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21 June 2000

Northern Territory News headlines

'NT subsidy to keep light beer cheaper'

The NT Government announced yesterday it would continue a subsidy for light beer, a subsidy previously provided by the Federal Government. The subsidy of $1.4m per annum will result in a reduction in the price of a carton of light beer by $3.50 according to the Treasurer, Mr Mike Reed. I guess now tea has no chance of taking off in pubs.

'Woman bequeaths $250 000 to NT'

A Canberra woman left $250,000 and the proceeds of the sale of her Aboriginal art collection to the Northern Territory Library and Information Service in her will. Joan Gold wanted the money to go to technological initiatives in remote Aboriginal community school libraries. I'm sure reading how the money is actually spent will make for interesting reading.

'Kids 'suffering classroom shortage'

'Bakewell Primary School students were attending classes in the assembly area because of classroom shortages, Opposition education spokesman Peter Toyne told Parliament yesterday'. The Government claims 'explosive' growth has caused the shortfall but the Opposition simply refers to the mess as bad planning. Obviously the same sort of planning that didn’t anticipate the expenditure of a $33m gas-fired turbine for electricity.

‘$26 000 'gripe' pay'

Another example of litigation having gone completely, stark raving mad. 'Masseuse Carol Vanderpoel says listening to the personal problems of her women clients drive her into the depths of depression'. A District Court Judge in Sydney awarded her $26,000 for being forced to listen to other people's gripes. The damage was awarded against the Blue Mountain Women's Health Centre. Unbloodybelieveable. Presumably the judge will now sue the Government for being forced to listen to crazy litigation cases.

And from the ABC Internet news
'NT Minister not moved by convicted murderer's hunger strike'

The NT Government Correctional Services Minister, Daryl Manzie has been quoted as saying he does not care that convicted murder Daniel Heiss is on a hunger strike in a jail in Alice Springs. Daniel Heiss went on the hunger strike after his application to move to a jail in the ACT was refused. Mr Manzie was further reported to have said - 'Most people do not care if Heiss goes without food. Heiss is a cold-blooded murderer whose (sic) shown no remorse for the crimes he committed'. It is so nice to hear a correctional services minister show such compassion. Perhaps the comment acts as an appropriate insight into why mandatory sentencing is so popular amongst NT CLP politicians.