Bernanke urges more action on recovery

Outgoing US Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke has called his time as chairman "eventful". Source: AAP

FEDERAL Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, who steps down at the end of January, has called for more action to ensure the United States recovers from the economic and financial crisis.

In a speech at the annual meeting of the American Economic Association in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Bernanke retraced the eight years he spent at the helm of the US central bank as it tackled the 2008 financial crisis and the Great Recession.

"Needless to say, my tenure has been eventful - for the Federal Reserve, for the country, and for me personally," Bernanke said, according to the text of his speech.

"We took extraordinary measures to meet extraordinary economic challenges," said the chairman, who will be succeeded on February 1 by his vice chair, Janet Yellen, pending her approval by the Senate.

Highlighting that the US unemployment rate fell from 10 per cent in 2009 to 7.0 per cent recently, Bernanke nevertheless insisted: "Much progress has been made, but more remains to be done. "

The jobless rate "still is elevated," he said, reiterating concerns about the "unusually high" number of long-term unemployed and declining participation in the labour force, in part probably due to workers discouraged by poor job prospects.

Bernanke said that an important factor holding back the economy was "disappointing" productivity growth.

"The reasons for weak productivity growth are not entirely clear," he said.

He said it may be the result of the severity of the financial crisis that tightened credit conditions, inhibiting innovation, or may reflect longer-term trends unrelated to the recession.

"Obviously, the resolution of the productivity puzzle will be important in shaping our expectations for longer-term growth."

He said the Fed's decision in mid-December to modestly taper its $85 billion a month asset-purchase program did not indicate any lesser commitment to maintain an easy-money policy "for as long as needed."

Instead, the taper "reflected the progress we have made toward our goal of substantial improvement in the labour market outlook that we set out when we began the current purchase program in September 2012."

The Fed intends to keep its key interest rate near zero "well past" the time that the unemployment threshold of 6.5 per cent is crossed, he said, particularly if inflation continues to run below 2.0 per cent.

Bernanke emphasised his efforts to make the central bank more transparent, saying it had been one of his initial goals when he took the post in February 2006, just as the housing price bubble collapsed and triggered the financial crisis.

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Criminals are driving alcohol policy: AHA

A hotel industry body says NSW is making alcohol policies based on the actions of a few criminals. Source: AAP

NSW is making alcohol policies based on the actions of a few criminals, says a hotel industry body.

Opposing Newcastle-style 1am lockouts and 3am last drinks, the Australian Hotels Association's John Green says a combined effort is needed to deal with the problem.

This includes harsh prison sentences that show society will not tolerate "coward punches".

Mr Green also suggests looking at high-visibility policing.

"The licensees have a role to play, patrons have a roll to play, mates have a roll to play," Mr Green, NSW policing director of the association, told Network Seven on Saturday.

Shutting people out at 1am would drive people into late-trading venues earlier, he said.

Earlier lock-outs and closing times would cause crowds of people to be on the street at a time when there was no transport and insufficient police.

"We are making policy based on the actions of a few criminals," said Mr Green, whose association has has been accused of being in bed with the NSW government on the issue.

He said the New Year's Eve Kings Cross assault on Daniel Christie, 18, happened between 9pm and 10pm, as did the 2012 fatal attack on Thomas Kelly.

Mr Christie is in a critical condition in hospital.

Mr Kelly's parents have called for tougher sentences for alcohol-related crimes.

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Vic principals to get more expulsion power

The state government says Victorian principals will be given more discretion to suspend students. Source: AAP

VICTORIAN school principals will be given more discretion to suspend and expel misbehaving students, the state government says.

Education Minister Martin Dixon said a new ministerial order would simplify the process for suspension and expulsion, as well as creating an expert group to help principals where needed.

New grounds for suspension and expulsion - including bringing weapons to school and dangerous behaviour - have been added to the guidelines.

The new regulations mean a meeting between the student, a parent and the school must take place before an expulsion can take place, Mr Dixon said.

"Suspensions and expulsions are the absolute last resort when it comes to a schools disciplinary tools," he said on Saturday.

"The new ministerial order simplifies the process and gives school principals, who know their students best and who are accountable to their parents and the local community, the ability to make the decisions themselves."

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Human remains found in burnt-out Vic car

HUMAN remains have been found inside a burnt-out car belonging to a man who has been missing since Christmas Day, Victorian police say.

The vehicle found pushed back from the side of a road near Bendigo is owned by 47-year-old William Stevenson, of Kerang in central Victoria.

Mr Stevenson's 1996 green Mitsubishi Magna sedan was discovered by a police officer at around 5.30pm (AEDT) on Wednesday.

Police say the remains are yet to be formally identified and the car is undergoing forensic testing.

The human remains are those of a man but no cause of death had been determined, Detective Senior Sergeant Ron Iddles told reporters at the scene on Thursday.

Two people are in custody assisting detectives with their inquiries.

The car was extensively burnt and could have been there for a number of days, police say.

Det Sen Sgt Iddles said the vehicle was moved by another vehicle after it was set on fire.

"If someone has moved the car, they are not in trouble, we just need to eliminate all possibilities," he said.

The fact that nobody had reported the fire was "odd".

Anyone with any information about who moved the car should contact police, Det Sen Sgt Iddles said.

Mr Stevenson was last seen by friends and was reported missing after he failed to turn up to work.

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Sleeping woman assaulted on Sydney train

A young woman has been indecently assaulted while asleep on a Sydney train, police say. Source: AAP

A YOUNG woman has been indecently assaulted while asleep on a Sydney train, police say.

The 21-year-old woman boarded a train at Circular Quay about 5pm (AEDT) on Wednesday, but after falling asleep, missed her Erskineville stop in Sydney's inner west.

She told police she was woken by a man indecently assaulting her and pushed him away before getting off the train at Bankstown.

Police want to speak to a man described as Caucasian with grey hair and aged in his mid-40s.

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Pilbara iron ore operations resume

Iron ore operations in WA are returning to normal after Tropical Cyclone Christine was downgraded. Source: AAP

AUSTRALIA'S biggest iron ore miners are restarting operations after Tropical Cyclone Christine forced the closure of mine, rail and port facilities in the Pilbara.

Christine crossed the Pilbara coast between Whim Creek and Roebourne about midnight (WST) on Monday night as a category three cyclone, but the system weakened significantly and a cyclone warning has now been cancelled.

Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton and Fortescue Metals Group said employees were returning to work and any significant impact to production would be reported in the coming months.

A Rio spokesman said the company's inland Pilbara mines had resumed operations.

"We have commenced recovery processes in our ports, rail operations and our coastal towns," he said.

The company was continuing to focus on the safety and wellbeing of employees, their families and Pilbara communities, he added.

BHP Billiton said its port and rail operations had resumed in Port Hedland, with only minor damage sustained to equipment.

"All mines are also fully operational. No personnel were injured on site as a result of cyclone preparation or recovery efforts."

The company said any material impact to production would be reported in its next operational review.

Fortescue Metals Group said its port and rail operations had been given the all clear, and employees were safe and returning to work.

"There have been no reports of damage to infrastructure," Fortescue said.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a flood warning for Pilbara coastal rivers due to heavy rains and forecast thunderstorms in the region.

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US tanker train burns for second day

Tanker cars carrying crude oil continue to burn for a second day after a collision in North Dakota. Source: AAP

AT least two tanker cars of crude oil from the collision of two freight trains are still burning in the US state of North Dakota, authorities say.

There were no casualties in the Monday afternoon accident, in which one train with more than 100 carriages derailed and was struck by an oncoming train. The collision set off a series of explosions.

Tara Morris, spokeswoman for the Cass County Sheriff's Office, said that two to three cars were still burning on Tuesday at the site, about 40 kilometres west of Fargo, North Dakota. The fires were being allowed to burn out.

Billowing black smoke from the fires prompted local authorities to urge residents within an 8km radius to evacuate the area. About 1500 people chose to leave the adjoining town of Casselton, population 2400, in the hours after the disaster, Morris said.

Home video after the initial collision showed towers of flame bursting out of exploding cars.

A team of investigators was dispatched from the US National Transportation Safety Board in Washington and is already at the scene, Morris said.

"We are thankful there have been no injuries as a result of the derailment near Casselton, North Dakota, and are terribly sorry for the inconvenience this derailment has caused residents in the area," Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railroad said.

The company, based in Fort Worth, Texas, and owned by billionaire investor Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc, said that its claims officers were already on the scene on Tuesday to begin compensation for people who suffered damage or loss of business, including a claim centre already opened at a Casselton hotel.

BNSF hazardous materials specialists worked through the night with North Dakota authorities to assist in the response.

A westbound grain train with 112 cars derailed at 2.10pm on Monday, less that 2km west of Casselton. It was struck by an eastbound train with 106 cars hauling crude oil, BNSF said.

The railroad estimated that more than 20 cars burned after the collision. The train crews escaped uninjured.

Most of the more than 200 cars remained on the rails, and many have been hauled to safety away from the scene, BNSF said.

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Alleged king hit attacker refused bail

A MAN accused of king hitting a teenager in an "horrific" attack that left him fighting for his life punched four other victims during the same assault, a Sydney court has heard.

Daniel Christie, 18, is in a critical condition in St Vincent's Hospital after he was punched in the face in Kings Cross during New Year's Eve celebrations.

The court heard Mr Christie was shielding other alleged victims when he was punched by his alleged attacker, Shaun McNeil.

McNeil, 25, faced Parramatta Bail Court via videolink on Wednesday where he cried as he was refused bail.

He has been charged with one count of causing grievous bodily harm to Mr Christie, one count of assaulting Mr Christie's brother, Peter Christie, and two counts of common assault.

Wearing a forensic suit, he said little during his court appearance on Wednesday.

According to facts tendered in court, McNeil had just left the Punchbowl bar in Kings Cross on Tuesday with his girlfriend when he got into a verbal altercation with two young men and an unidentified boy.

After allegedly telling them he was a mixed martial arts fighter, McNeil struck the boy before punching both of his friends, causing them to fall to the ground, the facts said.

As the boy ran one way, the two men ran down the street and attempted to hide behind Mr Christie, who was then allegedly targeted by McNeil.

"The victim has fallen backward and struck his head on the pavement, causing immediate life-threatening injuries," the facts said.

When Peter Christie tried to intervene, McNeil then turned on him, allegedly punching him and splitting his lip.

McNeil was arrested by police shortly afterwards.

Police Prosecutor Sergeant Lisa McEvoy said McNeil, who has a history of violence, was celebrating in the city from 9am and had drunk around eight beers and one glass of wine.

"At the end of his time in town, there's a man on the floor with a fractured skull and suspected brain injury and other people with cut lips," she said.

McNeil has several convictions for violence and dishonesty, the court heard.

Sgt McEvoy said the police facts in the case were "horrific".

"This was completely unprovoked," she said.

The alleged assaults occurred on the same street on the late-night strip where teenage king hit victim Thomas Kelly was killed in 2012.

"Mr McNeil does not live in a box," Sgt McEvoy said.

"He is aware of the circumstances surrounding the recent death of a young man, not to mention the few other young men who ended up in hospital (in similar circumstances)."

The court heard McNeil told police he was acting to "protect" his girlfriend.

His lawyer said the young men tried to sell him drugs.

McNeil was "very sad" when he heard about Mr Christie's life-threatening injuries, the court heard.

Registrar Steptoe refused bail, noting the "current climate" of unprovoked assaults in Sydney.

McNeil will face court again on Monday.

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Road deaths down in NSW, cyclists at risk

2013 saw the lowest number of people die on NSW's roads for almost 90 years, the government says. Source: AAP

LAST year saw the lowest number of people die on NSW's roads for almost 90 years, the government says.

But, while the number of pedestrian deaths is the lowest since records began in 1928, cyclist fatalities have doubled since 2012.

NSW Minister for Roads Duncan Gay on Wednesday said the 2013 NSW road toll was the lowest since 1924 with provisional figures indicating 339 people were killed, down from 369 in 2012.

"While fewer fatalities is encouraging, that still means 339 people do not get to spend the new year with friends and family, and their loss will be felt by everyone they knew as we start 2014," he said in a statement.

Centre for Road Safety general manager Marg Prendergast said the toll was not only the best since 1924, but also down by more than a third from a decade ago, when the road toll was 539.

The main reasons for the improvements were reductions in passenger and pedestrian deaths, she said.

In 2013, 49 passengers died, down 40 per cent on the previous year, while 42 pedestrians were killed, down 24 per cent on 2012.

"This is the lowest number of pedestrian fatalities since those records began in 1928," Ms Prendergast said.

Country NSW has also seen fewer deaths on their roads, down 13 per cent from 2012.

But there were more motorcycle and cyclist deaths in 2013 than 2012.

While 61 motorcycle riders lost their lives in 2012, 71 died in 2013.

For cyclists, fatalities have doubled since 2012, with 14 people dying in 2013.

"We're developing a new Cycling Safety Strategy and are determined to bring down the number of cycling deaths," she said.

Mr Gay urged all road users not to become complacent.

"Fatigue and speeding are major issues during the holidays with motorists rushing to their destination, going too fast, pushing on when they are tired or setting out without having a good night's sleep," he said.

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Big miners batten down for Pilbara cyclone

Australia's biggest iron ore miners have suspended exports as a cyclone heads towards the WA coast. Source: AAP

AUSTRALIA'S biggest iron ore miners have stopped loading ships and suspended rail operations as cyclone Christine heads towards the Pilbara coast.

Late on Monday the category three system was 135km north of Port Hedland and 250km northeast of Karratha, and moving southwest at 12km/h towards the Pilbara coast.

BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Fortescue Metals Group have suspended their port operations in the region.

BHP said "tie-down" activities at Port Hedland, Australia's largest iron ore export port, have been completed.

"Extreme weather preparations continue across our mining operations in line with alerts issued by Department of Fire and Emergency Services," BHP said in a statement.

"Any production impacts will be in our next operational report."

The highest priority is to ensure the safety of employees, BHP said.

Rio Tinto said ship loading and rail operations have been suspended, with all staff at the port sent off site for their safety.

The company's inland mine operations continue as normal.

Fortescue Metals Group said its Port Hedland operations and rail operations had been secured, in line with the company's cyclone readiness procedures.

"Conditions are being closely monitored and plans will be updated accordingly," the company said.

Cyclone Christine is expected to cross the coast between Port Hedland and Karratha on Monday night or early Tuesday morning, with gusts of more than 200kmh expected near the centre of the storm.

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Icebreaker unable to reach Antarctic ship

Australian icebreaker Aurora Australis is battling to reach a cruise ship stranded in the Antarctic. Source: AAP

A STRANDED research ship will spend its seventh night wedged in Antarctic sea ice after strong winds pushed back an Australian icebreaker sent to its rescue.

The Aurora Australis icebreaker battled through enough sea ice on Monday to come within 10 nautical miles of the stranded vessel, which is carrying more than 70 scientists, explorers and tourists.

But in the latest setback to the on-going rescue mission, the icebreaker abandoned its first attempt and sailed into open water as poor weather moved in.

Rescue authorities have now put the mission on hold over safety concerns, but may try again when the weather improves.

"Further attempts may be made by the vessel ... once weather conditions improve," said Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) spokeswoman Lisa Martin.

The icebreaker arrived near the Antarctic coast at 2am (AEDT) on Monday in a final bid to break through the pack ice surrounding the MV Akademik Shokalskiy, located about 1500 nautical miles south of Hobart.

Two icebreakers have already given up on efforts to push through the thick and dangerous ice floes to free the trapped ship.

The ship's passengers, from Australia and New Zealand, have been stuck on the ship since Christmas Eve.

The ship had been undertaking the Spirit of Mawson voyage, which is retracing Sir Douglas Mawson's Antarctic expedition.

Professor Chris Turney of the University of NSW is leading the expedition, consisting of scientists, explorers and enthusiasts undertaking climate research.

He has continued to post updates about the failed rescue attempts on social media sites, saying the weather was poor but he remains hopeful since ice appears to be breaking up near the trapped ship.

"Cracks are developing around the bow. Hope this helps," he wrote on Twitter.

"High winds this am; sorry for limited comms. Set up tent on top deck. All well. ... Waiting game!"

The Aurora is the last ship in the area that will be able to help.

If it can't battle through the ice in another attempt, authorities will look at ferrying the trapped passengers to safety by helicopter.

The Akademik Shokalskiy sent a distress call on Christmas Day after becoming trapped in heavy sea ice.

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Girl killed, five injured in NSW crash

A YOUNG girl has been killed and five other people injured in a single-vehicle crash in the state's Hunter region.

The crash occurred about 50 kilometres south of Cessnock on George Downes Drive, Bucketty, shortly before 1pm (AEDT) Monday, police said.

It was first thought that a man had died in the crash, but police and the NSW Ambulance Service now say a young girl was killed.

They say she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said a woman in her 30s, believed to be the driver, and another young girl suffering a serious head injury were airlifted to hospital.

NSW Ambulance said three other people were treated at the scene for abrasions and minor injuries then airlifted to Westmead Hospital by a second rescue helicopter.

Emergency services are at the scene which will be examined by Crash Unit Investigators.

The young girl's death takes NSW's road toll to seven.

The national road toll period runs from midnight December 23, 2013 until midnight January 3, 2014, local times, in line with the Australia New Zealand Policing Advisory Board.

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Quakes sink part of Mexico highway near US

A section of a Mexican highway near the US border has collapsed after a series of small earthquakes. Source: AAP

A 275-METRE section of a Mexican highway near the US border has collapsed, sinking about 30m after a series of small earthquakes.

Mexico's federal highway authority says the collapse occurred about 93km south of the border city of Tijuana.

The road leads to the port city of Ensenada, on the Baja California peninsula.

The agency said on Saturday the road was closed in the early morning hours, after the collapse was detected.

The agency said the collapse was caused by seven small earthquakes ranging in magnitude from 1.3 to 4.3.

It said the roadway runs over a known geological fault in the area, and that it had been raining heavily.

No injuries were reported.

Traffic was being diverted onto a smaller, non-toll highway.

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WA's Taste Master reluctant to leave

JUMPING out of a plane was not as frightening as scaling the famously hair-raising Gloucester Tree in Western Australia's South West region, the man with one of the best jobs in the world says.

Rich Keam counts the 72-metre tree near Pemberton as the only challenge that's bested him in his enviable role as Tourism WA's "taste master" over the past four months.

The 35-year-old Englishman believes he scored the best of all seven gigs offered by Tourism Australia - including "chief funster" in NSW - as he's tasked with munching his way through WA's considerable culinary delights after beating more than 600,000 other applicants from around the world.

With about six weeks of his six-month contract remaining, he's yet to take in the temperate towns of Denmark, Albany and Esperance in the state's Great Southern region, and Geraldton in the Mid West.

But he's been dazzled by the Kimberley's rugged beauty, relished the South West - where he rubbed shoulders with top chefs such as Heston Blumenthal at the Margaret River Gourmet Escape - and taken the plunge from a tiny plane in the middle of Perth.

"I was absolutely terrified," Keam said of the tandem dive that landed him in the city's central Langley Park.

"I'm tall, so I had to stick my leg out onto the wheel and go head first down. That was surreal."

However, it wasn't as scary as trying to climbing 153 thin pegs to the top of the Gloucester Tree, a former fire lookout in the middle of Karri forest.

Keam twice made it about 15 metres up then declared: "I'm coming down!".

"My eyes were blurring, I got sweaty hands.

"I'd sooner jump out of a plane.

"If there was a harness, I'd do it, but that's the challenge, isn't it - to do it without a harness."

Keam said another top adventure was participating in the Kickstarters Gascoyne Dash, which starts in desert inland from Carnarvon.

The Brighton-based film costumer reached 220km in a souped-up buggy driven by WA's off-road racing champion Bradley Cooper, but it was the people he met in the fishing town that left the greatest impression.

"I just had a great time there," he said.

"There were really friendly people in Carnarvon - some real characters."

And after sampling boab tuber chutney, ants and pearl meat, Keam's gourmet highlight was at the Sal Salis luxury eco-camp on the Coral Coast at Ningaloo Reef, where he feasted on pork belly and mud crab salad.

"I was the only person there," Keam said.

"It was so peaceful and serene, looking out at the ocean, so I took two hours to eat it."

Keam says he'll miss WA - the ultimate self-drive holiday destination with its vast distances - and its family-friendly capital.

"I don't really want to leave.

"I'd like to stay here for a couple of years."

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Icebreaker 100 miles from stuck ship

An Aussie icebreaker is about 100 nautical miles from a ship trapped in sea ice near Antarctica. Source: AAP

AN Australian icebreaker is closing in on a ship wedged in Antarctic sea ice as part of a second rescue mission to free the stricken vessel.

A group of scientists, explorers and tourists has been stuck on the Russian research ship MV Akademik Shokalskiy, about 1500 nautical miles south of Hobart, for the past five days.

Two icebreakers have given up on efforts to push through the thick and dangerous ice floes near Antarctica to try to free the trapped research vessel.

A third icebreaker, Australia's Aurora Australis, is on its way to the ship and is due to arrive about 1am (NZT) on Monday.

It is the last ship in the area that will be able to help.

The Aurora Australis was about 100 nautical miles from the trapped ship at 2pm (AEDT),(4pm NZT), the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said in a statement.

If it can't battle through the ice, AMSA says a second option may be to consider ferrying trapped passengers with a helicopter.

The locked-in ship, with 74 people on board, including several New Zealanders, sent a distress call on Christmas Day after becoming trapped in heavy sea ice.

The ship had been undertaking the Spirit of Mawson voyage, which is retracing Australian explorer Sir Douglas Mawson's Antarctic expedition.

Professor Chris Turney of the University of NSW is leading the expedition, consisting of scientists, explorers and enthusiasts undertaking climate research.

He insisted during several interviews with international media outlets that everyone was in good spirits despite the ordeal.

The Aurora icebreaker is rated at being able to push through ice slightly deeper than one metre thick.

China's Snow Dragon icebreaker, which came within six-and-a-half nautical miles of the stuck ship before turning back out of safety fears, is standing by in case its helicopter will be needed.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said four New Zealanders are on board, but there may be as many as six, according to media reports.

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