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Since October 1995

Saturday 4th May 1996

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International:

The floods in South East Queensland still dominate the news in Australia. The Brisbane river outside the global office has risen a few more metres over night and still the rain falls. We cannot believe that Wivenhoe dam has been opened yet as the result down below in our part of the river would be quite noticeable. We expect to see a sudden sharp rise in the level once this event takes place and can only presume that the gates can wait until normal working hours.

The 1996 Amberley Air Show has been cancelled today and tomorrow looks doubtful now. The RAAF base is under water. Still it rains - I have never seen anything like it in my life before!

Thousands of homes in South East Queensland have now been evacuated as the waters rise in every little gully and stream.

Political:

Foreign Minister Alexander Downer has delivered a very blunt message to Papua New Guinea about its decision to lift its 18 month ceasefire against the island of Bougainville where secessionist rebels have fought a seven year campaign for independence.

Australia has a very large influence on Sir Julius' PNG government because of the Au$300 million aid handout that it gives the small country each year.

Business:

Elders Australia Ltd the ailing epitaph of a failed 1980s business is being merged through a take over offer by Alan Newman's Futuris Corporation. The two companies announced an Au$280 million merger yesterday. The new company worth more than A$1 billion, Elders Australia Ltd, will be headed by Alan Newman.

Elders has become very vulnerable beacuse of poor wool prices - an industry from which it once did very well.

Sport:

There is a feast of excellent Super 12 rugby union matches taking place over this weekend with particular interest being shown in that dynamic Natal team from South Africa. Natal defeated Transvaal earlier this week by a handful of tries and are now tackling some of the top Australian teams in their quest to win the inaugural Super 12 trophy.

Personal trivia, from the global office:

The river cruise on the Kookaburra Queen was cancelled by the tour organisers late yesterday afternoon. The river had become too dangerous and there was too much debris which could hole the boat. So we had a small party here at the global office and postponed our cruise until next Friday. It rained solidly yesterday and looks like doing much the same today.


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