Today's Headlines
Wednesday 20th March 1996
International:
Australia's conservation record was yesterday rapped by the international environment group the World Wide Fund for Nature.
WWWF director-general Claude Martin said Australia promoted conservation issues internationally but failed to protect its wetlands.
I wouldn't be surprised to learn that with a name like Claude that our overseas visitor is from France - home of the big bomb in our backyard!
Christopher Skase the much maligned Australian businessman of the 1980s, who took all the shareholders money and ran to the
protection of Spain and a big Spanish villa, might eventually brought down a peg. Looks like the Australian Federal Court might be
able to get hold of the millions that Skase allegedly placed into shelf companies in the Cayman Islands.
Political:
That controversial ex-Labor now Independent member of parliament, Graeme Campbell, is facing the threat of being thrown out of parliament
after successfully being sued for defamation by Western Australia's Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr John McKechnie.
It appears that the pay out might be in the six figure bracket and bankrupt him - rendering him illegible to represent the seat of Kalgoorlie, the
largest geographic seat in the world.
Business:
Two of Australia's smaller banks, Metway Bank in Queensland and St George Bank based in Sydney have merged in a friendly Au$790
million deal. The biggest threat to the deal is that of National Australia Bank (NAB) which has been active in the market buying up
St George shares. NAB, Australia's largest bank, have recently bought a sizeable shareholding in St George whose shares currently
stand at Au$9.10.
Sport:
Well, the Australian Rugby League (ARL) flexed their legal muscles yesterday and rejected the
peace plan put forward by the Super League players. The response of the players was to be expected with a new "non-aligned" series
to be played by them this season.
This stand off has caused greater damage than the Super League threat as the Super League players are under no obligation to play for their
Super League clubs which are now legally forced to play in the ARL competition.
Sadly, rugby league has now become a joke.
Social:
With all this controversy in the rugby league sporting arena it is interesting to note the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics' survey results.
It appears that horse racing attracts far more Australians at 2.4 million compared to only 1.4 million who attend rugby league matches.
The three rugby codes (Australian Football League; Australian Rugby League and Rugby Union) together draw 3.5 million fans.
The only question I have is why are tax payers for this totally useless information to be compiled?
Personal trivia:
Went to the big smoke again yesterday to visit our client Worldcare Travel Insurance
- a delightful group with a real hands-on managing director. Great to see. Another superb day today with sunny skies and cool temperatrures.
Return to Australian National News of the Day
#