Paul Hoges' old farm on reality dating show

Paul Hogan's former mansion in Byron Bay is the scene for "introductions" in A Farmer Wants A Wife. Source: AFP

The Herald Sun reports

Crocodile Dundee star Paul Hogan's lavish and secluded former home is being used as the "introductions" venue for the eighth instalment of The Farmer Wants A Wife.

No doubt a few "shrimps on the barbie" will be had when the bachelors meet the wannabe farm girls.

Filming of Nine's reality dating show started last Wednesday at Hoges' former Spanish-style mansion, Cedar Springs, at Byron Bay, in northern NSW.

It's the first time after seven straight seasons the Hunter Valley will not be the backdrop for the start of the series.

Executive producer Caroline Spencer said the new location would help the show to feel more contemporary.

Two Victorian farmers were among seven in the running to compete in this year's series - Farmer Matt from Waubra, 33km from Ballarat, and Farmer Tom, from Beeac near Colac.

Farmer Wants A Wife is considered one of the more successful reality dating shows because it has continually pulled strong ratings.

It has resulted in five weddings, three de facto relationships and five children since its debut.

Hogan built Cedar Springs, on 46ha, in the 1990s after Crocodile Dundee's runaway success.

No doubt Cedar Springs' current owners, Sydney socialites Duncan and Sally Mount, hope someone falls in love with the house. It is on the market for about $8 million.

Paul Hogan settles tax dispute after eight long years

Paul Hogan was famously prevented from leaving Australia in 2010 after the ATO served him with a departure prohibition. Picture: Adam Ward Source: The Daily Telegraph

The Herald Sun reports

After a marathon eight-year row, actor Paul Hogan has finally settled his differences with the Australian taxman.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) was chasing the Crocodile Dundee star and artistic collaborator John Cornell over $150 million in alleged unpaid taxes and penalties dating from the 1980s.

The pair were the highest profile targets of Operation Wickenby, a nationwide, multimillion-dollar fraud probe launched by the ATO in 2004.

Hogan and Cornell issued a statement through their lawyer, Andrew Robinson, last night.

"Paul Hogan and John Cornell are pleased to advise that following a mediation before ex-High Court Judge, the Honourable Michael McHugh AC QC, they and their related entities have reached a settlement with the Commissioner of Taxation," the statement said.

The agreement was reached on a "without admission" basis.

"The parties have agreed that the terms of the settlement are to be confidential, but as part of the settlement, the Departure Prohibition Order issued against Mr Hogan has been revoked by the Commissioner," the statement continued.

Hogan was famously prevented from leaving Australia in 2010 after the ATO served him with a departure prohibition order as it sought to settle the alleged unpaid tax debt.

Paul Hogan lashes out at the Australian Tax Office, labelling them 'bullies'

Nathan Klein, The Daily Telegraph, reports

AUSSIE icon Paul Hogan has lashed out at the Australian Tax Office - claiming the organisation is full of bullies that make their own rules.

Branded a tax cheat, the Crocodile Dundee star was accused of using complex offshore structures to avoid paying millions of dollars in tax on income that includes profits from the hugely successful movie franchise.

Hogan was hit with a huge tax bill in late 2009 after the ATO accused him of not declaring $37.6 million over several financial years dating back to 1986 - accusations he continues to deny.

He said this morning he felt like he was out on bail, despite not being charged with anything.

"Some bureaucrat says I'm a flight risk and it's stupid," he told Macquarie Radio.

"I have to get permission to come back to the country to attend my son's wedding."

He said the seven-year probe into his tax affairs was "ridiculous'' and just bullying tactics.

"The tax office set out to make some money and they failed at that... they just want to make people really think about their tax, and put the fear of God into the Australian taxpayers,'' he said.

"I think that's terribly wrong. Are we supposed to be scared of the bastards? Of course we're not, it's a public service they are supposed to be providing."

Hogan also claimed the experience has "turned his life around".

The actor has said previously he wants $10 million from the ATO for damaging his reputation and wasting his money.

Adored Queen Elizabeth has Australia in a tizz

May, 1980: This short five-day trip was to open the new High Court of Australia building. The Queen also met Australian entertainers (L-R) pianist Roger Woodward, comedian Paul Hogan and singer Olivia Newton-John, who performed in a Royal Charity Concert at the Sydney Opera House.

Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh have started an 11-day tour of the sunburnt country. This is the Queen’s 16^th visit to Australia.

One of her shorter trips Down Under took place in May 1980, when she opened the new High Court of Australia building.

While in Sydney, the Queen attended a Royal Charity Concert at the Sydney Opera House where she met pianist Roger Woodward, comedian Paul Hogan and singer Olivia Newton-John.

The royal couple arrived late yesterday afternoon in Canberra, kicking off their visit in the national capital, followed by Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth.

Excerpt of a report by Gemma Jones, The Daily Telegraph

The Queen spent 10 minutes shaking hands with children and taking flowers while Prince Philip traded jokes about them "escaping from school".

PM Julia Gillard, who has voiced support for a republic at the end of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, was joined by other prominent republicans in welcoming the visit yesterday.

"While the Queen is in Australia, what Australians will be doing is welcoming and celebrating," she said.

"I believe that she is very well respected by Australians and she is going to be tremendously warmly received from the moment she sets foot on Australian soil."

The Queen spent last night at Government House, where she will meet with Ms Bryce this morning, followed by a visit to Floriade. Tomorrow, she will meet with Ms Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott followed by a reception for hundreds in the Great Hall.