澳洲新闻 (ABC新闻快递) 2010-06-18（在线收听）

US Congress has accused BP of paying no attention to the tremendous risks of drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. At a congressional hearing into America’s worst oil spill, BP chief executive Tony Hayward was accused of cutting corners to save money.

In Europe, the number of people killed in floods in southern France has risen to 25. Authorities say several people are still missing in the hills above the French Riviera. Crews are continuing the clean-up, but more heavy rain is forecast for the region.

The Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has hinted that he won’t be calling an early election. Mr. Rudd’s struggling in the polls as the fallout from super profits tax continues. He says he expects the Government will continue to take a “whacking” in the polls because of that tax. But he says he won’t rush negotiations with the mining industry because of the election.

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh has denied that she misled parliament over the reappointment of the state’s police commissioner. The Crime and Misconduct Commission chairman Martin Moynihan says he was only consulted after the announcement was made. But the Premier says she was advised by the police minister that the CMC agreed with the appointment.

Dutch authorities have extended a ban preventing a 14-year-old girl from trying to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world. Child Protection Services intervened last year to stop Laura Dekker's journey and make concerns for her welfare.