HighLights of the AAP National Wire at 20:00, Dec 23

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HighLights of the AAP National Wire at 20:00, Dec 23

MAJOR STORIES MOVED SINCE THE 14:45 NATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

CANBERRA - Federal, state and territory governments today baulked at introducing alevy on plastic bags, opting to first urge industry and the community to cut use and boostrecycling. (PLASTIC NIGHTLEAD to come)

MELBOURNE - Australian shoppers could be heading for a $6 billion Christmas splurge,according to the Australian Retailers' Association (ARA). (Christmas Retail)

SYDNEY - Is panic setting in that your loved one will wake up to an empty stocking? (Shopping)

CANBERRA - Christmas was a time to give thanks for being Australian, Prime MinisterJohn Howard said today in his 2002 Christmas message. (Xmas PM - EMBARGOED - see alsotext)

MELBOURNE - The father of murdered Australian backpacker David Wilson said today'slife sentence handed to a former Khmer Rouge commander over the killing of his son andtwo others was "a step forward". (Cambodia Wilson Aust)

CANBERRA - Foreign Minister Alexander Downer today reminded Australians to defer travelto Indonesia as its president urged nations to lift warnings that deter tourists and hurtthe economy. (Terror Aust Nightlead)

ADELAIDE - Iraq must not engage in any stunts if it wants to avoid military conflict,Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said today. (Iraq Downer)

CANBERRA - Science Minister Peter McGauran today accused Greenpeace of being irresponsibleand wrong in claiming transported nuclear waste was unsafe and would become a terrorismtarget. (Waste Nightlead)

MELBOURNE - The jury in the trial of two men charged with the murders of two policeofficers will be sent home for Christmas if they are unable to reach verdicts by noontomorrow. (Debs Nightlead)

SYDNEY - The NSW Budget surplus has been slashed in half by an unexpected blowout incosts including a payrise for nurses, third party insurance hikes and relief for bushfireand drought victims. (Economy NSW Nightlead)

MELBOURNE - Melbourne Cup winning trainer Sheila Laxon underwent surgery at Melbourne'sAlfred Hospital this afternoon after a track fall earlier today. (Laxon Lead)

SYDNEY - The national holiday road toll stood at 12 late today. (Toll National Nightlead)

SYDNEY - CSL Ltd shares shot higher today on hopes a rival new deal will spell theend to aggressive price discounting in the important US market. (CSL)

SYDNEY - Glenn McGrath has described the next two Ashes Tests as the toughest fightof Steve Waugh's career. (Cricket Aust Nightlead, see also Cricket Aust sidebars)

MELBOURNE - What England captain Nasser Hussain wants for Christmas is 10 days of goodcricket. (Cricket England)

AAP mo

KEYWORD: HIGHLIGHTS NATIONAL UPDATED