A viking dubbed Brian recalls a damned fine achievement Oct 12, 2009
On October 17, 1949 the governor-general William McKell pressed the button to set off the first blast of the greatest engineering project in Australian history. By the time it was completed in 1974, its seven power stations, 16 dams and 225 kilometres of tunnels, pipes and aqueducts had not only changed the course of our rivers but our national identity. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Anthology of Australian history launched Oct 8, 2009
October 8, 2009 - 5:54PM. A new anthology of Australia's best literature has been launched in the United States, with the aim of illuminating what it truly means to be Australian. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Chevron CEO to retire Oct 1, 2009
In September, the company announced a $37 billion liquefied natural gas project that will be the largest natural resource development in Australian history. "I think they can grow over the long term," said Brian Youngberg, senior energy analyst with investment company Edward Jones. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
A dark tale to get their teeth into Sep 19, 2009
VAN Diemen's Land is, as its title suggests, a film about a specific place and time - an episode from the early years of white Australian history ... The story of Alexander Pearce and his seven companions is an extraordinary, taboo episode in Australian history; but, say filmmakers Jonathan auf der Heide and Oscar Redding, it's also in many ways an ordinary one. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Screen queen and moving pictures Sep 18, 2009
It was a moment, for him, that encapsulates what Screen Worlds is about: the central place of film in Australian history and culture. Ab Rogers, from British firm Ab Rogers Design, in designing Screen Worlds, said: ''Our aim was to make it as accessible as possible. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Around the grounds of capital raisings Sep 15, 2009
When the dust finally settles on the biggest equity raising splurge in Australian history, the companies will be separated into two distinct camps: the pro rata brigade who treated all Australian shareholders equally () and those that relied excessively on institutional placements (). This latter group arguably all owe their retail shareholders a compensating share purchase plan. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Courage the stuff of political stunts Sep 14, 2009
It does frighten hell out of the Opposition, which is limping so badly (check out the latest Fairfax/Nielsen poll) it faces the prospect of actually going backwards from the drubbing it got in November 2007 when the Coalition not only lost power, but John Howard became only the second prime minister in Australian history to get booted out of his seat. Thus, the Opposition would rather stick pins in its collective eyes than agree to a special sitting to give the government a chance to give it... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Jakarta warns against Timor probe Sep 11, 2009
Mr Yudhoyono implied that Australian history showed it was not free from its own mistakes in the past. "Frankly if we were to focus on the past, then we can look at the era of slavery, crimes against humanity, colonialism. All gross human rights violations," he said. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
From casting pouch to TV queen Sep 10, 2009
"I used to try and avoid the subject while trying to live a normal life. In recent years I've come to realise the impact it made and the fact that the contribution to Australian history and the world's impression of Australia was such a large one. Quietly, I feel very proud about it.". Skippy: Australia's First Superstar premieres on Thursday, September 17, at 8. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Artists vie for Uncle Sam's eye Sep 10, 2009
The photography of Ricky Maynard, from Tasmania, draws on the landscape style of Ansel Adams, and in a documentary manner redresses what he calls false views of Australian history - specifically that Aborigines were wiped out in Tasmania. His images show Aborigines hunting birds on Flinders Island, off Tasmania's north-east coast, and healing groves of trees that are significant to his people. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Rudd will need reform for recovery Sep 8, 2009
He and some colleagues were upset the prevailing left-wing interpretation of Australian history - set in place by the late Manning Clark, Macintyre and others - was being challenged by some conservatives. This process is likely to continue irrespective of what elected politicians or tenured professors might say. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
In the red: Penfolds St Henri reaps $8000 at wine auction Sep 5, 2009
They're collecting it as a museum piece, a piece of Australian history. " The new record for St Henri represents an interesting twist in the fabled rivalry between Penfolds' chief winemaker, Max Schubert, who created Grange, and his subordinate, John Davoren, who made St Henri. Grange and St Henri were both originally modelled on claret styles, and in their first releases they were identical in price. But Grange's price and prestige soon began to outstrip St Henri's. However, because the St... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Wrangling exposes Labor's factional splits Sep 4, 2009
Labor right-wingers see themselves as the pragmatists in a progressive party that, over the sweep of Australian history, has often struggled to win popular support in an innately conservative electorate. The Right has provided modern Labor with most of its successful leaders (Bob Hawke, Paul Keating, Kevin Rudd, Steve Bracks and John Brumby are all right-wingers) and the faction prides itself on supporting the leader. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
It's time to reclaim patriotism from the racist narcissists Sep 1, 2009
John Howard was free to pervert egalitarianism, mateship and the fair go in pursuit of his warped view of Australian history. Patriotism, unsurprisingly, became the preserve of right-wing ideological zealots. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Australia eyes future as leader in natural gas Aug 31, 2009
Hailing Gorgon's $41bn contract with PetroChina this month - the largest trade deal in Australian history - the government said LNG was an important part of the country's future prosperity. Asian demand for coal and iron ore helped Australia's economy avoid recession during the global downturn, and State One Stockbroking analyst Peter Kopetz said LNG was the next boom commodity. (Business Report, South Africa)
LNG boom to make Australia 'Middle East of gas' Aug 30, 2009
Hailing Gorgon's 41 billion US supply contract with PetroChina this month -- the largest trade deal in Australian history -- the government said LNG was an important part of the country's future prosperity. "This unprecedented export deal confirms Australia?s importance as a global energy superpower supplying vital clean energy resources and technologies to China and our other Asia-Pacific trading partners," Resources Minister Martin Ferguson said. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
The good, the bad and the bizarre Aug 29, 2009
The performance on February 27, 2009, will go down as the greatest loss admission day in Australian history. It was the last day of the interim reporting season and given it was a Friday at the end of the shortest month of the year, there was of almost 200 companies which declared losses exceeding $1 million. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Out of the ordinary Aug 29, 2009
" He arrived at the Australian National University in the immediate aftermath of the Sacking - an event he c 00004000 an't quite condemn - and was irritated by the attitude of his politics lecturers and the many essays he had to write on Gough Whitlam's demise. His passion was Australian history. "The good news for me was Manning Clark was the emeritus professor, people like Don Baker and others were just fantastic and so I sucked up as much Australian history as I could. " He didn't join the... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Intervention turned our backs on reconciliation Aug 21, 2009
And those who have dared to tell the story of dispossession, exclusion and injustice - now apparently dated and short-lived in the manufacture of Australian history with its accompanying policy prescriptions for restitution and national reconciliation - are condemned for entrenching victimhood and dependence. Page. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
PetroChina in huge Australia deal Aug 19, 2009
The pact is the largest trade deal in Australian history and was hailed by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. "This agreement provides the basis for the creation of thousands of jobs and also injecting billions of dollars into our economy," he said. (BBC News -- Business)
NT Labor faces crucial vote on Friday Aug 10, 2009
It is the first time in Australian history that four-year fixed terms - in place in NSW, Victoria and South Australia - have been constitutionally tested. Parliament will debate and vote on the motion on Friday, when Mr Henderson said he would "fully, openly and transparently put the government's side of the story". (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Terror probe finds no guns yet Aug 8, 2009
BY TUESDAY afternoon, Somali-Australian taxi driver and part-time community leader Farah Abdi Hakim still knew nothing about the second-largest counterterrorism strike in Australian history. A series of raids by 400 police began 12 hours earlier, even in the same Carlton housing commission tower where Mr Abdi Hakim lives. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
No Funhouse now: promoters at odds Aug 7, 2009
A BITTER war of words has broken out between two of the nation's most powerful concert promoters over the biggest pop tour in Australian history. Kevin Jacobsen, whose company has run the Sydney Entertainment Centre since it opened in 1983, and the promoter Michael Coppel are at loggerheads over the incentive used to lure US entertainer Pink to the centre for 10 nights in June as part of her Funhouse tour. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Sam the koala dies Aug 7, 2009
The video was taken in the week leading up to the deadliest bushfires in Australian history, during preventative backburning operations. Despite suffering burns to her paws and smoke inhalation, Sam provided welcome inspiration to whose who had lost everything. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Thursday's TV: Australia's Heritage Aug 4, 2009
For a revolution that lasted about 30 minutes, the battle between gold miners and government forces at the Eureka Stockade in December 1854 is an extraordinary milestone in Australian history. Chris Taylor, of the Chaser, begins a series exploring sites from Australia's heritage list with a visit to the Eureka flag, now battered, fragile and carefully preserved in the Art Gallery of Ballarat. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
He’s a Labor man for life Aug 2, 2009
Prime minister until 1991 when he was toppled by his treasurer, Paul Keating, Mr Hawke claimed credit for one of the greatest economic structural reforms in Australian history. The former ACTU president ticked off other achievements throughout his long career: helping end the White Australia policy, the introduction of a universal health-care system, the halting of plans to mine Antarctica, the accord with unions and the groundbreaking social accord. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Martin Flanagan Sport, at its best for me, is drama, a way of seeing into people. It's also folklore. Read more Jul 25, 2009
Born to working class parents in South Melbourne (or so I have read), Brack was coming from a much different time in Australian history. Australian society was more introverted, class conscious, conformist. (The Age, Australia)
Powerball jackpot rolls to $80 million Jul 24, 2009
The multi-million dollar jackpot, the second highest in Australian history, will come just weeks after an Adelaide man and a Queensland couple shared a from Oz Lotto. That draw captured headlines as millions of Australians scrambled for tickets. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
'Bullying' bishop to cost church Jul 6, 2009
Depending on his findings, the commission will set up a tribunal with power to depose the bishop also unprecedented in Australian history which could cost another $350,000. Mr Shand told the synod this would be paid by the national office. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
ASIC must go after executives at B&B Jun 25, 2009
But why are no investigations under way about one of the biggest corporate collapses in Australian history. Today in Business. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
How museums are soup kitchens for the soul Jun 24, 2009
Take the controversy over our National Museum when it opened in 2001, with right-wing critics - including the board members Christopher Pearson and David Barnett, and the historian Keith Windschuttle - denouncing it as presenting what some called its "black armband" view of Australian history. "National museums of any country are always political.". (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Babcock crash may have cost $5.4bn Jun 24, 2009
4 billion in its final frantic year of operation the second-biggest loss in Australian history. While accounts for the former boom market darling have been completed, they have not yet been lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission as Deloitte, receiver to the group, continues to trawl through the wreckage. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Andrew Symonds faces the music Jun 6, 2009
Andrew Symonds's latest indiscretion could bring to an end one of the most controversial international careers in Australian history. Sideswipe. (Sydney Morning Herald)
Symonds through the years Jun 6, 2009
Andrew Symonds's latest indiscretion could bring to an end one of the most controversial international careers in Australian history ... Andrew Symonds's latest indiscretion could bring to an end one of the most controversial international careers in Australian history. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Vics deserve annual Origin clash: Waldron Jun 5, 2009
In addition, the Storm is now the second best supported team in the NRL and their recent match against the Bulldogs on the Central Coast was the second-most watched pay TV program in Australian history, Waldron said. Home attendances have also increased dramatically over that period, culminating with a sell-out for tonight's match against Brisbane at Olympic Park just two days after more than 50,000 fans filled Etihad Stadium for Origin I. According to Waldron, most of that success translates... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Get rich quick - Part II Jun 4, 2009
The Macquarie SPP was the second biggest in Australian history after the $865 million raised by Commonwealth Bank at $26 a share in February. Assuming all the CBA shareholders held onto the stock, they are now enjoying a $343 million paper profit based on last night's closing price of $36. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Hero horse recommended for bravery medal in Australia May 28, 2009
The terrible bushfires killed 173 people and countless livestock, making it the deadliest bushfire in Australian history, but the heartwarming story of Paddy the hero horse is one bit of good news. Paddy served in police parades as a drum horse and was retired to the farm of former police officer Mike Salmon at Happy Valley north of Melbourne. (Xinhuanet, China)
Newspapers online a 'fast track' to history May 21, 2009
The Hawkesbury river boatmen who ferried wheat into Sydney in the early 1800s hold a unique place in Australian history ... "Newspapers were not inaccessible before but often you would have to travel from state to state for newspapers from capital city or rural areas," said Richard Waterhouse, professor of Australian History at the University of Sydney. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Technology)
Experience says budget has it right: Treasury May 20, 2009
Rather, it had been the rapid growth in spending - prompted by the mining boom - that was unusual, and repeated in Australian history only during the Whitlam years. "Scepticism about restraint in government spending isn't a bad thing," he said. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
A budgie, a bear and a dead duck May 20, 2009
In that time apart from notching up a record for being one of the shortest-lived floats in Australian history not much else has been revealed about the company, or how the ASX managed to let this dead duck onto the boards with barely a skerrick of scrutiny. For the record, the initial public offering (IPO) of The Rewards Factory, which runs loyalty programs for staff and customers, offered 20 million shares at 20 each. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Saviour or sellout? The verdict on Nick Bolton May 18, 2009
"[Business] was a puzzle for him to figure out. He was an extremely intelligent child, too smart for his own good." In just six months he has become one of the most recognised business figures in the country, even if it is as much for his sharp trousers, long scarves and shaggy hair as for his role in exposing one of the most disastrous company floats in Australian history. It's a point not lost on Alexandra: "I suppose you could reference one of Nicholas's favourite films, Amelie, which makes... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
A traditional Labor budget May 13, 2009
Senator Helen Coonan blogs exclusively for BusinessDay. Australia has been dragged back to the traditional Labor Party Budget. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Hilton Chickens Escape Firestorm, Get Pampered to Help Save World From Flu May 13, 2009
May 13 (Bloomberg) -- Workers at Kinross Farm defended its hens against the worst wildfires in Australian history while their own homes burned. Now the birds may return the favor by protecting humans from swine flu. (Bloomberg -- Australia & New Zealand)
Inquiry stirs fierce debate May 11, 2009
An hour's drive away in the state capital, Melbourne, the Royal Commission set up in the wake of the worst bushfires in Australian history is about to start hearing evidence. But there's anger that many of the victims have not been allowed to appear in person and have had to make do with written submissions. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
It's London or bust for former jailbird Mick May 10, 2009
From 1995-98, Cutajar did time with some of the most notorious figures in Australian history. Pedophiles. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Avoiding mikes at 50 paces May 7, 2009
After one more meeting, Graham pulled out his chequebook and gave Johnston $7 million in December and $3 million two months later, says Herald scribe Gerard Ryle, in his new book, Firepower: The Most Spectacular Fraud In Australian History. 1. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
* Excavators start unearthing WWI remains in France May 7, 2009
The battle has since been regarded as the worst wartime tragedy in Australian history, Snowdon said. More than 5,500 Australians were killed, wounded or went missing at Fromelles in under 24 hours, along with more than 1,500 British, cut down by German machine guns and artillery. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
WWI graves of UK, Australian soldiers excavated May 6, 2009
The battle has since been regarded as "the worst wartime tragedy in Australian history," Snowdon said ... The discovery of the Fromelles site coincides with a burgeoning popular interest in Australian history, Snowdon, the Australian minister, added. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
GFC changes the game May 5, 2009
Blaming the global financial crisis and the slump in revenue as the exclusive drivers of what is shaping up to be the largest deficit in Australian history, doesn't cut the mustard. The Budget will give Mr Rudd and Mr Swan an opportunity to convince an increasingly sceptical public how temporary the massive deficit will be, and how the Government proposes to bring public debt and spending under control. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Firepower spruiked its fuel additive for use in harbour ferries May 2, 2009
The revelations are in Firepower: The Most Spectacular Fraud In Australian History, by a Fairfax journalist, Gerard Ryle. It details how Firepower's chairman, Tim Johnston, persuaded about 1300 investors to part with up to $100 million on a product that was never proved. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Review - The Stamp of Australia by ... Apr 30, 2009
This book is sure to appeal not only stamp collectors, but also anyone with an interest in Australian history, particularly the development of Australian communication systems over the centuries. The Stamp of Australia (ISBN: 978-1-74175-614-2, 250 pages). (Suite101.com)
Melbourne saint - and grave sinner Apr 30, 2009
Two years later, when it was obvious the evidence against him was overwhelming, he changed his tune, admitted his role and settled the matter with a $36 million fine, the biggest in Australian history. Yesterday morning Pratt's supporters - emboldened by a court ruling that his conflicting statements could not be used as evidence in a criminal trial for lying to the ACCC - called for Pratt's Order of Australia to be returned, claiming he had been "exonerated". (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Govt must keep emergency cash: Hockey Apr 30, 2009
"So, fiscal policy becomes far more important and given the government is now determined to run up what seems to be the biggest deficit in modern Australian history, there will be little room to move should things deteriorate next year and beyond.". He called on the government to keep money aside as a safety net for the nation. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
We're too late - Fenton says the west is lost Apr 19, 2009
RUGBY tragic Peter Fenton fears Robbie Deans's love affair with western Sydney might be too little, too late to save the game from extinction west of Parramatta. The Wallabies coach has realised the untapped potential in the players in Penrith and beyond, but with the AFL moving in, Fenton says Deans's efforts could all be for nothing. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Force claim "slam" as Tahs nosedive Apr 19, 2009
We're our own worst enemies: Waugh Loss leaves Tahs facing the road trip from. Ben Mowen attacks the line during the Force's hard fought victory over the Waratahs. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Kiwis open the door for Pumas to top up Super Apr 19, 2009
NEW ZEALAND rugby is poised to put its money where its mouth is and help Argentina play in an expanded Super rugby competition and the Tri Nations. Until now, the darlings of the previous World Cup have been precluded because most of their players are wedded to northern hemisphere clubs. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Deans hoping for Baxter rethink Apr 18, 2009
WALLABIES coach Robbie Deans remains hopeful Al Baxter will stay in Australia following the veteran prop's revelation that contract negotiations with the Australian Rugby Union have stalled. Just days after Deans expressed concern at Australia's lack of depth in the tighthead position, Baxter said he would consider offers from overseas. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Blues beat 14-man Highlanders Apr 18, 2009
Blues 26 Highlanders 6. All Blacks winger Joe Rokocoko scored three minutes from fulltime to give the Blues a vital bonus point in their 26-6 Super 14 win over the Highlanders on Friday. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Evasive Waugh belies respect for opposite number Apr 18, 2009
WHEN talking about David Pocock, the up-and-coming openside flanker challenging his place in the Wallabies hierarchy - it is more what Phil Waugh doesn't say that gives the best clue to what he really thinks of the youngster. The harder you try to get Waugh to open up about the Western Force No.7, the less the Waratahs captain elaborates. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Greg Growden The lunch that sunk Firepower. Read more Apr 17, 2009
Former ARU chief executive Gary Flowers was partly responsible for bringing down the most spectacular frauds in Australian history ... Ruck and Maul: Former ARU chief executive Gary Flowers was partly responsible for bringing down the most spectacular frauds in Australian history. (Sydney Morning Herald)
Australian PM Condemns Human Smugglers Apr 17, 2009
"We are dedicating more resources to combat people smuggling than any other government in Australian history," Rudd told reporters in Sydney, adding that people smugglers were the "the scum of the earth.". "People smugglers are the vilest form of human life because they trade on the tragedy of others," Rudd said. (Time.com)
Just like opera - for cloth ears Apr 15, 2009
IT COULD be the most famous unrealised art project in Australian history. When the artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude visited in 1969 to wrap the Little Bay coastline in fabric, Christo hatched another plan for Sydney. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Day that shook a code, and a nation Apr 15, 2009
The Sydney Morning Herald: national, world, business, entertainment, sport and technology news from Australia's leading newspaper. Sebastian HassettApril 15, 2009. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
The dawning that followed football's darkest day Apr 15, 2009
The Sydney Morning Herald: national, world, business, entertainment, sport and technology news from Australia's leading newspaper. scarves, flowers and other items laid in tribute to the victims of Hillsborough carpet the goalmouth at Anfield's Kop end in the days after the disaster. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Now for a drier track - Waller delighted as Triple Honour drawsgate one in Doncaster Apr 15, 2009
Now for a drier track - Waller delighted as Triple Honour draws gate one in. The Sydney Morning Herald: national, world, business, entertainment, sport and technology news from Australia's leading newspaper. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
