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an Aussie's viewpoint on Australia's first daily Internet newspaper
Since October 1995

Friday 19th January 1996

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International:

Well Paul Keating is back in town after his lightening fast visit to Malaysia and Singapore. As you will see below under "Global Gripe of the Day" the Malaysian part of his trip appears to have been a waste of time.

Political:

A Liberal coalition would not appoint ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) board members who were "government hacks". It appears that there will be quite a change in the ABC board if the coalition do win as that area seems to have a reputation for one sweetened with "jobs for the boys". The comment was made by the coalition as part of their policy statement on ethnic affairs which promised more funding for the ABC and SBS (Special Broadcasting Service).

Business:

A big jump in imports in December spooked the Australian financial markets as the monthly trade deficit is again expected to hit Au$2 billion. This also has put paid to the much vaunted interest rate drop.. in fact the rates could go the other way now. Good timing for a Federal election - but will the government let it happen before the electors again make the big decision - or drop it on us just days after. I feel that I know the answer!

Sport:

The Aussie cricketers only managed 201 in their first day-night final in in the "World Championships" at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). They held off the Sri Lankans who, after a great start with 107 for 2, crashed to 183 all out when spinner Shane Warne and fast bowler Craig McDermott combined to obliterate the middle order.

Social:

More than 6000 Japanese couples are expected to fly to Australia this year to wed to avoid substantial wedding bills that they face in their own country. Despit the travel costs to Australia the couples are able to marry at only one tenth of the cost of a similar wedding back home!

Global Gripe of the day:

The sport of politics:
Just two days after Prime Minister Paul Keating visited Malaysia the government owned newspaper there, the New Straits Times, has lashed out at the Australian people saying that they must learn to understand their Asian neighbours if they want to become part of the region. What they are saying in effect is that we should keep our big mouths shut even if we are concerned about human rights in that country. I seem to remember that in the 1970s and 1980s the Malaysians raised their voices in outrage the loudest about apartheid in South Africa... but then I guess that this is the sport of politics.

Personal trivia:

Well we have had a week of hot days and today looks like being the same again. For those of you in the Northern Hemisphere here's a thought, I work from my global office in a pair of shorts, thongs and a sleeveless t-shirt - a luxury my staff enjoy as well. If we have clients calling or are going to see clients in Brisbane a nice pair of trousers, sleeveless shirt and shoes do the job. (We've gotta impress right?).
Yesterday after work my wife and I were sitting on the paved deck overlooking the Brisbane river with a glass of champagne in hand when a sulphur crested cockatoo landed on the stone wall that edges the paving not two metres from us. He was obviously interested in us and stared quite intently at us for about a minute - showing no fear whatsoever. We were just starting to get on friendly terms when our little dog Flossie (who stands about ten inches high) made a dash for the bird scaring it away. It was quite a remarkable event and I hope that we have more meetings like that with the parrots in the future.

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