Jump to content

1991 in Australia: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
Births: entry from main year article
No edit summary
 
(30 intermediate revisions by 22 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|none}} <!-- "none" is preferred when the title alone is adequate; see [[WP:SDNONE]] -->
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}
{{Use Australian English|date=February 2012}}
{{Use Australian English|date=February 2012}}
Line 16: Line 17:
[[File:Bill Hayden on 29.5.1990.jpg|thumb|upright|140px|[[Bill Hayden]]]]
[[File:Bill Hayden on 29.5.1990.jpg|thumb|upright|140px|[[Bill Hayden]]]]
{{multiple image
{{multiple image
| direction=horizontal
| direction=horizontal
| align=right
| width1=140
| caption_align=center
| image1=Bob Hawke 1987 portrait crop.jpg
| total_width=280
| caption1=<center>[[Bob Hawke]]</center>
| image1=Bob Hawke 1987 portrait crop.jpg
| width2=140
| caption1=[[Bob Hawke]]
| image2=Paul_Keating_1985.jpg
| image2=Keating Paul BANNER.jpg
| caption2=<center>[[Paul Keating]]</center>
| caption2=[[Paul Keating]]
| align=right
}}
}}
*[[Monarchy in Australia|Monarch]] – [[Elizabeth II]]
*[[Monarchy in Australia|Monarch]] – [[Elizabeth II]]
*[[Governor General of Australia|Governor-General]] – [[Bill Hayden]]
*[[Governor General of Australia|Governor-General]] – [[Bill Hayden]]
*[[Prime Minister of Australia|Prime Minister]] – [[Bob Hawke]] (until 20 December), then [[Paul Keating]]
*[[Prime Minister of Australia|Prime Minister]] – [[Bob Hawke]] (until 20 December), then [[Paul Keating]]
**[[Deputy Prime Minister of Australia|Deputy Prime Minister]] – [[Paul Keating]] (until 3 June), then [[Brian Howe (politician)|Brian Howe]]
**[[List of Australian Leaders of the Opposition|Opposition Leader]] – [[John Hewson]]
**[[List of Australian Leaders of the Opposition|Opposition Leader]] – [[John Hewson]]
*[[Chief Justice of Australia|Chief Justice]] – [[Anthony Mason (judge)|Sir Anthony Mason]]
*[[Chief Justice of Australia|Chief Justice]] – [[Anthony Mason (judge)|Sir Anthony Mason]]


===State and Territory Leaders===
===State and territory leaders===
*[[Premier of New South Wales]] – [[Nick Greiner]]
*[[Premier of New South Wales]] – [[Nick Greiner]]
**[[Leader of the Opposition (New South Wales)|Opposition Leader]] – [[Bob Carr]]
**[[Leader of the Opposition (New South Wales)|Opposition Leader]] – [[Bob Carr]]
Line 50: Line 52:
*[[List of heads of government of Norfolk Island|President of the Legislative Assembly of Norfolk Island]] – [[David Buffett]]
*[[List of heads of government of Norfolk Island|President of the Legislative Assembly of Norfolk Island]] – [[David Buffett]]


===Governors and Administrators===
===Governors and administrators===
*[[Governor of New South Wales]] – [[Peter Sinclair (governor)|Peter Sinclair]]
*[[Governor of New South Wales]] – [[Peter Sinclair (governor)|Peter Sinclair]]
*[[Governor of Queensland]] – [[Walter Campbell (judge)|Sir Walter Campbell]]
*[[Governor of Queensland]] – [[Walter Campbell (judge)|Sir Walter Campbell]]
Line 56: Line 58:
*[[Governor of Tasmania]] – [[Phillip Bennett|Sir Phillip Bennett]]
*[[Governor of Tasmania]] – [[Phillip Bennett|Sir Phillip Bennett]]
*[[Governor of Victoria]] – [[Davis McCaughey]]
*[[Governor of Victoria]] – [[Davis McCaughey]]
*[[Governor of Western Australia]] – [[Francis Burt|Sir Francis Burt]]
*[[Governor of Western Australia]] – [[Francis Burt (judge)|Sir Francis Burt]]
*[[List of administrative heads of Norfolk Island|Administrator of Norfolk Island]] – Herbert MacDonald
*[[List of administrative heads of Norfolk Island|Administrator of Norfolk Island]] – Herbert MacDonald
*[[Administrator of the Northern Territory]] – [[James Muirhead]]
*[[Administrator of the Northern Territory]] – [[James Muirhead (judge)|James Muirhead]]


==Events==
==Events==
Line 68: Line 70:
===January===
===January===
*[[1 January]] - The Australian Securities Commission commences operations, replacing the National Companies and Securities Commission. The new Commission's function includes investigation and enforcement of corporate and securities law.
*[[1 January]] - The Australian Securities Commission commences operations, replacing the National Companies and Securities Commission. The new Commission's function includes investigation and enforcement of corporate and securities law.
*[[2 January]] – Warship {{HMAS |Westralia (O 195)}} leaves for they [[Persian Gulf]].
*[[2 January]] – Warship {{HMAS |Westralia (O 195)}} leaves for the [[Persian Gulf]].
*[[3 January]] – The musical ''The Buddy Holly Story'' premieres in Sydney.
*[[3 January]] – The musical ''[[Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story|The Buddy Holly Story]]'' premieres in Sydney.
*[[4 January]] – In Melbourne, 35,000 march to demand the resignation of the government.
*[[4 January]] – In Melbourne, 35,000 march to demand the resignation of the government.
*[[7 January]] –
*[[7 January]] –
**Flooding in [[Rockhampton]] is the worst in 36 years.
**Flooding in [[Rockhampton]] is the worst in 36 years.
**Australia sends troops to assist the United Nations with the [[Gulf War]].
**Australia sends troops to assist the United Nations with the [[Gulf War]].
*[[10 January]] – Australia orders its diplomats out of Baghdad, Iraq.<ref>TAS TV News 10 January 1991</ref>
*[[10 January]] –
**Australia orders its diplomats out of Baghdad, Iraq.<ref>TAS TV News 10 January 1991</ref>
*[[12 January]] – Six people drown in floods in Queensland.
*[[12 January]] – Six people drown in floods in Queensland.
*[[13 January]] – A Victorian factory which supplies United States Armed Forces is destroyed by fire.<ref>TAS TV News 13 January 1991</ref>
*[[13 January]] – A Victorian factory which supplies United States Armed Forces is destroyed by fire.<ref>TAS TV News 13 January 1991</ref>
Line 103: Line 104:
*[[24 January]] –
*[[24 January]] –
**An Islamic mosque in Sydney's west is fire bombed.
**An Islamic mosque in Sydney's west is fire bombed.
**Ford announces plans to retrench 1,600 works at its Geelong and Broadmeadows factories.
**Ford announces plans to retrench 1,600 workers at its Geelong and Broadmeadows factories.
*[[25 January]] – Australia sends Navy divers to join the Gulf task force.
*[[25 January]] – Australia sends Navy divers to join the Gulf task force.
*[[26 January]] –
*[[26 January]] –
Line 114: Line 115:
*[[10 February]] - The South Australian Government announces its first $1 billion bail-out of the State Bank of South Australia.
*[[10 February]] - The South Australian Government announces its first $1 billion bail-out of the State Bank of South Australia.
*[[12 February]] - South Australian Premier [[John Bannon]] is forced to agree to the setting up of a Royal Commission into the State Bank of South Australia under Mr. Justice Sam Jacobs.
*[[12 February]] - South Australian Premier [[John Bannon]] is forced to agree to the setting up of a Royal Commission into the State Bank of South Australia under Mr. Justice Sam Jacobs.
*[[14 February]] – the bulk carrier ''[[Sanko Harvest]]'' sinks off the coast of the Western Australian town of [[Esperance, Western Australia|Esperance]], leaking 700 tonnes of bunker oil and 30,000 tonnes of fertiliser into the surrounding waters near the [[Recherche Archipelago]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-02-14/locals-remember-sanko-harvest-oil-spill-on-30th-anniversary/13152288|title=Sanko Harvest oil spill off coast of Esperance remembered 30 years on|work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]|date=14 February 2021|first=Emily|last=Smith|access-date=14 February 2021|archive-date=14 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214031502/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-02-14/locals-remember-sanko-harvest-oil-spill-on-30th-anniversary/13152288|url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[20 February]] - Democrat [[Ian Gilfillan]] reveals in South Australian Parliament Westpac's leaked "Swiss Loans" letters on the bank's controversial foreign currency loans.
*[[20 February]] - Democrat [[Ian Gilfillan]] reveals in South Australian Parliament Westpac's leaked "Swiss Loans" letters on the bank's controversial foreign currency loans.


Line 121: Line 123:


===April===
===April===
*[[2 April]] - New South Wales Premier [[Nick Greiner]] makes an address to the [[National Press Club of Australia]] in which he criticises Federal Treasurer [[Paul Keating]], accusing him of dragging the chain on microeconomic reform and claiming that Keating's apparent disinterest in fixing Federal-State financial relations may thwart attempts to lower inflation.<ref>{{cite news|title=Greiner Attacks Keating on Reform|publisher=Sydney Morning Herald p.4|date=3 April 1991}}</ref>
*[[2 April]] - New South Wales Premier [[Nick Greiner]] makes an address to the [[National Press Club of Australia]] in which he criticises Federal Treasurer [[Paul Keating]], accusing him of dragging the chain on microeconomic reform and claiming that Keating's apparent lack of interest in fixing Federal-State financial relations may thwart attempts to lower inflation.<ref>{{cite news|title=Greiner Attacks Keating on Reform|publisher=Sydney Morning Herald p.4|date=3 April 1991}}</ref>
*[[4 April]] - Prime Minister [[Bob Hawke]] announces that a Telecom proposal to increase the price of local phone calls by 2 cents to 24 cents and increase business charges may be accepted provided they were below the Consumer Price Index.<ref>{{cite news|title=Telecom Charges May Rise Soon|publisher=Sydney Morning Herald p2|date=5 April 1991}}</ref>
*[[4 April]] - Prime Minister [[Bob Hawke]] announces that a Telecom proposal to increase the price of local phone calls by 2 cents to 24 cents and increase business charges may be accepted provided they were below the Consumer Price Index.<ref>{{cite news|title=Telecom Charges May Rise Soon|publisher=Sydney Morning Herald p2|date=5 April 1991}}</ref>
*[[7 April]] - Prime Minister [[Bob Hawke]] rebukes Employment, Education and Training Minister [[John Dawkins]] during a Cabinet meeting over a speech he made the day before, in which he called for a review of the floating exchange rate, in direct opposition to the Government's policy on the issue. Dawkins also suggested that the Government's pursuit of low inflation may have to be sacrificed in the interests of stabilising the exchange rate. The Prime Minister warns the other ministers that they will face the same fate if they speak on issues outside their normal portfolio responsibilities.<ref>{{cite news|title=Dawkins Risking the Sack, Says PM|publisher=Sydney Morning Herald p1|date=8 April 1991}}</ref>
*[[7 April]] - Prime Minister [[Bob Hawke]] rebukes Employment, Education and Training Minister [[John Dawkins]] during a Cabinet meeting over a speech he made the day before, in which he called for a review of the floating exchange rate, in direct opposition to the Government's policy on the issue. Dawkins also suggested that the Government's pursuit of low inflation may have to be sacrificed in the interests of stabilising the exchange rate. The Prime Minister warns the other ministers that they will face the same fate if they speak on issues outside their normal portfolio responsibilities.<ref>{{cite news|title=Dawkins Risking the Sack, Says PM|publisher=Sydney Morning Herald p1|date=8 April 1991}}</ref>
*[[11 April]] - Prime Minister [[Bob Hawke]] volunteers to give evidence to the [[WA Inc Royal Commission]] and announces that the former West Australian Premier [[Brian Burke (Australian politician)|Brian Burke]] will return from Ireland next week to testify to the Commission. Mr. Hawke also reverses his earlier categorical denial, given repeatedly in Parliament during the week, that there had been discussion of a gold tax at a lunch with Mr Burke, the failed merchant banker Laurie Connell, Alan Bond and others on 15 June 1987. In evidence before the Royal Commission, Laurie Connell said he received an assurance from the Prime Minister that the Government would not introduce a new gold tax, and that he subsequently donated $250,000 to the Labor Party.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hawke: I'll Give Evidence|publisher=Sydney Morning Herald p.1|date=12 April 1991}}</ref>
*[[11 April]] - Prime Minister [[Bob Hawke]] volunteers to give evidence to the [[WA Inc Royal Commission]] and announces that the former West Australian Premier [[Brian Burke (Australian politician)|Brian Burke]] will return from Ireland next week to testify to the Commission. Mr. Hawke also reverses his earlier categorical denial, given repeatedly in Parliament during the week, that there had been discussion of a gold tax at a lunch with Mr Burke, the failed merchant banker Laurie Connell, Alan Bond and others on 15 June 1987. In evidence before the Royal Commission, Laurie Connell said he received an assurance from the Prime Minister that the Government would not introduce a new gold tax, and that he subsequently donated $250,000 to the Labor Party.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hawke: I'll Give Evidence|publisher=Sydney Morning Herald p.1|date=12 April 1991}}</ref>
*[[15 April]] - The [[Australian Industrial Relations Commission]] hands down a national wage decision which will give Australia's 7 million workers a 2.5% pay rise. Federal Treasurer [[Paul Keating]] joins with the ACTU in condemning the decision which rejects the Accord agreement on wages for the first time since the Hawke Government came to power in 1983. The Commission also rejects Accord proposals for a more flexible wage system.<ref>{{cite news|title=Unions, Govt Blast Wage Rise Decision|publisher=Sydney Morning Herald p1|date=16 April 1991}}</ref>
*[[15 April]] - The [[Australian Industrial Relations Commission]] hands down a national wage decision which will give Australia's 7 million workers a 2.5% pay rise. Federal Treasurer [[Paul Keating]] joins with the ACTU in condemning the decision which rejects the Accord agreement on wages for the first time since the Hawke Government came to power in 1983. The Commission also rejects Accord proposals for a more flexible wage system.<ref>{{cite news|title=Unions, Govt Blast Wage Rise Decision|publisher=Sydney Morning Herald p1|date=16 April 1991}}</ref>
*[[17 April]] – The [[bulk carrier]] MV ''Mineral Diamond'' disappears of the coast of Western Australia. The vessel is believed to have been sunk during adverse conditions caused by [[1990–91 Australian region cyclone season#Severe Tropical Cyclone Fifi|Cyclone Fifi]].<ref>[http://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/1991/mair/pdf/mair29_001.pdf Investigation into foundering of MV Mineral Diamond], [[Australian Transport Safety Bureau]], 1991.</ref>
*[[17 April]] – The [[bulk carrier]] MV ''Mineral Diamond'' disappears of the coast of Western Australia. The vessel is believed to have been sunk during adverse conditions caused by [[1990–91 Australian region cyclone season#Severe Tropical Cyclone Fifi|Cyclone Fifi]].<ref>[http://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/1991/mair/pdf/mair29_001.pdf Investigation into foundering of MV Mineral Diamond] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310153029/http://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/1991/mair/pdf/mair29_001.pdf |date=10 March 2012 }}, [[Australian Transport Safety Bureau]], 1991.</ref>
*[[25 April]] - Prime Minister [[Bob Hawke]] secures a compromise agreement with the [[Australian Council of Trade Unions]] (ACTU) to end the stalemate on waterfront reform and fix a timetable for pay rises to stevedores linked to the Accord Mark VI. Mr Hawke proposes a two-year contract for waterside workers that would allow a $12-a-week rise from 16 May and further average rises of 4 per cent in exchange for new job classifications.<ref>{{cite news|title=PM Breaks Pay Deadlock|publisher=Sydney Morning Herald, p.1|date=26 April 1991}}</ref>
*[[25 April]] - Prime Minister [[Bob Hawke]] secures a compromise agreement with the [[Australian Council of Trade Unions]] (ACTU) to end the stalemate on waterfront reform and fix a timetable for pay rises to stevedores linked to the Accord Mark VI. Mr Hawke proposes a two-year contract for waterside workers that would allow a $12-a-week rise from 16 May and further average rises of 4 per cent in exchange for new job classifications.<ref>{{cite news|title=PM Breaks Pay Deadlock|publisher=Sydney Morning Herald, p.1|date=26 April 1991}}</ref>
*[[26 April]] - The jury in the Sir Leslie Thiess trial finds that the construction and mining magnate had bribed Sir [[Joh Bjelke-Petersen]] to win government contracts, as well as cheating his companies' shareholders.
*[[26 April]] - The jury in the Sir Leslie Thiess trial finds that the construction and mining magnate had bribed Sir [[Joh Bjelke-Petersen]] to win government contracts, as well as cheating his companies' shareholders.
Line 184: Line 186:


==Arts and literature==
==Arts and literature==
{{main|1991 in Australian literature}}
* ''Cloudstreet'' adapted for the stage by Nick Enright and Justin Monjo, the theatrical adaptation opened in Sydney under the direction of Neil Armfield. Seasons followed in Perth, Melbourne, London, Dublin, New York and Washington, D.C.
* ''Cloudstreet'' adapted for the stage by Nick Enright and Justin Monjo, the theatrical adaptation opened in Sydney under the direction of Neil Armfield. Seasons followed in Perth, Melbourne, London, Dublin, New York and Washington, D.C.
* [[David Malouf]]'s novel ''[[The Great World]]'' wins the [[Miles Franklin Award]]
* [[David Malouf]]'s novel ''[[The Great World]]'' wins the [[Miles Franklin Award]]
Line 214: Line 217:
*3 June &ndash; England soccer team scores a one-nil victory over Australia.
*3 June &ndash; England soccer team scores a one-nil victory over Australia.
*21 July &ndash; [[Sean Quilty]] wins his first men's national marathon title, clocking 2:14:59 in [[Brisbane]], while [[Karen Gobby]] claims the women's title in 2:36:42.
*21 July &ndash; [[Sean Quilty]] wins his first men's national marathon title, clocking 2:14:59 in [[Brisbane]], while [[Karen Gobby]] claims the women's title in 2:36:42.
*22 September &ndash; Minor premiers [[Penrith Panthers]] defeat [[Canberra Raiders]] 19–12 to win the 84th [[New South Wales Rugby League|NSWRL]] premiership. It is the first premiership for Penrith, who had been trying since 1967 to win one. [[Gold Coast Seagulls]] finish in last position, claiming the wooden spoon.
*22 September &ndash; Minor premiers [[Penrith Panthers]] defeat [[Canberra Raiders]] 19–12 to win the 84th [[New South Wales Rugby League|NSWRL]] premiership. It is the first premiership for Penrith, who had been trying since 1967 to win one. Raiders lock [[Bradley Clyde]] is awarded the [[Clive Churchill medal]] for man of the match, becoming the only player to win the award twice until 2017. [[Gold Coast Seagulls]] finish in last position, claiming the wooden spoon.
*28 September &ndash; Hawthorn (20.19.139) defeat the [[West Coast Eagles]] (13.8.86) to win the 95th [[Australian Football League|VFL/AFL]] premiership. It is the most recent grand final that was not played at the [[Melbourne Cricket Ground]], it was played at [[Waverley Park]] instead as the MCG was being renovated.
*28 September &ndash; Hawthorn (20.19.139) defeat the [[West Coast Eagles]] (13.8.86) to win the 95th [[Australian Football League|VFL/AFL]] premiership. It is the most recent grand final that was not played at the [[Melbourne Cricket Ground]], it was played at [[Waverley Park]] instead as the MCG was being renovated.
*2 October – NSWRL premiers [[Penrith Panthers]] are defeated by [[Rugby Football League|RFL]] Championship winners [[Wigan Warriors|Wigan]] 21–4 in the [[1991 World Club Challenge]], held in [[Liverpool]], [[England]].
*2 October – NSWRL premiers [[Penrith Panthers]] are defeated by [[Rugby Football League|RFL]] Championship winners [[Wigan Warriors|Wigan]] 21–4 in the [[1991 World Club Challenge]], held in [[Liverpool]], [[England]].


==Births==
==Births==
<!--[[File:Mitchell Marsh.jpg|thumb|195x195px|[[Mitchell Marsh]]]]-->
*2 January – [[Steele Sidebottom]], footballer
*2 January – [[Steele Sidebottom]], footballer
*7 January – [[Michael Walters]], Australian rules footballer
*7 January – [[Michael Walters]], Australian rules footballer
*8 January – [[Josh Jackson (rugby league)|Josh Jackson]], rugby league player
*8 January – [[Josh Jackson (rugby league)|Josh Jackson]], rugby league player
*1 February – [[Blake Austin]], rugby league player
*1 February – [[Blake Austin]], rugby league player
*11 February – [[Shanina Shaik]], model<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.vogue.com.au/people/models/shanina+shaik,113 | title=Shanina Shaik | work=Vogue | accessdate=12 September 2014}}</ref>
*11 February – [[Shanina Shaik]], model<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.vogue.com.au/people/models/shanina+shaik,113 | title=Shanina Shaik | work=Vogue | access-date=12 September 2014 | archive-date=27 March 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150327092736/http://www.vogue.com.au/people/models/shanina+shaik,113 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
*13 February – [[Junior Roqica]], Australian-Fijian rugby league player
*13 February – [[Junior Roqica]], Australian-Fijian rugby league player
*5 March – [[Hanna Mangan-Lawrence]], actress<ref>{{cite news|last=Groves|first=Don|url=http://if.com.au/2014/05/21/article/Aussie-actress-goes-Old-School/DQHLCFMMWT.html|title=Aussie actress goes Old School|accessdate=22 May 2014|newspaper=If.com.au|date=21 May 2014}}</ref>
*5 March – [[Hanna Mangan-Lawrence]], actress<ref>{{cite news|last=Groves|first=Don|url=http://if.com.au/2014/05/21/article/Aussie-actress-goes-Old-School/DQHLCFMMWT.html|title=Aussie actress goes Old School|access-date=22 May 2014|newspaper=If.com.au|date=21 May 2014|archive-date=21 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521124030/http://if.com.au/2014/05/21/article/Aussie-actress-goes-Old-School/DQHLCFMMWT.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*14 March – [[Rhiannon Fish]], actress
*14 March – [[Rhiannon Fish]], Canadian-born actress
*15 March – [[Kurt Baptiste]], rugby league player
*15 March – [[Kurt Baptiste]], rugby league player
*20 March - [[Ethan Lowe]], rugby league player
*20 March - [[Ethan Lowe]], rugby league player
Line 233: Line 237:
*14 April – [[James Frecheville]], actor
*14 April – [[James Frecheville]], actor
*17 April – [[Tessa James]], actress
*17 April – [[Tessa James]], actress
*23 April – [[Paul Vaughan (rugby league)|Paul Vaughan]], rugby league player
*17 May &ndash; [[Jake Buxton|Jake Michael Buxton]], [[Mercedes Benz]] dealer
*23 May – [[Sam Masters]], speedway rider
*23 May – [[Sam Masters]], speedway rider
*25 May – [[Joe Robinson (musician)|Joe Robinson]], musician
*25 May – [[Joe Robinson (musician)|Joe Robinson]], musician
Line 247: Line 251:
*12 August &ndash; [[Jesinta Franklin|Jesinta Campbell Franklin]], model
*12 August &ndash; [[Jesinta Franklin|Jesinta Campbell Franklin]], model
*17 August – [[Michael Hepburn]], cyclist
*17 August – [[Michael Hepburn]], cyclist
*27 August – [[Alex Carey (cricketer)|Alex Carey]], cricketer
*19 September – [[Demelza Reveley]], model<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fox8.tv/antm/#/models/demelza/ |title=Demelza's profile at Australia's Next Top Model website |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080701052809/http://www.fox8.tv/antm/ |archivedate=July 1, 2008 }}</ref>
*19 September – [[Demelza Reveley]], model<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fox8.tv/antm/#/models/demelza/ |title=Demelza's profile at Australia's Next Top Model website |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080701052809/http://www.fox8.tv/antm/ |archive-date=July 1, 2008 }}</ref>
*10 October - [[Martin O'Toole]]
*9 October –[[Tyson Frizell]], Australian-Welsh rugby league player
*17 October –
*17 October –
**[[Gabriella Cilmi]], singer
**[[Gabriella Cilmi]], singer
**[[Joseph Dare (footballer)|Joseph Dare]], footballer
**[[Joseph Dare (footballer)|Joseph Dare]], footballer
*[[File:Mitchell Marsh.jpg|thumb|195x195px|[[Mitchell Marsh]]]]20 October – [[Mitchell Marsh]], cricketer
*20 October – [[Mitchell Marsh]], cricketer
*8 November – [[Jason Waterhouse]], sailor
*8 November – [[Jason Waterhouse]], sailor
*18 November – [[Ahmed Kelly]], Paralympic swimmer
*18 November – [[Ahmed Kelly]], Paralympic swimmer
*28 November – [[Stephanie Wood]], netball player
*28 November – [[Stephanie Wood]], netball player
*10 December – [[Thomas Oar]], soccer player
*10 December – [[Thomas Oar]], soccer player
*19 December – [[Keiynan Lonsdale]], actor
*20 December – [[Isabel Durant]], actress
*20 December – [[Isabel Durant]], actress
*27 December – [[Sam Reid (Australian footballer born 1991)|Sam Reid]], Australian rules footballer
*27 December – [[Sam Reid (Australian footballer born 1991)|Sam Reid]], Australian rules footballer


==Deaths==
==Deaths==
[[File:John Kerr 1965.jpg|100px|thumb|[[John Kerr (Governor-General)|Sir John Kerr]]]]
* 14 January – [[Gordon Bryant]] (born 1914), ALP politician
* [[12 January]] – [[Robert Jackson (UN administrator)|Sir Robert Jackson]], public servant and [[United Nations]] administrator (died in the [[United Kingdom]]) (d. [[1991]])
* 24 March – [[John Kerr (Governor-General)|Sir John Kerr]] (born 1914), [[Governor-General of Australia]] (1974–1977)
* [[14 January]] – [[Gordon Bryant]], Victorian politician (b. [[1914]])
* 23 May – [[Manning Clark]] (born 1915), historian
* [[9 March]] – [[Ralph Green (footballer)|Ralph Green]], Australian rules footballer ([[Carlton Football Club|Carlton]]) (b. [[1911]])
* 14 June – [[Vladimir Mikhaylovich Petrov (diplomat)|Vladimir Petrov]] (born 1907), defected [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] spy
* [[11 March]] – [[Hector Crawford]], Australian television producer (b. [[1913]])
* 29 June – [[Russ Hinze]] (born 1919), Queensland politician
* [[24 March]] – [[John Kerr (Governor-General)|Sir John Kerr]], 18th [[Governor-General of Australia]] (b. [[1914]])
* 29 June - [[Murder of Sheree Beasley|Sheree Beasley]] (born 1985), schoolgirl
* 4 July – [[Victor Chang]] (born 1936), heart surgeon
* [[23 May]] – [[Manning Clark]], historian (b. [[1915]])
* [[14 June]] – [[Vladimir Mikhaylovich Petrov (diplomat)|Vladimir Petrov]], defected [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] spy (born in [[Russian Empire|Russia]]) (b. [[1907]])
* 7 October – [[Darren Millane]] (born 1965), Australian rules footballer
* [[29 June]]
* 28 December – [[Cassandra Harris]] (born 1941), actress
** [[Murder of Sheree Beasley|Sheree Beasley]], murdered schoolgirl (b. [[1985]])
** [[Russ Hinze]], Queensland politician (b. [[1919]])
* [[4 July]] – [[Victor Chang]], cardiac surgeon (born in [[Republic of China (1912–1949)|China]]) (b. [[1936]])
* [[14 July]] – [[Ian Dougald McLachlan]], military officer (b. [[1911]])
* [[7 October]] – [[Darren Millane]], Australian rules footballer ([[Collingwood Football Club|Collingwood]]) (b. [[1965]])
* [[28 December]] – [[Cassandra Harris]], actress (died in the [[United States]]) (b. [[1948]])


==See also==
==See also==

Latest revision as of 07:39, 19 August 2024

The following lists events that happened during 1991 in Australia.

1991 in Australia
MonarchElizabeth II
Governor-GeneralBill Hayden
Prime ministerBob Hawke, then Paul Keating
Population17,284,036
ElectionsNSW

1991
in
Australia

Decades:
See also:

Incumbents

[edit]
Bill Hayden

State and territory leaders

[edit]

Governors and administrators

[edit]

Events

[edit]

January

[edit]
  • 1 January - The Australian Securities Commission commences operations, replacing the National Companies and Securities Commission. The new Commission's function includes investigation and enforcement of corporate and securities law.
  • 2 January – Warship HMAS Westralia (O 195) leaves for the Persian Gulf.
  • 3 January – The musical The Buddy Holly Story premieres in Sydney.
  • 4 January – In Melbourne, 35,000 march to demand the resignation of the government.
  • 7 January
    • Flooding in Rockhampton is the worst in 36 years.
    • Australia sends troops to assist the United Nations with the Gulf War.
  • 10 January – Australia orders its diplomats out of Baghdad, Iraq.[1]
  • 12 January – Six people drown in floods in Queensland.
  • 13 January – A Victorian factory which supplies United States Armed Forces is destroyed by fire.[2]
  • 14 January
    • Across the nation, thousands attend church services and protest rallies urging peace.
    • A flood emergency is declared in the Queensland Gulf country.[3]
  • 16 January
    • Widespread flooding isolates Normanton.
    • A Sydney mother is charged with the murder of her baby daughter.[4]
  • 17 January
    • The Gulf War begins, with Prime Minister Bob Hawke giving battle orders to the Navy stationed in the Gulf after a telephone call from President Bush.[5]
    • A siege takes place in Brisbane after an off-duty policeman is taken hostage.
    • The unemployment rate falls to 8.1%
    • Victorian Premier Joan Kirner axes two government departments.[which?]
  • 18 January – Prime Minister Bob Hawke calls on Israel not to retaliate against Iraq.
  • 19 January
    • Peace marches across Australia demand the withdrawal of Australian forces from the Gulf.
    • A shark attacks a midnight swimmer in a Gold Coast canal.
  • 21 January
    • A mini cyclone leaves a trail of destruction in Sydney.
    • Sydney's Australia Square is evacuated after a parcel bomb scare.[6]
  • 22 January - At a special sitting of Parliament, a resolution supporting Australia's commitment to the Gulf War is passed, though 7 Labor MHRs and 3 Senators join the Democrats in opposition.
  • 23 January
    • Fierce storms lash Adelaide and Melbourne
    • Insurance companies react angrily to Federal Treasurer Paul Keating's levy ruling.
    • Billy Joel arrives for his Australian Tour.
  • 24 January
    • An Islamic mosque in Sydney's west is fire bombed.
    • Ford announces plans to retrench 1,600 workers at its Geelong and Broadmeadows factories.
  • 25 January – Australia sends Navy divers to join the Gulf task force.
  • 26 January
    • Professor Fred Hollows is named Australian of the Year.
    • The most senior Iraqi diplomat in Australia is asked to leave.

February

[edit]
  • 2 February - Public Service criticism of the Public Service Management Commission erupts in mass demonstrations in Queensland.
  • 8 February - In a move to distance himself from the beleaguered Gray, Ray Groom resigns as Tasmanian Deputy Leader, citing fundamental disagreements with his leader. Peter Hodgman replaces him.
  • 10 February - The South Australian Government announces its first $1 billion bail-out of the State Bank of South Australia.
  • 12 February - South Australian Premier John Bannon is forced to agree to the setting up of a Royal Commission into the State Bank of South Australia under Mr. Justice Sam Jacobs.
  • 14 February – the bulk carrier Sanko Harvest sinks off the coast of the Western Australian town of Esperance, leaking 700 tonnes of bunker oil and 30,000 tonnes of fertiliser into the surrounding waters near the Recherche Archipelago.[7]
  • 20 February - Democrat Ian Gilfillan reveals in South Australian Parliament Westpac's leaked "Swiss Loans" letters on the bank's controversial foreign currency loans.

March

[edit]
  • 21 March - Richard Jones declares Democrats' support for New South Wales Premier Nick Greiner's reform of the Legislative Council, ensuring passage of the legislation.
  • 23 March - In a surprise result, Brisbane's Liberal Lord Mayor Sallyanne Atkinson loses the Brisbane City Council election, 1991 to political novice Jim Soorley, an ex-priest from the Gold Coast.

April

[edit]
  • 2 April - New South Wales Premier Nick Greiner makes an address to the National Press Club of Australia in which he criticises Federal Treasurer Paul Keating, accusing him of dragging the chain on microeconomic reform and claiming that Keating's apparent lack of interest in fixing Federal-State financial relations may thwart attempts to lower inflation.[8]
  • 4 April - Prime Minister Bob Hawke announces that a Telecom proposal to increase the price of local phone calls by 2 cents to 24 cents and increase business charges may be accepted provided they were below the Consumer Price Index.[9]
  • 7 April - Prime Minister Bob Hawke rebukes Employment, Education and Training Minister John Dawkins during a Cabinet meeting over a speech he made the day before, in which he called for a review of the floating exchange rate, in direct opposition to the Government's policy on the issue. Dawkins also suggested that the Government's pursuit of low inflation may have to be sacrificed in the interests of stabilising the exchange rate. The Prime Minister warns the other ministers that they will face the same fate if they speak on issues outside their normal portfolio responsibilities.[10]
  • 11 April - Prime Minister Bob Hawke volunteers to give evidence to the WA Inc Royal Commission and announces that the former West Australian Premier Brian Burke will return from Ireland next week to testify to the Commission. Mr. Hawke also reverses his earlier categorical denial, given repeatedly in Parliament during the week, that there had been discussion of a gold tax at a lunch with Mr Burke, the failed merchant banker Laurie Connell, Alan Bond and others on 15 June 1987. In evidence before the Royal Commission, Laurie Connell said he received an assurance from the Prime Minister that the Government would not introduce a new gold tax, and that he subsequently donated $250,000 to the Labor Party.[11]
  • 15 April - The Australian Industrial Relations Commission hands down a national wage decision which will give Australia's 7 million workers a 2.5% pay rise. Federal Treasurer Paul Keating joins with the ACTU in condemning the decision which rejects the Accord agreement on wages for the first time since the Hawke Government came to power in 1983. The Commission also rejects Accord proposals for a more flexible wage system.[12]
  • 17 April – The bulk carrier MV Mineral Diamond disappears of the coast of Western Australia. The vessel is believed to have been sunk during adverse conditions caused by Cyclone Fifi.[13]
  • 25 April - Prime Minister Bob Hawke secures a compromise agreement with the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) to end the stalemate on waterfront reform and fix a timetable for pay rises to stevedores linked to the Accord Mark VI. Mr Hawke proposes a two-year contract for waterside workers that would allow a $12-a-week rise from 16 May and further average rises of 4 per cent in exchange for new job classifications.[14]
  • 26 April - The jury in the Sir Leslie Thiess trial finds that the construction and mining magnate had bribed Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen to win government contracts, as well as cheating his companies' shareholders.
  • 30 April -
    • Federal Treasurer Paul Keating intensifies speculation about a change of leadership of the Labor Party by saying publicly that the Labor Party could not demand to have both him and Prime Minister Bob Hawke in the Government at the time of the next election.[15]
    • New South Wales Attorney-General John Dowd resigns after failing to get an assurance from Premier Nick Greiner that he would retain that position after the election.

May

[edit]

June

[edit]

July

[edit]
  • 4 July - Leading Sydney heart surgeon Dr. Victor Chang is shot and killed near his home in the Sydney suburb of Mosman. His murder is the result of a bungled kidnapping and extortion attempt.
  • 30 July - A special Premiers' Conference produces an in-principle agreement to devolve to the states greater taxing power and service responsibilities.

August

[edit]

September

[edit]

October

[edit]

November

[edit]
  • 11 November - Joan Sheldon successfully challenges Denver Beanland to become leader of the Queensland Liberal Party.
  • 20 November - After weeks of successive leaks, the full text of the Coalition's Fightback! (policy) is released, the day before its official launch. Initial reaction from business and financial interests is positive, and Labor is caught unprepared.

December

[edit]
  • 6 December - John Kerin, unable to sell the Budget or counter Fightback! is sacked as Federal Treasurer and replaced by Ralph Willis.
  • 9 December - Queensland Opposition Leader Russell Cooper announces that he is under investigation for the funding of a trip to Hamilton Island with his wife and that he has refunded the cost of the trip. He stands down as National Party Leader and is replaced by Rob Borbidge.
  • 15 December - Russell Cooper and Joan Sheldon announce that the Queensland Nationals and Liberals will co-operate in order to reduce the conflict over the new seats before the next election.
  • 16 December - After a week of intense pressure, Prime Minister Bob Hawke is informed by a Button-led delegation that he no longer has the confidence of the Labor Party.
  • 19 DecemberPaul Keating makes his second Labor leadership challenge. This time, he wins 56–51 and becomes Australia's 24th Prime Minister the next day.
  • 20 December – Barely a year after starting up, Compass Airlines Mk I is shut down. The shutdown is somewhat controversial, coming shortly before the peak Christmas travelling period and coming about partially as a result of debts owed to a government authority.
  • 25 December - Prime Minister Paul Keating announces his Federal Cabinet, with John Dawkins as Treasurer.

Arts and literature

[edit]
  • Cloudstreet adapted for the stage by Nick Enright and Justin Monjo, the theatrical adaptation opened in Sydney under the direction of Neil Armfield. Seasons followed in Perth, Melbourne, London, Dublin, New York and Washington, D.C.
  • David Malouf's novel The Great World wins the Miles Franklin Award

Film

[edit]

Television

[edit]

Sport

[edit]
  • 2 January – Australian Nicole Provis loses in the Danone Women's Open Tennis Championship.
  • 3 January – Jana Novotina is out of the Danone Women's Open Tennis Championship.
  • 4 January – The last remaining player Rachel McQuillan is out of the Danone Women's Open.
  • 5 January – The Danone Women's Open is delayed due to rain.
    • Greg Matthews puts Australia on top in the Third Ashes Test.
  • 6 January – Czech player Helena Sukova wins the Danone Women's Hard Court Championship.
  • 7 January – Hayley Lewis makes it into the finals of the World Swimming Championships.
  • 26 January – Monica Seles becomes the youngest winner of the Australian Open Tennis Championship.
  • 27 January – Boris Becker beats Ivan Lendl in the Australian Open Tennis Championship and takes the world's top ranking.
  • 22 February – First day of the Australian Track & Field Championships for the 1990-1991 season, which are held at the Sydney Athletic Field in Sydney, New South Wales. The combined events were conducted in Perth on 22 and 23 March, while the relays were conducted at Hobart on 6 January 1991.
  • 22 March – The Adelaide Crows play their first game in the AFL. In front of a sellout crowd at Football Park (now AAMI Stadium), they defeat Hawthorn 24.11.155 to 9.15.69
  • May – South Melbourne, managed by legendary Hungarian Ferenc Puskás, defeat Melbourne Croatia on penalties after a thoroughly entertaining 1–1 draw in the National Soccer League Grand Final at Olympic Park.
  • 2 June – Carlton go within thirty seconds of becoming the first goalless team in the VFL/AFL since 1961 and only the second since 1921. Mark Arceri kicks a goal from a free kick with 33 seconds remaining.
  • 3 June – England soccer team scores a one-nil victory over Australia.
  • 21 July – Sean Quilty wins his first men's national marathon title, clocking 2:14:59 in Brisbane, while Karen Gobby claims the women's title in 2:36:42.
  • 22 September – Minor premiers Penrith Panthers defeat Canberra Raiders 19–12 to win the 84th NSWRL premiership. It is the first premiership for Penrith, who had been trying since 1967 to win one. Raiders lock Bradley Clyde is awarded the Clive Churchill medal for man of the match, becoming the only player to win the award twice until 2017. Gold Coast Seagulls finish in last position, claiming the wooden spoon.
  • 28 September – Hawthorn (20.19.139) defeat the West Coast Eagles (13.8.86) to win the 95th VFL/AFL premiership. It is the most recent grand final that was not played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, it was played at Waverley Park instead as the MCG was being renovated.
  • 2 October – NSWRL premiers Penrith Panthers are defeated by RFL Championship winners Wigan 21–4 in the 1991 World Club Challenge, held in Liverpool, England.

Births

[edit]

Deaths

[edit]
Sir John Kerr

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ TAS TV News 10 January 1991
  2. ^ TAS TV News 13 January 1991
  3. ^ NBN 3 News 14 January 1991
  4. ^ NBN 3 News 16 January 1991
  5. ^ NBN 3 News 17 January 1991
  6. ^ ATN 7 Sydney News 21 January 1991
  7. ^ Smith, Emily (14 February 2021). "Sanko Harvest oil spill off coast of Esperance remembered 30 years on". ABC News. Archived from the original on 14 February 2021. Retrieved 14 February 2021.
  8. ^ "Greiner Attacks Keating on Reform". Sydney Morning Herald p.4. 3 April 1991.
  9. ^ "Telecom Charges May Rise Soon". Sydney Morning Herald p2. 5 April 1991.
  10. ^ "Dawkins Risking the Sack, Says PM". Sydney Morning Herald p1. 8 April 1991.
  11. ^ "Hawke: I'll Give Evidence". Sydney Morning Herald p.1. 12 April 1991.
  12. ^ "Unions, Govt Blast Wage Rise Decision". Sydney Morning Herald p1. 16 April 1991.
  13. ^ Investigation into foundering of MV Mineral Diamond Archived 10 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine, Australian Transport Safety Bureau, 1991.
  14. ^ "PM Breaks Pay Deadlock". Sydney Morning Herald, p.1. 26 April 1991.
  15. ^ "Keating Fuels Speculation". Sydney Morning Herald, p.3. 1 May 1991.
  16. ^ "Shanina Shaik". Vogue. Archived from the original on 27 March 2015. Retrieved 12 September 2014.
  17. ^ Groves, Don (21 May 2014). "Aussie actress goes Old School". If.com.au. Archived from the original on 21 May 2014. Retrieved 22 May 2014.
  18. ^ "Demelza's profile at Australia's Next Top Model website". Archived from the original on 1 July 2008.