Today's Headlines
Sunday 12th May 1996
International:
Film star Dustin Hoffman has launched a scathing attack on Hollywood following the Port Arthur massacre. Hoffman has claimed
that there is a definate link between violent movies and the massacre.
Speaking at the Cannes film festival Hoffman said that commerce in Hollywood "was mixed with violence" in a way that he had never
seen before.
In Melbourne yesterday Prime Minister John Howard said that he regretted that the decision by the states yesterday to outlaw
military style weapons would disadvantage tens of thousands of honest gun owners but that the government had to be firm on the issue.
"The governments of Australia decided that this country was not to go down the American path... that we would strike a great blow
for the future safety of our suburbs, our provincial towns and our cities."
Mr Howard received enthusiastic applause from the great majority of Australians for his comments and his commitment to stop gun massacres in the future.
Political:
The Queensland State Government is bracing itself for heavy funding cutbacks at next month's Premiers Conference. With the
Federal Government committed to cutting Au$4 billion out of the budget this year funding to the the states is expected to be one of the areas
targeted.
Business:
An independent evaluation of St George Bank's proposed merger with Queensland's Metway Bank is the most conclusive reason
why shareholders should accept the bid according to Metway's managing director, Trevor Steele.
The evaluation carried out by Grant Samuel and Associates concludes that the merger was fair and reasonable
Sport:
The Brisbane Broncos are expected to take out the Australian Rugby
League crown for the third season in a row. After conceding their first match because of their refusal to play during the Super
League fiasco, the Broncos have come back with all guns firing. In their first games they have scored 43 touchdowns. By comparison
they only scored 33 tries last year in seven games.
Social:
Australians will pay more for a visit to the doctor under Federal Government moves to cut the Medicare rebate by up to 10%. This
will result to the subsidy on visits dropping from 85% to 75%.
A consultation at a doctor's surgery would cost the patient Au$2 extra while the cost of having a skin cancer removed would rise by
more than Au$10. Home visits at a scheduled fee of Au$41.85 with a current 85% rebate of Au$35.60 which would, under the
proposed scheme, fall to Au$31.40 or at a cost of Au$10.45 per visit.
Another beautiful day today with the sun shining and the Brisbane River starting to return to its pleasant, placid state. Yesterday
afternoon we spent the day with Barry and Liz Corrick in Koala country. Had a lovely bar-b-que in the peaceful setting of their large
property and was able to photograph some very tame lorikeets who came to feed at their bird dish.
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