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BVI: Premier explains push to exclude same-sex marriage from proposed constitution

TORTOLA,  British Virgin Islands, May 10, CMC – Premier Natalio Wheatley has defended the decision by elected leaders to exclude same-sex marriage from the territory’s next constitution, which is expected to be finalised following negotiations with the United Kingdom. Dr Natalio Wheatley Elected leaders recently accepted a recommendation from the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) to amend […]

‘A real mess’: Pauline Hanson reveals reason for One Nation surge

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson says Australia is in "a real mess" and traced the surge in support for her party to the two majors failing to deliver outcomes for the community.

Her comments come after One Nation won a seat in the House of Representatives for the first time, with David Farley claiming former Liberal leader Sussan Ley's spot in a thumping victory that has sent shockwaves through Australian politics.

Farley secured 57 per cent of the two-party preferred vote, leaving the Liberal Party to poll at just 12 per cent, raising questions about its future.

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Pauline Hanson said she felt "vindicated" after Saturday's by-election win in Farrer.

Hanson said the result "vindicated" her party and proved it was not a flash in the pan but providing hope for Australians.

"I stuck to my guns, what I believed in," she told 2GB radio in Sydney.

"I felt that the country was in one hell of a mess and the major political parties were not addressing the needs and concerns of the Australian people.

"I just feel that there was no future for our generations to come. And a lot of the young ones were coming up to me and people, whether they were small business, industries, manufacturing, the farming sector, just ordinary Australians saying they had no hope for the future."

She took aim at Liberal leader Angus Taylor, who claimed a rising One Nation vote would only keep Labor in power.

"They are so arrogant, and Angus Taylor is so arrogant with their attitude like it's just a two-party system in Australia," she said.

"He's trying to justify the whole thing… why you should only stick with the two major political parties. He's not going back… he needs to have a good look in the mirror why it's happening this way, because they have not delivered for the Australian people."

She refused to confirm whether she would look to use the uptick in One Nation support to gun for a House of Representatives spot of her own at the 2028 election (Hanson is a senator in the Upper House), but she admitted with the changing fortunes of the party, anything could happen for her and MP Barnaby Joyce.

"When Barnaby came across, he indicated he did want to stand for the Senate. But the way that it's going at the moment, as I said to Barnaby, 'Your position might be better in the lower house.' And that's something that I'm also considering myself," she said.

Joyce reveals next One Nation target

Joyce said the Farrer victory had emboldended One Nation to target urban seats in parts of Sydney with the aim of forming government.

"I tell you what, I've met some people from the western suburbs of Sydney who are pretty happy that One Nation is on the move," he said on Today.

"This is not an issue that is about regional Australia, this is about [all of] Australia."

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Barnaby Joyce said One Nation would not rest on their laurels after an historic win at the Farrer by-election.

He said recent results in Farrer and in the South Australian state election had removed previous tags over the party, and that One Nation was aiming to be in power rather than "maintaining the status quo".

"I don't think people see One Nation as racist; they view them as tough," he said.

"People say Labor are so strong in the western suburbs, Labor didn't even turn up to the Farrer by-election, that's how strong they are."

He also dismissed the idea that the route back to power for the conservative side of politics was to win back inner-city seats.

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Barnaby Joyce claimed "people don't see One Nation as racist."

"[People say] 'You've got to win back teal seats'; no you don't, you've got to look after people in the regional areas and the western suburbs of the major capitals," he claimed.

Some commentators have suggested the Liberal Party and One Nation could come together to form a Coalition government that could challenge Labor, an idea that was not dismissed by Liberal MP Tim Wilson yesterday.

However, Joyce insisted this was off the table, saying he would rather chase "policy outcomes" than ministries.

"We don't want your ministries, keep your ministries and your salaries. You've got all of the prizes, but you will deliver policy outcomes, because we will not be constricted by cabinet solidarity that has done over the Australian people," he said.

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Expat Annie decided to move back to the UK. She lasted just six months

Exclusive: Annie Symonds followed a path well-trodden by her fellow compatriots when she boarded a plane headed for Australia.

The British-born woman made the 17000km move to Sydney on a working holiday visa, leaving the grey skies of London behind for the fantasy of sunny days, beach swims and green smoothies.

Symonds soon met an Australian man, obtained her permanent residency and thrived in her new life in Kirribilli in Sydney's north.

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Annie Symonds British expat who returned to Australia

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Fugitives fired at bystanders in chaotic cross-border chase

More than a decade after a chaotic cross-border chase involving carjackings, gunfire, and a desperate dash across M1 traffic, a NSW police officer has finally been honoured for his bravery.

Former senior constable Troy Cutler received the Commissioner's Valour Award today for risking his life during the daring operation to capture two fugitives.

Queensland and New South Wales police joined forces as two fugitives led both forces on a dramatic cross-border chase on February 5, 2015.

READ MORE: Woman charged with using antisemitic slur during netball game

More than a decade after a chaotic cross-border chase involving car-jackings, gunfire, and a desperate dash across M1 traffic a New South Wales police officer has finally been honoured for his bravery.

Former New South Wales Senior Constable Troy Cutler was there.

He played a critical role in taking down the dangerous duo.

"I engaged him in pursuit up to about 200km/h, obviously it was a stolen vehicle," he said.

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More than a decade after a chaotic cross-border chase involving car-jackings, gunfire, and a desperate dash across M1 traffic a New South Wales police officer has finally been honoured for his bravery.

At times the driver forced others off the road, driving on the wrong side and even on footpaths from Caboolture, north of Brisbane, to the Gold Coast and Tweed Heads to the south

Tyre spikes ultimately brought the hours-long chase spanning 150 kilometres to a head.

Making a manic dash across the M1, carrying guns, the fugitives opened fire at civilians and officers.

The shocking scenes are still vivid in Cutler's memory and stand out in his 16 and a half years of service.

More than a decade after a chaotic cross-border chase involving carjackings, gunfire, and a dash across traffic, a police officer has been honoured for his bravery.

"Total of nine rounds were were shot at the public and myself. And God willing, no one was injured, no one was killed," he said.

"I did feel whiz over the top of my head."

The father-of two-has since been awarded an array of accolades for his valiant efforts..

More than 11 years on, he was given the highest honour of all – the Commissioner's Valour Award which he said he was "proud" to receive.

Woman charged with using antisemitic slur during netball game

A woman has been charged for allegedly using an antisemitic slur during a children's netball game in eastern Sydney.

Officers were called to Heffron Park in Maroubra at 10am yesterday over reports the 42-year-old associated with the Saints club had made insulting remarks while watching a game.

She allegedly made the insulting remarks against a team of junior Jewish players.

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Police were called and officers spoke with the woman and told her to move on.

Following inquiries, she was today issued a court attendance notice for use offensive language in or near a public space or school.

She is due to appear before Waverley Local Court next month.

The incident came after the Antisemitism and Social Cohesion Royal Commission started in Sydney last week.

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