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16 June 2000
Northern Territory News headlines
'Neighbours from hell'
'They urinate and defecate in public. Police visited 42 times'. This public housing property in Moulden was spoken of in Parliament to justify the Government's new decision to require references for public tenants. The behaviour of the tenants has even led to the Government criticising the North Australian Aboriginal Legal Aid Service for even defending the tenants in court, an outrageous implication that some people have no right to legal representation. But the Northern Territory News goes one step further, effectively identifying the people and property by including a photo of the house and naming the street in which the tenants live.
'Milk to soar 11c as Govt levy bites'
The price of milk in the Territory will rise 11c a litre next month when a Federal Government levy is place on milk products. This is to fund a $1.7bn levy being paid to dairy farmers to compensate them for dergulation of the industry. But the catch for Territorians is that the industry here is not regulated. Another fine example of the Federal Government supporting regional Australia.
'Youth broke in and stole mum's bed'
A 17-year-old youth who stole his mother's bed escaped mandatory sentencing being released on a $500 bond to be of good behaviour for 12 months. The defence lawyer stated that the young lad had changed his lifestyle and hoped to join the army and hoped for a conviction not to be recorded. It is not the first time in recent months that an army/no conviction defence has been raised. Could this be a new trend to avoid sentencing - 'Oh sir, I was hoping to join the army and if you record a conviction well then sir I can't'. The army must be very desperate for new recruits.
'Power cuts upset town, business'
On a day that the Territory Government switched on its new $33m gas turbine (the turbine that was required urgently ??), it has been reported that Katherine residents were being affected by power interruptions several times a week. PAWAs response was simply that the authority was looking to improve its service. Could there be a financial problem hanging around?
'NT driver five times legal limit'
'A driver with a blood alcohol level nearly five times the limit was among 11 people arrested for drink-driving during last weekend's national traffic campaign'. Nothing more to be said.
'TV ads eye cig damage'
Meanwhile 'graphic new images of a smoker's eye bursting will target Territorians in a new anti-smoking campaign to be launched this weekend'. And the NT Government continues to support the industry on the basis that it is legal.
But the highlight of the day comes from The Australian newspaper
'Crocodiles and Supermodels - how to scare away people from Australia'
Story 1 - the new film to scare of illegal immigrants from the middle east. 'Don’t come to Australia because you'll be eaten by a shark or a crocodile, or bitten by a snake - that’s the message the federal Government is sending to illegal immigrants. And if you survive, we'll lock you up in the middle of the desert.' The video also points out the risk of drowning. The Government on the other hand could just have released an 'Elle' video promoting Australia. Western Australia's ads featuring Elle Macpherson were expected to bring tourists to that state in record numbers, but according to The Australian, 'tourism statistics appear to show the state may have attracted more visitors without the services of the supermodel'. But then again, the article points out, the ads were also shown in late-night time slots with programs such as Sex and Shopping and More Real Monty.
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