AUSTRALIAN NEWSPAPER HIGHLIGHTS - DEC 9, 2003.

(From Asia Pulse)

SYDNEY, Dec 9 Asia Pulse - Highlights of today's newspapers:

THE AUSTRALIAN:

- The economy powers ahead.

- Voters embrace Latham gamble.

- Banned Mugabe walks out.

- Marginals say straight-shooting leader is ALP's best shot.

- Costello links taxi attack to Bartlett.

- A lifeline for Labor's old and bold: breakdown of "new generation" frontbench.

- Botched killing to escalate violence.

- Christina Aguilera stripped of all pretence.

- Deal between Australia and Indonesia over anti-terror centre.

- Megawati to face her sisters in poll.

- Child abuse engraved pots win transvestite a Turner Prize.

- French retail tycoon dies in plane crash.

- John Howard named Pacific Man of the Year.

- Virgin valued at near US$2.5 billion.

- Reserve Bank lights blue touchpaper on dollar fortunes.

- Predator in wings for AMP pickings.

THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD:

- Fuel war chest means tax cuts are on the …