41.   Labor Party leader Bob Carr here Thursday claimed victory in the New South Wales election and will be sworn in as state premier next Tuesday.

42.   New South Wales state premier Bob Carr said they would consider buying Erickson Air-Crane Helitankers that had proved so successful in saving houses around Sydney.

43.   Pastoralists, mining interests and state premiers have urged the government to change the act to end what they said was uncertainty about pastoral leases following the ruling.

44.   Picture Prime Minister Howard chairs conference of state premiers to try to find solution to native landrights row.

45.   The automakers and the state premiers also demanded a quick reduction in the tax on diesel vehicles.

46.   The house last month elected AKPP leader Sultan Mahmood state premier.