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Top Stories



*Labor MP says Koran backlash 'extreme' but democratic*

*Opposition accuses Carr of higher education 'hand grenade'*

*Fight for interview material in Hey Dad! case*




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*Labor MP says Koran backlash 'extreme' but democratic*


Federal Labor frontbencher Ed Husic has described some of the anti-Islamic criticism directed towards him as "extreme" but says people have the right to raise concerns about him taking the oath of office on the Koran.

Mr Husic yesterday became Australia's first Muslim frontbencher when he was appointed the new Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and Broadband.

He has been subjected to religious attacks online for taking his oath of office on the Koran at the swearing in ceremony with Governor-General Quentin Bryce.

On the western Sydney MPs Facebook page, some users said it was "disgusting" and "un-Australian" for him to use the Koran, while one user said it is the same book used by terrorists.

But others have leapt to his defence, offering congratulations on his appointment and saying he should "ignore the haters" and "racist rants".

Mr Husic has explained why he used the Koran for his oath, saying it was a straightforward decision.

"I couldn't obviously take my oath on a bible and I didn't want to affirm. I am who I am," he said.

Mr Husic says he has been heartened by a number of congratulatory messages, adding he knows there are some people who have expressed concerns and asked questions about him using the Koran. 

"I also see that as a natural part of democracy and a good thing that people can ask those questions," Mr Husic said.

He said it was "right" for people to express their concerns.

"But I also think that you'll have, from time to time, people at the extremes - there are people definitely that are extreme within my faith and there are people that are extreme outside it - and they will always seek ways in which to divide people," he said.

Mr Husic says the important thing is that mainstream Australia wants everyone to work together and "it's also important that we not necessarily jump because of harsh words out of dark corners."

MPs defend Husic, slam 'appalling behaviour'

There has been an outpouring of support for Mr Husic on social media from politicians of all sides of politics.

Labor backbencher Rob Mitchell reacted angrily on Twitter to the anti-Islamic comments, saying "appalling behaviour" against Mr Husic "shouldn't be tolerated at all".

"It is an embarrassment to decency, fairness and all we stand for," he said. 

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott said he was not familiar with the abusive online comments but he respected Mr Husic's choice to be sworn in using the Koran.

"I respect his choice and I think the Australian people should as well," he said.

Mr Abbott's reaction prompted Labor backbencher Michelle Rowland to tweet that the Opposition Leader's comments were "extremely weak".

"Why not condemn the racist abuse directed at him," she said.

Liberal backbencher and Jewish MP Josh Frydenberg spoke to Ed Husic last night and tweeted:

Criticism of @edhusicmp for being sworn-in on the Koran is a disgrace - we live in a democracy where we must respect freedom of religion.

â€" Josh Frydenberg (@JoshFrydenberg) July 1, 2013

"There is definitely elements of extremism and racism in the community, but we need to call it out when we see it no matter what side of the political fence we come from," Mr Frydenberg told ABC 774 Melbourne this morning.

Mr Frydenberg said he was working behind the scenes with Mr Husic to try to bridge divides in the community.

"I know Ed didn't want to come on the show because he doesn't want to beat this story up, but he goes about the work behind the scenes and is a really positive role model for many people in the Islamic community," he said. 

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*Opposition accuses Carr of higher education 'hand grenade'*


The Opposition has accused the Government of throwing a "hand grenade" into the centre of higher education by flagging it may revisit the idea of caps on university student places.

The new Higher Education Minister, Kim Carr, has indicated he wants to make changes to university funding to put more emphasis on quality instead of student numbers.

"I'm very concerned that there has been a rapid growth in the number of people participating in universities and am concerned to ensure that proper equity is maintained in the Australian education system," Senator Carr said.

The Opposition's education spokesman, Christopher Pyne, says he shares the new minister's concerns but says Senator Carr needs to explain what he is going to do about it.

"The new Minister for Higher Education has thrown a hand grenade into the centre of higher education in Australia," Mr Pyne said, adding that Senator Carr is the fourth minister in four months.

"The chaos and dysfunction of the Government has continued."

"You can put a new, shiny, coloured lid on a rubbish can but it's still a rubbish can, and that's the problem with the Labor Party - they have a new leader but it's still the same Labor Party," he said.

The Government last year removed the cap on the number of funded places, which has led to students with a lower academic result enrolling according to the university sector.

Carr under pressure to reverse funding cuts 

Universities Australia is using the appointment of Senator Carr to put pressure on him to reverse multi-billion-dollar funding cuts announced earlier this year. 

Senator Carr has signalled a willingness to re-examine funding for the sector but stressed there are budgetary constraints.

"I'm not suggesting that I can produce some magic pudding where extra money will fall like pennies from heaven," he said.

"What I am concerned to do is to ensure that the monies are available to improve the excellence of the system. 

"The issue is, can we find a more effective way to spend the money that is already available?"

The head of Universities Australia, Belinda Robinson, says she is hopeful Senator Carr's comments are a sign the planned cuts will be reconsidered.

"Senator Carr has a proven track record around research and universities and certainly understands that the role that universities play in securing productivity for the nation and economic growth," she said.

She says some institutions are already preparing for cuts.

"Universities are now in the planning phases for their own budgets for 2014, they are looking at every cost centre very carefully," she said.

"A number of universities have made announcements about programs they might be cutting or abolishing." 

Australian unis make world's top 100 

Meanwhile, the Centre for World University Rankings has included two Australian institutions in its top 100 list for 2013.

The University of Sydney was ranked 92nd, up from 94th last year, and the Australian National University in Canberra came in at 96th after not making the list last year.

The University of Queensland, who made the 2012 list in 92nd spot, missed out this year.

Harvard University in the US took the top spot.


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*Fight for interview material in Hey Dad! case*


Some of the alleged abuse victims of Hey Dad! actor Robert Hughes are fighting his efforts to get copies of their media interviews.

Hughes is facing 11 charges relating to the indecent assault of five girls in Sydney between 1984 and 1990.

Downing Centre Local Court has heard two of them have given interviews about the accusations against him.

His lawyer, Greg Walsh, told the court subpoenas have been issued for access to the interviews and other material related to them.

But lawyers representing the alleged victims said the information is protected under Sexual Assault Communication Privilege.

Magistrate Jane Culver adjourned the case until later this month.

Outside court, Mr Walsh said the information is an important part of his client's defence, and that the women have been paid for the interviews.

"Despite the fact that these interviews have been published to the world ... it appears that there's a privilege maintained there," he said.

"So we have to give them an opportunity to look at the material and decide whether that privilege is going to be maintained or not."

Mr Walsh said the court case is putting a lot of pressure on Hughes.

"His wife is giving him tremendous support, but naturally a person in his position is doing it pretty tough," he said.

Hughes is excused from his next court appearance.

He returned to Australia after being arrested in London in 2012.


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