1997 in Australia

none January 2025 February 2012 The following lists events that happened during 1997 in Australia. Elizabeth II Sir William Deane John Howard 18,517,564 NT, SA 1997 Incumbents thumb|upright|140px|Sir William Deane thumb|upright|140px|John Howard Monarch – Elizabeth II Governor-General – Sir William Deane Prime Minister – John Howard Deputy Prime Minister – Tim Fischer Opposition Leader – Kim Beazley Chief Justice – Sir Gerard Brennan State and territory leaders Premier of New South Wales – Bob Carr Opposition Leader – Peter Collins Premier of Queensland – Bob Borbidge Opposition Leader – Peter Beattie Premier of South Australia – John Olsen Opposition Leader – Mike Rann Premier of Tasmania – Tony Rundle Opposition Leader – Michael Field (until 14 April), then Jim Bacon Premier of Victoria – Jeff Kennett Opposition Leader – John Brumby Premier of Western Australia – Richard Court Opposition Leader – Geoff Gallop Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory – Kate Carnell Opposition Leader – Andrew Whitecross (until 19 August), then Wayne Berry Chief Minister of the Northern Territory – Shane Stone Opposition Leader – Maggie Hickey Head of Government/Chief Minister of Norfolk Island – Michael King (until 5 May), then George Smith Governors and administrators Governor of New South Wales – Gordon Samuels Governor of Queensland – Leneen Forde (until 29 July), then Peter Arnison Governor of South Australia – Eric Neal Governor of Tasmania – Guy Green Governor of Victoria – Richard McGarvie (until 23 April), then James Gobbo Governor of Western Australia – Michael Jeffery Administrator of the Australian Indian Ocean Territories – Ronald Harvey (from 1 October) Administrator of Norfolk Island – Alan Kerr (until 30 June), then Ralph Condon (until 3 August), then Tony Messner Administrator of the Northern Territory – Austin Asche (until 17 February), then Neil Conn Events January 1 January – The Tri-Nation ODI cricket match at the SCG between Australia and Pakistan is marred by poor crowd behaviour.Evans Michael 3 January 1997 Authorities move to prevent SCG pitch invasions https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-authorities-mo/122724949 The Sydney Morning Herald 42 13 April 2023 17 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230417232517/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-authorities-mo/122724949/ live The game is interrupted six times due to pitch invasions with eight men arrested and charged with "entering a playing field" and 86 spectators ejected from the ground. NSW Minister for Sport Gabrielle Harrison asks the SCG Trust to provide her with a report with a number of options to be considered to discourage future pitch invasions. The crowd's behaviour is also condemned by Sydney district chief superintendent Darcy Cluff who also says two female police officers will be reprimanded for performing the Macarena in front of spectators during the game.Papadopoulos Nick 3 January 1997 Stop that macarena in the name of the law https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-stop-that-maca/122724976 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 13 April 2023 16 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416235224/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-stop-that-maca/122724976/ live 9 January – HMAS Adelaide rescues British yachtsman, Tony Bullimore, from the Southern Ocean, after his boat, Exide Challenger, capsized three days before.Wright Tony 10 January 1997 'Thank God. It's a miracle' https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-thank-god-it/122485242 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 8 April 2023 10 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230410031845/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-thank-god-it/122485242/ liveLangford Mark 10 January 1997 All he wanted was a cuppa https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-birmingham-post-all-he-wanted-was-a/122485100 The Birmingham Post 1 8 April 2023Tony Bullimore is rescued by the navy The Daily Telegraph https://web.archive.org/web/20230410222358/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/sailing/4210196/Tony-Bullimore-is-rescued-by-the-navy.html 2023-04-10 live https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/sailing/4210196/Tony-Bullimore-is-rescued-by-the-navy.html 17 January – After an exhaustive 18-month search, one of Australia's most wanted men, former businessman and accused paedophile Philip Bell is arrested in South Africa.Cooke Jennifer 18 January 1997 Accused pedophile Bell arrested https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-accused-pedoph/122725154 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 13 April 2023 18 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230418014052/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-accused-pedoph/122725154/ live The 62-year-old is arrested in Jeffreys Bay after being monitored since Interpol tipped off South African authorities about his entry to the country in October 1996.Bye Clarissa 19 January 1997 Bell's extradition bid https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-bell-extraditi/122725168 The Sun-Herald 4 13 April 2023 18 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230418014052/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-bell-extraditi/122725168/ live It's revealed Nelson Mandela's annual Christmas party had been interrupted so Mandela could sign a surrender warrant enabling Bell to be extradited back to Australia after his arrest. Task Force Indus had been established the previous April to gather evidence about Bell. An arrest warrant for Bell was issued by Justice James Wood who had heard evidence from Bell's alleged victims during the Royal Commission into the New South Wales Police Service. 20 January – Prime Minister John Howard calls a meeting of State Premiers to discuss the implications of the High Court's Wik judgment.Millett Michael Woodford James 21 January 1997 PM's urgent summit to resolve Wik https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-pms-urgent-su/122485321 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 8 April 2023 10 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230410130801/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-pms-urgent-su/122485321/ live 26 January – Nobel Prize winner Peter Doherty is named Australian of the Year.McGeough Paul 27 January 1997 Doherty lashes monarchy, media and mediocrity https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-doherty-lashes/122485493 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 8 April 2023 10 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230410203729/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-doherty-lashes/122485493/ live February 4 February – Prime Minister John Howard wins Parliamentary support for a constitutional convention on the republic.Millett Michael 5 February 1997 Republic: first a postal vote https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-republic-firs/122486428 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 8 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411035521/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-republic-firs/122486428/ live More than 1000 residents in the South West Queensland town of Charleville are evacuated as the Warrego River floods the town.Roberts Greg 5 February 1997 More than 1,000 flee as water cut town in two https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-more-than-100/122725101 The Sydney Morning Herald 2 13 April 2023 17 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230417201603/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-more-than-100/122725101/ live Makeshift accommodation was provided for evacuees at the local racecourse, the high school and at the showgrounds.Roberts Greg 6 February 1997 Outback towns mop up as flood damage mounts https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-outback-towns/122725117 The Sydney Morning Herald 8 13 April 2023 17 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230417201601/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-outback-towns/122725117/ live 47 homes in Augathella are also evacuated. 9 February – Prime Minister John Howard announces that unemployed 16 to 20-year-olds will be forced to work up to 20 hours a week on community-based projects in trial work-for-the-dole schemes.Kitney Geoff Stott Diane 10 February 1997 Youth work-for-the-dole plan https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-youth-work-for/122486539 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 8 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411075758/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-youth-work-for/122486539/ live Participants will be paid award rates and will be obliged to work only the number of hours that equate to their dole payment. 10 February – Prime Minister John Howard convenes meetings between miners, farmers and Aboriginal leaders, to discuss the Wik native title issue. Howard also reveals the details of the Government's Work for the Dole plan. 11 February – Prime Minister John Howard admits he approved a requested pay rise for one of Labor defector Mal Colston's staff shortly before last year's crucial Senate vote on the partial sale of Telstra.Denial of Telstra vote buy The Courier-Mail, p.2 12 February 1997Seccombe Mike 12 February 1997 Howard said yes to extra perks for Colston https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-howard-said-ye/122489060 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 8 April 2023 14 February – Arnott's Biscuits begins withdrawing its biscuits from supermarket shelves as authorities issue a health alert over an extortionist's poison threat. A pesticide strong enough to kill a small child had been found in some of the biscuits.Poisoned biscuits could kill children: health chief The Courier-Mail 15 February 1997 The New South Wales Health Department warns for the first time that oysters from Wallis Lake may be the source of a Hepatitis A outbreak after 150 cases are reported in the previous three weeks.15 February 1997 Oyster scare https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-oyster-scare/122726650 The Sydney Morning Herald 2 13 April 2023 17 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230417190647/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-oyster-scare/122726650/ live The outbreak goes on to worsen with hundreds more people becoming infected and one man dying after eating oysters from Wallis Lake.Roberts Greg 19 February 1997 Hepatitis toll from oysters may hit 1,000 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-hepatitis-toll/122726656 The Sydney Morning Herald 7 13 April 2023Lamont Leonie 25 February 1997 Man dies of hepatitis after eating bad oysters https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-man-dies-of-he/122726699 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 13 April 2023 17 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230417023950/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-man-dies-of-he/122726699/ live The outbreak has a detrimental effect on the local seafood and tourism industries.Bernoth Ardyn 20 March 1997 State's oyster sales drop 85% after hepatitis A outbreak https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-states-oyster/122726741 The Sydney Morning Herald 13 April 2023 17 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230417192646/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-states-oyster/122726741/ liveHoy Anthony Lamont Leonie 26 February 1997 Swim ban on oyster lake https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-swim-ban-on-oy/122726711 The Sydney Morning Herald 2 13 April 2023 18 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230418015957/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-swim-ban-on-oy/122726711/ live It also prompts a class action to be launched against Great Lakes Council by those who became infected after eating Wallis Lake oysters.Dean Anabel 14 March 1997 Oyster bug leads to class action https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-oyster-bug-lea/122726780 The Sydney Morning Herald 8 13 April 2023 17 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230417223032/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-oyster-bug-lea/122726780/ live It's reported that the most likely source of the outbreak is faecal contamination from sewage overflow running into the lake onto oyster beds. 22 February – Reflecting on his first year in office, Prime Minister John Howard talks of a "10-year leadership transition" and said that "while my health lasts and I've got my marbles and I'm delivering good leadership and political success, you stay. But when that changes, you don't".Gordon Michael 14 December 2002 A leader for the times https://www.theage.com.au/national/a-leader-for-the-times-20021214-gduxie.html The Age Melbourne 8 April 2023 I remind him of the answer he gave me almost six years ago, on the first anniversary of his prime ministership. "While my health lasts and I've got my marbles and I'm delivering good leadership and political success, you stay. But when that changes, you don't," he said then. 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408073122/https://www.theage.com.au/national/a-leader-for-the-times-20021214-gduxie.html live 23 February – Federal Independent Senator Mal Colston denies new allegations that he had rorted his parliamentary expenses, saying the claims by a former employee were "malicious".Colston to sue over rorts allegation The Australian, p.2 24 February 1997Daley Paul 23 February 1997 Exclusive: Key senator faces new rorts claim https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-key-senator-faces-new-rorts-clai/122491001 The Age Melbourne 1 8 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411030114/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-key-senator-faces-new-rorts-clai/122491001/ liveKingston Margo 24 February 1997 Colston denies new claims of rorting expenses https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-colston-denies/122490964 The Sydney Morning Herald 3 8 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409232339/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-colston-denies/122490964/ live 25 February – The Minister for Administrative Services, David Jull, announces a departmental investigation into Independent Senator Mal Colston's use of chauffeur-driven Commonwealth cars and warns he would have no hesitation referring the matter to police.Minister investigates Colston's use of cars The Australian, p.2 26 February 1997Kitney Geoff Brough Jodie 25 February 1997 Colston faces police queries https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-colston-faces/122490796 The Sydney Morning Herald 5 8 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411093157/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-colston-faces/122490796/ liveSeccombe Mike 26 February 1997 Labor bid to wrest Colston from steering wheel https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-labor-bid-to-w/122490821 The Sydney Morning Herald 4 8 April 2023 10 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230410001354/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-labor-bid-to-w/122490821/ live 26 February – Arnott's Biscuits restocks Queensland supermarket shelves with its biscuits three weeks after it was rocked by an extortion threat. The threat has cost the company at least $10 million.Arnott's back in biscuit business but down $10m The Courier-Mail, p.2 26 February 1997Roberts Greg 26 February 1997 Arnott's back at work after threat passes https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-arnotts-back/122490870 The Sydney Morning Herald 2 8 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411084359/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-arnotts-back/122490870/ live March 6 March – In Cairns, Paul Streeton is sentenced to life imprisonment for setting fire to school boy Tjandamurra O'Shane.7 March 1997 Life for man who burnt Tjandamurra https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-life-for-man-w/122491245 The Sydney Morning Herald 3 8 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411033220/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-life-for-man-w/122491245/ live 16 March – After a third woman goes missing from the Perth suburb of Claremont, the Western Australia Police Force confirm that they are now investigating the crimes of a serial killer in what is to become known as the Claremont serial killings.17 March 1997 Serial killer feared as woman vanishes https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-serial-killer/122726808 The Sydney Morning Herald 3 13 April 2023 18 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230418014625/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-serial-killer/122726808/ liveGraham Duncan 4 April 1997 Serial killer's victim found https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-serial-killer/122726849 The Sydney Morning Herald 3 13 April 2023 17 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230417224853/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-serial-killer/122726849/ live 24 March – Senator Mal Colston admits he's guilty of claiming an extra $7,000 for travel expenses, but blames sloppy book-keeping.Seccombe Mike Peatling Stephanie 25 March 1997 Colston reprieve after blaming manager https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-colston-reprie/122491295 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 8 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411041427/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-colston-reprie/122491295/ live A conscience vote by the Senate overturns the Northern Territory's controversial voluntary euthanasia legislation, The Rights of the Terminally Ill Act.Middleton Karen 25 March 1997 Right-to-die law overruled https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-right-to-die-law-overruled/122491356 The Age Melbourne 1 8 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411095703/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-right-to-die-law-overruled/122491356/ live 26 March – Prime Minister John Howard announces plans for a constitutional convention in Canberra to consider the republic issue.Wright Tony 27 March 1997 Howard narrows convention focus to the republic debate https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-howard-narrows/122491331 The Sydney Morning Herald 6 8 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411033220/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-howard-narrows/122491331/ live 29 March – Prime Minister John Howard arrives in Shanghai, China to promote trade relations.30 March 1997 PM forges China links https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-pm-forges-chin/122491369 The Sydney Morning Herald 14 8 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411091644/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-pm-forges-chin/122491369/ live 31 March – Prime Minister John Howard meets Chinese Premier Li Peng in Beijing and proposes a strategic relationship that focuses on trade, with regular military consultation and a human rights dialogue to manage differences between the two countries.Millett Michael Lague David 31 March 1997 Howard in China https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-howard-in-chin/122491387 The Sydney Morning Herald 2 8 April 2023 10 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230410163029/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-howard-in-chin/122491387/ liveMillett Michael 31 March 1997 Howard's one-in-a-billion Chinese encounter https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-howards-one-i/122491418 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 8 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411033218/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-howards-one-i/122491418/ live In what is the first case of its kind in Australia, a 14-year-old gay high school student says he intends to sue his former school, Cranebrook High School, for failing to provide a safe environment alleging he was subject to ongoing homophobic vilification.Passey David 1 April 1997 Gay student, 14, sues school in landmark vilification case https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-gay-student-1/122726936 The Sydney Morning Herald 3 13 April 2023 17 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230417035058/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-gay-student-1/122726936/ live The case is expected to determine if Australian schools are liable for the safety of gay students.2 April 1997 Gay boy supported, says school chief https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-gay-boy-suppor/122726943 The Sydney Morning Herald 4 13 April 2023 17 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230417234612/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-gay-boy-suppor/122726943/ live The case prompted much commentary in the media.Carlton Mike 5 April 1997 Prices paid for smart wheels https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-prices-paid-fo/122783894 The Sydney Morning Herald 34 13 April 2023 18 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230418023503/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-prices-paid-fo/122783894/ liveAttwood Alan 5 April 1997 Boy's torment brings system to account https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-boys-torment/122783867 The Sydney Morning Herald 30 13 April 2023 18 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230418023503/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-boys-torment/122783867/ livePassey David 5 April 1997 Schoolyard victims https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-schoolyard-vic/122783829 The Sydney Morning Herald 38 13 April 2023 17 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230417195020/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-schoolyard-vic/122783829/ liveDrury Barbara 18 April 1997 Breaking down the walls of ignorance https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-breaking-down/122783657 The Sydney Morning Herald 11 13 April 2023 17 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230417234614/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-breaking-down/122783657/ liveSitka Chris Zammit Rita Smith Lyndon Burns Joy 4 April 1997 Letters: Gay student is not the problem https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-gay-student-is/122783913 The Sydney Morning Herald 14 13 April 2023 18 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230418025101/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-gay-student-is/122783913/ liveLindsay C Davidson Robert Kelly Sean Waterman R Pigott Peter 8 April 1997 Letters: Spotlight on gay harassment https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-spotlight-on-g/122783797 The Sydney Morning Herald 16 13 April 2023 18 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230418025101/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-spotlight-on-g/122783797/ live April 1 to 30 April – This is the driest area-averaged month since at least 1900 over New South Wales, with an average of 3.42 mm in 2 or,http://www.bom.gov.au/web01/ncc/www/cli_chg/timeseries/rain/allmonths/nsw/latestsort.txt Sorted rainfall over New South Wales for all months Australian Bureau of Meteorology over South Australia, with an average of 0.70 mm in 2 or,http://www.bom.gov.au/web01/ncc/www/cli_chg/timeseries/rain/allmonths/sa/latestsort.txt Sorted rainfall over South Australia for all months Australian Bureau of Meteorology 11 September 2022 11 September 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220911124404/http://www.bom.gov.au/web01/ncc/www/cli_chg/timeseries/rain/allmonths/sa/latestsort.txt live and over the Murray–Darling basin, with an average of 2.13 mm in 2 or.http://www.bom.gov.au/web01/ncc/www/cli_chg/timeseries/rain/allmonths/mdb/latestsort.txt Sorted rainfall over the Murray-Darling Basin for all months Australian Bureau of Meteorology 24 June 2019 24 June 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190624055213/http://www.bom.gov.au/web01/ncc/www/cli_chg/timeseries/rain/allmonths/mdb/latestsort.txt live 2 April – Governor-General Sir William Deane urges action to address the widening gap in health between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians.Jopson Debra Downey Marion 3 April 1997 Aborigines: the fatal reality https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-aborigines-th/122552461 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 9 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411190535/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-aborigines-th/122552461/ live 8 April – Prime Minister John Howard refers travel rort allegations against Senator Mal Colston to the Australian Federal Police and calls on his to stand down as Deputy President of the Senate.Millett Michael 9 April 1997 PM tells Colston to quit https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-pm-tells-colst/122552406 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 9 April 2023 12 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230412153832/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-pm-tells-colst/122552406/ live Liberal Senator Bob Woods and National Party backbencher Michael Cobb are also under investigation for allegedly rorting parliamentary expenses.Greene Gervase Chamberlin Paul Savva Niki 9 April 1997 Howard tells Colston: Stand down or else https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-howard-tells-colston-stand-down/122552354 The Age Melbourne 1 9 April 2023 13 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230413165833/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-howard-tells-colston-stand-down/122552354/ live New South Wales Premier Bob Carr announces plans to abolish or amend the law which allows diminished responsibility to be used as a legal defence.Riley Mark 4 April 1997 Defence of diminished responsibility to remain https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-defence-of-dim/122552313 The Sydney Morning Herald 5 9 April 2023 13 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230413210658/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-defence-of-dim/122552313/ live 9 April – Senator Mal Colston agrees to stand down as Senate Deputy President but refuses to resign from Parliament.Tingle Laura 10 April 1997 Parties gun for Colston to quit https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-parties-gun-for-colston-to-quit/122552190 The Age Melbourne 1 9 April 2023 14 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240714064056/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-parties-gun-for-colston-to-quit/122552190/ live 11 April – Pauline Hanson launches the One Nation party in Ipswich, Queensland.Lamont Leonie Roberts Greg 12 April 1997 Hanson forms a party as racism complaints soar https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-hanson-forms-a/122552141 The Sydney Morning Herald 10 9 April 2023 13 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230413114307/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-hanson-forms-a/122552141/ live 14 April – Prime Minister John Howard announces that the Government will no longer accept the vote of Senator Mal Colston.Savva Niki Tingle Laura 17 April 1997 Colston's mentor joins calls to quit https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-colstons-mentor-joins-calls-to/122551971 The Age Melbourne 3 9 April 2023 The move came as Mr Howard announced that the Government would no longer accept Senator Colston's vote in Parliament 13 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230413114323/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-colstons-mentor-joins-calls-to/122551971/ live 17 April – The Charter of Budget Honesty Act becomes law, setting a framework for sound fiscal management and informing the public about public finances.April 2023 21 April – Former West Australian Premier Carmen Lawrence is charged with perjury over her evidence to the 1995 Easton Royal Commission.Brough Jodie 22 April 1997 ALP rocked as Lawrence is charged https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-alp-rocked-as/122551777 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 9 April 2023 14 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240714064056/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-alp-rocked-as/122551777/ live 29 April – BHP announces it will end steel-making operations in Newcastle in 1999, with 2,500 job losses.Hextall Bruce Millett Michael McGeough Paul 30 April 1997 BHP's real target: 8,000 jobs https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-bhps-real-tar/122551719 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 9 April 2023 13 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230413114308/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-bhps-real-tar/122551719/ live 30 April – Prime Minister John Howard speaks on Melbourne's 3AW about Pauline Hanson saying that she is "articulating the fears and concerns and the sense of insecurity that many Australian feel at a time of change and instability. Now it's easy to sort of finger the fact that people feel uneasy and unhappy. The next step is to say, 'Okay, you've fingered the uncertainty. What are you going to do about it?'"Mitchell Neil Neil Mitchell (radio presenter) 30 April 1997 Interview with Prime Minister John Howard (transcript) https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/sites/default/files/original/00010321.pdf 3AW Melbourne, Victoria 9 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409114441/https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/sites/default/files/original/00010321.pdf live May 1 May – Tasmania becomes the last state in Australia to decriminalise homosexuality.Darby Andrew 2 May 1997 Tasmanian gays win long law-reform battle https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-tasmanian-gays-win-long-law-refo/122596125/ The Age Melbourne 3 10 April 2023 10 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230410050402/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-tasmanian-gays-win-long-law-refo/122596125/ live Melbourne's HM Prison Pentridge is closed.Elder John 4 May 1997 Final muster in a dark and lonely place https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-final-muster-in-a-dark-and-lonel/122596502 The Age Melbourne 2 10 April 2023 15 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230415075615/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-final-muster-in-a-dark-and-lonel/122596502/ liveBarry Dickins 5 May 1997 Greatest crime is over https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-greatest-crime-is-over/122596582 The Age Melbourne 27 10 April 2023 14 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230414164132/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-greatest-crime-is-over/122596582/ live Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer uses the launch of Asialine, a magazine for Australian business in Asia, to make a strong attack on Pauline Hanson, saying her views are offensive to people of all backgrounds.Millett Michael Skehan Craig 2 May 1997 Downer call to fight and destroy Hanson's view https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-downer-call-to/122596834 The Sydney Morning Herald 2 10 April 2023 13 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230413084026/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-downer-call-to/122596834/ live "Those views promote an insular Australia separate from the region. This is the concept of a little Australia: inward looking, narrow-minded, protectionist and disconnected from our own neighbourhood," he says. 5 May – The position of Chief Minister of Norfolk Island is restored.April 2023 Prime Minister John Howard holds his first meeting with German Chancellor Helmut Kohl.Skehan Craig 6 May 1997 Kohl diplomatic as PM resists pollution reform https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-kohl-diplomati/122597297 The Sydney Morning Herald 2 10 April 2023 15 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230415091827/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-kohl-diplomati/122597297/ live 6 May – Mal Colston resigns as Deputy President of the Senate.Millett Michael 7 May 1997 Bitter Colston promises to scuttle PM's key reforms https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-bitter-colston/122597432 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 10 April 2023 Senator Colston stepped down as Senate Deputy President yesterday only minutes before a chamber vote to dump him from the position 14 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230414164132/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-bitter-colston/122597432/ live Prime Minister John Howard appeals for an end to protests against Pauline Hanson.Willox Innes Farouque Farah 7 May 1997 Hanson talking nonsense: PM https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-hanson-talking-nonsense-pm/122597624 The Sydney Morning Herald 8 10 April 2023 ...after several protests in recent days, Mr Howard urges Ms Hanson's opponents not to demonstrate against her 14 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230414164132/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-hanson-talking-nonsense-pm/122597624/ live Kerry Whelan disappeared.Macey Richard Clennell Andrew 22 May 1997 'Grave fears' for kidnapped woman https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-grave-fears/122597774 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 10 April 2023 14 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230414164128/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-grave-fears/122597774/ live Believed murdered, her remains have not been located 2016 08 04 y, when the man convicted of her murder died.Brown Michelle 4 August 2016 Bruce Burrell: Man who murdered Dorothy Davis, Kerry Whelan dies from cancer https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-08-04/bruce-burrell-dies-in-prison-while-serving-life-sentence/7689994 ABC News United States 10 April 2023 13 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230413084020/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-08-04/bruce-burrell-dies-in-prison-while-serving-life-sentence/7689994 live 7 May – Former Coles Myer chief Brian Quinn is sentenced to four years jail for defrauding the company of almost $4.5 million.Gregory Peter 8 May 1997 Quinn begins 4-year term https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-quinn-begins-4-year-term/122727037 The Age Melbourne 1 14 April 2023 18 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230418180618/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-quinn-begins-4-year-term/122727037/ live8 May 1997 No remorse: Quinn gets four years https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-no-remorse-qu/122727008 The Sydney Morning Herald 14 April 2023 18 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230418160904/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-no-remorse-qu/122727008/ live Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett, union boss Bill Kelty and businessman Lindsay Fox had all appeared as character witnesses for Quinn.Button James 8 May 1997 Brian Quinn: The sentence https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-brian-quinn-the-sentence/122727032 The Age Melbourne 6 14 April 2023 18 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230418125455/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-brian-quinn-the-sentence/122727032/ live 8 May – Melbourne's Crown Casino is opened by Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett.Gibson Rachel 9 May 1997 Come and see it: Premier https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-come-and-see-it-premier/122597966 The Age Melbourne 5 10 April 2023 14 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230414124214/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-come-and-see-it-premier/122597966/ live Nine months after Pauline Hanson's maiden speech, Prime Minister John Howard directly attacks her views for the first time saying, "she is wrong when she suggests that Aboriginals are not disadvantaged. She is wrong when she says that Australia is in danger of being swamped by Asians. She is wrong to seek scapegoats for society's problems. She is wrong when she denigrates foreign investment, because it withdrawal would cost jobs. She is wrong when she claims Australia is headed for civil war".Millett Michael 9 May 1997 'Sour, bitter' Hanson exploiting fear, says PM https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-sour-bitter/122598149 The Sydney Morning Herald 2 10 April 2023 14 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230414124208/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-sour-bitter/122598149/ live 13 May – Federal Treasurer Peter Costello delivers his second Federal Budget, which delivers a tax rebate of up to $450 per year on savings and a $1 billion Federation Fund for construction.Millett Michael Sampson Annette Wright Tony Gittins Ross 14 May 1997 A super shake-up https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-a-super-shake/122598278 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 10 April 2023 14 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240714064057/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-a-super-shake/122598278/ live 15 May – The Industrial Relations Commission signals the end of the traditional award system by rejecting an industry-wide claim for a wage rise.Painter Joanne Willox Innes 16 May 1997 Transport turmoil predicted over pay decision https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-transport-turmoil-predicted-over/122598557 The Age Melbourne 5 10 April 2023 13 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230413084021/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-transport-turmoil-predicted-over/122598557/ live 20 May – The Human Rights & Equal Opportunities Commission releases a 689-page report entitled, Bringing Them Home, which states that Australian governments must apologise and pay compensation for the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families.Woodford James 21 May 1997 Stolen children say it's time to pay for the hurt https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-stolen-childre/122598682 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 10 April 2023 13 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230413084025/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-stolen-childre/122598682/ liveWoodford James Pitt Helen Jopson Debra Wright Tony Bringing them home: the stolen children https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-bringing-them/122598819 The Sydney Morning Herald 5 10 April 2023 15 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230415091821/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-bringing-them/122598819/ live The report concludes that successive government policies of forced removal of children constitutes a crime against humanity which amounted to "genocide". It recommends a national compensation fund be established by the Commonwealth and states, as well as a national "sorry day" be held each year. 21 May – The Federal Government announces further cuts to immigration, halving the family reunion programme and increasing skilled migration, saying cuts are linked to high unemployment.Millett Michael 22 May 1997 Migration cuts may trigger poll https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-migration-cuts/122600858 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 10 April 2023 14 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230414164131/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-migration-cuts/122600858/ live 26 May – Prime Minister John Howard tables the Bringing Them Home report, saying that "personally, I feel deep sorrow for those of my fellow Australians who suffered injustices under the practices of past generations towards indigenous people...[but] Australians of this generation should not be required to accept guilt and blame for past actions and policies over which they had no control." At the Reconciliation Convention in Melbourne, some Aboriginal people turn their backs and yell at the Prime Minister in protest during his address.Mitchell Ben Tingle Laura 27 May 1997 Anger blunts PM's apology https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-anger-blunts-pms-apology/122600996 The Age Melbourne 1 10 April 2023 15 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230415022905/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-anger-blunts-pms-apology/122600996/ live However, some applaud when Howard expresses his personal sorrow.Flanagan Martin 27 May 1997 Turning away from an unhappy page in history https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-turning-away-from-an-unhappy-pag/122601011 The Age Melbourne 1 10 April 2023 The first was when he expressed sorrow "for those of my fellow Australians who suffered injustices under the practices of past generations towards indigenous people." This was taken as a reference to the "stolen generation" and drew applause, even from those who had their backs turned. 15 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230415022859/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-turning-away-from-an-unhappy-pag/122601011/ live Despite continuing to criticise Howard's 10-point Wik plan, Aboriginal leader Pat Dodson welcomes Howard's personal acknowledgement of the Stolen Generation and later states: "It's a start. It's a good start. I think that the Prime Minister is on the road to the acknowledgement of the things of the past. I think the fact that he said personally he was sorry is something we shouldn't lose sight of." 27 May – Brigitte Muir, a 39-year-old woman from Natimuk, becomes the first Australian woman to reach the summit of the world's highest mountain, Mount Everest.Freeman Jane Webb Honey 29 May 1997 Brigitte makes it an Everest family double https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-brigitte-makes/122727163 The Sydney Morning Herald 3 13 April 2023 14 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240714064057/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-brigitte-makes/122727163/ liveBaker Mark 31 May 1997 Reaching her peak https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-reaching-her-peak/122727179 The Age Melbourne 21 13 April 2023 17 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230417210025/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-reaching-her-peak/122727179/ live Upon reaching the summit, Muir also becomes the first Australian person to climb to the summit of each of the world's seven continents.Miller Claire 29 May 1997 Brigitte conquers seven wonders https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-brigitte-conquers-seven-wonders/122727190 The Age Melbourne 1 13 April 2023 18 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230418031806/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-brigitte-conquers-seven-wonders/122727190/ liveMiller Claire 29 May 1997 Brigitte conquers seven wonders (from page 1) https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-brigitte-conquers-seven-wonders/122727199 The Age Melbourne 2 13 April 2023 18 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230418033456/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-brigitte-conquers-seven-wonders/122727199/ live 30 May – Prime Minister John Howard releases a ten-point plan in response to the High Court of Australia's historic Wik decision last December which recognised that native title and pastoral leases can co-exist.25 April 1997 Howard's 10-point plan https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-howards-10-po/122599782 The Sydney Morning Herald 5 10 April 2023 14 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230414164131/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-howards-10-po/122599782/ live Key points of the plan include the permanent extinguishment of native title on freehold, exclusive-tenure leases, agricultural leases deemed to confer exclusive title and where rights are inconsistent with those of pastoralists; the removal of the right of native title-holders to negotiate over mining exploration and the imposition of a six-year unset clause to register statutory native title claims.Woodford James 25 April 1997 PM isolated: Wik talks end in chaos https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-pm-isolated-w/122599711 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 10 April 2023 14 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230414165636/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-pm-isolated-w/122599711/ liveWillox Innes 28 April 1997 Howard seeks to quell Wik discontent https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-howard-seeks-to-quell-wik-discon/122599922 The Age Melbourne 3 10 April 2023 14 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230414124218/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-howard-seeks-to-quell-wik-discon/122599922/ live June 2 June – A former Victorian police officer is arrested for attempting to extort more than $4 million from Nestlé by contaminating Nestle products at a Coles supermarket in Sydney.Vass Nathan Clennell Andrew 3 June 1997 Man arrested after threat to poison Nestle products https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-man-arrested-a/122727517 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 14 April 2023 18 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230418121115/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-man-arrested-a/122727517/ live He is extradited from Victoria to New South Wales where he pleads guilty.Donovan Patrick 4 June 1997 Extradite order granted https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-extradite-order-granted/122832441 The Age Melbourne 5 14 April 2023 18 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230418121115/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-extradite-order-granted/122832441/ live29 August 1997 Man attempts to extort $4m https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-man-admits-att/122832984 The Sydney Morning Herald 9 14 April 2023 18 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230418121114/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-man-admits-att/122832984/ live He is later sentenced to two and a half years with an additional term of three years.6 December 1997 Extortion 'testing a crime novel plot' https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-extortion-tes/122832682 The Sydney Morning Herald 10 14 April 2023 14 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240714064057/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-extortion-tes/122832682/ live He attempts to explain his actions by saying he was testing the plot of a crime novel, stating: "I am an amateur novelist... I have seven novels in various stages of writing. This is the scenario for one of those novels – a crime novel." 5 June – Prime Minister John Howard bows to pressure from the car industry to accept a four-year freeze on car tariffs from 2000 to 2004.Millett Michael 6 June 1997 Car makers win relief on tariffs https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-car-makers-win/122601884 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 10 April 2023 15 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230415034537/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-car-makers-win/122601884/ live 15 June – 14-month-old Jaidyn Leskie disappears from a house in Moe, Victoria.Koutsoukis Jason 17 June 1997 Police step up search for boy https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-police-step-up-search-for-boy/122602011 The Age Melbourne 1 10 April 2023 15 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230415034537/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-police-step-up-search-for-boy/122602011/ live 21 June – Prime Minister John Howard briefs the Queen on his plans to deal with the republic issue.Millett Michael 23 June 1997 Republic summit 'may be scrapped' https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-republic-summi/122602106 The Sydney Morning Herald 2 10 April 2023 ...Mr Howard is understood to have told the Queen in a private meeting on Friday that while the constitutional debate was continuing, there was no sign of a consenus emerging... 15 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230415034537/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-republic-summi/122602106/ live 24 June – Prime Minister John Howard describes Australia as a racially tolerant nation in the Sir Robert Menzies Memorial Lecture in London.https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/sites/default/files/original/00010394.pdf 1997 Robert Menzies Memorial Lecture – Australia and Britain: The contemporary partnership in a new international environment (transcript) Howard John 23 June 1997 PM Transcripts Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet 10 April 2023 10 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230410053935/https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/sites/default/files/original/00010394.pdf live 26 June – Prime Minister John Howard arrives in Washington and is met by US Ambassador Andrew Peacock.Millett Michael 27 June 1997 Former foes a winning team at last https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-former-foes-a/122602303 The Sydney Morning Herald 6 10 April 2023 15 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230415101256/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-former-foes-a/122602303/ live Howard meets with President Bill Clinton on 27 June.Millett Michael Woodford James 28 June 1997 Clinton turns up heat on PM https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-clinton-turns/122602353 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 10 April 2023 15 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230415034537/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-clinton-turns/122602353/ live 29 June – More than a year after the Port Arthur massacre, Tasmania again attracts international media attention when bush poet Peter Shoobridge murders his four children and then kills himself north of Hobart, in what becomes known as the Shoobridge family killings.Darby Andrew 30 June 1997 Family killing shocks Tasmania https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-family-killing-shocks-tasmania/122727689 The Age Melbourne 3 14 April 2023 14 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240714064058/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-family-killing-shocks-tasmania/122727689/ liveDarby Andrew 1 July 1997 A poet and family man who fell apart https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-a-poet-and-family-man-who-fell-a/122838765 The Age Melbourne 5 14 April 2023 18 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230418105501/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-a-poet-and-family-man-who-fell-a/122838765/ live The police investigating the killings are criticised by the Anglican Bishop of Tasmania Philip Newell who tells the police commissioner that the public disclosure of graphic details relating to the methods used is extremely irresponsible as it worsens the trauma of survivors.Darby Andrew 12 July 1997 Blast for police on death detail https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-blast-for-police-on-death-detail/122838874 The Age Melbourne 4 14 April 2023 17 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230417193538/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-blast-for-police-on-death-detail/122838874/ live A coroner later rules Shoobridge was acting under a delusion when he killed his children, with the murders probably not premeditated.2 December 1997 Man who killed daughters deluded, says coroner https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-man-who-killed-daughters-deluded/122838886 The Age Melbourne 2 14 April 2023 18 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230418175419/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-man-who-killed-daughters-deluded/122838886/ live July 1 July – The telecommunications market is deregulated, allowing the entry of competitors other than Telstra and Optus.Robotham Julie 1 July 1997 Cheaper calls arrive, but with warning bells https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-cheaper-calls/122605929 The Sydney Morning Herald 5 10 April 2023 15 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230415030147/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-cheaper-calls/122605929/ live When Britain hands back Hong Kong to China, Prime Minister John Howard warns China that it must keep its promise to maintain Hong Kong's freedom and autonomy.Millett Michael 2 July 1997 PM defends Australia's human rights stance https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-pm-defends-aus/122605974 The Sydney Morning Herald 14 10 April 2023 15 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230415055757/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-pm-defends-aus/122605974/ live 13 July – A crowd of over 100,000 people watches the Royal Canberra Hospital implosion. A 12-year-old girl, Katie Bender, is killed instantly and nine others are injured when debris from the site travels across Lake Burley Griffin.Brough Jodie Peatling Stephanie 14 July 1997 Search for answers after hospital's deadly demolition https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-search-for-ans/122606009 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 10 April 2023 15 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230415235840/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-search-for-ans/122606009/ live 15 July – Senator Mal Colston and former West Australian Liberal MP Noel Crichton-Browne are charged with fraud.Seccombe Mike 16 July 1997 Colston to face fraud charges https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-colston-to-fac/122606242 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 10 April 2023 15 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230415205113/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-colston-to-fac/122606242/ live Two Australians are killed when a temporary wooden bridge collapses into a shallow creek at the Maccabiah Games near Tel Aviv, Israel.Dunn Ross Pitt Helen Brown Malcolm 16 July 1997 Tears and anger as tragedy hits our athletes https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-tears-and-ange/122606152 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 10 April 2023 14 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230414023900/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-tears-and-ange/122606152/ liveLevi Joshua 18 July 2018 Honouring the victims of the 1997 tragedy https://www.australianjewishnews.com/honouring-the-victims-of-the-1997-tragedy The Australian Jewish News 10 April 2023 15 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230415205119/https://www.australianjewishnews.com/honouring-the-victims-of-the-1997-tragedy/ live 17 July – Frank Gilford waives his right to call for the death penalty of two British nurses charged with the murder of his sister Yvonne Gilford in Saudi Arabia.Gilford Frank 16 October 1997 Why I waived death penalty: brother tells https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-why-i-waived-d/122606372 The Sydney Morning Herald 3 10 April 2023 15 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230415235834/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-why-i-waived-d/122606372/ live 21 July – Former West Australian Premier Dr Carmen Lawrence pleads not guilty to giving false evidence to the Marks Royal Commission.Graham Duncan 22 July 1997 Lawrence may not have to face court until 1999 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-lawrence-may-n/122606540 The Sydney Morning Herald 7 10 April 2023 15 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230415150058/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-lawrence-may-n/122606540/ live 23 July – Queensland Premier Rob Borbidge criticises cuts by the Federal Government to drought relief funds.April 2023 24 July – The West Australian Court of Criminal Appeal quashes seven convictions against former West Australian Premier Brian Burke.Graham Duncan 25 July 1997 Former WA Premier's friends rally after his prison release https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-former-wa-premiers-friends-rall/122606566 The Age Melbourne 6 10 April 2023 15 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230415235841/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-former-wa-premiers-friends-rall/122606566/ live 30 July – The Thredbo landslide occurs, killing 17 people.1 August 1997 We have no sign of life https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-we-have-no-si/122606600 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 10 April 2023 14 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230414025108/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-we-have-no-si/122606600/ live New South Wales Premier Bob Carr announces that New South Wales Police will employ Korean police and intelligence officers to help crack down on organised crime gangs as investigations continue into Korean loan-shark operations at Sydney Harbour Casino.Russell Matthew 31 July 1997 Asian crime thrives due to 'pathetic' police resource https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-asian-crime-th/122606813 The Sydney Morning Herald 3 10 April 2023 15 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230415212001/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-asian-crime-th/122606813/ live August 2 August – Stuart Diver, a ski instructor, is rescued as the sole survivor of the Thredbo landslide.Daley Paul Munro Ian Tippet Gary 3 August 1997 Alive! https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-alive/122606776 The Age Melbourne 1 11 April 2023 16 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416130236/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-alive/122606776/ live 12 August – Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett is under fire for spending over $5,000 on a helicopter trip.Das Sushila 13 August 1997 Unrepentant Kennett flies in the face of ALP criticism https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-unrepentant-kennett-flies-in-the/122653066 The Age Melbourne 2 11 April 2023 16 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416130236/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-unrepentant-kennett-flies-in-the/122653066/ liveBoreham Gareth 16 August 1997 Premier took helicopter to party function https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-premier-took-helicopter-to-party/122653022 The Age Melbourne 16 11 April 2023 15 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230415230017/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-premier-took-helicopter-to-party/122653022/ live 18 August – Aboriginal activist Burnum Burnum dies at his Woronora, Sydney home.Tabakoff Jenny 19 August 1997 Aboriginal campaigner Burnum Burnum dies https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-aboriginal-cam/122493819 The Sydney Morning Herald 2 11 April 2023 16 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416132022/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-aboriginal-cam/122493819/ live He is particularly remembered for claiming Britain on behalf of the Aboriginal people on Australia Day 1988, while Australia celebrated its bicentenary. 28 August – Pauline Hanson sues the Australian Broadcasting Corporation after its youth station Triple J begins playing a new song called Backdoor Man by Pauline Pantsdown which lampoons her.Brown Malcolm 29 August 1997 Pants-down radio humour unacceptable to Hanson https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-pants-down-rad/122653472 The Sydney Morning Herald 3 11 April 2023 15 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230415230018/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-pants-down-rad/122653472/ live The ABC later unsuccessfully appeals an injunction in the Queensland Court of Appeal preventing the song from being played on Triple J.Kingston Margo 29 September 1998 Court shirtfronts back-door man https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-court-shirtfro/122715794 The Sydney Morning Herald 10 12 April 2023 17 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230417060031/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-court-shirtfro/122715794/ live Pantsdown later releases I Don't Like It which similarly spoofs Hanson.Fawcett Jamie 30 August 1998 Hanson song queried https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-hanson-song-qu/122716309 The Sydney Morning Herald 6 12 April 2023 17 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230417072833/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-hanson-song-qu/122716309/ live 29 August – Queensland Premier Rob Borbidge denies allegations that a senior member of his government frequented a male brothel.April 2023 Telstra to cut another 15,000 jobs over the next three years after it revealed a big slump in profits.Kidman Matthew Davies Anne Telstra axes 25,500 jobs as float nears https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-axes-2/122654078 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 11 April 2023 14 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240714064058/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-axes-2/122654078/ live 30 August – Elections in the Northern Territory re-elect the Country Liberal Party government of Shane Stone.31 August 1997 CLP claims yet another Territory win https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-clp-claims-yet/122654206 The Sun Herald 11 11 April 2023 14 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230414192528/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-clp-claims-yet/122654206/ live 31 August – The head of Yagan, a Noongar warrior, is repatriated to Australia 164 years after being taken to the United Kingdom.McPhee, Lindsay (2008). "Reburial of Yagan head is delayedSeptember 2018 InternetArchiveBot yes ". The West Australian, 19 November 2008. Prime Minister John Howard announces the names of the 36 non-parliamentary appointees to the Constitutional Convention that will discuss Australia becoming a republic.1 September 1997 Howard releases list of republic delegates https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-howard-releases-list-of-republic/122654347 The Age Melbourne 26 11 April 2023 14 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230414192527/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-howard-releases-list-of-republic/122654347/ live Among the names are Julie Bishop, Geoffrey Blainey, Greg Craven, Miranda Devine, Gatjil Djerrkura, Bill Hayden, Peter Hollingworth, Leonie Kramer, Richard McGarvie, Donald McGauchie, Roma Mitchell, George Mye, Lois O'Donoghue, Arvi Parbo, George Pell, Nova Peris-Kneebone, Judith Sloan, David Smith and George Winterton. September 1 September – Federal Cabinet shelves plans to alter cross-media ownership laws.Millett Michael 2 September 1997 Fairfax setback for Packer https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-fairfax-setbac/122657106 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 11 April 2023 16 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416134519/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-fairfax-setbac/122657106/ live 2 September – Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett ridicules Federal Cabinet's indecision on media ownership laws.Greene Gervase Maiden Malcolm 3 September 1997 Media laws backdown prompts ridicule https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-media-laws-backdown-prompts-ridi/122657195 The Age Melbourne 9 11 April 2023 16 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416002354/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-media-laws-backdown-prompts-ridi/122657195/ live The Federal Opposition uses this to help show that the Prime Minister is weak. 3 September – Waterfront unions and the ACTU warn the Federal Government of widespread industrial action if the Government continues its method of reforming work conditions at seaports.Norington Brad 4 September 1997 Kelty sends PM a warning on waterfront https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-kelty-sends-pm/122657343 The Sydney Morning Herald 3 11 April 2023 16 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416141418/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-kelty-sends-pm/122657343/ live 8 September – New South Wales Premier Bob Carr opens a world-class cancer research institute in Camperdown, Sydney.April 2023 11 September – BHP announces plans to cut over 800 jobs from coal mines in the Illawarra.Norington Brad 12 September 1997 BHP stuns miners as 860 jobs axed https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-bhp-stuns-mine/122657710 The Sydney Morning Herald 5 11 April 2023 14 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230414204952/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-bhp-stuns-mine/122657710/ live 14 September – Prime Minister John Howard announces a $5 million rescue package for farmers.Stott Diane 15 September 1997 Pension plan lets trapped farmers retire https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-pension-plan-l/122657869 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 11 April 2023 16 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416002354/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-pension-plan-l/122657869/ live 30 September – The guns buyback amnesty expires with owners of restricted weapons now facing fines.Wainwright Robert 1 October 1997 Thousands flout gun amnesty https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-thousands-flou/122658136 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 11 April 2023 16 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416134520/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-thousands-flou/122658136/ live October 4 October – The body of 22-year-old Japanese woman Michiko Okuyama is discovered after she disappeared from Cairns on 20 September.Cornford Philip 7 October 1997 Japanese woman abducted and killed in Cairns https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-japanese-woman/122727840 The Sydney Morning Herald 3 15 April 2023 19 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230419070518/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-japanese-woman/122727840/ live A 16-year-old boy later appears in the Children's Court charged with her murder.Roberts Greg 8 October 1997 Youth, 16, charged with murder of Japanese tourist https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-youth-16-charged-with-murder-o/122727857 The Age Melbourne 7 15 April 2023 18 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230418154819/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-youth-16-charged-with-murder-o/122727857/ live The following year, he becomes the first minor in Queensland to be sentenced to life imprisonment after being convicted of murder.24 September 1998 Youth guilty of murdering Japanese backpacker https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-youth-guilty-o/122727947 The Sydney Morning Herald 4 15 April 2023 19 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230419070518/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-youth-guilty-o/122727947/ live10 November 1998 'Heinous' murder https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-heinous-murd/122727927 The Sydney Morning Herald 5 15 April 2023 He unsuccessfully appeals the severity of his sentence in 1999. Due to his age when he murdered Okuyama, his identify can never be publicly disclosed under Queensland law.Martinelli Pete 19 September 2019 Michiko Okuyama’s murderer could be a free man https://www.cairnspost.com.au/news/cairns/michiko-okuyamas-murderer-could-be-a-free-man/news-story/a08b3ed54d6f9ee490fd38f249cca71d The Cairns Post 15 April 2023 Okuyama's murder is extensively covered by the Japanese media, causing hostility towards Australia. Federal tourism minister Andrew Thomson visits Cairns attempting to limit the damage to the tourism market and speaks Japanese while talking to the media urging them not to overreact. Despite his efforts, the Japanese media portray Australia as an increasingly violent and racist country, linking the murder to the views of Pauline Hanson.Skelton Russell 25 October 1997 Japan turns on Australia and Japanese victim https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-japan-turns-on-australia-and-cai/122727882 The Age Melbourne 25 15 April 2023 19 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230419070519/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-japan-turns-on-australia-and-cai/122727882/ live The murder of Michiko Okuyama is frequently described as one of the most heinous and violent crimes to have ever taken place in Far North Queensland.Michael Peter 28 March 2015 Lonely place to die https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/special-features/in-depth/lonely-place-to-die/news-story/27cc0c739db390f2e8bd08daadf8b01c The Courier-Mail 15 April 2023Ekert Janessa 25 January 2019 Body of Michiko Okuyama dumped in Cairns swamp after brutal murder https://www.cairnspost.com.au/news/crime-court/body-of-michiko-okuyama-dumped-in-cairns-swamp-after-brutal-murder/news-story/3b4bc2099bfcb3486786e060348e749e The Cairns Post 15 April 2023 14 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240714064631/https://insight.adsrvr.org/track/up?adv=vrges6n&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cairnspost.com.au%2Fsubscribe%2Fnews%2F1%2F%3FsourceCode%3DCPWEB_WRE170_a%26dest%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.cairnspost.com.au%252Fnews%252Fcrime-court%252Fbody-of-michiko-okuyama-dumped-in-cairns-swamp-after-brutal-murder%252Fnews-story%252F3b4bc2099bfcb3486786e060348e749e%26memtype%3Danonymous%26mode%3Dpremium&upid=5ujwwq9&upv=1.1.0 liveBrandel Phil 8 December 2021 Cairns couple keeps vow to family of murdered Japanese student Michiko Okuyama https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-12-08/cairns-couple-keeps-25yo-promise-made-after-students-murder/100679260 ABC News United States 15 April 2023 15 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230415071857/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-12-08/cairns-couple-keeps-25yo-promise-made-after-students-murder/100679260 live The New South Wales Labor Party Conference delegates reject Premier Bob Carr's planned sell-off of the State's electricity assets.Chulov Martin Bye Clarissa 5 October 1997 Carr told to forget power sale forever https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-carr-told-to-f/122659163 The Sun-Herald 4 11 April 2023 16 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416054200/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-carr-told-to-f/122659163/ live Carr is the first Labor Premier in fifty years to suffer a defeat at a State Party Conference. 9 October – Justice David Harper rejects an attempt by Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne George Pell to ban the public display of Andres Serrano's controversial artwork Piss Christ from the National Gallery of Victoria.Pegler Tim Gregory Peter 10 October 1997 Serrano 1, church 0, but Pell claims moral victory https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-serrano-1-church-0-but-pell-cl/122896927 The Age Melbourne 1 14 April 2023 19 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230419100733/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-serrano-1-church-0-but-pell-cl/122896927/ live 11 October — A state election is held in South Australia.12 October 1997 Libs squeak home as ALP hits back in SA https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-libs-squeak-home-as-alp-hits-bac/122659233 The Age Melbourne 2 11 April 2023 The Liberal/National coalition government of John Olsen is re-elected, albeit with a substantially reduced minority. Andres Serrano's controversial artwork Piss Christ is damaged when a 51-year-old man removes it from the wall at the National Gallery of Victoria just two hours after Serrano's exhibition opens.Gray Darren Strong Geoff Carlyon Patrick 12 October 2023 Gallery attack https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-gallery-attack/122728022 The Age Melbourne 14 April 2023 19 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230419100731/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-gallery-attack/122728022/ live 12 October – The National Gallery of Victoria decides to cancel Andres Serrano's exhibition after two youths destroy his controversial artwork Piss Christ with a hammer.Faulkner Jane 13 October 1997 Serrano show axed https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-serrano-show-axed/122728006 The Age Melbourne 14 April 2023 19 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230419160117/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-serrano-show-axed/122728006/ live Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne George Pell says while he understands the outrage he only supports legal and peaceful protesting. 15 October – Cheryl Kernot, leader of the Australian Democrats, defects to the Australian Labor Party.Millett Michael Wright Tony 16 October 1997 Kernot's Labor gamble https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-kernots-labor/122659353 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 11 April 2023 14 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240714064622/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-kernots-labor/122659353/ live 29 October – Prime Minister John Howard has meetings in Malaysia and in Indonesia, with President Suharto, about the Asian currency crisis.Wright Tony 30 October 1997 Howard offers to join Jakarta bailout https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-howard-offers/122659479 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 11 April 2023 16 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416054158/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-howard-offers/122659479/ live 31 October – In a Special Commission of Inquiry hearing, five senior counsels representing Bob Carr, Justice James Wood, Peter Collins, Terry Sheahan and John Della Bosca, condemn Labor MP Franca Arena for alleging that there was a high level paedophile cover-up.Brown Malcolm 1 November 1997 Lawyers accuse Arena of hypocrisy https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-lawyers-accuse/122728133 The Sydney Morning Herald 10 14 April 2023 18 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230418205332/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-lawyers-accuse/122728133/ liveBrown Malcolm 1 November 1997 Empty Arena https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-empty-arena/122728120 The Sydney Morning Herald 39 14 April 2023 19 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230419150346/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-empty-arena/122728120/ live November 2 November – Prime Minister John Howard launches the Federal Government's anti-drug campaign.Brough Jodie Humphries David 3 November 1997 PM's $87m attack on drug lords https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-pms-87m-atta/122660480 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 11 April 2023 14 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230414225559/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-pms-87m-atta/122660480/ live 5 November – Postcard bandit Brenden Abbott and four others escape from Brisbane Correctional Centre at Wacol, Brisbane.Roberts Greg 6 November 1997 Break-out from B Block https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-break-out-from/122660572 The Sydney Morning Herald 5 11 April 2023 14 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230414225559/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-break-out-from/122660572/ live 13 November – Postcard bandit Brenden Abbott robs a local Commonwealth Bank branch at Palm Beach on the Gold Coast.Roberts Greg 18 November 1997 Banks brace for new attacks https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-banks-brace-fo/122660758 The Sydney Morning Herald 5 11 April 2023 14 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240714064623/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-banks-brace-fo/122660758/ live 14 November – Sydney is awarded the 2002 Gay Games.Bernoth Ardyn Kent Paul 15 November 1997 Sydney 2002: The Gay Games https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-sydney-2002-t/122660902 The Sydney Morning Herald 4 11 April 2023 14 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230414225559/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-sydney-2002-t/122660902/ live Arnott's Biscuits shareholders overwhelmingly approve a takeover bid from American conglomerate Campbell's.Cummins Carolyn 14 November 1997 Campbell takes target https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-campbell-takes/122660953 The Sydney Morning Herald 29 11 April 2023 14 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240714064623/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-campbell-takes/122660953/ live 15 November – Two men are charged with murders of Lauren Barry and Nichole Collins.Button Victoria 27 November 1997 Two raped Bega girls repeatedly, court told https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-two-raped-bega-girls-repeatedly/122662100 The Age Melbourne 1 11 April 2023 16 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416123525/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-two-raped-bega-girls-repeatedly/122662100/ live 17 November – Telstra shares are listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.Davies Anne Hughes Anthony 18 November 1997 Telstra float rings up $14bn for Govt https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-float/122661325 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 11 April 2023 16 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416074716/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-float/122661325/ live 26 November – Sydney's Star City Casino is opened by New South Wales Premier Bob Carr.Hill Kendall 27 November 1997 Casino bursts onto the Sydney scene https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-casino-bursts/122661551 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 11 April 2023 16 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416073207/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-casino-bursts/122661551/ live December 3 December Queensland Premier Rob Borbidge announces nearly $30 million to bail out the Queensland Ambulance Service, but unions say it is not enough.April 2023 The first of the Federal Government's Work for the Dole schemes begins in Sydney.April 2023 9 December – The Australian Banking Association doubles the bounty on the head of bank robber Brendan Abbott.Roberts Greg 26 December 1997 Inmate helps in search for Abbott https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-inmate-helps-i/122660705 The Sydney Morning Herald 10 11 April 2023 The Australian Bankers' Association and the Queensland Government have posted rewards of $100,000 and $50,000 respectively for information leading to Abbott's recapture. 16 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416074046/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-inmate-helps-i/122660705/ live 19 December – Postcard bandit Brenden Abbott robs the Yirrigan Drive branch of the Commonwealth Bank in Perth, disguised as a businessman in a grey wig and a false moustache and brandishing a .45 Webley, stealing $300,000.22 December 1997 Escaper wanted over $450,000 WA bank heist https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-escaper-wanted-over-450000-wa/122667498 The Age Melbourne 2 11 April 2023 16 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416182416/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-escaper-wanted-over-450000-wa/122667498/ live 26 December – The final figures for the nationwide guns buyback are released: 640,000 weapons were surrendered across Australia with New South Wales providing the poorest number of returns.27 December 1997 Silence on surplus https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-silence-on-surplus/122667535 The Age Melbourne 4 11 April 2023 16 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416182413/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-silence-on-surplus/122667535/ live Arts and literature 1997 in Australian literature 3 June – David Foster's novel The Glade within the Grove wins the Miles Franklin AwardSheehan Paul 5 June 1997 Black belt of books https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-black-belt-of/122551473 The Sydney Morning Herald 17 9 April 2023 13 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230413150224/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-black-belt-of/122551473/ live 17 September – Robert Drewe's The Drowner wins Book of the Year at the New South Wales Premier's Literary AwardsLamont Leonie 18 September 1997 Novelist Drewe carries off a big prize at last https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-novelist-drewe/122551424 The Sydney Morning Herald 3 9 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411173347/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-novelist-drewe/122551424/ live 22 September – Brisbane pop group Savage Garden wins a record 10 ARIA awards.Jinman Richard 23 September 1997 Savage Garden reaps a rich ARIA harvest https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-savage-garden/122551498 The Sydney Morning Herald 3 9 April 2023 12 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230412164150/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-savage-garden/122551498/ live Film The CastleThomas Brett 7 September 1997 Tale of an unemployed Working Dog https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-tale-of-an-une/122526225 The Sydney Morning Herald 43 9 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411140626/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-tale-of-an-une/122526225/ live Doing Time for Patsy ClineJinman Richard 12 May 1997 Sweet and savvy Patsy Cline set a shining example for openers https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-sweet-and-savv/122526464 The Sydney Morning Herald 5 9 April 2023 12 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230412130617/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-sweet-and-savv/122526464/ live Blackrock27 January 1997 Film bathes in afterglow of Shine https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-film-bathes-in/122526878 The Sydney Morning Herald 4 9 April 2023 12 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230412080139/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-film-bathes-in/122526878/ live The Wiggles MovieAdamson Judy 18 December 1997 Touch of magic in Wiggles' debut https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-touch-of-magic/122526629 The Sydney Morning Herald 73 9 April 2023 12 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230412130615/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-touch-of-magic/122526629/ live 24 March – Queensland-born actor Geoffrey Rush wins "Best Actor" at the 69th Academy Awards for his portrayal of pianist David Helfgott in the movie Shine.Attwood Alan 26 March 1997 Brilliantissimo! Rush strikes gold https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-brilliantissim/122525998 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 9 April 2023 12 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230412132119/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-brilliantissim/122525998/ live He is the first Australian to win the Best Actor Oscar since Peter Finch in 1976 for the film Network. Australian cinematographer John Seale wins an Oscar for his work on the film The English Patient. 3 September – The Castle, a film that cost $700,000 to make and was shot in 11 days, passes $10 million at the box office. Television 7 March – The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is televised on commercial television for the first time when a 90-minute highlights package hosted by Tottie Goldsmith is aired on Network 10, almost a week after the event.Oliver Robin 3 March 1997 Partygoers have time to reflect on their performance https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-partygoers-hav/122491979 The Sydney Morning Herald 6 8 April 2023 10 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230410005649/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-partygoers-hav/122491979/ live 22 May – Television journalist Jana Wendt accepts a $1.2 million settlement and ends her legal action against the Seven Network after receiving a death threat.Curtin Jennie McClymont Kate 23 May 1997 Wendt ends case after death threat https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-wendt-ends-cas/122727251 The Sydney Morning Herald 3 14 April 2023 18 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230418063650/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-wendt-ends-cas/122727251/ live Wendt had taken Seven to court to be released from a contract she had signed with the network, claiming she had been misled when lured from the Nine Network to host Witness with a promise it was to be a high quality program.McClymont Kate 30 January 1997 Jana becomes the story as she goes to court https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-jana-becomes-t/122826445 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 14 April 2023 14 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240714064625/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-jana-becomes-t/122826445/ live 24 May – The Footy Show panellist Sam Newman sustains a broken leg and ankle after being injured in an incident outside his home in Melbourne.Carson Andrea 26 May 1997 Newman feeling a little run down https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-newman-feeling-a-little-run-down/122727426 The Age Melbourne 1 14 April 2023 18 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230418063650/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-newman-feeling-a-little-run-down/122727426/ live Although originally reported that he had been crushed while attempting to help his girlfriend park in his garage, Newman later admits the incident occurred following an argument but denies it was deliberate.Cauchi Stephen 3 June 1997 Just a mistake, says Newman of accident https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-just-a-mistake-says-newman-of-a/122727446 The Age Melbourne 2 14 April 2023 18 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230418132242/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-just-a-mistake-says-newman-of-a/122727446/ live He claims he had exited the car and was walking alongside the vehicle when his girlfriend drove off, knocking him over, stating: "She said something to me and I walked around to find out what it was. She was in the process of driving off and that's when this accident happened." 1 July – Prime Television comes to Mildura, ending a monopoly on commercial television held by STV-8 since 1965.1 July 1997 Prime set to start Sunraysia Daily Mildura will today become the final link in Prime Television's expansion throughout regional Victoria.https://televisionau.com/2015/11/50-years-of-tv-in-mildura.html 50 years of TV in Mildura Bayley Andrew 22 November 2015 Television.AU 8 April 2023 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408090317/https://televisionau.com/2015/11/50-years-of-tv-in-mildura.html live 11 July – Long running American-Canadian children's animated series Arthur premieres on ABC TV.11 July 1997 Television: Friday 11 July 1997 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-television-fr/122491623 The Sydney Morning Herald 8 April 2023 ABC...4:30 Arthur 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411051716/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-television-fr/122491623/ live 1 November – TCN-9 stages the first trial of digital television in the Southern Hemisphere.https://simonfieldhouse.com/sydney-icons/channel-9-tv-antenna-willoughby Channel 9 Antenna Willoughby Fieldhouse Simon Simon Fieldhouse 8 April 2023 On 1 October 1997, TCN-9 performed the first on-air trial of digital broadcasting in the southern hemisphere. 10 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230410005653/https://simonfieldhouse.com/sydney-icons/channel-9-tv-antenna-willoughby/ live 20 December – American animated comedy series South Park is launched on SBS becoming the network's highest rating series to date.14 December 1997 SBS Amazing Summer: This is Week One for starters (advertisement) https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-sbs-amazing-su/122491932 The Sydney Morning Herald 221 8 April 2023 Comedies: South Park... starts Saturday 8.30pm 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411105455/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-sbs-amazing-su/122491932/ livehttps://televisionau.com/timeline/1990-1999 1990–1999 Bayley Andrew Television.AU 8 April 2023 1997... December: South Park, the politically incorrect animated series from America’s Comedy Central pay-TV channel, begins on SBS and becomes the network’s highest rating series to date. 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407084109/https://televisionau.com/timeline/1990-1999 live Sport 27 February – First day of the Australian Track & Field Championships for the 1996–1997 season, which are held at the Olympic Park in Melbourne, Victoria.Johnson Len 24 February 1997 Titles mark well-run century https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-titles-mark-well-run-century/122709003 The Age Melbourne 50 12 April 2023 16 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416011544/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-titles-mark-well-run-century/122709003/ live The 5,000 metres was conducted at the Nike Classic, Melbourne on 20 February. The men's decathlon event was conducted at the Hobart Grand Prix on 15–16 February 1997. 1 March – The Australian Super League competition commences with 2 matches, with the Brisbane Broncos defeating the Auckland Warriors 14–2 in Brisbane & the North Queensland Cowboys defeating the Adelaide Rams 24–16 in Townsville.Mitchell Alex 2 March 1997 A whole new ball game https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-a-whole-new-ba/122709128 The Sydney Morning Herald 7 12 April 2023 17 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230417040135/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-a-whole-new-ba/122709128/ live 2 March – Greg Blewett and Steve Waugh bat the whole day during the first test match at Johannesburg against South Africa.Knox Malcolm 3 March 1997 Tons for Waugh, Blewett https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-tons-for-waugh-blewett/122709302 The Sydney Morning Herald 50 12 April 2023 16 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416011542/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-tons-for-waugh-blewett/122709302/ live 7 March – The ARL competition kicks off with the Parramatta Eels defeating the North Sydney Bears 10–8 at Parramatta Stadium.Mascord Steve 8 March 1997 Bumper crowd stirs a giant from hibernation https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-bumper-crowd-s/122709367 The Sydney Morning Herald 62 12 April 2023 17 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230417034250/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-bumper-crowd-s/122709367/ live 19 May – In the one and only Super League Tri-series, New South Wales defeat Queensland 23–22 in the longest (104 minutes) & one of the most exciting games of representative rugby league ever played.Mascord Steve 20 May 1997 Goldthorpe drops Qld in a thriller https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-goldthorpe-dro/122709592 The Sydney Morning Herald 45 12 April 2023 16 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416011542/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-goldthorpe-dro/122709592/ live 25 May – Brisbane Strikers create history by winning the NSL Grand Final, a 2–0 victory over Sydney United.Schwab Laurie Brisbane strikes gold https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-brisbane-strikes-gold/122709645 The Age Melbourne 60 12 April 2023 17 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230417063728/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-brisbane-strikes-gold/122709645/ live The achievement was the first NSL title in their history, the first time a Queensland side had won the title, and all in front of a record crowd of 40,446 at Suncorp Stadium. 28 May 1997 – Swimmer Scott Miller is involved in a late night altercation outside a Canberra takeaway shop in which he sustains a dislocated finger.Magnay Jacquelin 5 June 1997 Fish out of water https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-fish-out-of-wa/122727775 The Sydney Morning Herald 49 14 April 2023 18 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230418151918/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-fish-out-of-wa/122727775/ live The scuffle leads to his expulsion from the Australian Institute of Sport where there are already concerns about his attitude and apparent lack of commitment to training sessions. 13 July – Patrick Carroll wins his second men's national marathon title, clocking 2:11:21 in Brisbane, while Susan Hobson claims her second women's title in 2:32:43.Johnson Len 14 July 1997 Carroll wins marathon after brave Thys tries https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-carroll-wins-marathon-after-brav/122709764 The Age Melbourne 53 12 April 2023 17 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230417054221/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-carroll-wins-marathon-after-brav/122709764/ live 4 August – Cathy Freeman becomes the first Australian woman to win a title at the World Athletics Championships, after her triumph in the 400 metres event in Athens in 49.77 seconds.Evans Louise 6 August 1997 Cathy beats the blues – then the world https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-cathy-beats-th/122709995 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 12 April 2023 17 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230417055444/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-cathy-beats-th/122709995/ live 10 August – Australia retains the Ashes after beating England by 264 runs in the Fifth Test at Trent Bridge Nottingham.Baum Greg 12 August 1997 We are the best in the world, declares Taylor https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-we-are-the-bes/122710144 The Sydney Morning Herald 47 12 April 2023 16 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416011542/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-we-are-the-bes/122710144/ live The win gives Australia its fifth consecutive series victory, an ascendancy they've held since winning the 1989 series in England. 22 August – The Melbourne Phoenix defeat the Adelaide Thunderbirds 58–48 in the inaugural Commonwealth Bank Trophy netball grand finalCarson Andrea 23 August 1997 Phoenix patience earns national crown https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-phoenix-patience-earns-national/122710204 The Age Melbourne 58 12 April 2023 17 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230417033713/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-phoenix-patience-earns-national/122710204/ live 7 September – Pat Rafter wins the US Open, defeating Britain's Greg Rusedski 6–3, 6–2, 4–6, 7–5 to claim Australia's first grand slam tournament title since Pat Cash won Wimbledon in 1987.Attwood Alan 9 September 1997 Rafter brings the house down https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-rafter-brings/122710295 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 12 April 2023 17 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230417070155/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-rafter-brings/122710295/ live 17 September – The Melbourne Storm rugby league team is founded.21 September 1997 A huff and puff piece https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-a-huff-and-puff-piece/122710698 The Age Melbourne 69 12 April 2023 20 September – The Brisbane Broncos defeat the Cronulla Sharks 26–8 at ANZ Stadium (now Elizabeth II stadium) to become premiers of the Super League (Australia) season 1997.Mascord Steve 21 September 1997 Broncos foul on Sharks https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-broncos-foul-o/122710831 The Sun-Herald 98 12 April 2023 17 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230417032714/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-broncos-foul-o/122710831/ live It is the first night grand final played in rugby league. 27 September – The Adelaide Crows (19.11.125) defeat the St Kilda Saints (13.16.94) to win the 101st VFL/AFL.Carlyon Les 28 September 1997 Eating crow https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-eating-crow/122710898 The Age Melbourne 1 12 April 2023 17 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230417063723/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-eating-crow/122710898/ live It is the first premiership for Adelaide & the first time the AFL flag has left Victoria since 1994. 28 September – In one of, if not the most exciting grand final ever played, the Newcastle Knights defeat minor premiers the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 22–16 to win the 90th NSWRL/ARL premiership.Huxley John Brown Malcolm 29 September 1997 Six seconds to go... and the Knight steal it https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-six-seconds-to/122713282 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 12 April 2023 16 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416014406/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-six-seconds-to/122713282/ live It is the first premiership for Newcastle & it was the third consecutive grand final appearance for Manly.Brown Malcolm 29 September 199 Surprise victory sees Newcastle shake with pride https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-surprise-victo/122711012 The Sydney Morning Herald 6 12 April 2023 16 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416014402/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-surprise-victo/122711012/ live The South Queensland Crushers finish in last position in their final season, claiming their second consecutive wooden spoon. 4 November – Melbourne Cup at Flemington won by Might And Power ridden by Jim Cassidy and trained by Jack Denham. The winning time was 3:18.3 and the placegetters were Doremus and Markham. The race was also noteworthy because of serial pest Peter Hore who ran onto the track during the race."Man whose body was found hogtied and dumped in a Newcastle Park shared house with serial pest Peter Hore". heraldsun.com.au. 28 October 2021. 29 November – In what has come to be known as the Iran game, the Socceroos draw 2–2 with Iran at the Melbourne Cricket Ground after leading 2–0.Kogoy Peter 30 November 1997 Heartbreak at the MCG https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-heartbreak-at/122711284 The Sun-Herald 102 12 April 2023 16 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416011543/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-heartbreak-at/122711284/ live The game is interrupted when spectator Peter Hore cut up Iran's goal net.30 November 1997 Funeral, cup pest scores a trifecta https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-funeral-cup-p/122711073 The Sydney Morning Herald 12 12 April 2023 16 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416011551/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-funeral-cup-p/122711073/ live Iran qualifies for the 1998 FIFA World Cup on the away goals rule. 19 December – After a series of meetings at the Sydney Football Stadium (now Sydney Football Stadium), the Super League war is declared over.Curtin Jennie 20 December 1997 League warfare: it's over https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-league-warfare/122711342 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 12 April 2023 16 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416011542/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-league-warfare/122711342/ live The ARL & Super League agree to form the National Rugby League, and the Perth Reds, Hunter Mariners & South Queensland Crushers are shut down to give a 20-team competition for 1998, with the newly founded Melbourne Storm becoming part of the unified competition that season. The NRL is to be reduced to 14 teams for 2000 after reform. Births 1 January – Keegan Hipgrave, rugby league playerhttps://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/keegan-hipgrave/summary.html Keegan Hipgrave Rugby League Project 11 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411090507/https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/keegan-hipgrave/summary.html live 10 January – Blake Lawrie, rugby league playerhttps://www.dragons.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/st-george-illawarra-dragons/blake-lawrie Blake Lawrie St George Illawarra Dragons 11 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411090507/https://www.dragons.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/st-george-illawarra-dragons/blake-lawrie live 11 January – Cody Simpson, swimmer and singerhttps://speedo.com.au/explore-our-athletes/cody-simpson.html Cody Simpson Speedo 11 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411090509/https://speedo.com.au/explore-our-athletes/cody-simpson.html dead 16 January – Jarome Luai, rugby league playerhttps://www.penrithpanthers.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/penrith-panthers/jarome-luai Jarome Luai Penrith Panthers 11 April 2023 14 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240714064625/https://www.penrithpanthers.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/penrith-panthers/jarome-luai live 17 January – Jack Vidgen, singerApril 2023 20 January – Rheed McCracken, athletics competitorhttps://www.athletics.com.au/athlete-profiles-directory/rheed-mccracken-qld Rheed McCracken Athletics Australia 11 April 2023 19 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230419135516/https://www.athletics.com.au/athlete-profiles-directory/rheed-mccracken-qld/ live 22 January – Brock Lamb, rugby league playerhttps://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/brock-lamb/summary.html Brock Lamb Rugby League Project 11 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411090507/https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/brock-lamb/summary.html live 3 February – Mitchell Dunn, rugby league playerhttps://www.cowboys.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/north-queensland-cowboys/mitchell-dunn Mitchell Dunn North Queensland Cowboys 11 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411091143/https://www.cowboys.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/north-queensland-cowboys/mitchell-dunn live 11 February – Rosé, singerApril 2023 15 February – Joseph Tramontana, rugby league playerhttps://www.nrl.com/players/rugby-league-world-cup/italy/joe-tramontana/ Joe Tramontana National Rugby League 11 April 2023 13 October 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20221013090721/https://www.nrl.com/players/rugby-league-world-cup/italy/joe-tramontana/ live 18 February – Evie Ferris, ballerina and member of children's band The Wiggles 19 February Paige Greco, Paralympic cyclist (d. 2025)Australian Paralympic gold medallist dies at 28 Brad Parker, rugby league playerhttps://www.seaeagles.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/manly-warringah-sea-eagles/brad-parker Brad Parker Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 11 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411091143/https://www.seaeagles.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/manly-warringah-sea-eagles/brad-parker live 6 March – Daniel De Silva, footballerhttps://www.365scores.com/en-us/football/player/daniel-da-silva-104971 Daniel Da Silva 365 Scores 11 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411092219/https://www.365scores.com/en-us/football/player/daniel-da-silva-104971 live 20 March – Wayde Egan, rugby league playerhttps://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/wayde-egan/summary.html Wade Egan Rugby League Project 11 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411092217/https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/wayde-egan/summary.html live 11 April – Georgia Bohl, Olympic swimmerhttps://www.eurosport.com/swimming/georgia-bohl_prs454095/person.shtml Georgie Bohl Eurosport 11 April 2023 14 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240714064622/https://www.eurosport.com/swimming/georgia-bohl_prs454095/person.shtml live 18 April – Siosifa Talakai, rugby league playerhttps://www.sharks.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/cronulla-sutherland-sharks/siosifa-talakai Siosifa Talakai Cronulla Sutherland Sharks 11 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411092219/https://www.sharks.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/cronulla-sutherland-sharks/siosifa-talakai live 27 April – Jesse Ramien, rugby league playerhttps://www.sharks.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/cronulla-sutherland-sharks/jesse-ramien Jesse Ramien Cronulla Sutherland Sharks 11 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411092220/https://www.sharks.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/cronulla-sutherland-sharks/jesse-ramien live 11 May – Morgan Baker, actorhttp://www.perfectblend.net/neighbourhood/pro/baker-morgan.htm Morgan Baker The Perfect Blend 11 April 2023 4 October 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231004052839/http://www.perfectblend.net/neighbourhood/pro/baker-morgan.htm live 13 May – Reimis Smith, rugby league playerhttps://www.melbournestorm.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/melbourne-storm/reimis-smith Reimis Smith Melbourne Storm 11 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411093545/https://www.melbournestorm.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/melbourne-storm/reimis-smith live 10 June – Fletcher O'Leary, actorhttp://www.perfectblend.net/neighbourhood/pro/oleary-fletcher.htm Fletcher O'Leary The Perfect Blend 11 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411093545/http://www.perfectblend.net/neighbourhood/pro/oleary-fletcher.htm live 16 June – Latrell Mitchell, rugby league playerhttps://www.rabbitohs.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/south-sydney-rabbitohs/latrell-mitchell Latrell Mitchell South Sydney Rabbitohs 11 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411093545/https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/south-sydney-rabbitohs/latrell-mitchell live 18 June – Cory Denniss, rugby league playerhttps://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/cory-denniss/summary.html Corey Denniss Rugby League Project 11 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411093545/https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/cory-denniss/summary.html live 26 June Jacob Elordi, actorApril 2023 Jack Murchie, rugby league playerhttps://www.parraeels.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/parramatta-eels/jack-murchie/ Jack Murchie Parramatta Eels 11 April 2023 27 June – Felix Dean, actorApril 2023 30 June - Reuben Garrick, Rugby League PlayerJune 2025 3 July – Jordan Mailata, American football and rugby league playerhttps://eagles.1rmg.com/players/mailata-jordan Jordan Mailata Philadelphia Eagles 11 April 2023 14 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240714065139/https://eagles.1rmg.com/players/mailata-jordan live 14 July – Brodie Croft, rugby league playerhttps://www.nrl.com/players/nrl-nines/brisbane-broncos-9s/brodie-croft/ Brodie Croft National Rugby League 11 April 2023 14 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240714065139/https://www.nrl.com/players/nrl-nines/brisbane-broncos-9s/brodie-croft/ live 21 July Josh Ralph, rugby league playerhttps://www.nrl.com/players/rugby-league-world-cup/wales/josh-ralph Josh Ralph National Rugby League 11 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411095013/https://www.nrl.com/players/rugby-league-world-cup/wales/josh-ralph live Tom Wright, rugby playerhttps://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/tom-wright--mw-/summary.html Tom Wright Rugby League Project 11 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411095013/https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/tom-wright--mw-/summary.html live 25 July – Nat Butcher, rugby league playerhttps://www.roosters.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/sydney-roosters/nat-butcher/ Nat Butcher Sydney Roosters 11 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411095014/https://www.roosters.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/sydney-roosters/nat-butcher/ live 2 August – Phillip Sami, rugby league playerhttps://www.titans.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/gold-coast-titans/phillip-sami Phillip Sami Gold Coast Titans 11 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411095013/https://www.titans.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/gold-coast-titans/phillip-sami live 4 August – Sam Stone, rugby league playerhttps://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/sam-stone/summary.html Sam Stone Rugby League Project 11 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411100517/https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/sam-stone/summary.html live 5 August – Jack Cogger, rugby league playerhttps://www.penrithpanthers.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/penrith-panthers/jack-cogger Jack Cogger Penith Panthers 11 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411095015/https://www.penrithpanthers.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/penrith-panthers/jack-cogger live 17 August – Tyronne Roberts-Davis, rugby league playerhttps://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/tyronne-roberts-davis/summary.html Tyrone Roberts-Davis Rugby League Project 11 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411095014/https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/tyronne-roberts-davis/summary.html live 18 August – Josephine Langford, actresshttps://www.capitalfm.com/features/josephine-langford/ford/ford/height-how-tall/ford/age-how-old/ford/boyfriend-dating-relationship/ford/age-how-old/ford/height-how-tall/ Josephine Langford Capital FM 11 April 2023July 2024 InternetArchiveBot yes 6 September – Jai Field, rugby league playerhttps://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/jai-field/summary.html Jai Field Rugby League Project 11 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411095910/https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/jai-field/summary.html live 9 September – Billy Bainbridge, rugby league playerhttps://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/william-bainbridge/summary.html William Bainbridge Rugby League Project 11 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411095909/https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/william-bainbridge/summary.html live 10 September – Nick Meaney, rugby league playerhttps://www.melbournestorm.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/melbourne-storm/nick-meaney Nick Meaney Melbourne Storm 11 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411095908/https://www.melbournestorm.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/melbourne-storm/nick-meaney live 12 October – Curtis Scott, rugby league playerhttps://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/curtis-scott/summary.html Curtis Scott Rugby League Project 11 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411095909/https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/curtis-scott/summary.html live 15 October – Jack Johns, rugby league playerhttps://www.newcastleknights.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/newcastle-knights/jack-johns Jack Johns Newcastle Knights 11 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411095911/https://www.newcastleknights.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/newcastle-knights/jack-johns live 14 November – Nathan Cleary, rugby league playerhttps://www.penrithpanthers.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/penrith-panthers/nathan-cleary Nathan Cleary Penrith Panthers 11 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411095911/https://www.penrithpanthers.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/penrith-panthers/nathan-cleary live 27 December – Gideon Gela-Mosby, rugby league playerhttps://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/gideon-gela-mosby/summary.html Gideon Gela-Mosby Rugby League Project 11 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411095908/https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/gideon-gela-mosby/summary.html live Deaths 100px|thumb|Lance Barnard 100px|thumb|Michael Hutchence 17 January – Bert Kelly, South Australian politician (b. 1912)Evans Ray 24 January 1997 Politician was free-trade thinker https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-politician-was-free-trade-thinke/122492976 The Age Melbourne 18 8 April 2023 10 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230410165858/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-politician-was-free-trade-thinke/122492976/ live 31 January – John Panizza, Western Australian politician (b. 1931)Middleton Karen 1 February 1997 MPs pay tribute to late WA senator https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-mps-pay-tribute-to-late-wa-senat/122493013 The Age Melbourne 7 8 April 2023 12 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230412121527/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-mps-pay-tribute-to-late-wa-senat/122493013/ live 16 March – Harry Holgate, 36th Premier of Tasmania (b. 1933)Darby Andrew 20 March 1997 Premier brought down by dams https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-premier-brought-down-by-dams/122493088 The Age Melbourne 29 8 April 2023 12 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230412121454/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-premier-brought-down-by-dams/122493088/ live 10 April – Clinton Haines, computer hacker (b. 1976)Robotham Julie 29 April 1997 The hacker who burned too bright https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-the-hacker-who/122493127 The Sydney Morning Herald 6 8 April 2023 12 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230412050828/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-the-hacker-who/122493127/ liveRobotham Julie 6 May 1997 Death of the virus king https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-death-of-the-v/122493152 The Sydney Morning Herald 11 8 April 2023 10 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230410165858/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-death-of-the-v/122493152/ live 12 April – Sir Eric Pearce, television newsreader (born in the United Kingdom) (b. 1905)Aiton Doug 13 April 1997 Goodbye and God bless you, Sir Eric https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-goodbye-and-god-bless-you-sir-e/122552042 The Age Melbourne 1 9 April 2023 12 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230412184217/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-goodbye-and-god-bless-you-sir-e/122552042/ live 21 April – Laurence Henry Hicks, military bandmaster and composer (born in the United Kingdom) (b. 1912)Geurens Philippa 3 June 1997 A squadron leader of the bands https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-a-squadron-leader-of-the-bands/122493234 The Age Melbourne 36 8 April 2023 12 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230412050840/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-a-squadron-leader-of-the-bands/122493234/ live 25 April – Brian May, film composer (b. 1934)Oliver Robin 2 May 1997 Inspiration to big band broadcasts https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-inspiration-to-big-band-broadcas/122493275 The Age Melbourne 26 8 April 2023 10 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230410165858/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-inspiration-to-big-band-broadcas/122493275/ live 2 May – John Carew Eccles, psychologist (died in Switzerland) (b. 1903)Cunningham James 5 May 1997 Leader in the study of the brain https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-leader-in-the-study-of-the-brain/122493330 The Age Melbourne 28 8 April 2023 12 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230412050807/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-leader-in-the-study-of-the-brain/122493330/ live 21 May – William Aston, New South Wales politician (b. 1916)30 May 1997 A former Speaker of the House https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-a-former-speaker-of-the-house/122493370 The Age Melbourne 29 8 April 2023 10 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230410165901/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-a-former-speaker-of-the-house/122493370/ live 15 June Jaidyn Leskie, murder victim (b. 1996)Cauchi Stephen Foley Brett Shiel Fergus 2 January 1998 Toddler's body found https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-toddlers-body-found/122493454 The Age Melbourne 1 8 April 2023 12 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230412054605/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-toddlers-body-found/122493454/ liveCauchi Stephen Foley Brett Murdoch Lindsay 3 January 1998 Secret of Blue Rock Lake https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-secret-of-blue-rock-lake/122493492 The Age Melbourne 1 8 April 2023 ...police sources confirmed yesterday was that of Moe toddler Jaidyn Leskie, reported missing by his mother on 15 June 12 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230412050757/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-secret-of-blue-rock-lake/122493492/ live Dal Stivens, writer (b. 1911)Hicks Ian 18 June 1997 Tall tales teller who became tireless worker for writers https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-tall-tales-tel/122493576 The Sydney Morning Herald 5 8 April 2023 12 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230412054550/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-tall-tales-tel/122493576/ live 11 July – Jock Sturrock, Olympic yachtsman (b. 1915)Ross Bob 11 July 1997 Pioneering sailor Jock Sturrock dead at 82 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-pioneer-sailor/122493620 8 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411133645/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-pioneer-sailor/122493620/ live 13 July – Sir Garfield Barwick, 7th Chief Justice of Australia and New South Wales politician (b. 1903)Ramsey Alan Marr David 15 July 1997 Sir Garfield Barwick dead at 94 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-sir-garfield-b/122493663 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 8 April 2023 10 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230410165858/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-sir-garfield-b/122493663/ live 6 August – Lance Barnard, 3rd Deputy Prime Minister of Australia (b. 1919)Cunningham James 8 August 1997 Loyal deputy, ALP's quiet hero https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-loyal-deputy-alps-quiet-hero/122493749 The Age Melbourne 26 8 April 2023 12 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230412054550/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-loyal-deputy-alps-quiet-hero/122493749/ live 17 August – Burnum Burnum, Indigenous activist, sportsman and actor (b. 1936)Taylor Rob 20 August 1997 A great warrior for Aborigines https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-a-great-warrior-for-aborigines/122493830 The Age Melbourne 37 8 April 2023 12 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230412121522/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-a-great-warrior-for-aborigines/122493830/ live 5 September – Brian Grieve, botanist (b. 1907) 12 September – Archer Denness, soldier (b. 1914) 16 September – Anne Kerr, Lady Kerr, 19th Spouse of the Governor-General of Australia and interpreter (b. 1914)Cunningham James 22 September 1997 A faultlessly vice-regal figure https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-a-faultlessly-vice-regal-figure/122493882 The Age Melbourne 28 8 April 2023 12 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230412054550/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-a-faultlessly-vice-regal-figure/122493882/ live 29 October – Nugget Coombs, public servant and economist (b. 1906)Stephens Tony 30 October 1997 Nuggest Coombs, renaissance man, dies at 91 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-nugget-coombs/122493957 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 8 April 2023 11 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411014113/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-nugget-coombs/122493957/ live 5 November – Peter Jackson, rugby league footballer (b. 1964)Kennedy Les 8 November 1997 Former league star dies of overdose in motel https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-former-league/122494082/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 8 April 2023 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408215148/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-former-league/122494082/ live 6 November – Jane Thurgood-Dove, murder victim (b. 1963)Cauchi Stephen 7 November 1997 Children see mum killed in ambush https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-children-see-mum-killed-in-ambus/122494153 The Age Melbourne 1 8 April 2023 12 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230412050812/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-children-see-mum-killed-in-ambus/122494153/ live 22 November – Michael Hutchence, singer, songwriter and actor (b. 1960)23 November 1997 How INXS star died https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-how-inxs-star/122494217 The Sun-Herald 1 8 April 2023 10 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230410165900/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-how-inxs-star/122494217/ live See also 1997 in Australian television List of Australian films of 1997 References 1997 in yes Australia Category:Years of the 20th century in Australia