Sydney news

There's been a huge reaction to the latest television advertisement released by the Meat and Livestock Association, encouraging people to eat lamb on Australia Day. The often-controversial ads are rolled out ahead of the January 26 celebrations. But this time the new ad, which depicts a European invasion, makes no mention of "Australia Day". While the MLA says the majority of the response has been positive, some in the indigenous community say the campaign is highly offensive.

The head of Australia's last beef processing co-operative says the meat processing industry is in its most unstable phase he's ever seen. The Northern Co-operative Meat Company based in Casino in New South Wales is facing tough times, not just due to expensive cattle, but uncertainty in its major markets. Chief executive Simon Stahl says issues in South Korea, competition from the United States, and uncertainty over the Trans-Pacific Partnership are all taking their toll.

In Perth, protesters have clashed with police as opposition to a major highway extension south of the city escalates. Dozens of officers were sent in to control the thousand-strong crowd, who are protesting against what's known as the Roe 8 project. The protesters are angry Colin Barnett's Government has begun clearing land for the road, given it could be thrown out of office in two month's time. The State Opposition has vowed to abandon Roe 8 if it's elected.