Main stories in ABC's World Today

AAP General News (Australia)
08-16-2007
Main stories in ABC's World Today

SYDNEY, Aug 16 AAP - Main stories in ABC's World Today:

* The prime minister is stirring Labor tensions in Queensland, attempting to claw back
coalition votes in the state by launching legislation that would override Premier Peter
Beattie's council amalgamation plan. Mr Howard had already pledged to fund plebiscites
run by the electoral coalition on the amalgamation issue.

* In Queensland, the communities that have been angry with Peter Beattie about his
amalgamations have responded to the prime minister's intervention today with elation.

Councillors say John Howard has restored democracy to the sunshine state.

* Sharemarkets across the world have resumed their downward march this morning with
Australia by no means immune. Credit concerns have taken hold on equity markets with Japan's
Nikkei off close to three per cent and Australia's bench mark down more than three per
cent.

AAP nap/hn

KEYWORD: MONITOR WORLD TODAY

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