Wednesday 23rd October 1996
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We didn't... we were beaten by Portugal - who were expected to fall far short of the mark. Now allegations of bribery and corruption are being raised with claims of votes being "bought" and Richard Butler being ordered to hold an urgent inquest into the loss.
Mr Butler yesterday pointed to the number of African countries that "had suddenly come up with a cheque" and paid their membership dues over the last two weeks - unfinancial members not being allowed to vote.
Two former Portuguese colonies, Sao Tome and Principe, were among those that suddenly paid their dues last week.
Portuguese Ambassador to Australia, Zozimo da Silva, denied Portugal had been involved in paying any UN membership dues for other nations.
Another downer of a day for Foreign Minister Alexander Downer who was accused of bungling the bid... along with the special envoy Malcolm Fraser... wonder if he lost his trousers in a hotel in the US this time round?
Maybe it was no coincidence that Kernot said this at an "awards ceremony for the Australians for Reconciliations Project" at the Ipswich Civic Hall - the heart of Ms Hanson's electorate. Maybe it was no coincidence also that, as Ipswich residents, neither I nor many other locals I know had ever even heard or read about this event in the local papers or news. One can only wonder who was invited... why.... and by whom.
Ms Kernot, referring to Pauline Hanson's visit to Palm Island last week which was covered on Channel 9's 60 Minutes program on Sunday night, said that the Member for Oxley had done little but point to the litter problem and suggest the Aboriginal community be turned into a tourist attraction.
What utter hogwash!!!
Even a half brained moron listening to the 60 Minutes program would know that Hanson was talking about the creation of hospitality related jobs in the Aboriginal community, development of hotels with tourists enjoying the idyllic lifestyle and beautiful beaches.
But, typical of the rot in our political system what Kernot was saying was "politically correct" for the "audience" whoever they might have been. Talk about calling the pot calling the kettle black when it comes to getting the facts right!
Kernot went on to say, "She (Ms Hanson) has caused a deep offence and deep hurt to a great number of Australians who are trying to make a contribution. Her shrill carping leads to a social division and a long-term cost to a nation which is divided."
The cost to the nation on Aboriginal related issues was once again demonstrated yesterday when an off-shoot of the Kalkadoon Tribal Council, "the Kalkadoon Dancers Association" (I jest not) hit an operating mine, Osborne copper gold mine in North West Queensland, with a native title claim. This after the Kalkadoon Tribal Council had signed a contractual agreement with the owners Placer Pacific in 1994 allowing the mine to proceed unencumbered... so who are the winners? Possibly Mr 15%, definitely the hanger-oners from the legal fraternity, and probably a small group of Aborigines who could land up with several million dollars.
Who are the losers?... the security of the mining industry, employment and common sense.
To quote the Chief Executive of the Queensland Mining Council, Mr Michael Pinnock, "the Osborne claim would send a shiver down everyone's spine because it was over an existing mine.
"As Charlie Perkins (Mr 15%) said, it looks like they are going test the absolute limits of the law - they will target every mine in Queensland and see what happens."
So what's the cost to our country Ms Kernot? Would it be "politically correct" to say that this grab for easy money by remote Aboriginal communities over existing mines is "going to cost our community"... or should we wrap it up in cotton wool put on the dark glasses and say "it's all part of reconciliation..."
Give me a break Ms Kernot, that's why you and so many other pollies are out of touch with reality... and that comment doesn't make me or others who feel this way bigots, red-necks or racists either.
Do you agree that Cheryl Kernot "should get real":
| Cheryl Kernot should get real | Agree: 20 | Disagree: 28 |
| Pauline Hanson speaks for most Australians | Agree: 32 | Disagree: 38 |
The winner in the very public boardroom fracas, Peter Joseph, said, "We need an independent chairman who can steer the ship in the manner that it thoroughly deserves."
| Interest | % of population |
| Libraries | 38.4% |
| Museums | 27.3% |
| Pop Concerts | 26.9% |
| Opera and Musicals | 22.3% |
| Theatre | 16.6% |
| Australian Rules | 13.3% |
| Racing | 12.1% |
| Cricket | 8.3% |
| Classical Music | 7.7% |
Overcast and drab day ahead of us, with cooler winds... even the beautiful Brisbane river looks to be sulking in the gloom...Another day in the big smoke... but them's the breaks.
Have a Webster day... coming to you soon!
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