The government in Australia has announced a world- leading crackdown on alleged tax avoidance by 30 multinational companies in a move that could force the likes of Apple and Microsoft to restructure to escape huge penalties.

AUSTRALIAN bonds are generating the strongest demand in three years on speculation the central bank will win room to hold record-low interest rates as treasurer Joe Hockey’s first budget focuses on deficit reduction.

Australia’s prime minister has demanded the political scalp of the high-profile Liberal candidate Mal Brough over the “grossly sexist” wording of a menu for his federal election fundraiser.

THE Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) has announced that Irish hockey will benefit from a special one-off grant of $85,000 (€65,000) aimed at helping qualification for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

Seconds after being hit by a puck as she watched an ice hockey game in Ohio, 13-year-old Brittanie Cecil held a jacket to her head to stop the bleeding and left the stadium.