AM summary

AAP General News (Australia)
04-11-2000
AM summary

SYDNEY, April 11 AAP - The main stories in today's 0800 (AEST) edition of the ABC's AM program:

* Zurich economist David Hale says the full sale of Telstra would save the Australian
dollar from further decline. He says it would add billions to the market capitalisation
of the stock exchange and boost Australia's reputation as a high-tech country. Mr Hale
believes the GST and the dollar are responsible for the Reserve Bank interest rate hikes.

* American bank Morgan, Stanley, Dean and Witter tells its clients the Australian dollar's
value could fall as low as US 55 cents. The bank says Australia has failed to capitalise
on the technology fever in Asia. Interview with the bank's currency analyst.

* The federal opposition argues John and Wendy, the fictional couple from the government's
GST television advertisements, would be worse off under the GST. The government says no-one
will be worse off, and the government is setting up a review mechanism for those who feel
they have been disadvantaged by the GST.

* Prime Minister John Howard strikes a deal with Northern Territory Chief Minister
Denis Burke over mandatory sentencing, giving police power to direct juvenile offenders
into diversionary programs. Former federal Labor MP Bob Collins argues against giving
police more power. Interview with Mr Collins.

* Private health funds reporting their strongest membership growth in a decade, mainly
due to the threat of higher premiums. From July people over 30 will pay more for each
year they do not take out health insurance. The federal opposition says Australians are
being frightened into joining private health funds.

* The head of the US swim team says the neck-to-ankle swimsuits would disadvantage
any swimmer who did not have access to them if they are allowed in the Sydney Olympics.

The US team has not used the suits in competition. Interview with the head of the US team.

* Some Kosovars, now illegal immigrants in Australia, are farewelled by their Victoria
community. Community members allowed to pass lit candles and hug the refugees inside the
compound.

* White farmers in Zimbabwe are awaiting a court decision that could force police to
remove squatters from the farms they have seized.

* Former taxation commissioner Trevor Boucher writes to Treasurer Peter Costello warning
him banks are set to exploit a loop-hole in the GST. The loop-hole would allow banks to
pass GST costs on to consumers. Interview with Mr Boucher.

* Proposed changes to British licensing laws would allow English pubs to stay open
24-hours a day. Interview with a Brewers and Licenced Retailers spokesman, who does not
believe pubs would want to stay open.

AAP vc/lm

KEYWORD: AM SUMMARY

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