SYDNEY: Premier Bob Carr has finally revealed why his Queensland counterpart, Peter Beattie, offered to fly the NSW flag over Lang Park even though the Maroons won the State of Origin series and it wasn't part of the original bet between the two rival Labor state leaders. "Peter told me he just wants to be liked by everyone," Carr said.

ADELAIDE: The Democrats, fresh from their controversial GST deal with the Howard Government, took another step forward here yesterday to positioning themselves firmly in the centre of the nation's political stage when leader Senator Meg Lees launched the party's new slogan, Keep the Other Bastards Dishonest.

BRISBANE: The Ekka showgrounds have firmed in favouritism over rival, "The Cauldron" at Lang Park, for the city's new super sports stadium with the announcement here by the Royal National Association officials that their venue, if selected, will be known as "The Bullring".

HOBART: Police reported minor traffic problems when the city's traffic light malfunctioned briefly yesterday morning.

MELBOURNE: The state's Police Commissioner has ordered all uniformed and patrol officers to the firing range immediately following the release of disturbing statistics showing an annual decline in gunshot fatalities across Victoria.