$40,000 gold prize to those who enrol

ACTIVIST group GetUp! will give away $40,000 in gold in a bid to encourage people to enrol to vote in the upcoming federal election.

GetUp! National Director Sam McLean said 1.4 million people eligible to vote weren't on the electoral role, with 493,000 under 24.

"A huge number of young Australians aren't enrolled to vote and we want to give them every reason to," Mr McLean said in a statement.

"If they win, they can pay off part of their HECS debt, buy a car, go on a holiday or give it to charity - we don't mind.

"The most important thing is that people realise that once the election is called they only have seven days to get themselves enrolled to vote."

Those who enrol and register with GetUp! will go into a draw, with one winner from each state and territory getting $5,000 worth of gold.

The gold will be delivered the Sunday after the election, which has yet to be called by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

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Comedian Mel Smith dies in London

BRITISH comedian Mel Smith, known for the TV series Alas Smith and Jones and Not the Nine O'Clock News, has died from a heart attack at his home in northwest London, his agent Michael Foster says.

In a statement to the Press Association on Saturday on behalf of Smith's wife Pam, Mr Foster said: "Mel Smith, comedian and writer, died on Friday aged 60, from a heart attack at his home in northwest London."

Tributes have been paid to the late star.

Comedian and broadcaster Stephen Fry wrote on Twitter: "Terrible news about my old friend Mel Smith, dead today from a heart attack. Mel lived a full life, but was kind, funny & wonderful to know."

Author Kathy Lette wrote on the site: "R.I.P. Mel Smith. Sorry to bring sad and bad news, but apparently he died from heart attack in his sleep."

Writer Irvine Welsh took to Twitter to write: "Sad to hear about the death of Mel Smith, who gave me loads of laughs."

Not the Nine O'Clock News producer John Lloyd told Sky News that Smith was an "amazingly talented guy" but added that he had not been in good health.

He said: "We did know he was ill. He's been ill for some time.

"So although it is the most awful news - I mean, it's a tragedy, it's a great loss not just as an amazingly talented guy in all sorts of areas but also as a friend - I think he was not in good shape, so in some ways we try and put a good spin on it by saying it's a relief for him."

Smith was described as having "extraordinary natural talent" by Peter Fincham, director of television at ITV.

Fincham, who was the business partner of Smith and his comedy sideback Griff Rhys Jones at Talkback Productions as well as their agent, said: "Life was always exciting around Mel.

"He was my friend and business partner for many years and had extraordinary natural talent with the rare gift of wearing it lightly.

"Being funny came naturally to him, so much so that he never seemed to give it a second thought. Mel and Griff were one of the great comedy acts and it's hard to imagine that one of them is no longer with us."

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Pope sets up body to overhaul Vatican

POPE Francis has set up a special commission of lay experts to overhaul the economic and administrative structure of the Vatican in a radical bid to streamline and clean up the scandal-hit institution.

The commission will delve into the workings of the Vatican's bloated departments and draft reforms to tackle instances of favouritism or corruption, as well as simplify procedures, improve transparency and put economic resources to better use.

The commission is tasked with the "simplification and rationalisation of the existing bodies and more careful planning of the economic activities of all the Vatican Administrations", the Vatican said in a statement on Friday.

It will offer specialist advice on how to "avoid the misuse of economic resources, to improve transparency... to work with ever greater prudence in the financial sphere; to ensure correct application of accounting principles," it said.

The Argentine pope has worked fast since his election in March to establish a series of specialist bodies to tackle corruption and poor management in the Vatican.

This latest commission, which will report directly to him, comes on the heels of the establishment of a separate body looking at how to reform the Vatican bank and the appointment of eight cardinal advisors.

The new specialists come from France, Germany, Italy, Malta, Singapore and Spain.

Francis was elected in the wake of a damaging scandal last year in which papers leaked by the then papal butler alleged corruption in the administration, with tales of bribery and personal favours as well as accusations of money laundering.

Although they did not reveal any great surprises, the secret papers lifted the lid on deep-seated venom among rival figures in the Vatican.

They revealed in particular the bitter battle between Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone and Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, who had been attempting to clean up the Vatican's finances when he was removed from his post -- allegedly for cracking down on corruption.

Vigano wrote to the Pope and begged not to be punished for rooting out examples of favours, waste and financial mismanagement which set the Vatican back millions of euros in higher contract prices -- but to no avail.

Francis's reforms appear to have their roots in the leaks scandal, which created unease and exasperation among the cardinals.

The electors called on the Argentinian swiftly to clean up an institution dogged by bad governance and corruption but Francis has yet to shake up the heavily criticised Curia -- the intrigue-filled administration of the Catholic Church -- which he temporarily re-appointed en masse after his election.

The Vatican said Friday's new commission could collaborate with the Pope's cardinal advisors "in drafting a plan for the reform... of the Roman Curia".

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Campion's Top of the Lake gets Emmys nod

THE ABC wasn't keen on American actress Elisabeth Moss playing an Aussie in Jane Campion's TV mini-series Top of the Lake, but Emmy voters don't care.

Moss was nominated on Thursday for two Emmys - her role in the New Zealand-shot Top of the Lake and for her lead performance in feted US series Mad Men.

Campion also came out big from the Emmy Awards nomination ceremony held in North Hollywood, scoring nominations for directing and writing Top of the Lake.

The news was not so good for Australia's other cast members in the mini-series, with David Wenham and Thomas M. Wright snubbed for nominations.

Top of the Lake's Scottish-born Peter Mullan pipped Wenham and Wright for supporting actor in a TV movie or mini-series nominations.

The critically-acclaimed mini-series, shot in Queenstown, New Zealand, and following Moss' character, an Australian detective, investigating the disappearance of a pregnant girl, was supposed to be partly funded by Australia's national broadcaster.

However, when it was announced Californian-born Moss would star as an Aussie, the ABC pulled $A600,000 in funding for the seven episode mini-series.

The 65th Primetime Emmy ceremony will be held on September 22.

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Four drown after asylum boat capsizes

FOUR people have died after an asylum seeker boat carrying about 150 passengers capsized in rough seas off Christmas Island.

A dramatic navy rescue operation was sparked on Tuesday after the vessel capsized about 70 nautical miles off the remote island, flinging a large number of people into the sea.

Two navy ships hauled 144 people alive from the water, but Customs and Border Protection confirmed four bodies were also recovered during the operation.

Earlier in the day, HMAS Albany was called to assist the suspected asylum seeker boat, but couldn't board the crowded vessel due to bad weather.

As the HMAS Albany and HMAS Warramunga were escorting the boat to Christmas Island it tipped, flinging a large number of people into the sea.

A Royal Australian Air Force plane dropped a number of life rafts, while navy personnel pulled survivors from the water.

Vessels in the area were also called to assist in the timely rescue, and the Customs vessel ACV Triton was radioed for help.

Customs suspended the search at around 9:30pm (AEST).

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority earlier believed up to 180 people were on board the vessel, but that was later scaled down.

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Man found in US motel awakens with amnesia

DOCTORS are looking into the mystery of a US man who awoke speaking only Swedish, with no memory of his past, after he was found unconscious four months ago at a Southern California motel.

Michael Boatwright, 61, woke up with amnesia, calling himself Johan Ek, The Desert Sun reported.

Boatwright was found unconscious in a motel room in Palm Springs in February.

After police arrived, he was transported to the Desert Regional Medical Center where he woke up.

Hospital officials said Boatwright may have been in town for a tennis tournament in the Coachella Valley.

He was found with a duffel bag of exercise clothes, a backpack and tennis rackets.

He also carried four forms of identification - a passport, a California identification card, a veteran's medical card and a Social Security card - all of which identified him as Michael Thomas Boatwright.

Palm Springs police have documented his information in case anyone lists Boatwright as missing or wanted, authorities said.

In March, doctors diagnosed Boatwright with Transient Global Amnesia, a condition triggered by physical or emotional trauma that can last for several months.

The rare mental disorder is characterised by memory loss, "sudden and unplanned travel," and possible adoption of a new identity, according to the Sun.

After an extensive search, medical personnel and social workers have been unable to locate Boatwright's next of kin.

Authorities are still unsure of his birthplace, listed on his identification as Florida.

Photos show him in Sweden at a young age.

Swedish public records show Boatwright lived in the Nordic country on and off between 1981 and 2003.

Several Swedes on Tuesday said they knew of him as an American with a big interest in medieval history and jousting.

Swede Olof Sahlin said he met Boatwright around 1985 through their joint interest in medieval history.

He said he saw the American at jousting events regularly in the 1980s and sporadically in the early 1990s.

"He was nice, sympathetic and talented at fighting in plate armour," Sahlin told The Associated Press.

"A little bit reserved maybe."

Sahlin said he never knew how Boatwright made a living during his time in Sweden but has now heard from other friends that he briefly worked as a personal assistant and in the construction sector.

Sahlin said their last contact was in 1999 and he doesn't know what happened to him after that.

Boatwright doesn't recall how to exchange money, take public transportation or seek temporary housing like homeless shelters or hotels, the social worker assigned to his case, Lisa Hunt-Vasquez, told the Sun.

He doesn't remember his son and two ex-wives, either.

He has no income or insurance, further complicating his treatment at Desert Regional.

And he has little money he can access - only $180.

He also has a few Chinese bank accounts but can only access one account, which holds $7, according to the newspaper.

Doctors don't know how much longer he will be able to stay at the centre.

Aside from his amnesia, Boatwright is in good health.

The hospital is currently looking for alternatives that would keep him off the streets.

For now, Boatwright is unsure of both his past and his future.

"Sometimes it makes me really sad and sometimes it just makes me furious about the whole situation and the fact that I don't know anybody, I don't recognise anybody," Boatwright told the newspaper.

AP

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Ford UK plant shuts as Turkey wins work

MORE than a century of vehicle production in the UK by Ford will end next week when its Transit factory closes its doors for the final time.

A total of 531 employees were affected by the closure of the Southampton plant with a further 750 jobs hit by the axe falling on a tool and stamping operation at Dagenham, Essex, which will also close on July 26.

When the announcement was made last October, union officials accused the US company of "betrayal" and said the job losses were "devastating".

It is estimated that more than 2.2 million Transits have been made in Southampton in the past 40 years with production now switching to Turkey, where Ford said costs were "significantly lower" than anywhere in Europe, even after delivery charges.

The company said that capacity at the plant in Kocaeli was much bigger than in Southampton which produced around 28,000 vans last year, compared with 185,000 in Turkey.

Stephen Odell, president of Ford Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: "We understand the impact of these restructuring actions on our employees and have provided individual support to ensure that all employees have made fully informed decisions about their future on a voluntary basis.

"We are re-affirming our commitment to the UK with a major investment in powertrain and engineering, which reinforces the UK's central role in Ford's global powertrain strategy and commercial vehicle engineering."

A Ford spokesman said that all of the 531 employees at the Southampton plant had "either chosen redeployment within Ford, voluntary separation or early retirement" with "new and expanded Ford operations created in Southampton providing positions for 134 of these employees".

He added: "A further 41 Southampton employees have taken up positions at other Ford locations in the UK and so far 41 employees have taken up offers of alternative employment outside the company."

A vehicle distribution centre costing 12 million is being created at Southampton docks with a vehicle refurbishment centre being set up at the plant site.

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Smith rejects Bishop's Indonesia boat call

DEFENCE Minister Stephen Smith has bagged coalition suggestions that Indonesia would accept a policy of towing back asylum seeker boats.

Deputy leader of the opposition Julie Bishop made the assertion on ABC TV's Q&A program on Monday night, saying Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa had discussed the policy with the coalition.

Ms Bishop referred to comments she made in the media that caused a furore last month, when she suggested Indonesian officials had privately indicated they would co-operate with the Liberal-National policy of turning back asylum seeker boats to Indonesia.

"I was talking about diplomatic language generally, where you read the signs, you read the nuances," Ms Bishop said.

"But in relation to Indonesia - separately - I am confident that given the discussions we've already had, as confirmed by Minister Natalegawa today, I am confident we will be able to implement our policies.

"He confirmed that the Indonesian government is open to discussion with the coalition about our policies.

"And he's confirmed essentially what we've been saying all along: that the Indonesian government is aware of our policies, they were aware of them 10 years ago when John Howard first introduced them, and he's confirmed that they are open to discussions with us."

Mr Smith rejected her version of events, saying Mr Natalegawa had simply said he would talk with the coalition to see what its policies were.

"So let's not let Julie over-egg it," Mr Smith said.

"The coalition has made it clear that irrespective of Indonesia's view - and there's more than one Indonesian official from the highest authority down (who) have made it clear - this is not a policy approach that they would welcome or that they'd co-operate with."

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Citigroup reports jump in earnings

US banking giant Citigroup has reported a 26.2 per cent jump in quarterly earnings.

A strong performance from its securities and investment banking division helped offset the drag of lower mortgage originations.

Excluding the effects of a prior-year asset sale and some debt cost effects, Citi reported net income of $US3.9 billion ($A4.3 billion) on $US20.0 billion in revenues, up 26.7 per cent from the year-ago period.

The profits translated into $US1.25 per share, compared with analyst expectations of $US1.18.

Citi chief executive Michael Corbat pointed to a solid performance in Asia and Latin America, both of which saw year-on-year revenue and profit growth.

"Our businesses performed well during the quarter and these results are well balanced through our products and geographies, especially in the emerging markets, where growth is being challenged," Corbat said.

Like peer banks, JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo, Citi warned that the recent jump in interest rates would drag on North American mortgage originations.

Citi's retail banking revenues declined four per cent to $US1.6 billion, in part due to lower mortgage origination and servicing revenues.

Citi said its securities and banking division reported particularly strong growth, revenues jumping 25 per cent to $US6.8 billion.

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US shares slip after last week's big rally

US stocks have opened slightly lower after last week's strong gains as a disappointing June retail sales report kept buyers cautious.

Ten minutes into trade on Monday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 1.58 (0.01 per cent) to 15,462.72.

The broader S&P 500 slipped 1.52 (0.09 per cent) to 1,678.67, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite lost 6.18 (0.17 per cent) at 3,593.90.

Citigroup's strong second-quarter earnings sent its share up 2.2 per cent in the first minutes, while Boeing added 2.1 per cent on eased worries over a fire in an empty 787 Dreamliner parked at London's Heathrow airport last week.

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Aussies struggle to spot diabetes signs

EDS: NOT FOR USE BEFORE 0001 (AEST) MONDAY JULY 15

SYDNEY, July 15 AAP - It's the country's fastest-growing disease, but most Australians don't recognise all the symptoms of diabetes, a new survey shows.

On the eve of National Diabetes Week, a Galaxy poll commissioned by the Medibank 24/7 Health Advice Line has found 97 per cent of Australians do not know all the major symptoms or how many types of the disease there are.

Almost one in five people polled did not recognise that obesity is a risk factor for diabetes, and two thirds did not realise the development of type 2 diabetes can be slowed through better diet and exercise, according to the research.

Australian Diabetes Council (ADC) CEO Nicola Stokes said key symptoms for type 1 diabetes, like excessive thirst, were well-recognised.

But some symptoms of type 2 diabetes were harder to spot.

"With type 2 you can just be tired, lethargic, and everything is becoming more difficult - and that's just our lives, these days," she told AAP.

She said new polling of ADC members showed diabetes was shaping up to be an election issue.

Overall, members ranked diabetes management as a top concern, ahead of the cost of living, work and employment or relationships.

"This is a cry for help that I think the government really needs to listen to," Ms Stokes said.

"They want the tools to manage their own condition but what they really want is to help their children, (who may be) predisposed to developing diabetes."

She's called on both sides of politics to direct more resources toward programs aimed at preventing diabetes.

The ADC says up to 60 per cent of type 2 diabetes cases are preventable, and the cost of treating an individual for diabetes complications could cost up to $16,700 a year.

One Australian is diagnosed with diabetes every five minutes, according to the ADC.

"If we don't contain these costs at the rate diabetes is growing, there won't be a health budget for anything else," Ms Stokes said.

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Financial stress increase for uni students

TWO in three of Australia's university students are living below the poverty line, a report says, as student debt soars.

The report from Universities Australia's longitudinal study of student finances, released on Monday, says more than two-thirds of students worry about their finances.

This is a big jump from when the last study was done in 2006, when only about half reported financial stress.

Two-thirds of undergraduates earned less than $20,000 a year, with about 21 per cent earning less than $10,000.

But their average annual expenditure was $37,020, with big increases in the housing, food and utility costs reported.

Almost one in five said they regularly couldn't afford food or other essential items while textbooks were the most difficult study-related expense to find room for in the budget.

A quarter of undergraduates had a loan of some kind, as did a third of post-graduate students.

And the estimated level of debt incurred from HECS and course fees jumped to $37,217 per student.

The levels of financial stress were even greater for students from low socio-economic (SES) backgrounds and indigenous students.

Only a third of indigenous students got some kind of support from their parents or partner, compared with just over half of their non-indigenous counterparts.

For all students, the most common type of family support was being fed, followed by getting use of a computer or printer.

"This report clearly shows that financial stress on university students is increasing," UA chief executive Belinda Robinson said.

"While the impact of this on dropout rates and future enrolments is unclear, it is of sufficient concern to justify close monitoring - particular in the context of meeting the government's goal to have 20 per cent of students from low SES backgrounds enrolled by 2020."

National Union of Students president Jade Tyrrell said student poverty had soared.

Students need more income support and it needs to be more flexible, waiting times need to be reduced and eligibility criteria relaxed, she said.

"A huge problem we face as students is that student poverty is seen as a right of passage almost and that needs to change," Ms Tyrrell told AAP.

The report also found the average student income was higher than in 2006 and students were more likely to have savings they could draw on in emergencies.

But it said the apparently contradictory findings pointed to an increasing polarisation between the "haves" and "have-nots".

"This would be unsurprising in view of the changes that have taken place in the sector since 2006, particularly the growth in participation by students who may not previously have been likely to enter higher education," the report states.

Universities Australia surveyed more than 11,700 students across a range of demographics for the study.

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