News

BRISBANE — Queensland environment minister Pat Comben has announced a plan for possible seven-year jail terms and $1 million fines for owners and operators of ships which pollute waters off the state's coast. Penalties to make the

SYDNEY — One hundred and fifty anti-freeway campaigners rallied outside Parliament House on August 27 to call for a royal commission into the Roads and Traffic Authority. Members of the Wolli Creek Preservation Society, Woronora Valley Association

Kirner stalls on Coode relocationMELBOURNE — As the immediate danger from the Coode Island chemical fire subsides, it seems the government is hoping the initial shock and anger will also subside. The Kirner government has

ALBURY — The NSW border city of Albury seems to be on the way to winning the Country Polluter of the Year Award for 1991. Not only have dangerous pollutants been discovered oozing from a city council waste dump, but a recent

Struggling "We found no problems selling in the $5000-$30,000 price range, but above $50,000 it was a struggle." — Melbourne auctioneer after a recent art auction met a "subdued response" from buyers. Take him! He's yours! "We are nostalgic

Story and photos by David Brazil New South Wales forests are going up in smoke. Up and down the north coast, bush fire brigades and the Forestry Commission are going though their ritual of winter burn-off. At Chaelundi, in the name of forest

WA Aborigines oppose minePERTH — Aboriginal people in the Eastern Goldfields area are opposing the proposed Yakabindie Nickel Project, a Dominion Mining operation approved by the state in 1990. Approval for the mine

SYDNEY — Queer Notion, an organisation in the gay and lesbian community here, conducted an "outing" at a press conference opposite St Mary's cathedral on August 21. "Outing only works as a political weapon because there is a stigma attached to a

MELBOURNE — Teachers voted unanimously for a campaign against budget cuts and a breach of their award restructuring agreement at a stop-work meeting here on August 20. The campaign will include bans on school closures, new

Chemicals close schoolPERTH — Dryandra Primary School in the outer suburb of Mirrabooka has been closed indefinitely following widespread sickness caused by chemical solvents used to clean graffiti. More than 600 students and 30

SYDNEY — Nine protesters were arrested at a demonstration outside the Malaysian consulate on August 22. Organised by the Sydney Rainforest Action Group (SRAG), the action coincided with debate on a bill introduced by Democrat

Students confront Baldwin summitSYDNEY — Angry students broke through police lines and into the Hotel Nikko at Kings Cross in a 500-strong August 23 protest against a "Higher Education Summit" attended by federal education