Friday 22nd November 1996
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Clinton spoke about racial diversity and the value of the multiracial community here in Australia. He spoke of the huge contribution that Asian migrants had made here in Australia. Australian Prime Minister John Howard, who was at Clinton's side received a very strong and positive response when he said, "These people (the Asian community in Australia) have given a particulat vitality and a particular lustre... and they provide a particularly valuable link to the region, to whose future we are bound up with."
Mr Clinton said that Australia and the US were good examples of multiracial harmony and in that sense the two countries shared common values. Clinton said, "Australia has a higher percentage of immigrants who came here to build decent lives and strengthened your country through hard work than almost any other country on earth."
This was Clinton's "thank you speech" to Sydney after which he was cheered and applauded by the crowd.
What impressed me about both Hillary and Bill Clinton, from the comfort of my chair parked in front of the television set, was that they both spoke so freely, spontaneously and knowledgeably about issues and matters Australian. They hardly ever, if ever, referred to notes, or prepared speeches - unlike our Prime Minister, who always has his head in his notes when talking on television....
Bill in particular obviously enjoyed himself and, rather like the Queen's walkabout, went out and shook the hands of hundreds of Jo blow average Australians after giving his speech.
Good on ya Bill - even if you are the Star Fleet Commander!!! (Grin)
Later in the day Clinton played a round of golf with Australian Open leader Greg Norman. Norman had shot 5 under par at the Australian Golf Club to take a one stroke lead in the first round. Clinton fluffed his first shot on the the first tee - Norman granted Clinton a "mulligan" (another go without penalty). This was Clinton's first mistake in an otherwise perfectly played Australian round.
Today the Clinton's are in far north Queensland in the pretty town of Port Douglas.
Me thinks that there is just a touch of eccentricity tied up in the strange case of Charles Mannington!
Click on the link above for background to this strange, local tale.... Please feel free to supply any feedback that might help us resolve this issue!
Only government owned Telstra has shown a bigger profit (Au$2.3 billion).
In real terms NAB earned Au5.75 million a day or Au$40.25 million each week! In just three years the NAB has doubled its market value to Au$20 billion.
Managing Director Don Argus dismissed suggestions that customers were being ripped off to benefit shareholders. Tell you what mate that comment is spot on. Since the deregulation of the banking industry in Australia the Australian major banks (not just NAB) have bled the mums and dads dry. This is tantamount to legalised theft.
Will be spending a short part of today in the big smoke.... sacrifices, sacrifices!
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