Leaked this week

November 11, 1992
Issue 

Endangered species legislation

Left anonymously on the doormat this week is what appears to be an early draft of the federal endangered species legislation.

The document is particularly interesting in showing what clauses did not make it into the final legislation — but whose aims may have been included in other forms of wording.

One clause says that "before any area be declared to contain an endangered species, adequate proof of the existence and 'endangeredness' of the species considered endangered should be forwarded to the Department of Arts, Heritage, Self Promotions Etc for official confirmation of endangered status".

The clause provides for establishment of a 10-member board, representing environmental groups, scientists, industrialists and a well-known Sydney fashion identity. It would be "the responsibility of each species wishing to be considered endangered to forward 10 copies of its 'endangered' claim for consideration by the board".

It says that 10 samples of each species should be attached to the application — preferably stuffed or freeze-dried — to assist in processing the claim.

Commission examines Melbourne Cup

A document leaked by a Melbourne "racing identity" reveals that the Independent Commission into Corruption has been holding a secret inquiry into possible corrupt practices associated with the Melbourne Cup.

The document, signed "Coarse Denim" and written on used betting slips, alleges that the inquiry found no proof of doping substituting of horses or any other form of race fixing.

The note further alleges that the commission is keeping these findings secret for fear that there would be a public scandal if the public found its most cherished beliefs about horse racing discredited.

President Clinton gay?

In another Big Race scandal, a document leaked from a prominent farmers' lobby group reveals that attacks on Bill Clinton during the US presidential campaign could have been significantly worse.

The paper, bearing the crest of the Republican campaign headquarters, lists charges that might be used against the Democrat candidate. These included allegations that Clinton was gay, and that his well-publicised mistress was actually a male who had a sex change at taxpayers' expense; signed affidavits that Clinton was related to Saddam Hussein; and compromising photographs of Clinton with Ross Perot's daughter.

However, the document recommended not repeating these charges, on the grounds that they might increase Clinton's support.

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