GG marriage stance 'influential': Greens

GOVERNOR-GENERAL Quentin Bryce's open support for same-sex marriage will be hugely influential across all voter groups, Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young says.

Ms Bryce said during a lecture in Sydney on Friday she hoped for Australia to become a nation where "people are free to love and marry whom they choose".

At a marriage equality rally in Melbourne on Saturday, Ms Hanson-Young said the comment represented the desires and the aspirations of Australians to have a fair, decent country.

"(The governor-general) is using her position to speak and give voice to the aspirations of many Australians," Ms Hanson-Young said.

"Australia is falling behind.

"To have the governor-general step forward and say this is something Australians care about, and as the governor-general, she believes that marriage equality is a human right ... it's hugely influential across all voter groups.

Ms Hanson-Young rejected criticism Ms Bryce had attracted for her comments, saying it was an issue that should be above politics.

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Bryce's remarks more than appropriate: PM

PM Tony Abbott says it's appropriate for the governor-general to publicly support gay marriage. Source: AAP

ANGRY constitutional monarchists have called for the governor-general's scalp after she backed the republican movement in a landmark speech.

Quentin Bryce threw her support behind gay marriage and the republican movement while delivering the final ABC Boyer Lecture of the year in Sydney.

She reflected on her hope that "one day, one young girl or boy may even grow up to be our nation's first head of state".

Prime Minister Tony Abbott, who was director of Australians for Constitutional Monarchy before entering parliament, said it was "more than appropriate" for Ms Bryce to share her personal views as the end of her term approached.

"She did it with grace and style," he told reporters in Sydney on Saturday.

"Obviously different people have different views on these subjects."

Australians for Constitutional Monarchy accused Ms Bryce of blotting her record in office by weighing into political debate.

"It will be said she has damaged the institution," the group said in a statement.

"The problem now is that in breaching protocol and convention, Her Excellency has now become a divisive figure."

Ms Bryce's term expires in March.

NSW Liberal MP David Elliott said Ms Bryce should retire immediately for "partaking in a blatantly political debate over the constitution".

"If Quentin Bryce wants to debate policy and legislation she should run for parliament, not use her vice-regal position to pursue her own political agenda," Mr Elliott, who led the 1999 "no republic" campaign, said in a statement.

Australian Republican Movement spokesman Geoff Gallop told reporters in Canberra Ms Bryce had given authentic reflections on her views for the future.

"We don't want her saying things that don't have any meaning attached to them," he said.

"She sees what's happening in the community, she sees the pain, she sees the happiness, she sees Australia from a particular vantage point and we're delighted she's reached this conclusion."

Mr Gallop said her comments may re-energise the movement.

"There's no doubt we've been in lean times," he said.

"The people need to own this cause."

Asked if the popularity of Prince William and his wife Catherine had set back the cause, Mr Gallop said there was no doubt the "celebrity" status of the royal family gave them an entry point to popular consciousness.

"Australia has outgrown our old dependence on Britain for our identity," he said.

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said Ms Bryce's comments would carry weight with voters of all ages.

"To have the governor-general step forward and say this is something Australians care about, and as the governor-general, she believes that marriage equality is a human right ... it's hugely influential across all voter groups."

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has defended his mother-in-law's comments, saying he supports both gay marriage and Australia becoming a republic.

"The governor-general has made a remarkable contribution to our country and she is entitled to express her views," a spokesman for Mr Shorten said.

He's married to Ms Bryce's daughter Chloe.

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Hardline group to hit Australian embassy

Indonesia has asked phone companies to investigate whether they helped to tap the President's phone. Source: AAP

A SECOND wave of protests is expected in front of the Australian embassy in Jakarta as fallout over the spying controversy continues.

Indonesian national police have confirmed the hardline group, the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), will converge on the embassy after Friday prayers (about 1700 AEDT) to express their anger over the issue.

Authorities expect at least 500 protesters outside the building, which on Thursday was the scene of violent demonstrations.

The embassy is again expected to take precautions to protect staff.

The US embassy is also expected to be targeted on Friday.

More than 1600 police have been deployed near the two embassies and several other potential targets in the capital.

The FPI is a renowned hardline organisation, having in the past rallied in support of convicted terrorist and suspected Bali bombing mastermind Abu Bakar Bashir.

On Thursday, images of the Australian and US flags were burnt, red paint was spattered on the embassy's walls and some protesters carried a banner calling for war.

The protest became physical when police moved in to restrain a number of protesters.

Indonesians are angry over claims Australia tapped Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's phone in 2009 and have demanded Prime Minister Tony Abbott apologise for it.

On Thursday night, Mr Abbott was preparing his response to a letter from the Indonesian president seeking an apology and a full explanation.

Having pledged to respond "swiftly, fully and courteously", Mr Abbott met with the national security committee of cabinet to consider the matter.

Indonesia's former intelligence chief said the diplomatic row with Australia can be resolved with an apology from Mr Abbott.

"Just apologise and ... forgive and forget," Abdullah Mahmud Hendropriyono told the ABC on Friday.

Mr Hendropriyono admitted in a 2004 television interview that Jakarta had spied on Australia.

Meanwhile, Indonesia has halted co-operation on tackling people smuggling and the sharing of intelligence. Military exercises scheduled to take place in Darwin have also been put on hold.

Gita Wirjawan, Indonesia's trade minister, has warned his country may suspend talks on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with Australia.

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Hospital designs of high quality

OPEN space, educational uses, large public plazas, youth centres and residential buildings all feature in the six final designs being considered for the existing Royal Adelaide Hospital site.

The South Australian government has been running a design competition, with the winner to be announced in December.

A panel of experts will determine the successful architectural group while a people's choice winner will also be named.

Deputy Premier John Rau says the quality of the final designs is very high and they include many innovative and imaginative concepts for the site's future use.

"Open spaces, educational uses, large public plazas, youth centres, cultural uses, residential and commercial opportunities are some of the many possibilities explored by our diverse teams making up the six finalists," Mr Rau said on Friday.

"One of the obvious themes that has come out of the final concepts is the ability for this site to have a mix of uses that will underpin the East End and connect to the city."

The winning design team will pocket $200,000, with $70,000 going to the runner-up and $30,000 to the third-placed group.

The people's choice winner will receive $10,000.

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Patel free to go to US after avoiding jail

FORMER surgeon Jayant Patel is free to return to the US after avoiding jail time in Queensland for fraud.

The 63-year-old former doctor was given a two-year suspended sentence in the Brisbane District Court on Thursday for lying to gain employment as a surgeon.

He showed little emotion as the sentence was handed down but told reporters in a brief statement outside court he was glad the "long and difficult journey" had ended.

"I'm pleased that it's over and I'll being going back to my life and my work," he said, before thanking his legal team, friends and family and "hundreds" of well-wishers.

Indian-born Patel refused to answer reporters' questions, including whether he had anything to say to Queenslanders.

Judge Terry Martin told the sentencing hearing Patel's offending had posed a risk to patients and was extremely serious.

However, the judge took into account the two-and-a-half years Patel has already served in prison.

"This then brings to an end a lengthy, tragic chapter in the history of Queensland," Justice Martin said.

"You have been heavily punished and I dare say you will continue to suffer the consequences of your stay in Queensland," he told Patel.

"There seems little doubt that your career is forever ruined."

The court was told Patel was banned from conducting certain major surgeries without a second opinion in the US state of Oregon in 2000 and struck off New York's roster of physicians in 2001.

He failed to disclose the restrictions to Queensland's medical board, lying on forms, and fudged his employment history on his CV when he successfully applied for a job at Bundaberg Base Hospital in 2003.

Patel left for the US under a cloud in 2005 but was extradited to Queensland in 2008 to face criminal negligence charges, including allegations his surgery had killed and maimed patients.

He was convicted of three counts of manslaughter and one of grievous bodily harm in 2010 but the convictions were quashed on appeal last year.

The charges were ultimately dropped last week after two retrials failed to secure convictions.

Crown prosecutor Peter Davis said Patel's "cynical" fraud had the potential to cause enormous damage.

"He deliberately sets out to try to get a job somewhere else overseas where his misdeeds won't be disclosed and takes a job in the very same field where he's already had issues," Mr Davis said.

Patel's barrister Ken Fleming QC said his client had worked "exceedingly hard" at Bundaberg, had spent two-and-a-half years in jail and his case was well known.

"The vilification has caused him to live effectively in isolation," Mr Fleming said.

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Lift ban on Vic gas fracking, report says

THE Victorian government should lift its moratorium on coal seam gas, appoint a gas commissioner and offer incentives to businesses to develop the industry, a report on the state's gas market says.

Communities should also be offered a share of the benefits of a CSG industry through a Royalties for Regions program, and the compensation limit for loss of amenity be doubled to $20,000, the report says.

Premier Denis Napthine released the final report and recommendations of the Gas Market Taskforce on Thursday, three weeks after it was handed to government.

The report makes 19 recommendations, including lifting the moratorium on fracking and the approval of new CSG exploration licences.

Taskforce chair Peter Reith says it is sensible for the government and other eastern states to promote production of additional gas supply to help keep prices down.

The report recommends the government introduce legislation and licence conditions to allay environmental concerns.

The opposition and Greens have described Mr Reith's inquiry as a sham as it did not consult widely enough and its eight members were all representatives of energy and industry groups.

However, on Thursday the premier announced an 18-month consultation process with farmers, environment groups and community bodies before any decision is made about the introduction of fracking in Victoria.

Dr Napthine also said the moratorium on CSG would remain in place until the consultation process was complete.

"We will never, ever allow onshore gas if it jeopardises our underground water, if it jeopardises our environment and if it jeopardises our food and agricultural production," he said.

Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews said CSG was a divisive issue, the science was at best unclear and it was appropriate to have an open consultation process.

"This has got to be based on science and there's got to be a community consensus - we're a long way away from that now," he said.

Victorian Greens environment spokesman Greg Barber said the report was a propaganda exercise, with the proposed gas commissioner the salesperson and the consultation process a roadshow.

He said the government should be looking at energy alternatives.

The Australian Pipeline Industry Association said the recommendation to appoint a gas commissioner should be given high priority.

Chief executive Cheryl Cartwright said the gas industry had to earn the social licence to operate in Victoria and not brush aside community concerns.

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Police investigate WA officer's outburst

A PERTH policeman who swore at a man while apparently issuing a traffic infringement has admitted to his superiors that he acted inappropriately.

Video footage of the confrontation that was posted on Facebook by John Gds Martin has attracted more than 21,300 likes since it was uploaded on Tuesday and has been shared nearly 6000 times.

In the clip, the man argumentatively asks what crime he has committed and tells the officer to go "stop some f***ing criminals".

The policeman then walks close to the man and says: "If you swear one more f***ing time I will put you in the lock up for disorderly, just like last time".

"I will deny your bail and some big fella is going to play with your arsehole during the night.

"If that's what you want, say one more f***ing swear word."

When the man tells the officer to relax, he replies: "Pull your head in. Don't tell me to relax. You don't tell me what to do. You don't swear in public. Switch on."

Facebook users have been divided in their reactions to the video with some championing the officer and others condemning him.

Inspector Dominic Wood said officers dealt with thousands of interactions with the public on a daily basis, often under very trying circumstances.

"It's also a reality today that police officers are going to be recorded by people out in the community," he said.

"Clearly, on this occasion, the officer hasn't handled the situation as well as he should have and he has acknowledged that his actions were inappropriate.

"We don't have the entire content of the video, so we don't know the full circumstances, but we will be investigating the matter and speaking further with the officer concerned."

Police Minister Liza Harvey indicated to reporters on Wednesday that using foul language was inappropriate but she would leave the matter to police to investigate internally.

WA Police Union president George Tilbury said officers were sometimes in "frustrating and stressful" situations when dealing with the public.

"As the full video has not been uploaded and the entirety of the circumstances are unknown, it is very difficult to comment on the actions of the officer," he said.

"However, police officers should always do their utmost to portray a professional image.

"Our members need to be aware that in this modern age of technology their actions and interactions with the public will be filmed, often without their knowledge or permission."

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Qld bikie cops accused of overreacting

QUEENSLAND police's anti-bikie squad has been accused of overreacting after a former gang member's house was raided and he was arrested over a drug driving offence.

The 41-year-old man and two younger men were arrested on Tuesday after police from task force Maxima allegedly found an SKS semi-automatic rifle, ammunition and methamphetamines at the Northgate address in Brisbane's north.

In a statement on Wednesday, police alleged Scott Robert Paton was a member of the motorcycle gang Highway 61 and said he had been charged with possessing ammunition and failing to appear in court.

However, when Paton faced the Brisbane Magistrates Court, the ammunitions charge had vanished and there was no mention of his gang association.

Paton's lawyer Debbie Kilroy said her client quit the bikie gang some time ago, and he'd been charged with failing to show up in court over a drug driving offence.

Ms Kilroy told the court Paton claims never to have received the notice to appear in June following a roadside swab that allegedly tested positive for amphetamines.

He was released on bail after his case was adjourned until January 30.

Outside court, Ms Kilroy said police were reacting to a public fear of bikies that was being whipped up by news reports.

"When we see men being charged for minor offences or fail to appear warrants that are not doing anything wrong, and when 10, 12 taskforce Maxima (officers) come at them with guns, that's a pretty scary event, not just for my client but for those in the community that witness that," she told reporters.

A 23-year-old man charged with possessing a weapon and drugs had his case adjourned until Thursday, while a 28-year-old man who was charged with drug possession is due to appear in court next month.

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Cop used 'secret camera' to film people

A NSW police officer has been charged with filming people using a secret camera in his bathroom.

A visitor to the home at Inverell, in northern NSW, alerted police in August after allegedly finding the camera.

Police say officers searched the home and seized a laptop.

The general duties constable, from the northwest metropolitan region, was issued with a court attendance notice on Monday for the offences of installing a device to film and attempting to film a person without consent.

He will appear in Hornsby Local Court on January 15.

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Court appearance bittersweet, says wife

A Russian court has extended the pre-trial detention of Aussie Greenpeace activist Colin Russell. Source: AAP

THE wife of a Greenpeace activist detained in Russia has described watching him appear in court as "bittersweet".

A Russian court extended the pre-trial detention of Arctic 30 protester Colin Russell by three months on Monday, denying a request for bail or house arrest.

He has already spent two months in jail.

Christine Russell said watching proceedings in St Petersburg's Primorsky Court had been "pretty tough, bittersweet".

"Sweet in that we were able to watch a live stream of Colin's proceedings taking place ... because we haven't had a lot of contact with him," she told reporters in Canberra on Tuesday.

"Good to be able to hear that he's still got his sense of humour ... that seems to be holding him up through this absurd circus that's going on with these ridiculous charges."

The 59-year-old Tasmanian is one of 30 Arctic Sunrise crew members facing charges of piracy and hooliganism after being arrested by Russian authorities in September.

The so-called Arctic 30 had been protesting drilling in the Arctic, and were detained after two activists tried to scale a state-owned oil platform.

Describing her husband as looking haggard, incredibly tired and having lost a lot of weight, a visibly upset Mrs Russell said "he obviously doesn't look like the Col that I know".

She again called on Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Prime Minister Tony Abbott to intervene directly with Russian authorities, saying she was disappointed with the level of representation so far.

"Colin needs all the support from the Australian government," she said.

In comments released by Greenpeace, Mr Russell told the court: "I haven't done anything wrong.

"I don't understand the reasons why I've been detained. I've done two months hard time for nothing. I've done nothing wrong."

Australian Greens MP Adam Bandt called for the prime minister to intervene, saying the government needed to increase its diplomatic efforts.

Independent federal MP Andrew Wilkie said Mr Russell's continued detention was a "bitter blow" that made federal government intervention "all the more pressing".

"The British prime minister and German chancellor have already spoken to the Russian president to express their concerns with the continued detention of the Greenpeace activists and it is beyond time for Tony Abbott to do the same," Mr Wilkie said in a statement.

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Infrastructure plan will be balanced: govt

THE federal government has defended billions of dollars worth of infrastructure cost-cutting despite promising a comprehensive nation building plan.

The coalition has forecast $4.5 billion of savings beyond the budget forward estimates from cancelled transport-related projects and an overhaul of a $952 million regional development fund, a Senate hearing was told on Monday.

Asked how individual projects would be paid for, assistant treasurer Arthur Sinodinos told the committee "it will be covered by revenue and there will still be some borrowing, I imagine, at least for some years.

"But the point is, you'll see a very comprehensive and very good infrastructure plan put together by very good group of people."

Labor senators bombarded senior infrastructure department staff with questions about the coalition's scrapping of the Regional Development Australia Fund, which had made grants of up to $2 million available to individual local governments.

Introduced in phases over seven years, Labor approved 910 grants in the latest round but under coalition changes each approval will be reviewed because none of the projects have been "contracted".

"We have provided advice to the government in relation to the status of the projects and the government is now considering the matter in the context of its budget processes," department secretary Mike Mrdak told the committee in Canberra.

Labor senator Jan McLucas highlighted a "climate change mitigation" project in the Torres Strait, which was approved for $5 million Commonwealth funding but will be reviewed because the contracts to begin work had not been signed.

"There has been a sense of urgency for about 15 years on this ... to provide protection against inundation of floods, usually of seawater, mainly during the February tides," Senator McLucas said.

Mr Mrdak said there was a "little bit of a grey area" until the government made a call on the unfunded projects.

However, unsuccessful projects can reapply to the coalition's alternate National Stronger Regions Fund, which begins in 2015.

It's funded at $200 million a year and requires a dollar-for-dollar match from proponents.

"We are looking at national projects which effect all parts of the country and we've got to make those balanced considerations," Senator Sinodinos said.

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NFF elects its third president this year

QUEENSLAND grazier Brent Finlay has been named president of the nation's peak farming body, the third person to occupy the top job this year.

The National Farmers Federation (NFF) elected Mr Finlay, a veteran farmer with 25 years experience in agriculture, on Monday to take over from outgoing president Duncan Fraser.

Mr Fraser had only been at the helm of the NFF since April, when former president Jock Laurie stepped down to run an ultimately unsuccessfully campaign for NSW parliament.

Mr Finlay, who runs a sheepmeat, wool and beef property with his three daughters, paid tribute to the outgoing president.

"Mr Fraser ... has led NFF for the past seven months, through a tumultuous period in federal politics that has seen three agriculture ministers and three Prime Ministers hold their respective offices," he said in a statement.

"Now, as we enter a period of, we hope, relative political stability, it is time to get the focus away from politics and back onto policy."

Mr Finlay was elected at the NFF annual general meeting and members' council meeting in Canberra, where elections for vice president and board director positions are currently underway.

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