Currency hurts QBE returns

THE global insurer QBE has sought to address investor concerns about its earnings exposure to overseas markets by stating that it expects to maintain its $1.3 billion dividend payments for the present financial year.

24 Hours In - Perth

Perth is shedding its reputation as Australia's sleepy country cousin lying dormant in the west coast sunshine, reports Melissa Kent.

Sydney Fc On Their Last Reserves

A DEPLETED Sydney FC will almost certainly be without Tony Popovic for today's clash with Perth Glory at Members Equity Stadium, after the captain showed little sign of recovering from a back injury.

Aircrew Back Safe From Iraq

WHEN six aircrew from 816 squadron left HMAS Albatross for Perth 10 months ago before heading to Iraq, the Shoalhaven was in the grip of severe drought.

Flying Indonesia-style A 'deadly Combination'

INDONESIA suffers a "deadly combination" of inefficient airline operators, poor safety regulations and bad weather, a senior Australian aviation figure says.

Lightning Can Strike Twice - Proteas' Saviour

THE South African batsman who defied the Australians in Perth last year believes England can replicate the feat today and keep the Ashes series alive entering the Boxing Day Test.

England Can Still Rain On Australia's Parade: Rudolph

THE South African batsman who defied the Australians in Perth last year believes England can replicate the feat today and keep the Ashes series alive, leading into the Boxing Day Test.

Brother's Death Darkens Dumped Leader's Day Of Loss

ONE of David Beazley's proudest moments was in 1991 when his brother Kim came to his workplace at Telecom's warehouse in the Perth suburb of Kewdale.

Marvellous Stuff, That, Billy's Back

As the Ashes and weather start to warm up, it's a big welcome back to the 12th Man for the first time in five years. Will Swanton speaks exclusively to Billy Birmingham.

Perth Trainer Blasts 'lenient Weighting' Of Victorian Horses

PERTH trainer Jim Taylor, aiming strongly fancied Idyllic Prince at Saturday week's Carlton Draught Railway Stakes, has hit out at the "lenient weighting" of Victorian horses in the Ascot race.

Young Men Who Went West Starthunt For Purple Patch

BOOM Fremantle recruit Chris Tarrant has set himself to reclaim his status as an All-Australian forward but has asked for 12 months' grace before being expected to find his best form.

Little Master Takes A-league Centre Stage As Newcastle Whistle For Luck

LAST weekend provided one of the more interesting and revealing rounds in the A-League. The Melbourne juggernaut rolled on, Sydney unearthed a real gem, the Central Coast limped over the line for their first win of the season, and an understrength Jets folded in the last 30 minutes against Perth.

Perth A Distant Memory For These Gritty Cyclists

IF you think that Perth to Newcastle is a long trip by air, spare a thought for the eight Hunter men who have been cycling the 4200-kilometre distance in the name of research.

Blips On Radar Point To Stormy Weather Ahead

Interest rates will set the mood, David Potts writes.

Wallabies Eager For Ireland

Tonight's Test in Perth will show much about the Wallabies, Greg Growden reports

We're Having A Ball - Larkham

AUSTRALIA v IRELAND

Wallabies Set To Hop Into Action Against Ireland

THE Wallabies' backs are a lot happier - they're no longer scared to make a mistake. Australia's coaching panel is even more delighted - tonight's Test against Ireland in Perth will provide the high-level physical and mental encounter required just before the season gets serious with the start of the Tri Nations.

Ponting Ensures Australia Makes History

THE showers and storms stayed away from the SCG yesterday but history rained down by the bucketload. Once Graeme Smith made a declaration that was both commendable and about the only option he had, once it was clear one eye did not need to be kept on the weather, it was difficult to know where to look.

Ponting Reigns With Historic Knock

The showers and storms stayed away from the SCG yesterday but the history rained down by the bucketload. Once Graeme Smith made a declaration that was both commendable and about the only option he had, once it was clear one eye did not need to be kept on the weather, it was difficult to know where to look.

Proteas Need To Take A Leaf Out Of Hodge's Tome

JOCKEY-SIZED Brad Hodge stood like an immovable monolith during South Africa's two days in the field, and has ensured the visitors face an unwinnable challenge with the bat in the first Test in Perth.