* Australian economic condition won't support a Rudd government
* Telstra employees picture
* Journalists target CIA over Wikipedia kerfuffle
* Drag racing Bus Drivers caught .. on film
* Police believe Maddie McCann dead, parents were never suspects
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First pic of sacked Telstra sex girl
By Michelle Cazzulino
THIS is Carlie Streeter, the woman at the centre of a sex romp involving several Telstra employees.
Along with former workers Aakash Sharma, Steve Hatzistergos and one other unnamed worker, Ms Streeter was sacked by the telco giant following an investigation into her actions in the hours after a belated staff Christmas function in February.
Ms Streeter has kept a low profile since her behaviour at the party came to light in an Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) ruling last Friday. Her lawyer yesterday refused to comment when contacted by The Daily Telegraph.
Telstra has accused Ms Streeter of sexually harassing three female colleagues by having sex with Mr Sharma and Mr Hatzistergos on two separate occasions.
It also claimed she sexually harassed a female colleague, who was forced to use the toilet while Ms Streeter was naked in a hotel bathtub with both men.
The incidents took place in the early hours of February 25 at Cronulla's seafront Rydges Hotel.
Earlier, a group of workers from Telstra's Miranda shop, in Sydney's south, had met at Northies Pub in Cronulla before moving on to the Naked Grape restaurant.
After the party, three female staff checked into the hotel room, which had been booked earlier.
Shortly after 1am, Mr Hatzistergos and Mr Sharma and a former store employee arrived and went for a swim in the Rydges pool.
The AIRC heard Ms Streeter, who appeared "very drunk'', arrived later.
According to testimony given during the hearing, the female employees went to sleep but one later awoke to discover Ms Streeter having sex with Mr Sharma.
After 10 minutes, the pair moved into the bathroom where they were again heard having sex.
One of the Telstra workers present in the room, Daniela Hyett, told the AIRC that she woke separately and needed to go to the toilet but found the bathroom door locked.
Ms Streeter opened it and Ms Hyett entered to find Mr Sharma and Mr Hatzistergos naked in the bath.
Ms Streeter returned to the bath while Ms Hyett was on the toilet - a situation Ms Hyett testified had embarrassed her and led to "stage fright'' because the trio were watching.
A complaint was subsequently made to Telstra management and an investigation was launched, leading to Ms Streeter's dismissal.
She took her case to the AIRC arguing that her termination was "harsh, unjust or unreasonable''.
The AIRC last Friday upheld her claim and directed Telstra to reinstate Ms Streeter and to compensate her for lost wages.
Earlier this week, the telco announced it would appeal the ruling.
Ms Streeter had previously indicated that she would be prepared to return to work at a Telstra outlet other than Miranda.
Ms Streeter could not be contacted for comment this week.
Wikipedia Scanner outs Vatican, CIA
from news.com.au
The CIA has been accused of editing entries on the interactive encyclopedia Wikipedia.
Wikipedia Scanner, an online tool, allegedly shows that workers on the agency's computers edited the page of Iran's president, the BBC reported.
It also purportedly shows that the Vatican has edited entries about Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams and "massaged" entries on several Catholic Saints.
It is believed the Vatican removed a link to newspaper stories alleging Mr Adams's fingerprints and handprints were found on a car used during a double murder in 1971.
On the profile of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the tool indicates a worker on the CIA network reportedly added "Wahhhhhh!" before a section on the leader's plans for his presidency.
Though Wikipedia posted a warning on the profile of the anonymous editor saying: “You have recently vandalized a Wikipedia article, and you are now being asked to stop this type of behavior”, the CIA denied confirming whether the Internet traffic came from any of the agency computers.
“I cannot confirm that the traffic you cite came from agency computers.
"I'd like in any case to underscore a far larger and more significant point that no one should doubt or forget: The CIA has a vital mission in protecting the United States, and the focus of this agency is there, on that decisive work,” an agency spokesman said.
A user at the US Democratic party headquarters was responsible for editing American right-wing radio DJ Rush Limbaugh's entry to describe him as a "racist" and a "bigot", while describing his audience as "legally retarded".
Other, more innocuous, changes include tweaks to celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey.
According to SBS.com, it seems the most widespread changes have been made by the Diebold company, supplier of the infamous voting machines at the centre of the storm surrounding the 2000 US presidential elections.
Wikipedia Scanner shows company employees have removed up to 15 paragraphs of content describing its involvement in the controversial 'hanging chad' votes that were not counted in the poll.
Cops to busy to tell McCann's of Maddie 'death'
from news.com.au
PORTUGAL police officers have been "too busy" to tell the parents of Madeleine McCann that they believe their daughter is dead, the country's most senior policeman said.
In his first interview since the four-year-old's disappearance on March 3, the police department's national director Alipio Ribeiro said police were now working on the "strong hypothesis" that the missing child was dead, but had not had the time to tell Gerry and Kate McCann about the change in investigations, The Daily Mail reported.
"They (the McCann's) are being informed into what happens, but it is a very dynamic investigation, with many hypotheses and more can still arise," Chief Inspector Ribeiro said.
"We cannot explain everything to them that we investigate."
McCanns "not suspects"
Chief Insp Ribeiro gave the strongest assurance to date that police do not consider the McCann's as suspects in the disappearance of their four-year-old daughter, The Daily Mail reported.
"The parents have never, ever been suspects," he said.
Police "have no idea"
He also admitted that the police "have no idea" why Madeleine was targeted, or what has happened to her.
"The hypothesis (that she is dead) is apparent to everyone," he said.
"Although it's true that it's a strong hypothesis and there is always that possibility, we cannot say that she is dead.
"We have to be clear that we are working to clear up a difficult situation, above all in relation to the motive. It could have been for money, for revenge, for hate. We don't know.
"It is not easy. There is a long way yet to go and it would be frivolous of me to say we are near the end."
Cops "feeding lies"
He criticised police officers on the case "who know nothing" but had been feeding lies and speculation to the Portugese press, The Daily Mail reported.
He said the person often briefing papers was a lower-ranking officer who didn't know anything but wanted to inflate his own importance.
Chief Insp Ribeiro said he was awaiting the results of DNA tests on blood samples found on a wall and curtains at the McCann's apartment.
The tests are being carried out by British government-owned laboratories in Birmingham.
Bus drivers caught drag-racing
By Simon Benson
SYDNEY bus drivers have been caught on camera drag racing through a Western Suburbs tunnel and photographing their feats in a competition to see who can reach the highest speed.
In one incident two weeks ago - listed in a secret file documenting nearly 200 offences in a single month - a driver was recorded travelling at 75km/h in a 20km/h zone.
Security footage shows buses speeding side-by-side down the RTA-owned Patrick St bus tunnel leading to a commuter bus stop under Westpoint shopping centre in Blacktown.
In another incident, recorded eight days ago, a pedestrian is shown running out of the way to avoid being hit by a bus careering into the tunnel from the surface road.
In March, a bus was caught sliding into a tunnel wall after speeding around a corner.
The hoonish behaviour appears widespread and involves drivers from Hillbus, Westbus and Busways.
Security guards at the terminal have asked police to set up radar traps.
But police say they are prevented from acting because of safety issues in the tunnel.
Speed bumps removed
To add insult to injury, bus unions have forced the RTA to reduce the number of speed bumps in the tunnel, claiming they were posing an occupational safety issue for drivers' backs.
According to the secret dossier, there were 196 incidents recorded in June alone, involving a range of offences by bus drivers.
At least 10 official warnings have been issued, yet despite the catalogue of incidents being sent to RTA managers they have been slow to act.
A series of emails between the RTA and the bus firms, reveal fears over passenger and pedestrian safety.
"The RTA has experienced (in open road situations) drivers intentionally speeding to see who can get the highest number and photographing it as proof," read a July 11 email from the RTA's western Sydney regional manager Craig Murray to private operator Busways.
Busways planning manager Dave Davies responded by recommending technology be installed in the buses to slow them down.
Security guards warned RTA of problem
An email to the RTA from security guards at the bus terminal warned of the problem, which has escalated since the $30 million terminal opened last year.
"I am being overwhelmed by reports of driver behaviour endangering public safety in the tunnel area," one email from a security guard to Mr Murray said.
"The behaviour includes speeding, dropping people off in pedestrian areas, smoking in a non-smoking environment, disobeying traffic signals, causing traffic congestion by using the tunnel as a parking area."
Mr Murray responded by issuing powers to the security firm.
"Until further arrangements are in place where a bus is observed speeding ... you and security guards are required to stop and enter the bus, seek details of the driver's name and take note of the bus number," he said.
Opposition spokesman on road safety Andrew Fraser said Premier Morris Iemma "can't talk tough on hoons while turning a blind eye as the RTA tunnel in Blacktown is used as a drag racing strip for bus drivers".
October 20 tipped for federal election date
By Malcolm Farr
MPs are preparing for a late October polling day as the election countdown begins for real.
Parliament last night rose for a three-week break after what might have been the last Question Time before the election.
Parliament is to return for two weeks on Tuesday, September 11 after the APEC summit in Sydney.
Prime Minister John Howard will host a visit by Canadian counterpart Stephen Harper, who will address Parliament on that day.
The talk is that Mr Howard will farewell his guest on Wednesday and then call on Governor-General Michael Jeffery to call the election.
That would leave 5 1/2 weeks before voting on October 20.
Labor believes that's what Mr Howard should do but yesterday said he may want to put back the polling day to November.
Voters expected a three-year term from election day October 9 in 2004, Labor's manager of business in the House of Representatives Anthony Albanese said.
"I think the public (has) a right to expect an October election."
The Prime Minister indicated it might be put back until November 3 or 10, saying he wanted Parliament to pass new laws allowing for plebiscites of Queensland municipal councils facing amalgamation.
"We're going to introduce it today if possible and obviously pass it when we come back in a few weeks time," Mr Howard said.
However, a November election would mean the Government having to campaign on October 24 as new inflation figures come out.
The chance of another rate rise would firm if inflation has broken through 3 per cent a year, or not dropped from just under 3 per cent.
The Reserve Bank would decide on future rates early in November -- after a November 3 poll.
However, a burst of inflation would be seen as a guarantee of another increase on the way and damage the Government's election campaign before the RBA decision.
The Prime Minister yesterday said the legislation, which Labor is backing, for plebiscites in Queensland local government would stop Premier Peter Beattie's "jackboot".
"Let your people speak," Mr Howard said rhetorically to Mr Beattie in Parliament.
However, the chief purpose of the legislation is seen to be political and just by introducing it Mr Howard has made his point to Queensland voters.
An October polling day would come after most football grand finals and before the Government could be accused of delaying the time when voters decide.
Just about everything now is being seen in the context of the election which has yet to be called.
Watching Parliament yesterday from the public gallery was former Labor Foreign Minister Gareth Evans, which prompted Mr Rudd to have a poke at current Foreign Minister Alexander Downer.
"It's good to have Gareth back in the Chamber, a foreign minister with experience," said Mr Rudd.
Mr Howard shot back: "It's interesting the Leader of the Opposition places a premium on experience."
Desperate Gillard claims "Labor offers big picture differences"
From news.com.au
THE Federal Opposition has dismissed criticism of its support for government policies, saying there are many differences between the two sides.
The government has attacked Labor for supporting it on policy matters such as economic management and the ballot for Queensland councils, which are likely to become key election issues.
Ms Gillard said although Labor agrees with some government policy there are clear differences between the two sides.
"We agree with the government on some things some, some things about economic policy we are bi-partisan,'' Ms Gillard said.
"We're keen to make that point and if the government's got an idea we agree with well we won't...quibble.''
However there are some very big picture differences between Labor and the government, Ms Gillard said.
"My own portfolio of industrial relations, climate change, the education system, how we're going to build prosperity beyond this resources boom.
"We'll keep arguing on those issues there will be a lot for people to look at between now and the election.''
Ms Gillard has still not responded to this challenge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmkHZrhmjjc
Beattie makes unbelievable claim over local councils referendum "Federal laws flimsy"
from news.com.au
QUEENSLAND Premier Peter Beattie said new federal laws aimed at overturning his ban on councils holding plebiscites over forced amalgamations would not survive a High Court challenge.
Prime Minister John Howard yesterday introduced the emergency laws to override legislation giving the Queensland Government power to sack councils who hold polls on the enforced mergers.
Council amalgamations will slash the number of local councils from 156 to 72.
Mr Beattie has threatened to challenge the federal legislation in the High Court.
"Our legal advice is it's (the Federal Government's legislation) very flimsy," he told Channel 7 today.
Mr Beattie said the bill deals with the Australian Electoral Commission's ability to conduct local council plebiscites rather than local councils themselves.
"As I said, it's in the section that talks about the Australian Electoral Commission being able to offer their services for money," he said.
"It wouldn't last a High Court challenge to be honest. The issue is whether we bother to do it or not."
The prime minster's intervention on the council amalgamations was politically motivated, Mr Beattie said.
"This is just about tricky politics, nothing else," he said.
"He (Mr Howard) knows he's in trouble politically, he knows that Queensland is an important state and it's just about tricky politics."
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