Friday 30 January 2004

Nationals' candidate exposed in Nazi links - QUEENSLAND DECIDES, The Australian, 30 January, 2004.

Nationals' candidate exposed in Nazi links - QUEENSLAND DECIDES: [3 All-round Metro Edition]

Stapleton, John. The Australian [Canberra, A.C.T] 30 Jan 2004: 8.
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Party officials were last night resisting pressure to disendorse Dan Van Blarcom, standing by the the Nationals' candidate for the Labor-held seat of Whitsunday, despite the picture, which shows him wearing a swastika armband in the ACT as a young man.
Mr Van Blarcom, who was called an anarchist in the 1970s and 80s when he ran Planet Press, which published a left-leaning satirical newspaper, refused to comment on the photograph last night, other than to cite the article detailing his work as an underground security operative. "That's the story and I am not making any further comment," he said.
National Party state director Roger Harcourt told The Australian Mr Van Blarcom had been working as an undercover agent or operative at the time, which required him to be associated with such groups in the course of his duties.
THE Nationals' campaign was rocked last night after the emergence of a photograph of a party candidate wearing a Nazi uniform.
Party officials were last night resisting pressure to disendorse Dan Van Blarcom, standing by the the Nationals' candidate for the Labor-held seat of Whitsunday, despite the picture, which shows him wearing a swastika armband in the ACT as a young man.
Mr Van Blarcom last night refused to reveal the circumstances in which the photograph, which first appeared in The Canberra Times in March 1970 with a caption bearing his real name, was taken.
He refused to tell The Australian if he had ever been a member of the Nazi Party.
But he recently claimed he had been secretly involved in "monitoring" swastika-wearing Nazis and members of other subversive groups.
Mr Van Blarcom, 52, said he worked undercover as a security operative, spying on dangerous individuals and groups. But he refused to says for what organisation he worked. "There were a number of groups around in those days ... prone to violence. I was monitoring their activities," he told the Sunday Mail last week.
Mr Van Blarcom, who was called an anarchist in the 1970s and 80s when he ran Planet Press, which published a left-leaning satirical newspaper, refused to comment on the photograph last night, other than to cite the article detailing his work as an underground security operative. "That's the story and I am not making any further comment," he said.
National Party state director Roger Harcourt told The Australian Mr Van Blarcom had been working as an undercover agent or operative at the time, which required him to be associated with such groups in the course of his duties.
"It would be quite natural when Mr Van Blarcom was working as an undercover agent to be put in positions where he would be photographed in the uniform. That would be required as part of his underground duties.
"I am not going to say where it was. Innocence should be presumed. We are seeing a feeding frenzy of the media based on a total reversal of our system of justice."
Mr Harcourt said Mr Van Blarcom had given great service to the community and his life should not be ruined by anonymous allegations.
He said Mr Van Blarcom would not be dropped as a candidate unless someone could prove him "guilty of something other than serving his nation. If they can do that we would have to reconsider our position".
National Party senator Ron Boswell said he had never come across Mr Van Blarcom until he appeared in the Whitsundays.
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Freak storms cause inner-city floods, The Australian, 30 January, 2004.

Freak storms cause inner-city floods: [H Vic Metro Edition]

Stapleton, John. The Australian; Canberra, A.C.T. [Canberra, A.C.T] 30 Jan 2004: 4.
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For the fourth time in six days, storms lashed the state, especially the southeast corner, producing high winds, hail and torrential rain. Graham Jones, the co-ordinator of Insurance Disaster Response Organisation Queensland, said there had been widespread damage to businesses, homes and motor vehicles.
Mr [Wayne Roberts] said SES flood rescue boats were sent to help people reportedly trapped in cars on the Monash Freeway, near Toorak Road, but the water subsided before they arrived.
FLASH floods struck several inner-city Melbourne suburbs yesterday, soaking roads, homes and businesses in up to half a metre of water in some areas.
State Emergency Service spokesman Wayne Roberts said freak storms hit at 1pm and 5pm, dumping more than 60mm of rain in just under an hour each time.
The worst-hit areas were St Albans and Deer Park in the city's northeast, and the inner-eastern suburbs of Malvern, Kew and Hawthorn.
"More than the monthly average of rain has come down in an hour," Mr Roberts said.
"It was basically poured from a bucket over those whole areas."
The SES received more than 450 calls from distressed residents, several of whose homes had been severely waterlogged due to blocked drains.
A St Albans childcare centre was evacuated after suffering structural damage from the flooding, while a pet shop in the same area lost part of its roof.
Mr Roberts said SES flood rescue boats were sent to help people reportedly trapped in cars on the Monash Freeway, near Toorak Road, but the water subsided before they arrived.
Two buildings were also hit by lightning, he said. According to the SES, up to 35 emergency crews tended to the damage across thecity.
Police reported no major injuries.
The weather mirrored that experienced yesterday in Queensland, which has been hit by a series of summer storms that have caused $7.5million in damage.
Forthefourth time in six days, storms lashedthestate, especiallythesoutheast corner, producing high winds, hail and torrential rain. Graham Jones,theco-ordinator of Insurance Disaster Response Organisation Queensland, said there had been widespread damage to businesses, homes and motor vehicles.        
The Queensland Weather Bureau is expecting further severe storms over the next few days.
The state Government has activated disaster relief measures.
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Monday 26 January 2004

Rivkin health woes appear to worsen, The Australian, 26 January, 2004.

Rivkin health woes appear to worsen: [1 All-round Country Edition]

Stapleton, John. The Australian; Canberra, A.C.T. [Canberra, A.C.T] 26 Jan 2004: 3.
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A spokesman for St Vincent's said she could neither confirm nor deny Mr [Rene Rivkin]'s presence at the emergency department. Attempts to contact Mr Rivkin and his family were unsuccessful.
Following concerns about Mr Rivkin's high-profile case, the DPP ordered an independent medical examination, the results of which have now been seen by Corrective Services officials. A decision on whether Mr Rivkin must serve his prison sentence was expected last week.
THE medical difficulties of colourful Sydney businessman Rene Rivkin appeared to escalate over the weekend with his appearance at the emergency department of St Vincent's Hospital in central Sydney.
Rivkin was spotted in the emergency department about 1pm yesterday and remained there much of the afternoon.
"The nurse was attending with a blood pressure thing around the arm," said a patient who spotted the former stockbroker. "His wife was teary and concerned. They took him inside to one of the beds in emergency."
The latest concerns over Mr Rivkin's health come as the NSW Corrective Services Department and the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions consider Mr Rivkin's options.
He was sentenced to nine months' periodic detention after being convicted last April of insider trading.
Mr Rivkin spent one day behind bars before collapsing and has since undergone surgery for a brain tumour. He has supplied medical certificates excusing him from serving his sentence at least until next month.
Following concerns about Mr Rivkin's high-profile case, the DPP ordered an independent medical examination, the results of which have now been seen by Corrective Services officials. A decision on whether Mr Rivkin must serve his prison sentence was expected last week.
The patient who saw Mr Rivkin at St Vincent's Hospital yesterday said he was in the emergency department for three hours and had looked lethargic and unwell.
He said Mr Rivkin had to sit down outside the hospital and wait for his wife to bring the car to pick him up.
"He looked really tired and had a slight limp," the patient said. "He did not look well."
A spokesman for St Vincent's said she could neither confirm nor deny Mr Rivkin's presence at the emergency department. Attempts to contact Mr Rivkin and his family were unsuccessful.
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Opportunity knocks for twin Mars probe, The Australian, 26 January, 2004.

Opportunity knocks for twin Mars probe: [1 All-round Country Edition]

Stapleton, John. The Australian; Canberra, A.C.T. [Canberra, A.C.T] 26 Jan 2004: 3.
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The unmanned six-wheeled rover landed shortly after 4pm AEST yesterday on the Meridiani Planum, one of the flattest parts of Mars. Scientists believe it is made up of a mineral known as gray hematite, which typically forms in marine or volcanic environments rich in water.
THE second of NASA's two Mars rovers, Opportunity, landed without a hitch yesterday.
Its twin sister Spirit, which landed on the Red Planet three weeks ago, was beset with communication problems last week, with theflow of pictures and scientific data ceasing last Wednesday. Over the weekend, scientists isolated the problem to the rover's memory software and are now hopeful it can be fixed.
Opportunity sent information right from the beginning of its landing on the opposite side of the planet to Spirit. One of the primary purposes of the Mars probe is to determine if the planet had once been capable of supporting life.
The unmanned six-wheeled rover landed shortly after 4pm AEST yesterday on the Meridiani Planum, one of the flattest parts of Mars. Scientists believe it is made up of a mineral known as gray hematite, which typically forms in marine or volcanic environments rich in water.
Opportunity rolled for up to 10 minutes after hitting the planet's surface, before coming to rest about 24km from its target. Overnight it was expected to use motors to retract the impact cushions before opening up like a petal to reveal the rover inside. Solar panels will then be deployed and it will begin its work within hours.
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Friday 23 January 2004

New charges for DIY bomber, The Australian, 23 January, 2004.

New charges for DIY bomber: [1 All-round Country Edition]

Stapleton, John. The Australian; Canberra, A.C.T. [Canberra, A.C.T] 23 Jan 2004: 3.
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[Mark Avery] is also charged with possessing an explosive substance (nitroglycerine) for a suspected unlawful purpose. Nitroglycerine is a highly explosive oily liquid used specifically in making dynamite.
The court was told last week that the electrician from Blacktown, in Sydney's west, set off the 97kg fertiliser bomb with a sparkler and was in serious danger of blowing himself up. Police later raided his home and allegedly found bomb making ingredients commonly used in internet recipes for home-made bombs. The nitroglycerine was allegedly found in his kitchen.
THE man accused of detonating a huge bomb that exploded in a suburban Sydney paddock was yesterday charged with possessing the highly explosive nitroglycerine.
The Director of Public Prosecutions upgraded the charges against Mark Avery, accused of making a bomb which exploded on January 10, destroying an old car in the paddock in outer suburban Doonside.
The explosion -- which could be heard 20km away -- ripped a crater in the ground 5m wide and 2m deep and scattered debris for 350m.
At first there were fears, later dispelled, of a terrorist link. Ingredients in the bomb, which can be bought easily around Sydney, were the same used in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing.
Avery was originally charged with unlawful making or possession of explosives, possession of dangerous articles and trespassing on commonwealth land.
But in Blacktown Local Court yesterday the NSW DPP amended the charges to include more specific details.
He is now charged with using a prohibited weapon, namely a bomb, without authorisation or permission, and entering enclosed lands of overseas telecommunications without the consent of Telstra and without lawful excuse.
Avery is also charged with possessing an explosive substance (nitroglycerine) for a suspected unlawful purpose. Nitroglycerine is a highly explosive oily liquid used specifically in making dynamite.
The court was told last week that the electrician from Blacktown, in Sydney's west, set off the 97kg fertiliser bomb with a sparkler and was in serious danger of blowing himself up. Police later raided his home and allegedly found bomb making ingredients commonly used in internet recipes for home-made bombs. The nitroglycerine was allegedly found in his kitchen.
Avery's bail was continued. He will appear in Blacktown Local Court again on February 26.
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Wednesday 21 January 2004

'Accident' shows job's dangers - DEATH OF A SPORTING LEGEND, The Australian, 21 January, 2004.

`Accident' shows job's dangers - DEATH OF A SPORTING LEGEND: [2 All-round First Edition]

Stapleton, John. The Australian; Canberra, A.C.T. [Canberra, A.C.T] 21 Jan 2004: 4.
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Sebastian, who like other Kings Cross bouncers did not want to give his second name, said the clients could be a lawyer, politician or sports person, but when they were drunk they thought they were boxer Mike Tyson. He had been hit over the head with bottles and had had knifes pulled on him. "Hookesy fell and died; it was very unlucky for both," he said. "People want to take swipes at us. We have a dangerous job. The whole thing with Hookesy was just unlucky."
Another bouncer, Stuart from Stripperama, said the incident with [David Hookes] was unfortunate for the bouncer because he was in a position of responsibility. He said some people got very violent and you had to be firm with them.
Of the Hookes incident he said: "I think it is unfortunate for both parties; accidents happen. As a bouncer some people get rough with you. I think it is unfortunate for the bouncer."
THE bouncers of Kings Cross, Australia's most infamous nightclub district, are united in their view that the death of David Hookes was an accident that reflected the dangerous nature of their jobs.
Already trained, licensed, regulated and having had to do first- aid courses, they do not think a national crackdown on bouncers will make any difference to the rough-and-tumble nature of their jobs -- dealing with drunks. Sebastian, at Porky's, which offers "Live Girls Girls Girls", said he had been "working the doors" for 20 years and believed the customers who caused the most trouble were thedrunkest ones.
"Sometimes a punch can go wrong," he said. "It's always the drunkest person (who) causes trouble. They try to fight. We don't want to kill people."
Sebastian, who like other Kings Cross bouncers did not want to give his second name, saidtheclients could be a lawyer, politician or sports person, but when they were drunk they thought they were boxer Mike Tyson. He had been hit overthehead with bottles and had had knifes pulled on him. "Hookesy fell and died; it was very unlucky for both," he said. "People want to take swipes at us. We have a dangerous job.Thewhole thing with Hookesy was just unlucky."      
Jonathan, at Playbirds, said Hookes did a lot for the country, but no one knew the full circumstance of his death. If he had not been famous, no one would have cared.
He said if there had been excessive force then that was not appropriate. But if the bouncer was defending himself, that was a different issue.
Jonathan said the lack of proper security at many nightclubs and pubs, where only a couple of bouncers were assigned to control several hundred people, was simply unfair on the bouncers and the owners should share some of the blame.
"We are not killers," he said. "We are just doing our best."
Moe, at the newly renovated The Bourbon, said he was concerned the Hookes incident would give bouncers a bad reputation.
"Not all bouncers are like that," he said. "You have to use your mind before you get physical. It is not going to worry me if they crack down on the industry, as long as people do their job properly."
One bouncer at 24-hour pub The Empire said most people would leave when asked, but some nights there was a lot of trouble.
He had to throw 30 people out one night last week. "There were drunk blokes fighting, people abusing bar staff. I had two people stealing drinks from behind the bar," he said. "It is a tough job. It will get harder now."
Another bouncer, Stuart from Stripperama, said the incident with Hookes was unfortunate for the bouncer because he was in a position of responsibility. He said some people got very violent and you had to be firm with them.
OftheHookes incident he said: "I think it is unfortunate for both parties; accidents happen. As a bouncer some people get rough with you. I think it is unfortunate forthebouncer."    
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