NSW: Main stories in today s Sydney newspapers = 3

AAP General News (Australia)
12-18-2000
NSW: Main stories in today s Sydney newspapers = 3

THE AUSTRALIAN FINANCIAL REVIEW

Page 1 - The manufacturing sector is bracing for a sharp downturn, increasing pressure
on the Reserve Bank to cut interest rates. The Australian Football League is to tell Kerry
Stokes whether the Seven Network has won the TV rights to the game for the next decade.

Federation celebrations could form a strong political platform in the lead-up to next
year's election.

Page 2 - Briefs

Page 3 - PM John Howard expected to appoint Justice Minister Amanda Vanstone to replace
the Minister for Family and Community Services Jocelyn Newman. Government has unveiled
a new plan to break the impasse over the minimum number of shareholders who should be
able to call an extraordinary general meeting of a listed company. Commonwealth Bank is
trying to sell the naming rights to Colonial Stadium after the bank's takeover of the
financial services group.

World - Retired army chief Colin Powell appointed US Secretary of State. Powell expected
to take a sterner approach on security-related issues.

Companies - OneSteel confirms a rapid deterioration in trading conditions. Burswood
faces continued uncertainty on issues such as tax rates because the WA government has
refused to negotiate before the state election. Shell's Brutus oil field will be examined
by analysts.

Market Wrap - Mining data exposes $10 billion loss in shareholder value. Wall Street
fall on Friday will put the heat on the Australian stock market. US stocks fell when the
market failed to deliver on its expected rally after the naming of Bush as president-elect.

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KEYWORD: FRONTERS NSW 3 SYDNEY

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