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an Aussie's viewpoint on Australia's first daily Internet newspaper
Since October 1995

Friday 12th January 1996

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International:

Australia's jobless rate fell to 8.1% in December - the lowest unemployment rate for five years. Unemployment fell in all Australian states with New South Wales leading the way at 7.2% followed by Western Australia at 7.6%. Tasmania remains in double digit figures at 10.3%. The fall in unemployment has shelved the expected drop in interest rates in the forseeable future.

Political:

Lobby groups around Australia are preparing for a coalition win in the seat of Mundingburra and are starting to lobby the Liberal/National parties on issues dear to them. It is expected that Premier Wayne Goss will resign if Labor lose the seat and that the state will be forced into another election.

Business:

The major banks are now aiming at "buying loyalty" buy offering cash back to clients who take out bank mortgages. The first cab off the track is Advance Bank which currently offers new mortgage clients Au$2,500 back on a Au$100,000 loan. National Australia Bank is expected to offer cars, holidays and other splendid gifts on a similar basis.

Sport:

Australian cricketers have demanded better security for next month's World Cup following a number of controversial decisions, claims and comments made about the Sri Lankan and Pakistani teams. They have very real fears that Indian supporters will seek revenge.

Social:

A retired businessman is planning to set up Australia's first hospice dedicated to people who want to commit suicide. The hospice will counsel and allow these people to die with dignity. The Northern Territory recently passed laws allowing people to commit suicide.

Global Gripe of the day:

Where do we as rational people "draw the line" when it comes to pornography?
It goes without saying that male targeted magazines like Playboy and Penthouse are not welcome as reading material in the city library's magazine section. There would be an outcry from the feminists about exlpoitation, mothers about family values and general annoyance about the public display of these soft porn magazines. Isn't it ironic therefore, that in Australia and probably around the world, magazines targeted at women have reached such low-levels without creating a similar furore. An example is the Australian CLEO magazine which carries articles and pictures which would make your skin crawl. This magazine which is carried in the shelves of our local library not only carried but actively promoted its sales through an extensive article on "penis size" in December.

Personal trivia:

It was a perfectly lovely day yesterday - and today looks to be even better. I will be off to the big city today to train a group on the use of the Internet in their business. Yesterday the Brisbane River rose several meters cutting off the bridge at College's Crossing. The smaller dams upstream have overflowed and the river has turned a dirty brown colour and is moving at a good 10 kilometres per hour as it passes our home. It is normally much more sluggish.

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