澳洲新闻 (ABC新闻快递) 2012-12-04

 Many economists¹ are predicting the Reserve Bank will deliver an early-Christmas present when it holds its final meeting of the year today. Financial market are betting on a quarter of one percentage point interest rate cut. Latest figures show a slowdown in growth has prompted renewed calls for a cut to stimulate² the economy.

 

Israel's plan to expand Jewish settlements on occupied territories has drawn³ fierce criticism across Europe. The governments of Britain, France, Germany and Sweden have all summoned Israel's ambassadors to express their concerns. Israel announced the move to build 3,000 new homes after the UN voted to give Palestinians greater recognition.

 

Businesses, unions and welfare groups have formed an alliance to tackle long term unemployment, the Business Council, the ACTU, and the Australian Council Social Services. When the unemployment benefit new start increased, they are also calling for an inquiry⁴ into entrenched⁵ disadvantage and a review of the job's service system.

 

A Queensland bikie gang heads to the high court today to challenge a police move to declare a criminal organization. Lawyers for the Finks Motorcycle Clubs says laws introduced by the state's former government are unconstitutional.

 

Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge are expecting a baby. But Kate's joy over impending⁶ parenthood has been tempered by a severe morning sickness. A royal spokesman says she is being treated in hospital and is likely to stay there for several days.

1 economists   

n.经济学家，经济专家( economist的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• The sudden rise in share prices has confounded economists. 股价的突然上涨使经济学家大惑不解。
• Foreign bankers and economists cautiously welcomed the minister's initiative. 外国银行家和经济学家对部长的倡议反应谨慎。 来自《简明英汉词典》

2 stimulate   

vt.刺激，使兴奋；激励，使…振奋

参考例句：

• Your encouragement will stimulate me to further efforts.你的鼓励会激发我进一步努力。
• Success will stimulate the people for fresh efforts.成功能鼓舞人们去作新的努力。

3 drawn   

v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的

参考例句：

• All the characters in the story are drawn from life.故事中的所有人物都取材于生活。
• Her gaze was drawn irresistibly to the scene outside.她的目光禁不住被外面的风景所吸引。

4 inquiry   

n.打听，询问，调查，查问

参考例句：

• Many parents have been pressing for an inquiry into the problem.许多家长迫切要求调查这个问题。
• The field of inquiry has narrowed down to five persons.调查的范围已经缩小到只剩5个人了。

5 entrenched   

adj.确立的，不容易改的(风俗习惯)

参考例句：

• Television seems to be firmly entrenched as the number one medium for national advertising.电视看来要在全国广告媒介中牢固地占据头等位置。
• If the enemy dares to attack us in these entrenched positions,we will make short work of them.如果敌人胆敢进攻我们固守的阵地，我们就消灭他们。

6 impending   

a.imminent, about to come or happen

参考例句：

• Against a background of impending famine, heavy fighting took place. 即将发生饥荒之时，严重的战乱爆发了。
• The king convoke parliament to cope with the impending danger. 国王召开国会以应付迫近眉睫的危险。