澳洲新闻 (ABC新闻快递) 2010-03-17（在线收听）

The former Liberal treasurer Peter Costello has launched a scathing attack on Tony Abbott’s paid parental leave scheme. Mr. Costello says the Coalition plan is against the party’s principles and will lead to higher taxes. This scheme will give parents six months’ leave on full pay up to 75,000 dollars.

The US Middle East peace envoy George Mitchell has cancelled a visit to Israel as tensions escalate over plans to expand Jewish settlement. Violence erupted on the streets after the reopening of a 17th-century synagogue in Jerusalem’s Old City. Thousands of police fired tear gas and rubber bullets on crowds of Palestinians who threw stones.

A fisherman who survived a crocodile attack is being treated at Royal Darwin Hospital. The 45-year-old man was in the water when he was bitten by a two-metre crocodile in Arnhem Land. He's suffered injuries to his head and shoulders, but they are not life-threatening.

And Shamrocks, Guinness and all things green will be on show today to mark 200 years of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Australia. Last night, the Prime Minister and the Opposition leader kicked off celebrations early at the Irish club in Brisbane. But Kevin Rudd said he’d open the doors and the bar to lodge to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day next year.

We'll have more news later.