AUSTRALIAN NEWSPAPER HIGHLIGHTS - OCT 8, 2003.

(From Asia Pulse)

SYDNEY, Oct 8 Asia Pulse - Highlights of today's newspapers:

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH:

- Decision to close Sydney Harbour as container port sparks tensions in state government.

- Governor-General warns new government ministers of vice-regal scrutiny.

- New Howard ministry sworn in.

- Man faces court over babysitter attack.

- The 52,000 sheep onboard the Cormo Express could be could be dumped in the Cocos or Christmas Islands.

- A$ up as RBA ponders rate rise.

- Lumacom pushes into Russia.

THE AUSTRALIAN:

- Aussie cricketers pledge to not sledge opponents.

- SE Asia to form huge trade block.

- LookSmart loses deal with Microsoft.

- Top Liberal ministers slam Malcolm Turnbull's bid for federal parliament.

- Government may be forced to boost health spending by at least $500 million to secure crucial Democrats and independent support.

- RBA to hold fire on rate rise.

- New Government Ministry sworn in.

- NZ confirms Mugabe plot to oust diplomat.

- Small Island states will never survive alone, government report says.

- Photographer tells of BASE jumper Dwain Weston's final moments.

- Strikers' picket lines shut down Sydney University.

- Property spruiker Henry Kaye back in court after trying to turn an order against him into a …