler on the front and features illustrations from Aislings favorite story Winnie the Poo inside.

Aislings parents, Alan and Angela, were to be the pall-bearers for their daughters small coffin.

– with

. The public service will be followed by a private cremation

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AFP – About 40,000 French workers joined the ranks of the jobless in August, Employment Minister Xavier Darcos said Thursday ahead of the release of the latest unemployment data.

The figures will not be very good, Darcost told RMC radio, adding that he expected the jobless rolls to grow by 40,000 maybe.

For all of 2009, we will have a little less than 640,000 additional jobless.

France snapped out of a year-long recession in the second quarter with 0. We are still grappling with this kind of outlook, he added.

The government remains vigilant, said Darcos.3 percent growth but the government has said it will not celebrate a recovery until the jobless figures improve.

Prospects are not very good but they are comparably better, if I can say so cynically, than those of our neighbouring countries, he added.

In July, 10,700 French workers registered as unemployed, bringing the national total for the French mainland to 2.

Ireland and Spain are among the European countries hardest hit by rising unemployment.

The labour market took a major hit in the first quarter with 178,700 job losses, more than the overall figure for 2008.53 million.6 percent in 2009 and 10.

The European Commission has forecast that unemployment in France will rise to 9. .7 percent in 2010.

France – unemployment

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A massive police blitz in Auckland over the past four days concluded last night with 129 people facing drink-driving charges.

Road policing manager Inspector Gavin Macdonald said about 40,000 drivers were breath tested during Operation Safer Roads, where checkpoints were set up around the region, catching some suburban residents by surprise. The legal limit is 400mcg.

Police impounded 17 vehicles and suspended 34 people’s driving licences after they returned readings of more than 650 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath.

Mr Macdonald said 13 people were also arrested for offences including receiving stolen property, unlawfully taking vehicles, driving while disqualified and breaching bail conditions.

Court bailiffs were also involved in the operation, seizing an additional 12 vehicles and collecting $3000 in cash for outstanding fines.

“One offender actually complained after being stopped that the police had changed the location of a checkpoint whilst he had been drinking at the pub. .

Mr Macdonald said drink-driving was no joke and that police and the community had had enough of irresponsible behaviour by intoxicated drivers.”

The man admitted to having received a text message from a friend telling him which way to travel home to avoid being detected.

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Dressed in gang colours and bandannas, children as young as three are being fitted out by their parents for a life in one of the country’s most feared underworld groups.

has learned police have shocking photos of around 40 kids, some barely out of nappies, dressed in the black and yellow colours of the notorious Killer Beez.

The pictures have alarmed Prime Minister John Key.

discovered a Bebo profile set up by a six-year-old who poses in the distinctive gang clothing, with a heavy gold watch on his wrist.

“I was disturbed to see the images sent to me by and I believe most New Zealanders will be as well,” he said.

And he lists his interests as fast cars, motorbikes and tough dogs.

Defiantly making the Killer Beez’s trademark middle finger signal, he boasts about his gangland connections in the “hood Otara” in south Auckland.

“I got heaps of uncles and they are Colourway and Killer Beez,” he writes. . His Bebo page, illustrated with pictures of vicious-looking pit bull terriers, has links to other profiles dedicated to the Killer Beez and Tribesmen gangs.

“This shows the level of challenge facing communities where gang culture has taken hold,” the Prime Minster said. He was appalled by the pictures which include children in gang clothing, wearing gold “pimp” necklaces, straddling motorbikes, at gang parties and get-togethers, all giving the offensive finger sign. Joining a gang does not offer that.

“As a country we need better role models for our children and young people, and a better education system that gives people hope that they can make a better life for themselves and their families.”

Police are extremely concerned about the images of gang members posturing with their impressionable children on Bebo and YouTube.”

Police are extremely concerned about the images of gang members posturing with their impressionable children on Bebo and YouTube.

“This is the same thing.

“Research has shown if you grow up in a house where you’ve seen your dad beat your mum up, kids tend to gravitate towards that when they become adults,” he said.. And of course it p**ses me off . but where do you start?”

can’t identify the six-year-old for legal reasons and were unable to reach the boy’s parents or the Killer Beez..

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Police have charged Paremoremo inmate George Baker after he allegedly took another man hostage in the Auckland prison the previous month.

Baker, 28, will appear in North Shore District Court charged with kidnapping, assault with a weapon and threatening to kill.

He was believed to have been armed with a makeshift knife and was demanding a transfer to a less secure unit.

The charges are in relation to an incident at Paremoremo prison the previous month when Baker, who has a history of mental health problems, allegedly took another man hostage with weapons improvised from the prison’s recreation room. .

Baker eventually freed his hostage, believed to have been an elderly sex offender, and gave himself up peacefully.

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Baker is due to appear on 18 September

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Let’s hope Graham Henry remembered to send Robbie Deans a birthday card.

If not, he should at least be sending his rival a big thank-you message today after Deans’ Wallabies kept the All Blacks in the Tri-Nations hunt by turning around their sorry form and beating the Springboks 21-6 in Brisbane last night.

Deans’ 50th birthday celebrations were put on hold on Friday but they erupted yesterday as the Wallabies ended their run of six losses in this tournament with an emphatic victory.

The result leaves the Springboks coming to Hamilton needing to get a win or at least a bonus point from their match against the All Blacks to have a chance of claiming their third Tri-Nations title.

Finally they managed to transform from being a side used to being a close second to one that knew how to get over the finish line after leading throughout this titanic struggle. If they can deny the Boks a bonus point and claim the maximum 10 available to them from the Hamilton match and the last Tri-Nations fixture of the year a week later in Wellington when they host the Wallabies the title would be New Zealand’s. .

A bonus point to the Boks would see that scenario come down to a points-differential despite the Boks having already beaten the All Blacks twice in South Africa.

The Wallabies have certainly bruised the Boks.

So the stage is set for an enthralling spell in New Zealand.

They also brought a much better degree of accuracy to their play in both the set-pieces and their general play. Peter de Villiers side will arrive in Hamilton with their confidence dented and their bodies sore from a punishing match where the Wallabies fronted in the physical exchanges.

Deans’ seven changes worked a treat with halfback Will Genia making a fine starting debut and Berrick Barnes’ return giving some much-needed solidity to the midfield.

It was only some desperate Springboks defence that denied the Wallabies from an even more emphatic win as the tourists saved four tries with some remarkable tackles right on the line. Big Mark Chisholm also had a terrific tussle with the feared Boks locks. Big Mark Chisholm also had a terrific tussle with the feared Boks locks.

Giteau edged the Wallabies ahead with another penalty before Boks superboot Morne Steyn kicked a dropped goal off a lineout turnover. Bryan Habana made try-saving tackles on Lachie Turner and Giteau while Drew Mitchell cut down Ruan Pienaar at the other end.

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Anti-smacking campaigner Sue Bradford has received chilling death threats and been warned she could be New Zealand’s “first political assassination”.

Police are looking at stepping up her personal security after the vile warnings on Twitter. Some of it is pretty nasty. The Green MP said: “There has been a whole lot of stuff.

“There is another email that was really ugly a few weeks ago that we referred to police.”

She told : “I was on Twitter and someone sent a tweet saying, ‘Sue Bradford should be the first candidate for a political assassination’.”

Voters have been bitterly divided over the issue.”

Bradford, the architect of the anti-smacking legislation, added: “I have become the iconic symbol for the opponents, for the people who want to change the law back.

Bradford, an MP for 10 years, received a backlash of threats and abuse after the bill was passed on May 16, 2007. Opponents argue that the law prevents parents from disciplining their kids and prosecutions can rip families apart. I copped it for many years earlier on for standing up for unemployed people and beneficiaries and being a street protestor.

She told this week: “I have been copping it for four years.”

She has moved house several times to protect her privacy. It is what happens when you stand up for what you believe.

The issue still rumbles on despite the $9 million referendum when 87. She also has special dispensation from Parliament to leave her name and address off the electoral roll. .6 per cent voted ‘No’ to “Should a smack as part of good parental correction be a criminal offence in New Zealand?”

Bradford said that as well as being abused and intimidated, her office had been flooded with letters and emails from parents telling her they would go on whacking their children.

One hateful opponent threatened to make a sawn-off shotgun to take out Bradford and any MPs who supported her. In 2007, she was targeted with menacing taunts on the CYFS Watch website.

There were also threats to publish her home address unless she backed down.

Another nutter, intent on teaching her the difference between a smack and a serious assault, threatened to punch her, “hopefully breaking her nose or jaw”.

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She said at the time: “I think it’s indicative of some of the people that are campaigning against me