Today's Headlines
Friday 15th March 1996
International:
Well, well, well. What a difference a change of government can make! The Labor Government made much ado during the lead up to the federal election
about the chasm between the diplomatic expertise of Foreign Minister Gareth Evans and the Liberal opposition Foreign Minister
Andrew Downer who was seen as weak and indecisive.
Isn't it interesting then that within a week of Andrew Downer taking on the mantle of Foreign Minister that the recalcitrant (according to
Paul Keating) Malaysian Prime Minister, Dr Mahathir Mohammed, has agreed by invitation to visit Australia. Something he flatly
refused to do while Paul Keating and the Labor "dream team" were in power!
Political:
Queensland's federal Labor party members appear to be in for a big shake up following Labor's loss of government. From a fairly
strong representation in the ministry under Paul Keating it appears that only one Queensland minister, Arch Bevis, will gain an
opposition front bench position. Labor's caucus meet on Tuesday to discuss the new look party under the leadership of
Western Australia's Kim Beazley who only just retained his own seat.
Business:
In a purge on its management several senior staff have been given the push at Coles Meyer which has tracked very poorly since the
fiasco involving Solomon Lew and the fired financial director late last year. The strange events were widely covered by us and
are now in our archives.
Sport:
What a great cricket match. And it showed that cricket can be rivetting. In a match where Australia, batting first, were in deep
trouble at 4 for 15 the outcome appeared fairly obvious. But a great fifth wicket century stand between Stuart Law 72
and Michael Bevan 69 allowed Australia to reach a commendable 207. The Windies started like firecrackers with Richie Richardson
creating havoc around the field and the Windies reaching 4 for 169 with overs to spare - before they collapsed to all out for 202!
Australia now meet Sri Lanka in the World Cup final. My money, if I was a betting man, is on Australia!
Social:
Both Doctors and parents are being warned about a drug being handed out freely to kids to correct an attention disorder. In Australia
prescription of the drug, Ritalin, has increased 300% in just 3 years. It is claimed to correct Attention Deficit Disorder for children
who cannot maintain their attention to what is going on in the classroom.
The drug is now being seen as potentially dangerous and addictive. An expensive habit at Au$75 for 100 tablets!
Personal trivia:
Going back into the big smoke today. Real shame because this morning has been quite magical. The house is enveloped in
morning mists that are swirling in the valley and hiding the Brisbane river and the opposing bank. Looks like being another
beautiful day in paradise.
Return to Australian National News of the Day
#