HighLights of the AAP National Wire at 14:45, Feb 18

00-00-0000
HighLights of the AAP National Wire at 14:45, Feb 18

CANBERRA - Consumers will pay more under the major banks' plan to more than doublecharges on using Eftpos terminals in shops, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA)said today. (Eftpos. Nightlead to come.)

CANBERRA - The federal opposition created new frontbench posts in consumer affairsand the special minister of state portfolio with a reshuffle today that promotes LaborLeft MP Alan Griffin from the backbench. (Reshuffle. Nightlead to come.)

CANBERRA - Prime Minister John Howard says if Australians don't like his handling ofthe Iraq issue, they can throw him out at the next election. (Iraq Howard. Iraq Aust N/Lto come.)

MELBOURNE - A war on Iraq could encourage greater support for terrorist organisationsworldwide, New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clarke said today. (Iraq Clark.)

CANBERRA - Imports fell more than $1 billion in January, wiping out the previous month'srise, official figures showed today. (Imports. Economy N/L to come.)

CANBERRA - The drought will slash the nation's crop production to the lowest levelssince 1982-1983, the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Research Economics (ABARE)said today. (ABARE. N/L to come.)

CANBERRA - Young men smoke and drink too much but they're the least likely of all Australiansto visit their doctor, according to a new study. (Men - embargoed)

BRISBANE - A man who told a woman "I love you" has been jailed for a month for stalking.

(STALKER to come)

SYDNEY - Shares in bionic ear maker Cochlear Ltd slumped by more than four per centin early trade today amid concerns about its future growth. (Cochlear to come.)

POTCHEFSTROOM - Don't sound the alarm bells: He isn't facing the sack. But Damien Martynneeds confidence-building runs against Holland in a World Cup match on Thursday that couldset all sorts of records. (WCUP AUST)

more

KEYWORD: HIGHLIGHTS NATIONAL