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

Friday 12st June 1996

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International:

In a statement issued in Port Moresby, PNG Defence Minister Mathias Ijape said that the offensive was aimed at the 10% of the resource rich island controlled by the Bougainville Revolutionary Army.

He said: "I have positioned my men on the ground and we have sealed off the escape routes of these criminals and the operation has commenced."

His statement follows a plea by Australia's Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, not to go ahead with the attack.

Political:

The only other citizens who would be allowed to hold what are called "Category D" weapons would be professional shooters - who are required to hold a license and go through rigorous training.

Business:

In what can only be called a smart move Rupert has linked up with Japanese top computer software mogul, Masayoshi Son, to buy Au$250 million shares each in their joint venture.

Under the deal Mr Son's Softbank and News Limited will each pay 20.87 billion yen to buy Obunsha Media KK whose sole asset is a 21.4% stake in Asahi Broadcasting.

News Corps alliance with Mr Son's Softbank could prove critical in plans announced by Mr Murdoch last week for a 100 channel JSkyB satellite service. This deal will give News Corp access to key Japanese language programming from Asahi, while giving Mr Son (Japan's Bill Gates) crucial links for a computer channel.

Sport:

The event will be covered live on the Internet on Sunday by Global Web Builders.

Social:

In 1994 there were 4,895 reported cases of measles in children compared with only 1,425 cases in 1992.

42 Australian children have died in the last 10 years through measles.

In other medical news the following statements have been released:

• People born overseas have lower death rates and longer life expectancies.
• Unemployed people aged 15-24 are more likely to report poor health than those with jobs.
• Low-income families report more childhood illnesses, particularly among boys.
• Risk of death from firearms is much higher in rural and remote areas than in capital cities.
• National health expenditure was Au$2,066 a person in 1993 - 1994.
• The proportion of people with private health insurance continues to fall.
• Almost 95% of nurses and 25% of doctors are women.

Personal trivia, from the global office:

This weekend we start work on preparing for our move to the new global office next door. Paths have to be laid, gates to the swimming pool have to be put in place and, the traditional "house warming" has yet to be organised.

Another overcast and cool day ahead of us - with the morning here and the afternoon spent mixing it with traffic in the "big smoke".

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