The New South Wales Opposition says the State Government has failed to meet a deadline to make a quarter of Sydney's bus stops accessible to those with disabilities.

MELBOURNE, Jan 2 (Reuters) - Australian shares began the new year on a subdued note on Wednesday, slipping after a weaker session on Wall Street and a dip in base metals prices.

THREE police officers have been injured in an alleged attack by a NSW couple on the Gold Coast.

In contrast, activity fell in the paper, printing and publishing, and miscellaneous manufacturers sectors.

VETERAN trans-Tasman corporate raider Sir Ron Brierley's investment company Guinness Peat Group is continuing a hostile takeover bid for ownership of the Newbury horse-racing track in southern England.

Tasmanians are being urged to eat more potatoes in the United Nations (UN) declared International Year of the Potato.

Salmon specialist Tassal Group is set to expand its product range after acquiring Superior Gold, from the King Island Company, for & #36;26.5 million.

SYDNEY, Jan 2 (Reuters) - The Australian dollar was softer on its U.S. counterpart on Wednesday, but supported by interest rate differentials as yield premiums over the United States reached their highest levels in over a decade.

CURRENCY bugs and speculators are tipping the Aussie dollar to rise above US90c in the first half of 2008.

A DIRECTOR of a major credit card company has quit in shame after making a joke about Shi'ite Muslims.

STATE governments may be hurting their economies by attempting to levy stamp duty on aircraft insurance policies.

NEWLY appointed Qantas chairman Leigh Clifford can expect the new year to toll an end to the honeymoon he's been having since he assumed the role in November.

THE pace of China's breakneck economic growth is unlikely to slow sharply this year but faces the rising risk of choking on side-effects such as inflation and acid rain.

A MAN is in a critical condition after being shot by officers today in Tatura in Victoria's north, police said.

BENDIGO Bank has denied suggestions its recent interest rates rises were needed to cover the costs following its $4 billion merger with Adelaide Bank at the height of the credit crisis.

South Australian Premier Mike Rann has said that David Hicks , a convicted terrorism supporter, should apologise unconditionally to the Australian public for his actions.

MELBOURNE, Jan 2 (Reuters) - Australian shares are expected to start the new year on a softer note on Wednesday, after a weaker session on Wall Street and a dip in base metals prices that could put pressure on mining

MELBOURNE, Jan 2 (Reuters) - Australian shares are expected to start the new year on a softer note on Wednesday, after a weaker session on Wall Street and a dip in base metals prices that could put pressure on mining

The tourism industry says the severe weather conditions across south-east Queensland are starting to hurt some businesses on the Gold and Sunshine coasts.

The following substantial shareholder notices were made to the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) on Monday. New Listing [PAG.AX] Becoming a substantial holder