Fed: AM summary for Thursday, December 14

AAP General News (Australia)
12-14-2000
Fed: AM summary for Thursday, December 14

SYDNEY, Dec 14 AAP - The main stories in today's 0800 (AEDT) edition of ABC Radio's AM program:

* The US Supreme Court clears the way for George W. Bush to become president-elect
by ruling not to include vote recounts from Florida, leaving the prospect of Bush becoming
president despite losing the popular vote. Many people are now critical of the Supreme
Court. Interviews with political experts.

* Family and Community Services Minister Jocelyn Newman prepares to release the federal
government's welfare shakeup plans, following the McClure Report she commissioned which
recommended mutual obligation for welfare recipients.

* Alleged Nazi war criminal Konrad Kalejs is arrested in Melbourne and later released
on bail following an extradition request from Latvia. Interview with Justice Minister
Amanda Vanstone who says the process may take two years.

* Some medical experts suggest blood transfusions are being over-used in Australia
and recommend new guidelines for transfusions to reduce demand on blood donations. Interview
with Professor George Reuben.

* The Australian Shareholders Association is concerned National Australian Bank director
Geoff Tomlinson is not doing enough for the bank with his 12 directorships. Interview
with ASHA director Stan Mather.

* Lawyers for two poison victims from the Panadol extortion attempt, Murray Wayper
and his mother Jane Fountain, confirm the pair will face the Queensland Crime Commission
into the Herron and Panadol extortion attempts.

* Despite winning three Olympic gold medals, the Hockeyroos may be without a sponsor
as Telstra announces it will review its sponsorship. Interview with Gwen Ford from Hockey
Australia.

* Communications Minister Richard Alston is asked by members for the Australian Tibet
Council to talk with Chinese leaders about the Panchen Lama during his visit to China
this week. Interview with Alex Butler from the council.

* Regional business travellers say the government's planned changes to Sydney's Kingsford
Smith Airport risk treating them as second-class citizens.

AAP rk/fh

KEYWORD: AM SUMMARY

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