The ABC has obtained a damning report to the east branch of the Health Services Union. The long-awaited temby report shows millions of dollars were spent on lavish accommodations and huge pay rises. The Union’s former general secretary, Michael Williamson, came in for special mention. The report accuses him of nepotism and a funnelling millions of dollars of the Union’s fund to himself and his family.

 

 

Iraq had has its deadliest days more than two years. More than 100 people have died in the serious bombings across the country. Security forces appear to have been one of the main targets. One of the worst hit areas was a Sunni neighbourhood north of Baghded where more than 40 people dead.

 

 

The Syrian government has acknowledged for the first time that it has chemical weapons. The regime has promised it won’t use them against its own people under any circumstances. It says the weapons are stored and secured by the armed forces.

 

 

Foreign Minister Bob Carr denied that he criticised the United States during talks with republican presidential candidate, Mitt Romney. Media reports suggest that senate Carr said that US was in decline. But the foreign minister says he was actually praising America’s economic strength.