To mark the 30th anniversary of “CityNews”, social historian and journalist NICHOLE OVERALL has written an eclectic history of Canberra and beyond over the past three decades. Here is 2006.
‘ACT SCHOOLS IN CHAOS’
Following intense public backlash, the ACT government backflips on a proposal to close 39 Canberra schools in a bid to save $34 million. Instead, it says the “renewal program” will see 22 preschools and primary schools as well as Kambah High School axed. Preschools will be made to merge with primary schools while the saved schools will have reduced programs.
‘BRENDAN BUSTED, BILL BLUDGEONS BUDGET’
Bill Stefaniak topples Brendan Smyth as leader of the ACT Liberal Party (that is, he secures a majority of the seven votes … until Zed Seselja does the same to him in just over a year’s time).
One of Stefaniak’s first jobs, criticising Labor for a “a desperate Budget, brought down by a desperate government… that bludgeons the whole community”, taking a swipe at the “destruction” of the ACT education system while he’s at it.
The Greens are also unhappy with the budget: “The approach this government has taken has been high-handed and imperious, demonstrating no respect for communities, no preparedness to listen, no interest in working with others and no research base for making its proposed changes on a grand scale”.
‘BURIED ALIVE IN BEACONSFIELD’
In earthquakes of a more momentous nature, three miners are trapped in a goldmine in Beaconsfield, Tasmania. Two are discovered alive after six days, the third killed by rockfall. Two weeks later, Brant Webb and Todd Russell, emerge from their almost-tomb, 925 metres below ground.
Prominent “60 Minutes” journo Richard Carleton also dies while covering the event.
‘DEAD EVEREST MAN SAFE AT CAMP’
Not long after, Canberra adventurer Lincoln Hall is found alive on Mount Everest at 8700 metres after his family had been told he’d been left for dead.
‘CRIKEY – HE’S DEAD!’
“Wildlife Warrior” Steve Irwin, colourful and controversial (two years ago the headlines even more sensational when he held his baby son WHILE feeding a crocodile), is killed by what he professed to love: a stingray barb virtually through his heart.
Four days later, motor racing legend “king of the mountain” Peter Brock dies while driving in the Targa West ’06 rally.
‘DEATH OF A DICTATOR’
Australia’s role in Iraq continues. Our first soldier is killed in an accidental shooting and Saddam Hussein is hanged at Camp Justice for crimes against humanity.
‘BRING IT ON: BATTLE BEGINS’
In political deaths …. Labor wins elections in SA, TAS, Queensland and Victoria but loses the leadership team of Beazley/Macklin for dynamic duo Rudd/Gillard.
PM John Howard is now 10 years into his tenure, but disappoints his treasurer, reneging on a promise to hand over to Costello on reaching the milestone of two terms.
‘INSIDE THE AUSTRIAN GIRL’S DUNGEON’
After disappearing eight years earlier, 18-year-old Natasha Kampusch escapes from the clutches of her kidnapper, Wolfgang Přiklopil.
‘AUSTRALIA’S FINEST SPORTING ACHIEVEMENT?’
Not referring to the record Australian medal tally for the Melbourne Commonwealth Games, football (aka soccer) is the sport in the spotlight. Sydney FC win the inaugural A-League Grand Final and the Socceroos play their first World Cup match in 32 years – winning against Japan (3-1), Tim Cahill and John Aloisi the first two Australians to ever score in the international tournament.
‘SUCH IS LIFE – NOTHING BUT BUSHRANGER BOLLOCKS’
The 100th anniversary of the world’s first ever feature film, produced in Australia: “The Story of the Kelly Gang”. But just as Marie Antoinette never said “let them eat cake”, nor did Ned Kelly utter the infamous words attributed to him as they placed the hangman’s noose around his neck.
‘WIKILEAK DOCUMENT DUMP DISASTER’
The release of the first of numerous anonymous, classified documents. “Sending shock waves round the globe”, “news about WikiLeaks quickly superseded the leak itself”… and so begins probably the most sensational leaks/spy/covert intelligence download in the history of the planet, on everything from the film industry to war and peace.
The full collection of Nichole Overall’s “CityNews” anniversary columns can be seen here.
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