Sydney - Australia flagged a cut in immigration Friday because of the global financial crisis, faltering economic growth and a rise in unemployment.

The immigrant intake has doubled over the past 10 years and was set to double again as a booming economy took unemployment to a 30-year low.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd warned that this year's annual quota of 190,300 would not be matched when the 2009 quota is set in May.

"We adjust it according to the economic circumstances," Rudd said.

Sydney - Australia flagged a cut in immigration Friday because of the global financial crisis, faltering economic growth and a rise in unemployment.

The immigrant intake has doubled over the past 10 years and was set to double again as a booming economy took unemployment to a 30-year low.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd warned that this year's annual quota of 190,300 would not be matched when the 2009 quota is set in May.

"We adjust it according to the economic circumstances," Rudd said.

Sydney - An auto-pilot computer malfunction, a recalcitrant passenger's laptop or air turbulence were Thursday offered as reasons for a Qantas passenger jet en route from Singapore and Perth plunging in altitude and injured 46 passengers.

Seven passengers from Tuesday's Flight QF72 remain in hospital in Perth, where they are being treated for broken bones, spinal injuries and lacerations.

Sydney - Unemployment in Australia rose to 4.3 per cent in September from 4.1 per cent in August, official figures released Thursday showed.

Full-time employment fell by 15,500, while part-time employment jumped by 18,000 - evidence that employers were both laying off staff and cutting full-time employees in favour of part-timers.

Katie Dean, an economist with ANZ bank, said unemployment was a lagging indicator because companies were reluctant to lay off staff even as the economy slowed.

Sydney - More than 1 million television viewers watched the All Saints glamour couple get married.

A day later, actor Mark Priestley, bridegroom in that episode of the hospital drama series, leapt to his death from a Sydney hotel balcony. He was 32 and seemed to have everything to live for.

There are around five suicides every day in Australia. It's more than the national road toll.

"It's a national tragedy and we've got to do something about it," said Alan Staines, director of the Salvation Army's Suicide Prevention and Bereavement Support Programme.

Sydney- Australian tourism officials are hoping that a new advertising campaign linked to the feature film Australia, starring local actors Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, will bring visitors flocking to the continent.

Tourism Australia managing director Geoff Buckley said Wednesday he hoped the television commercials, one featuring New York and the other Shanghai, would tug at the heartstrings of the international traveller.