Treasury Wines tank on share market

Treasury Wine Estates has issued a profit warning in the wake of weaker than expected sales. Source: AAP

TREASURY Wine Estates has been hammered on the stock market, with its shares falling by 20 per cent after it issued a profit downgrade due to weaker sales in Australia and China.

The company behind Penfolds and Wolf Blass has cut its full year earnings forecast from between $230 million and $250 million to between $190 million and $210 million.

It expects first half earnings, which will be announced in February, to be between $41 million and $46 million, down from $73 million last year.

Treasury Wine shares fell to $3.64, their weakest price in almost two years, wiping $589 million from the value of the company.

Weaker than expected sales in Australia, following the company's decision to lift prices on some products and focus less on Christmas promotions, had contributed to the profit downgrade, it said.

A decline in Chinese demand for premium wine had also hit sales volumes.

Treasury Wine also said it had continued to reduce shipments to the US while increasing investment across the group, especially in Asia.

The profit downgrade is the latest in a string of bad news for Treasury Wine, which last year poured more than $35 million worth of excess or aged commercial stock down the drain in the US.

The controversial move, which was part of a broader $160 million writedown, ultimately led to the departure of chief executive David Dearie.

Law Firm Maurice Blackburn and litigation funder IMF last October announced funding of a class action against Treasury Wine, alleging the company misled the market and breached its continuous disclosure obligations in its communication of the financial impact of over-stocked US distributors to investors.

On Thursday, Maurice Blackburn managing principal Ben Slade said the latest profit downgrade raised "questions of transparency" about the company's operations.

"TWE's announcement this morning suggests that continuous disclosure requirements may not have been complied with," he said in a statement.

"We are confident that the company's shock $190 million downgrade announcement in July last year was indicative of such a breach. It may have happened again."

13.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

MP says give 'measly' $25m to SPC

Federal cabinet will discuss a proposal to co-invest in SPC Ardmona's fruit processing operations. Source: AAP

PRIME Minister Tony Abbott has used the rejection of taxpayer support for fruit processor SPC Ardmona to set an important "marker" for how his government will deal with requests for industry assistance.

The 93-year-old Victorian company wanted a $25 million federal grant, topped up by $25 million from the Victorian government and its own $150 million investment, for new product development and technology to prop up its operation.

But after three hours of debate in federal cabinet on Thursday, Mr Abbott said the plan was rejected because it was not the government's job to restructure a particular business.

The decision, which workers and growers fear will lead to the operation's closure, comes weeks after Holden's bid for support was rejected and its parent company General Motors announced the end of car production in Australia in 2017.

"The decision that came from the cabinet today does set an important marker," Mr Abbott said.

"This is a government which will make sure that the restructuring that some Australian businesses need, that some Australian sectors need, is led by business, as it should be."

The government's role was to create the right climate for business, he said.

Mr Abbott said SPC Ardmona - owned by food giant Coca-Cola Amatil - was a strong business with the resources to allow it to restructure.

The company advised the government it was prepared to invest an extra $161 million into the business and renegotiate its enterprise bargaining agreement.

Mr Abbott said the company's present EBA had conditions "well in excess of the award", including a wet allowance and generous redundancy provisions.

However SPC Ardmona managing director Peter Kelly said the company would review its business plans.

"This is an unexpected and extremely disappointing decision by the coalition, particularly after the enormous support we have received for our business plans from the local community and beyond," Mr Kelly said.

Acting Opposition Leader Tanya Plibersek said the government had failed in its fundamental role - to protect jobs and bring on new investment.

"First they forced General Motors Holden out - now they are sending SPC Ardmona to the wall," Ms Plibersek said.

Labor pledged at the 2013 federal election to provide the $25 million grant.

If the plant closes, it is estimated 1500 direct and 2700 indirect jobs could be lost in the Shepparton region.

Shepparton mayor Jenny Houlihan said workers faced an unknown future.

"The $25 million that the government refused to let go today will be eaten up in unemployment benefits," she said.

Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union national secretary Paul Bastian said workers had been improving productivity, but other factors were affecting the business, such as the dumping of cheap imports and the high dollar.

"The government directly and indirectly subsidises mining, agriculture, finance, fisheries and other important Australian industries and yet it is continually cutting investment in manufacturing," Mr Bastian said.

"Soon, when we go to the supermarket ... there will be nothing left made in Australia."

Victorian Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews said if state premier Denis Napthine could not convince Mr Abbott to stump up $25 million for SPC Ardmona, he struggled to see how Dr Napthine could secure $300 million for Toyota as it considers its future.

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Police given bus CCTV after woman pinned

A woman has died in hospital after being pinned under a bus for two hours in Sydney's CBD. Source: AAP

AFTER the death of two pedestrians on the same day in Sydney, police are urging the public to be more careful crossing roads.

A 51-year-old Granville woman died on Wednesday night after being hit by a bus in Sydney's CBD. She was trapped in its axles for two hours before emergency services freed her and she died only hours after undergoing emergency surgery.

Earlier that day, an 83-year-old man died instantly when he was hit by a truck in Monterey in southern Sydney while crossing the road.

NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol operations commander Stuart Smith said the deaths were tragic.

"It was a dreadful day on NSW roads," he told reporters on Thursday.

Superintendent Smith said crash investigators are looking into both accidents, including CCTV footage from the State Transit bus as well as an examination of traffic and pedestrian control records.

"It's a complex calculation that can only be provided once a re-enactment is provided," he said.

Police say the bus was turning right when it struck the woman, and the 70-year-old driver was provided with counselling.

"We believe he is a very experienced driver with the State Transit Authority," Supt Smith said.

He could not comment on whether jaywalking was a factor in the accident but reminded pedestrians and drivers to look out for each other.

"It is a place where we all need to be aware and to keep a proper lookout," he said.

He warned people about the dangers of jaywalking and using electronic devices such as mobile phones and MP3 players.

13.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Treasury Wines tank on share market

Treasury Wine Estates has issued a profit warning in the wake of weaker than expected sales. Source: AAP

TREASURY Wine Estates has been hammered on the stock market, with its shares falling by 20 per cent after it issued a profit downgrade due to weaker sales in Australia and China.

The company behind Penfolds and Wolf Blass has cut its full year earnings forecast from between $230 million and $250 million to between $190 million and $210 million.

It expects first half earnings, which will be announced in February, to be between $41 million and $46 million, down from $73 million last year.

Treasury Wine shares fell to $3.64, their weakest price in almost two years, wiping $589 million from the value of the company.

Weaker than expected sales in Australia, following the company's decision to lift prices on some products and focus less on Christmas promotions, had contributed to the profit downgrade, it said.

A decline in Chinese demand for premium wine had also hit sales volumes.

Treasury Wine also said it had continued to reduce shipments to the US while increasing investment across the group, especially in Asia.

The profit downgrade is the latest in a string of bad news for Treasury Wine, which last year poured more than $35 million worth of excess or aged commercial stock down the drain in the US.

The controversial move, which was part of a broader $160 million writedown, ultimately led to the departure of chief executive David Dearie.

Law Firm Maurice Blackburn and litigation funder IMF last October announced funding of a class action against Treasury Wine, alleging the company misled the market and breached its continuous disclosure obligations in its communication of the financial impact of over-stocked US distributors to investors.

On Thursday, Maurice Blackburn managing principal Ben Slade said the latest profit downgrade raised "questions of transparency" about the company's operations.

"TWE's announcement this morning suggests that continuous disclosure requirements may not have been complied with," he said in a statement.

"We are confident that the company's shock $190 million downgrade announcement in July last year was indicative of such a breach. It may have happened again."

13.24 | 0 komentar | Read More

MP says give 'measly' $25m to SPC

Federal cabinet will discuss a proposal to co-invest in SPC Ardmona's fruit processing operations. Source: AAP

PRIME Minister Tony Abbott has used the rejection of taxpayer support for fruit processor SPC Ardmona to set an important "marker" for how his government will deal with requests for industry assistance.

The 93-year-old Victorian company wanted a $25 million federal grant, topped up by $25 million from the Victorian government and its own $150 million investment, for new product development and technology to prop up its operation.

But after three hours of debate in federal cabinet on Thursday, Mr Abbott said the plan was rejected because it was not the government's job to restructure a particular business.

The decision, which workers and growers fear will lead to the operation's closure, comes weeks after Holden's bid for support was rejected and its parent company General Motors announced the end of car production in Australia in 2017.

"The decision that came from the cabinet today does set an important marker," Mr Abbott said.

"This is a government which will make sure that the restructuring that some Australian businesses need, that some Australian sectors need, is led by business, as it should be."

The government's role was to create the right climate for business, he said.

Mr Abbott said SPC Ardmona - owned by food giant Coca-Cola Amatil - was a strong business with the resources to allow it to restructure.

The company advised the government it was prepared to invest an extra $161 million into the business and renegotiate its enterprise bargaining agreement.

Mr Abbott said the company's present EBA had conditions "well in excess of the award", including a wet allowance and generous redundancy provisions.

However SPC Ardmona managing director Peter Kelly said the company would review its business plans.

"This is an unexpected and extremely disappointing decision by the coalition, particularly after the enormous support we have received for our business plans from the local community and beyond," Mr Kelly said.

Acting Opposition Leader Tanya Plibersek said the government had failed in its fundamental role - to protect jobs and bring on new investment.

"First they forced General Motors Holden out - now they are sending SPC Ardmona to the wall," Ms Plibersek said.

Labor pledged at the 2013 federal election to provide the $25 million grant.

If the plant closes, it is estimated 1500 direct and 2700 indirect jobs could be lost in the Shepparton region.

Shepparton mayor Jenny Houlihan said workers faced an unknown future.

"The $25 million that the government refused to let go today will be eaten up in unemployment benefits," she said.

Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union national secretary Paul Bastian said workers had been improving productivity, but other factors were affecting the business, such as the dumping of cheap imports and the high dollar.

"The government directly and indirectly subsidises mining, agriculture, finance, fisheries and other important Australian industries and yet it is continually cutting investment in manufacturing," Mr Bastian said.

"Soon, when we go to the supermarket ... there will be nothing left made in Australia."

Victorian Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews said if state premier Denis Napthine could not convince Mr Abbott to stump up $25 million for SPC Ardmona, he struggled to see how Dr Napthine could secure $300 million for Toyota as it considers its future.

13.24 | 0 komentar | Read More

Police given bus CCTV after woman pinned

A woman has died in hospital after being pinned under a bus for two hours in Sydney's CBD. Source: AAP

AFTER the death of two pedestrians on the same day in Sydney, police are urging the public to be more careful crossing roads.

A 51-year-old Granville woman died on Wednesday night after being hit by a bus in Sydney's CBD. She was trapped in its axles for two hours before emergency services freed her and she died only hours after undergoing emergency surgery.

Earlier that day, an 83-year-old man died instantly when he was hit by a truck in Monterey in southern Sydney while crossing the road.

NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol operations commander Stuart Smith said the deaths were tragic.

"It was a dreadful day on NSW roads," he told reporters on Thursday.

Superintendent Smith said crash investigators are looking into both accidents, including CCTV footage from the State Transit bus as well as an examination of traffic and pedestrian control records.

"It's a complex calculation that can only be provided once a re-enactment is provided," he said.

Police say the bus was turning right when it struck the woman, and the 70-year-old driver was provided with counselling.

"We believe he is a very experienced driver with the State Transit Authority," Supt Smith said.

He could not comment on whether jaywalking was a factor in the accident but reminded pedestrians and drivers to look out for each other.

"It is a place where we all need to be aware and to keep a proper lookout," he said.

He warned people about the dangers of jaywalking and using electronic devices such as mobile phones and MP3 players.

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Solar industry sees gloom if RET scrapped

THE solar panel industry is warning thousands of jobs and businesses could be at risk if the Abbott government scraps the renewable energy target (RET).

The bipartisan target - which requires 20 per cent of all electricity by 2020 to come from renewable sources - will be reviewed this year but details are yet to be announced.

The government insists it remains committed to the RET but many in the renewables sector are nervous the scheme will be watered down or abolished.

The solar photovoltaic (PV) industry is particularly worried, with new analysis showing 2000 PV jobs could vanish next year if the RET was scrapped.

The study by Solar Business Services claims by 2018 that figure could have grown to 7000 jobs lost or foregone - halving the entire PV sector.

"In the worst case scenario, this is going to really have a very serious consequence on the industry," solar industry analyst Nigel Morris told AAP.

Around 600 solar PV jobs were forecast to go if the 20 per cent target was reduced.

It's the latest in a spate of bad news for the solar sector.

Mr Morris said the sector had seen scheme after scheme scrapped in recent years, stopping growth in its tracks last year for the first time in more than a decade.

The suspension of loans from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, funding cuts to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency and the windback of subsidies had taken its toll, he said.

"If all of those things and the RET goes away, it has a combined phenomenal impact on the propensity of people to proceed with solar," Mr Morris said.

There is strong evidence the 20 per cent RET will be well exceeded and critics, including within the government, warn renewable power is already unnecessarily driving up retail power bills.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott late last year said the RET had caused pretty significant price pressure on domestic electricity costs.

Mr Morris said these "pessimistic" statements made the industry skittish about the future and confused consumers.

"The cost of the RET is minuscule and it is declining already," he said.

"The RET has virtually no cost to government."

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100 illegal guns seized in Qld raids

Police hunting black-market gun traders in Queensland have seized more than 100 illegal weapons. Source: AAP

POLICE hunting black-market gun traders in Queensland have seized more than 100 weapons and arrested five people.

The haul, which included silencers, was seized during raids in southeast and central Queensland as part of a state and federal police operation launched in September.

Police executed search warrants at Mount Archer near Rockhampton and Toowoomba, west of Brisbane, and Tweed Heads, on the Queensland-NSW border.

Details of the operation were released on Wednesday.

The most dramatic raid happened on December 2, when officers from Operation Lima Harrington found 98 firearms and a quantity of ammunition at a Mount Archer property.

A further three firearms were found at another Mount Archer property.

Four men and a woman, aged 37 to 69, have subsequently been charged with offences under the weapons act.

Toni Christmas, from the Australian Federal Police, said the operation showed how determined state and federal police were about fighting serious and organised crime.

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Atlas Iron to ship more iron ore

Atlas Iron has lifted its forecast for shipments of iron ore in the 2014 financial year. Source: AAP

MID-TIER iron ore miner Atlas Iron has lifted its forecast for shipments of iron ore in its 2014 financial year and says prices for the commodity are strong.

The Pilbara-focused company on Wednesday increased its full year production guidance to between 10.2 million and 10.7 million tonnes shipped, up from the previous forecast of shipments of 9.8 million to 10.3 million tonnes.

Managing director Ken Brinsden said the company's performance in the first half of the financial year and the outlook for iron ore prices put Atlas on track for a very strong result for the full year.

Iron ore prices had remained firm over the December 2013 quarter in the face of strong demand for ore, and seasonal price weakness previously experienced at that time of year was absent.

Prices were positively affected by the lower Australian dollar.

Mr Brinsden said Atlas had enjoyed outstanding exploration success at its Corunna Downs and Miralga Creek projects in the north Pilbara region of Western Australia.

"Atlas has a commanding position as the mid-tier iron ore miner with real long-term growth options at its disposal," Mr Brinsden said in a statement.

Atlas said it had recorded outstanding results at all levels of its business in the six months to December 31, 2013.

The company shipped a record 5.1 million tonnes during the period.

Atlas's Abydos mine had ramped up operations and was now making a full contribution to combined Pilbara production.

Mining and processing of ore at the Abydos mine had in many respects exceeded feasibility study expectations.

Shares in Atlas gained 9.5 cents, or almost 10 per cent, to $1.05.

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Replica plane stalled before fatal crash

Pilot error contributed to the fatal crash of a homemade replica Spitfire at an Adelaide air show. Source: AAP

PILOT error contributed to the fatal crash of a homemade replica Spitfire at an Adelaide air show in March, an investigation has found.

Roger Stokes, 73, died when the plane he built from a kit nosedived into a factory car park in Adelaide's northern suburbs as he took part in a local air show on March 17.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) on Tuesday released a report into its investigation, which found the plane stalled before descending steeply into the ground.

It found Mr Stokes inadvertently allowed the airspeed to drop while co-ordinating a landing clearance with air traffic control and flying a low-level circuit in turbulent conditions.

"In the subsequent turn (downwind) to adjust the circuit the aircraft aerodynamically stalled, descended steeply, and impacted the ground," the report said.

"The aircraft was prone to aerodynamically stall with little or no aerodynamic precursors and it was not fitted with a stall warning device, increasing the risk of inadvertent stall."

The ATSB said pilots should be aware of the extra demands involved in air display flying, which are different from normal flying.

"Pilots who participate in air displays should consider the demands involved, and to the extent possible, ensure that the complete sequence, including landing, is planned and rehearsed," it said.

Owner-pilots should also consider the benefits of fitting a stall-warning device, even though amateur-built aircraft operating in the experimental category are not required to have them.

After the crash, Mr Stokes was described as a passionate aviator who was a "lovely fellow and a brilliant engineer, and an excellent pilot".

He had spent four years and $250,000 building the three-quarter-scale Spitfire.

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Qld state schools to share in $131m

QUEENSLAND'S state schools will share $131 million this year to meet national literacy and numeracy benchmarks.

The federal funding, promised in December last year, will see primary schools get an extra $99 million.

The money will mainly be spent on students from prep to year 2, which equates to about $508 extra per student.

High schools will get $30 million and specialist schools the remainder.

Principals and communities will decide the best way to spend the funding.

Premier Campbell Newman says the debate over the Gonski education review has been left behind.

"Today we see real outcomes, every school will be better off under this plan," he said.

"We want to see the money at the coal face. I don't want to see it frittered away, but spent on essentials.

"We guarantee to Queensland parents that your child will meet minimum national standard or your school will have a plan for your child to get to that minimum standard."

Under the agreements, schools will be accountable for improving student performance.

They will be able to hire specialist educators to provide additional support, pay for professional development for teachers, or buy new literacy or numeracy learning tools.

The plan was welcomed by The Gap primary school principal Peter Cooper who says it will make a significant impact on kids in the lower years.

"We will be working closely with parents and staff to maximise those learning outcomes for all kids, those that are achieving well and those that need extra support," he said.

Queensland Teachers Union president Kevin Bates also welcomed the initiative.

He says giving money directly to schools to spend how they want will achieve the best results.

But he wanted to see a funding commitment beyond 2014.

Queensland is expected to get an extra $794 million in education funding from the Abbott government over four years.

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SES warning for damaging winds in SA

FIREFIGHTERS dealt with fresh as well as long-burning blazes across sweltering South Australia ahead of strong wind changes due on Tuesday evening.

The Country Fire Service (CFS) says the new blazes were brought under control, while operations are continuing at Bangor in the Southern Flinders Ranges and at Billiatt in the Riverland.

The two fires have been burning for 14 days.

The State Emergency Service (SES) at 3.22pm (CDT) issued a severe weather warning for damaging winds for the state's southeast for later on Tuesday.

People living in the upper southeast and parts of the lower southeast districts may be affected.

"Squally west to southwest winds are likely to briefly reach 50km/h to 65km/h, with gusts about 80km/h to 90km/h during the next couple of hours as the wind change moves through," the SES said.

Fire bans were in force across the state on Tuesday, resulting in the closure of 11 schools on the day most children returned to school after the holidays.

Nine were closed in the state's lower southeast region, which has a catastrophic fire danger rating, while the Napperby and Wirrabara primary schools were closed due to an extreme risk.

People are warned to stay away from powerlines, ensure outside loose items have been put away or secured and park vehicles undercover and away from trees.

The CFS says firefighters are on high alert due to the predicted winds, particularly at the Bangor bushfire, which continues to burn uncontrolled.

Residents in the Laura, Napperby, Nelshaby, Stone Hut, Wirrabara and Beetaloo Valley areas should remain vigilant, it says.

The temperature reached 43C in Adelaide, while the mercury topped 40C in other parts of the state.

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China seeks new Antarctic station

China is seeking environmental approval for an Antarctic research station examining climate change. Source: AAP

CHINESE researchers have sought environmental approval for a new climate change research station in Antarctica.

Under the Antarctic treaty regulations, Australian officials are responsible for environmental approval of such projects.

The new Chinese research station - part of an international network - would be based on Inexpressible Island in Terra Nova Bay, in the Northern Victoria Land region.

"China believes that understanding climate change impacts on Antarctica is a matter of critical importance for the world and for the continent itself," the environmental approval submission says.

"The main purpose of the new Chinese station is to provide an international platform for regional multidisciplinary research focusing on the chain reactions caused by the changing climate."

China has conducted more than two dozen expeditions to Antarctica since 1984.

It currently operates two year-round stations - Great Wall station at King George Island and the Zhongshan station in the Larsemann Hills - as well as one summer station, Kunlun, on Dome A, the highest place in Antarctica.

The new station's researchers will study atmospheric and atmosphere-ice-ocean interaction, glacial and ice shelf-ocean interaction, ecosystem monitoring, space phenomena and geology.

Construction is planned to start in December 2015 and the station would start operating in early 2017.

The 5528-square-metre facility will be home to 80 personnel in summer and 30 in winter, when temperatures have been as low as minus 43 Celsius.

The 200-page environmental submission by the Chinese Arctic and Antarctic Administration sets out its plans to mitigate such things as air pollution, potential fuel and oil leakage, solid waste, waste water discharge and disturbance to nearby penguins and other wildlife.

Key to the proposal is a hybrid solar-wind-diesel power supply system and wastewater recycling.

China is also looking at building an aviation network to support researchers and deal with emergencies.

The Chinese government recently bought a Basler BT-67 aircraft with modified scientific instruments, which is expected to be in use by the end of 2015.

The Australian Antarctic Division has invited public comment by March 21.

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New Zealand shares follow Asia lower

NEW Zealand shares have fallen as Asian markets continued a downturn due to anxiety over global economic recovery.

The NZX 50 Index fell 19.899 points, or 0.4 per cent to 4,853.799 on Monday.

Within the index 22 shares fell, 13 rose and 15 were unchanged. Turnover was $60.3 million, with light trading due to public holidays in Auckland and Australia.

Markets across Asia fell after stocks in the US closed lower last Friday. New Zealand is the first market to open after the weekend and felt the sting of nervous investors during early trading with the NZX 50 falling as much as one per cent before paring the decline.

Japan's Nikkei 225 Index was down 2.1 per cent in afternoon trading, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index fell about 2.1 per cent and South Korea's KOSPI 200 Index was down 1.5 per cent.

The Australian market was closed because of Australia Day.

"It's not the complete carnage that some people might expect," Andrew Bascand managing director at Harbour Asset Management said.

"The markets have opened down, but there hasn't been the fallout."

Wellington-based accounting software company Xero led the day's decliners, sliding 4.3 per cent to $40.

Fellow tech stocks, which have seen big gains this year, also dropped as investors took the opportunity to take profit.

Security-software company Wynyard Group sank 6.7 per cent to $2.65, and SLI Systems, makers of retail website search engines, fell 3.5 per cent to $2.50.

Retirement village operator Summerset fell 3.1 per cent to $3.42. Auckland-based lines company Vector slid 2.7 per cent to $2.51 and New Zealand's biggest listed company, Fletcher Building, slipped 0.3 per cent to $8.85.

Gold miner OceanaGold was the biggest gainer, rising 1.4 per cent to $2.25. Gold has been a beneficiary of the risk-averse market.

Air New Zealand and Sky Network Television both rose 1.2 per cent, to $1.74 and $5.89 respectively.

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Ex-Marlboro Man dies from smoking disease

ERIC Lawson, who portrayed the rugged Marlboro man in cigarette ads during the late 1970s, has died. He was 72.

Lawson died on January 10 at his home in San Luis Obispo of respiratory failure due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, his wife, Susan Lawson said on Sunday.

Lawson was an actor with bit parts on such TV shows as Baretta and The Streets of San Francisco when he was hired to appear in print Marlboro ads from 1978 to 1981.

His other credits include Charlie's Angels, Dynasty and Baywatch.

His wife said injuries sustained on the set of a Western film ended his career in 1997.

A smoker since age 14, Lawson later appeared in an anti-smoking commercial that parodied the Marlboro man and an Entertainment Tonight segment to discuss the negative effects of smoking.

Susan Lawson said her husband was proud of the interview, even though he was smoking at the time and continued the habit until he was diagnosed with COPD.

"He knew the cigarettes had a hold on him," she said.

"He knew, yet he still couldn't stop."

A few actors and models who pitched Marlboro brand cigarettes have died of smoking-related diseases.

They include David Millar, who died of emphysema in 1987, and David McLean, who died of lung cancer in 1995.

Lawson was also survived by six children, 18 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

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Biggest citizenship ceremony held in WA

THE nation's biggest citizenship ceremony has been held in the northern Perth suburb of Wanneroo, where 751 people became Australians.

West Australian Premier Colin Barnett told the new citizens that they would be treasured.

"I thank you for choosing to be Australian citizens," the Liberal leader told the crowd.

"You don't have to give up anything of your past. You keep your traditions, your family connections, your culture, but you do gain a lot.

"You'll have the protection and care of Australia, wherever you are on the planet. You'll have access to laws of Australia - safety for you, and your family and for your property. You'll have access to probably the world's most generous welfare system, support system, health system and education system.

"These are gifts that Australia gives to you."

Before his address, Mr Barnett was heckled about the state's controversial shark culling program, which was introduced after a surfer was fatally attacked off Gracetown in November.

It emerged on Sunday that the first shark had been slaughtered under the program off WA's south - caught by a large baited hook, shot in the head, then towed out to sea.

The heckler told Mr Barnett the policy was "wrong".

He replied: "The great thing about Australia is we can all voice our opinion".

With temperatures in Perth forecast to reach a relatively cool 31 degrees, more than 300,000 people are expected to pack the Swan River foreshore on Sunday afternoon ahead of the 30-minute Skyworks pyrotechnics display, which starts at 8pm (WST) and is said to be the biggest in the nation.

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Indon navy ramp up good: Morrison

INDONESIA'S beefing up of its naval maritime patrols will help stop asylum seekers making the journey to Australia by boat, Immigration Minister Scott Morrison says.

Indonesia stepped up its naval presence monitoring its southern border after Mr Morrison admitted last week Australian vessels strayed into its northern neighbour's territory.

"I would welcome Indonesia having patrols in that part of their waters and I'm sure it's a great deterrence for people trying to get to Australia illegally by boat," Mr Morrison said on Sunday.

"I welcome the fact the Indonesian government has decided to put their own vessels on the southern coast of Java. I think that provides a very strong deterrence to people smugglers."

Mr Morrison did say not in response to a question whether he thought it would be harder to turn back boats because of the beefed-up naval presence.

He said the government will continue to take a hard line on people smuggling.

"People who come to Australia illegally by boat risk their own lives and they risk the lives of those who are called upon to rescue them as well," he said.

"It's dangerous and it's not the way that Australians expect people to come to this country.

"That's why the government has such tough policies to thwart that type of behaviour."

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Gunman kills two in US mall shooting

Three people including the presumed gunman have been shot dead at a shopping mall in the US. Source: AAP

A GUNMAN in the US carrying homemade explosives has shot dead two people at a popular shopping mall near Washington before killing himself.

Investigators were grappling for a motive but said that they had "tentatively identified" the gunman, who had "a large amount of ammunition" still on and around him when officers found his body in a store alongside the two victims at the upscale Columbia Mall in Maryland.

"Because of concerns about any other weapons he may have or explosives, we are approaching this with an abundance of caution," Howard County Police Chief Bill McMahon said.

"We're getting assistance from some of our federal partners and making sure there are no explosives on the body of the deceased."

Police later tweeted that a search of the gunman's bag turned up two crude devices "that appeared to be attempt at making explosives. Both disabled."

They did not immediately reveal the identity of the gunman - who they said appeared to have killed himself with a shotgun - and special units continued to comb the mall late into the night.

Emergency workers were alerted to mid-morning gunfire at the mall, a favourite weekend spot for young families about 45 minutes outside downtown Washington, by a police call indicating shots had been fired inside the two-story shopping centre.

Badly shaken shoppers described how they fled in panic or cowered in store doorways. Some made frantic calls to loved ones, as the United States reeled from the latest in a slew of gun-related rampages.

"#HoCoPolice responded to 911 call in less than 2 minutes. Found victims and suspect dead from gunshots upon arrival," the Howard County Police Department tweeted.

Police identified the victims as Brianna Benlolo, 21, of College Park, Maryland, and Tyler Johnson, 25, of Ellicott City, Maryland. Both were employees of skateboard store Zumiez.

Howard County General Hospital said all five injured shooting victims have been treated and released. One had suffered a gunshot wound to a foot.

"The other four were either medical conditions or twisted ankles, things like that as people were moving away from a very, very chaotic and dangerous situation," McMahon said.

The mall of about 200 stores, which has an indoor carousel and play area, is a favoured weekend destination for young and old alike.

Many people living in Columbia, a planned community replete with parks and good schools, work in either Washington or Baltimore.

The most notorious shooting in recent US history took place in Newtown, Connecticut, in December 2012, when a young gunman entered a primary school and opened fire. In 10 minutes, the 20-year-old shot and killed 26 people before taking his own life.

The Newtown attack briefly reignited the US gun control debate, triggered every time there is a major shooting, although attempts to pass tougher laws have made little headway in the US Congress.

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