Today's Headlines
an Aussie's viewpoint on Australia's first daily Internet newspaper.
Wednesday 1st January 1997
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International:
New Year swept into Australia without incident, well almost. In the historic West Australian city of Fremantle, just south of Perth, a balcony collapsed throwing about 50 revellers 5 metres to the ground. Several were left critically injured with spinal injuries and amputations expected, police saying that it was a miracle that no one was actually standing underneath the balcony when it fell.About 12 people were arrested in Sydney - a remarkable improvement on the disgusting performance of drunken revellers who brought in 1996 at Bondi Beach.
Political:
Prime Minister John Howard gave the strongest indication yet that his government would ensure that the uncertainty over ownership over land under pastoral lease would be resolved this year.Howard said, "In the wake of the Wik decision, which altered one of the basic tenets of previous thinking on Native Title, responses are required which deliver both predictability and justice to all concerned."
In Perth the West Australian Premier Richard Court went on the offensive criticising Howard for not acting immediately to introduce legislation... Mr Court said the uncertainty surrounding pastoral leases had existed for five years - since the original Mabo decision and urged the Federal Government to act quickly.
You say:
From: John Glyn WilliamsSubject: Oz
Thanks for your page.
Just spent an interesting and friendly holiday in Australia - Perth, Ayers Rock, Cairns, Sydney. Bought myself a bush hat and a Tony O'Connor CD. You've got a great country. Pauline Hanson just makes its more intriguing.
G. Williams.
Business:
Following the decision by the High Court on the Wik native title claim developers on projects like the Au$200 million Stuart oil shale project near Gladstone have confirmed that they are now seeking legal advice before proceeding with the project.Placer Pacific Ltd confirmed that the Au$220 mining project at Osborne near Mount Isa was affected by the Wik decision.
Several other mines under development or being considered for development are now affected by the Wik decision, it is anticipated that unless the issue is resolved many of these will never get past first base.
Sport:
Australian cricket captain yesterday slammed the Australian media for their negative stance about his team following their defeat by the West Indies in the third test. Today the team takes on Pakistan in a one day day-night match.
Social:
Interesting comparison in the cost rise of general items in Australia in 30 years. Prices as in December 1966:HR Holden: Au$2,500
Three bedroom home: Au$8,500
10 oz beer: 17 cents
Loaf of bread: 17 cents
Pint of milk (550ml): 10 cents
Nescafe Coffee: 34 cents
Butter: 16 cents
Packet of cigarettes: 35 cents
Personal trivia, from the global office:
We ushered in the new year with a party last night... a large group gathered, and then later swam in the pool... it was a glorious evening topped off by a magic show by young Alex and his friends from next door, Tatum and Georgia.
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