Truce on hardline sentencing

THE NSW Opposition has pledged to end the 'law and order auction' in a dramatic break with the tradition of promising to increase punishments and fill jails that has characterised every state election campaign since 1988. more (Sydney Morning Herald — 20 minutes ago)

• Deterrence more important than prisoner numbers: AG (Sydney Morning Herald)

Meeting at mining town to discuss job cuts

Residents of the central Queensland town of Tieri will meet to discuss the looming loss of 230 jobs at the town's Xstrata Coal mine. - Brisbane Times more (The Brisbane Times — 3 hours ago)

Dogs kill child, maul young sister

WHEN Doug and Marleen Aliendi responded to cries for help from a neighbouring house in the Riverina town of Whitton yesterday they came upon a scene they will never forget. more (Sydney Morning Herald — 20 minutes ago)

• Toddler killed by dog (The Brisbane Times)
• Toddler killed by dogs (Sydney Morning Herald)
• Toddler killed 'by dog' (Sydney Morning Herald)
• Three-year-old girl dies after dog attack (The Brisbane Times)

Superbug at hospital worse than golden staph

A LIFE-THREATENING superbug more difficult to treat than the notorious 'golden staph' has been found on 13 patients at Royal North Shore Hospital. more (Sydney Morning Herald — 21 minutes ago)

• 'Superbug' found at RNS (Sydney Morning Herald)

Police probe disappearance of water worth $100k

Vandals face 10 years in jail after draining over $100,000 worth of water from a key weir into a bone-dry lake in Victoria's drought-stricken north. - Brisbane Times more (The Brisbane Times — 4 hours ago)

Few secrets at Rees wedding

ON THE second floor of New York City Hall - marriage licences $35; wedding ceremonies $25 - casually dressed brides distinguish themselves with a posy, and only rarely with a traditional wedding gown. more (Sydney Morning Herald — 20 minutes ago)

• Premier Rees weds in Manhattan (Sydney Morning Herald)

Govt defends surgery lists

Health Minister says some of the 400 Queenslanders waiting years for surgery includes people who hadn't updated their contact details, were not fit for surgery due to smoking or obesity, or were awaiting minor procedures. - Brisbane Times more (The Brisbane Times — 5 hours ago)

• Patients kept waiting for surgery (The Brisbane Times)

Police, health services drive up write-offs

STATE public servants wrote off 235 government cars in 2007-08 while incurring $34.5 million in insurance claims for vehicles. the Opposition said. more (Sydney Morning Herald — 21 minutes ago)

Poodle breeder faces 150 cruelty charges

A South-East Queensland dog breeder will face 149 animal cruelty and duty of care offences following a year-long investigation by the RSPCA. - Brisbane Times more (The Brisbane Times — 7 hours ago)

Wary shoppers switch back to basics

SHOPPERS are expected to remain cautious at the check-out this year, despite slightly better than expected sales in the lead-up to the busy Christmas period. more (Sydney Morning Herald — 21 minutes ago)