1Australians are in shock following their country's worst ever road tragedy. At least 35 people were killed on the Pacific Highway this morning when two tour buses collided head-on. Another 41 passengers were injured, many of them critically. It is believed that five New Zealanders were on board.

2Fresh bloodshed is being reported from Romania this morning with tanks and troops attacking protestors in Bucharest, killing and wounding many demonstrators. Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu came face to face with revolt for the first time in his 25 years as President as crowds shouted him down while he tried to make an address. Demonstrations are now spreading to many other parts of Romania.

3Former Commonwealth Games Chairman David Johnson appeared in court today on serious fraud charges.

4As convicted murderers Renee Chignall and Neville Walker begin their prison terms for the murder of Peter Plumley-Walker, allegations of misconduct during the trial are being traded by both the Crown and the defence.

5Mohammed Abu Talb, a Palestinian suspected of the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie last year, has been jailed for life for other terrorist attacks.

6Berlin's Brandenburg Gate has opened to pedestrian traffic, thus removing the final symbolic barrier between East and West Germany.

7About 150 Vietnamese boatpeople have voluntarily left Hong Kong, bound for Hanoi.

8American troops are struggling to restore order in Panama City, with looting and violence continuing across the country. However, Panamanian dictator General Manuel Noriega remains in hiding. Latin American nations have condemned the American invasion, which has left at least 100 Panamanians and 21 American servicemen dead.

9In the wake of the Peter Plumley-Walker murder trial, questions are being asked about whether or not prison informers can be trusted as reliable witnesses. In the United States, prison informers have been known to lie under oath. A look at the concerns of defence lawyers in New Zealand.

10To mark the final bulletin for 1989, the Christmas hymn 'O Holy Night' is performed by Eyewitness News presenter Lindsay Perigo.