"HIS.......................5
"His record of offending in a similar way causes me to form the opinion that he remains a risk of reoffending even when he is released."	2628
"His own Budget figures show he will continue to collect over 17 per cent of national income in income tax," Labor's treasury spokesman Bob McMullan said. "No other treasurer in Australia's history has done this."	4478
"His interest in WA cricket was highlighted in 1948 when he played at the WACA in the last match before the team left Australia on his final tour of the UK," Mr Bradman said.	4608
"His deliberate decision to play, despite a painful rib injury, was an intended compliment to the people of Western Australia.	4610
To spy or not to spy may be the question now, but it was a long time before Australians became aware that spying was indeed the purpose of the facility at Pine Gap. Construction began with a mysterious bitumen road built in 1966. Local people were told it was for the bore-field but it continued straight past that area and into the scrub. Initial construction was complete by 1968 and the base was at least partly operational by 1969. In its early years the facility was said to be a weather station. Some time in the early Œseventies the official cover became "Space Research Centre". In 1975, however, Prime Minister Gough Whitlam revealed that the head of the CIA, Richard Starlings, had played an important role in setting up Pine Gap and had made significant financial contributions to the National Party. Whitlam further threatened not to renew the lease agreement unless Australia was given a fuller participation in its operations and the intelligence it collected. In 1977 an American, Christopher Boyce, was tried for selling secrets to the Russians and testified that, during his time working there, the Pine Gap facility had regularly monitored Whitlam and other Australians. This is the backdrop to the local story, which begins in the mid-seventies. In 1976-77 Philip Nitschke, who later became a medical doctor known for his voluntary euthanasia activism, was working as a ranger at Simpson's Gap and as caretaker for the Temple Bar Caravan Park. He recalls: "You could get a really good view of the base from the top of the hill [at Temple Bar] and I had an almost continuous stream of people who wanted to have a look, so I was more or less doing tours up to the same spot on top of the hill. "That's really where my interest started, it grew into a sort of informal monitoring of the place. "Des Ball [currently Head of Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, ANU] had just finished his book, A Suitable Piece of Real Estate, and I got in contact with him. "I'd ring him up and say things like, ŒThey've started building this thing and what do you think that might be?'. "That was when we formed the group ŒConcerned Citizens of Alice Springs'. "At that stage it was all about getting people to consider the issue and we did put out a newsletter. I was running around trying to get people around town, who were already much too busy with other work, to devote time to this issue. "John Reeves [now a Darwin QC and author of the former CLP government's enquiry into the land councils] was incredibly important at that stage E "His interest waned after a certain point, and there were a few other people, but it was mostly pretty thin on the ground and that was part of why I started to get in contact with other groups nationally, to broaden the support base. "They were mostly peace and anti-war groups, and they had broader connections again, to church groups and unions." This work culminated in a conference held in Alice Springs during Easter, 1981, with plans taking shape for a major protest.	3198
"HIT.......................1
The two major summer sports enter their finals series this week and for both rugby and cricket the "hit and giggle is over". In the Central Australian Rugby Union, history has been created this season. The minor premiership has gone to the perennial cellar dwellers the Eagles. Moving down into the underground gloom are the Kiwis. Never before have the Kiwis not been up there at finals time; generally they have been dictating the terms of finals action. Last Saturday night the death bell tolled over the camp of the long cloud as Terrence Titus' young Devils scored an impressive 24-10 win over the Kiwi Warriors. In scoring four tries to two, the Devils gave themselves a run in the business end of the season, and a winner take all encounter. Interestingly, in bowing out, the Warriors' try scoring sting came from Kiwis president, James Nolan, and a cornerstone of Kiwi Warrior legends, Geoff Manu. Then in the game between the top two sides of the union, Eagles and Cubs, which had nothing but psychological benefit at stake, the second placed Cubs made full use of the opportunity. Already proclaimed minor premiers, the Cubs swept to a 12-7 lead at half time. They then held sway in the last period, running out winners 19-12. In scoring three tries to two the Cubs showed that they have the benefit of finals' experience. On Saturday at 6.30pm at Anzac Oval, the Dingo Cubs will meet the Devils to decide the deserved opponent to the Eagles in the grand final. In recent weeks the Cubs have had to "do it hard", winning each of their games to ensure another premiership chance. They have bounced back from a two point loss to the Eagles in the second last round to place themselves well with the bookmaker. Roger Rudduck now has a team well-versed in winning under pressure and boasts talent right across the line. Paul Veach, as in most games, rose to the occasion last week with two telling tries. Carl Gunderson, Scott Reinke, Andrew Werner, and Geoff Bates add fuel to the Cubs' line of fire. And most importantly they have had to play the Kiwis when at their best (in recent years), in order to mature as a club and adopt the formula required for finals' success. With their opposition lies the virtue of youth. The Devils have a cast of true believers who will not lie down. Steve Schmierer again led the charge last weekend and will be stoking the engine room this week, taking it right up to the Cubs. Any elimination final has a rough and tumble, desperado facet to it. Saturday night's encounter will not vary. The Eagles will stand on the sideline quietly observant and a good crowd should be there to witness what may well be the game of the season! In the early afternoon, the boys in cream will also be all out, with a final being played on Albrecht Oval to decide the challenger to West in the cricket premiership stakes. Federal were eliminated at the death knell last weekend, and so Rovers take to RSL in the second versus third, two day decider. RSL have had a win in the one day competition this season, and against West in the last minor round game were tested. Ken Vowles was keen to stamp the Bloods' authority on ASCA cricket when he had his side bat on to make 9/265, after passing a target of 183 mid afternoon. Peter Tabart, who earlier in the season was batting in the tail, proved his true worth in making 67 before being run out. His innings was the highlight of the day, and set the scene for tail-enders Kevin Mezzone and Darren Clarke to make 31 and 37 respectively. In the Rovers camp, it had been Craig Murphy who "saved the day" for the Blues against Federal when he posted 32 not out and carried Rovers to their first innings target of 195. Federal were still not to be denied a chance of qualifying and defiantly they got themselves within earshot of an outright win. The desperate Demons' lunge was fruitless in terms of premiership points, but proved to be a good lesson for the Blues in preparing for the knockout final. Both RSL and Rovers go into the game knowing they have a job on their hands right down to the line. For RSL Matt Forster will be looking to bowl at his best and be well supported by Cameron and Scott Robertson. Rovers have skipper Mark Nash, a punter at heart and ever ready to accept a challenge, and the wisdom of the sage, Craig Murphy to guide them through any rough waters. Like the rugby elimination, at the cricket we will witness "hammer and tongs" sport, at its best, this weekend.	3334
"HOME......................1
Almost a quarter of the way through 2002, Year of the Outback!! When Alice Springs was crowned Capital of the Outback in late 2001, there was much hype in the Centre. Elsewhere, most Australians are unaware of our status. There are 25 pages of events in the official Outback Events Calendar and Alice Springs doesn't rate too many mentions. There is no reference to Alice, the Capital. Although major annual events such as the Alice Springs Racing Cup Carnival, the Old Timers' Fete, Henley on Todd, Red Centre Open Tennis Tournament and our bi-annual Masters Games are listed, there aren't many "one-offs" listed. Special events which do feature include the National Road Transport's Hall of Fame "Home for Bertha" celebration in honour of legendary trucking pioneer, Kurt Johannsen. There's also the official opening of the Larapinta Trail which winds through our spectacular Western Macs; and, the Last Camel Train Trek from Oodnadatta to Alice Springs in remembrance of the hardy Afghan cameleers who, together with their ships of the desert, opened up the Centre. Songlines from Alice will endeavour to show urban Australia that the Outback is a part of Oz, and showcase the Centre, and the Outback's unlimited potential and future challenges (Desert Knowledge and Remote Solutions). Centre Rocks will bring together fossickers, collectors, researchers and displays of minerals, gems and fossils. Then there's the celebration marking the 125th Anniversary of Hermannsburg (Ntaria). The Heritage Festival, Bangtail Muster, the Finke Desert Race and the Alice Springs Festival are amongst events that don't feature. It doesn't appear that the NT Tourism Commission, CATIA, Chamber of Commerce and Alice Springs Town Council have banded together to ensure that Central Australia receives maximum recognition in this important year. The Tourism Commission, CATIA and Town Council each boast extensive websites. The council's comprehensive site lists community events and advises that there are over 60 exciting Outback events Territory wide during 2002. Disappointingly only a few of these have made it into the Official Year of the Outback Events Calendar, which is, presumably, where intending travellers to the Outback, would look. Special Events co-ordinators and organisers had to ensure that event details were submitted to "Year of the Outback" collators for inclusion in the Official Year of the Outback Event website. A staff member at the NT Tourism Commission told me that acquiring information from various organizations was not an easy task. I wasn't able to follow up on that comment, but it suggests (if correct) that there is still no overlap or sharing of information. It isn't too late for organizations to add in entries. However most visitors, particularly those from overseas, finalised itineraries months ago. Interstate travellers especially family groups also know what they're doing in the 2002 school holidays. If Alice Springs is on their route, great. If it isn't, then they'll miss out on visiting the best part of Oz, the Red Heart, and seeing our spectacular countryside, and we will have allowed one of the greatest opportunities to showcase the Alice, in 2002, Year of the Outback, to slip away. I am sure that the Outback website has received many hits. There's quite a lot happening out there: a tulip festival in Tasmania; big bands concert in Wagga Wagga; an outback party in Tenterfield: a Celebration of Rural Australia art exhibition in Mudgee; Outback Adventures in Yilili; Tastes of the Outback in the Flinders Ranges: and (how on earth did they organise it?) a total solar eclipse in the South Australian Outback in early December, moving from Ceduna Lake across Andamooka, Roxby Downs, to the north of Leigh Creek and over to Woomera and Glendambo. Some interstate entries are quite interesting. There's a Waterbag and Sculpture Competition at Jandowae; Dog and A Ute Queue in Corrigin; cattle drives and a Never Never Country Cattle Sale at Mataranka; a wheelbarrow race in country Queensland. FLOWERS In Nannup, which is where ex-Alice residents, Avis and Kurt are enjoying life in the country, there's the Flowers and Garden Month. An invitation is extended to head to the outback to celebrate Easter at Carrieton. Longreach is also celebrating Easter. What about "Come to the Alice to celebrate the rising of a full moon on Good Friday?" Many city dwellers think that there's nothing to see in the (REAL!) Outback. What defines "outback" anyway? There's so much of it ­ where does it start, end? Trying to attract people away from the coast and into the Centre is a tough call. We come up against time restrictions, distance, budgets and how to get here. It's disappointing to pick up national newspapers and discover that the Outback Events section has been written by someone who has possibly never left his or her city office desk. Perhaps he or she logged into the Outback Website and noted that there didn't appear to be much happening in the interior. The visitor who actually arrives here may be surprised to discover that in this vast seemingly empty land, the Outback, there is a lot going on. It's just where you go, website-wise, to access the information, to find out exactly what it is, and when it is, that seems to be the problem!!	3248
"HOME".....................2
At the Rugby grand final at Anzac Oval on Saturday night the Eagle finally dropped in with the golden egg, in the form of a premiership, for the club which for 17 years has wandered in the wilderness, for the most part known as the Misfits. In the presentation at the game's end first to come before President Roger Rudduck was Beaven Wilson, one of the old breed Kiwi Warriors who accepted the now traditional "wooden spoon". For Beaven and the Kiwis it was a first, but as the same man had been the manufacturer of the very symbol of cellar dweller status, it was accepted in fine spirit. Beaven spoke from the heart, praising this as being the best year ever for the CARU, with the two battlers of the competition in the final. The Best and Fairest of the finals award went the way of Kiti Fuluna, who returned "home" from Perth for the finals and went terribly close to guiding his Devils to a championship. Jonno Swalger was then presented with the Player of the Season Award, fitting for a pocket dynamo who was instrumental in the Eagles' consistently scoring wins. Fittingly also the trophy was donated by the Golden Oldies, named in honour of Allan Scollen, and presented by his wife. Steve Smith from the defeated side then spoke on behalf of the Devils, congratulating the Eagles, thanking the CARU and the supporters, inviting everyone to the Devils Den for an after party. From there it was the turn of the victors. Tui Ford took centre stage with Joe Dixon to accept the winner's trophy and shield. It was Ford's sincerity which epitomised just what the game is all about. Not only did he go through the traditional "pat on the back" to one and all, but he centred on thanking each family for letting the "boys run around the Park each weekend". For in rugby it is the standards espoused in family life that are reflected. Here in Alice Springs the game has not risen to the dizzy heights of packed stadiums, and injections of corporate dollars. Wives, girl friends, some kids and mates make up the crowd. The referee still has complete control of the game, even down to the keeping of the time via his wrist watch. There is no need for the almighty clock on the mound to vindicate the stage of the play, or how long to go! And on field there are the old hands, blended with the rookies, with numbers often made up by League players. Every one can have a go! Such was the way of the final on Saturday night. Early in the game, Henry Labastida, noted more for his Aussie Rules appearances, took advantage of a double blunder by Devils' defenders to score the opening try for the Eagles. Bob Wong, of Westies Rugby League fame, later stretched the lead to 8-0 when he scored a penalty goal; and late in the half Steve Schmeirer kept Feds in the hunt with a penalty. The half was hard fought with Devils showing the upper hand in the forward pack but unable to capitalise through their backs. In opposition the Eagles had Peter Russell rise to the occasion, bullocking his way through the hard work and keeping the Eagles on top. The five point sway the Eagles held at half time set the scene for a dour second period and for a time the game seemed to reflect the Cubs' situation the week before. The Devils drove in time and again but to no avail. The Eagles repelled the ball from their line with some clever kicking. The crunch in the game came almost 20 minutes into the half when a poor kick out from a Feds' penalty put the ball down the throat of Damien Willy. The champion duly swept down the wing for a try before the Devils could muster a defence. Bob Wong converted and the Eagles were looking comfortable with a 15-3 scoreline. Far from beaten, the Devils didn't falter, as was epitomised by their push over try, scored by Steve Smith. Alas, with Schmeirer out of touch in the kicking department the score sat at 15-8. Just 10 minutes before time Jonno Swalger was tackled without the ball and from the resulting penalty, in front, Wong seemingly shut the gate at 18-8. Not to be beaten, and despite the clock running down, yet again the Devils drove in with Fuluna breaking up the Eagles' line and making a pathway for Ashley Turnbull to score out wide, a belated try. Yet again the conversion was missed and the score remained on 18-13. Minutes later the ref signalled the game's end. History was established for the Eagles. It was a final that may not have had a Campese; John Eales was not in the rucks, nor (in the Devils' case) kicking; but it had two clubs playing the game in the true sense of the word, and a family of rugby supporters enjoying every minute. For John Cooper, Russell Ward and Joe Dixon, the dream had finally been realised. For the CARU it had been the best season yet. In Alice Springs we have a sport to be treasured.	3212
History will be in the making on Saturday night when the Eagles and Devils play off for the premiership in Rugby Union. After years in the wilderness both sides have now learned how to win and for the first time will play off for silverware. In the knockout elimination final last Saturday evening, the Devils set the pace from the first whistle. The speed and guile of Ashley Turnbull set up the attack for the Devils and in capitalising on the playmaker's opportunism, the Devils established an early try, successfully converted by Steve Schmierer. As a surprise the Federal boys had brought Kiti Fuluna "home" from Perth for the game. The lanky No 7 dominated in the rucks and mauls and charged the line through a succession of would-be defenders to give the Federals a two try, 14-6 lead at half time. In the second half the Cubs came at the Devils, spearheaded by Karl Gunderson. Brian Castine scored a try to narrow the margin, establishing a match-winning four point margin from a penalty kick. The Cubs had the opportunities. Penalties went their way, but they failed to make full use of the advantage, and they had Federal super eager to repel. In fact in the last 10 minutes of the game the Cubs surged the line, but to no avail. The Devils now have the chance of back to back premierships. Feds marched into the grand final as 17-13 winners in the knock out final, and will have to be rated a real chance against the Eagles. The Eagles are deserved minor premiers and boast a line of youth. Tui Ford senior, a born leader, has Sam Moldrich, Levi Calesso, Henry Labastida and his own son Tui Ford junior, all young guns and at the ready. The Feds' Terrence Titus can look to young legs for a fast final. Jimmy Niland (just 21), Tim Blacker, and Simon Moldrich, both 15, will feature. Both sides also have wise heads with Stanford Forbes, John Cooper and Chris Castles hovering in the Eagle pack, opposed to Paul Venturin, Rod Staniforth, and Rob Pearson for the Devils. The inclusion of Fuluna could be a Devils' trump card on field. The secret to success for the Eagles may well be on the sideline. They will be there giving more than 100 per cent to honour their comrade Joe Dixon, bandaged up and still sore.	3280