1996 in Australia

none March 2020 February 2012 Elizabeth II Bill Hayden, then Sir William Deane Paul Keating, then John Howard 18,310,714 TAS, Federal, VIC, WA The following lists events that happened during 1996 in Australia. 1996 Incumbents horizontal right center 280 Bill Hayden on 29.5.1990.jpg Bill Hayden William Deane official portrait.jpg Sir William Deane horizontal right center 280 Keating Paul BANNER.jpg Paul Keating John howard.jpg John Howard Monarch – Elizabeth IIhttps://www.naa.gov.au/blog/long-did-she-reign Long did she reign Ferry Patrick 9 September 2022 National Archives of Australia Australian Government 8 April 2023 Queen Elizabeth II was Australia's longest-serving head of state, having ascended to the throne on 6 February 1952. During her 70 year reign, Australia had 16 prime ministers 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408041040/https://www.naa.gov.au/blog/long-did-she-reign live Governor-General – Bill Hayden (until 16 February), then Sir William DeaneStephens Tony 17 February 1996 The old Bill hands over to the new https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-the-old-bill-h/122475464 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 8 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409170045/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-the-old-bill-h/122475464/ live Prime Minister – Paul Keating (until 11 March), then John Howard Deputy Prime Minister – Kim Beazley (until 11 March), then Tim Fischer Opposition Leader – John Howard (until 11 March), then Kim BeazleyKitney Geoff 15 March 1996 Leader Beazley will walk a tightrope https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-leader-beazley/122475697 The Sydney Morning Herald 11 8 April 2023 10 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230410001417/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-leader-beazley/122475697/ live Chief Justice – Sir Gerard Brennanhttps://www.hcourt.gov.au/justices/former-justices/former-chief-justices/sir-francis-gerard-brennan-ac-kbe-qc SIr (Francis) Gerard Brennan AC KBE QC 2022 High Court of Australia Australian Government 8 April 2023 (born 1928; died 2022). A Justice 1981-95. Chief Justice 1995-98 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408003703/https://www.hcourt.gov.au/justices/former-justices/former-chief-justices/sir-francis-gerard-brennan-ac-kbe-qc live State and territory leaders Premier of New South Wales – Bob Carr Opposition Leader – Peter Collins Premier of Queensland – Wayne Goss (until 19 February), then Rob Borbidge Opposition Leader – Rob Borbidge (until 19 February), then Peter Beattie Premier of South Australia – Dean Brown (until 28 November), then John Olsen Opposition Leader – Mike Rann Premier of Tasmania – Ray Groom (until 18 March), then Tony Rundle Opposition Leader – Michael Field Premier of Victoria – Jeff Kennett Opposition Leader – John Brumby Premier of Western Australia – Richard Court Opposition Leader – Jim McGinty (until 15 October), then Geoff Gallop Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory – Kate Carnell Opposition Leader – Rosemary Follett (until 5 March), then Andrew Whitecross Chief Minister of the Northern Territory – Shane Stone Opposition Leader – Brian Ede (until 9 April), then Maggie Hickey Head of Government of Norfolk Island – Michael King Governors and administrators Governor of New South Wales – Peter Sinclair (until 1 March), then Gordon Samuels Governor of Queensland – Leneen Forde Governor of South Australia – Roma Mitchell (until 21 July), then Eric Neal Governor of Tasmania – Guy Green Governor of Victoria – Richard McGarvie Governor of Western Australia – Michael Jeffery Administrator of the Australian Indian Ocean Territories – Danny Gillespie (until 30 June) Administrator of Norfolk Island – Alan Kerr Administrator of the Northern Territory – Austin Asche Events January 15 January – New South Wales Police Commissioner Tony Lauer announces his resignation.Bearup Greg 16 January 1996 Lauer goes: force in disarray https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-lauer-goes-fo/122308665 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 5 April 2023 6 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230406180653/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-lauer-goes-fo/122308665/ liveSturgess Gary 16 January 1996 The last of the thin-blue-line commissioners https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-the-last-of-th/122310192 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 5 April 2023 6 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230406115654/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-the-last-of-th/122310192/ live February 3 February – Liberal Frank Tanti wins the 1996 Mundingburra state by-election causing Labor to lose its Parliamentary majority in Queensland.Riley Mark Kingston Margo Millett Michael 5 February 1996 By-election lifts Lib hopes in Queensland https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-by-election-li/122308775 The Sydney Morning Herald 9 5 April 2023 6 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230406115648/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-by-election-li/122308775/ liveKingston Margo 5 February 1996 A town turns against Labor and turns Goss into dross https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-a-town-turns-a/122308781 The Sydney Morning Herald 9 5 April 2023 6 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230406121204/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-a-town-turns-a/122308781/ live 5 February – New South Wales Royal Commissioner Justice James Roland Wood's interim report concludes that the police service's internal security, ICAC and the Ombudsman's Office are all incapable of dealing with police corruption.Brown Malcolm Lagan Bernard 6 February 1996 All-out assault on crooked cops https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-all-out-assaul/122309280 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 5 April 2023 6 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230406214932/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-all-out-assaul/122309280/ live 8 February – Queensland Premier Wayne Goss declares the Labor leadership open, but is re-elected unopposed.Kingston Margo 9 February 1996 Goss on knife edge after poll disaster https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-goss-on-knife/122309361 The Sydney Morning Herald 2 5 April 2023 6 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230406183548/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-goss-on-knife/122309361/ live 19 February – Rob Borbidge becomes Premier of Queensland and Joan Sheldon becomes Deputy Premier after Independent MP Liz Cunningham declares her support for the Coalition.Millett Michael Roberts Greg 13 February 1996 Poll blow to Labor as Goss falls https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-poll-blow-to-l/122309503 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 5 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407030858/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-poll-blow-to-l/122309503/ live Peter Beattie becomes Labor leader, with Jim Elder as deputy.Roberts Greg 20 February 1996 New Qld Government illegitimate, says Labor https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-new-qld-govern/122309950 The Sydney Morning Herald 4 5 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407030908/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-new-qld-govern/122309950/ live 24 February – A state election is held in Tasmania. The Liberal Party government of Ray Groom is re-elected; however, Groom's promise to only govern in a majority saw him resign.Darby Andrew 16 March 1996 Groom resigns as Premier https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-groom-resigns-as-premier/122309670 The Age 9 5 April 2023 6 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230406115648/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-groom-resigns-as-premier/122309670/ live A swing of 12% against the Liberal Party saw them reduced to 16 seats with Labor gaining 14 and the Greens 4, with Bruce Goodluck as an Independent.Darby Andrew 25 February 1996 Libs lose majority in Tasmanian poll https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-libs-lose-majority-in-tasmanian/122309753/ The Age 1 5 April 2023 5 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230405115830/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-libs-lose-majority-in-tasmanian/122309753/ live March 2 March – A federal election is held. The Liberal/National coalition defeats the Labor government of Paul Keating with a landslide two-party preferred vote of 53.9% and a 45-seat majority, one of the biggest wins since World War II.Bye Clarissa 3 March 1996 Howard's massacre https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-howards-massa/122357871 The Sun-Herald 6 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407092337/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-howards-massa/122357871/ liveBye Clarissa 3 March 1996 Why Howard won https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-why-howard-won/122357915 The Sun-Herald 6 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407091017/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-why-howard-won/122357915/ live 4 March – Prime Minister John Howard outlines his reform agenda, declaring he has been given an emphatic and unambiguous mandate for the partial sale of Telstra and industrial relations changes.Wright Tony 5 March 1996 Howard sets his agenda https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-howard-sets-hi/122358617 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 6 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407150301/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-howard-sets-hi/122358617/ live 8 March – Prime Minister John Howard announces cuts to the ministry (from 31 to 28) and dismisses six departmental heads.Millett Michael Wright Tony 9 March 1996 Howard's Cabinet: spoils to loyal NSW https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-howards-cabin/122358869 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 6 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407112249/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-howards-cabin/122358869/ liveKitney Geoff 9 March 1996 Winds of change rip through Canberra https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-winds-of-chang/122359060 The Sydney Morning Herald 8 6 April 2023 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408034612/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-winds-of-chang/122359060/ live 11 March – John Howard is sworn in as Australia's 25th Prime Minister.Taylor Andrew 12 March 1996 Signed, sealed and delivered https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-signed-sealed/122359533 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 6 April 2023 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408033223/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-signed-sealed/122359533/ live Howard also restores the Queen to the oath of allegiance and the Australian flag to his official car.Wright Tony 12 March 1996 A message from the heavens heralds business by the Bible https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-a-message-from/122359567 The Sydney Morning Herald 6 6 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407090835/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-a-message-from/122359567/ live 12 March – Federal Treasurer Peter Costello declares that the "days of sloth and waste are over" and pledges to cut $8 billion from the budget over the next two years.Cleary Paul Millett Michael 13 March 1996 Costello to wield the razor: 'The days of sloth and waste are over' https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-costello-to-wi/122359748 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 6 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407092337/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-costello-to-wi/122359748/ live 15 March – Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad agrees to visit Australia for the first time in a decade.Lague David 15 March 1996 Mahathir visit a coup for Howard https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-mahathir-visit/122360154 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 6 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407204012/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-mahathir-visit/122360154/ live Unable to head a minority Government, Tasmanian Premier Ray Groom resigns the Liberal leadership.Darby Andrew 16 March 1996 Tasmania in balance as Groom quits https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-tasmania-in-ba/122359962 The Sydney Morning Herald 6 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407150302/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-tasmania-in-ba/122359962/ live 18 March – Prime Minister John Howard announces that he will move his family into Kirribilli House in Sydney, becoming the first Prime Minister since Sir William McMahon not to live at The Lodge.Wright Tony 19 March 1996 Thrifty Howard lodges in secure Kirribilli House https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-thrifty-howard/122360410 The Sydney Morning Herald 3 6 April 2023 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408080603/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-thrifty-howard/122360410/ live A paedophile inquiry, forming part of the Wood Royal Commission into police corruption, begins in New South Wales.Brown Malcolm 19 March 1996 Pedophiles: police admit defeat https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-pedophiles-po/122360218 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 6 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407112127/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-pedophiles-po/122360218/ live Tasmanian Treasurer Tony Rundle beats Roger Groom and Michael Hodgman to become Tasmanian Liberal Leader and Premier, with Sue Knowles as deputy.Darby Andrew 19 March 1996 New Lib Premier to take on Greens https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-new-lib-premier-to-take-on-green/122365877 The Age 6 6 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407115151/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-new-lib-premier-to-take-on-green/122365877/ live 27 March – Indonesian President Suharto invites John Howard to visit Jakarta.28 March 1996 Soeharto invites Howard to visit https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-soeharto-invit/122361059 The Sydney Morning Herald 10 6 April 2023 25 October 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231025054029/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-soeharto-invit/122361059/ live 29 March – Prime Minister John Howard and Foreign Minister Alexander Downer meet Malaysian Prime Minister Dr.Mahathir Mohamad, who stops briefly in Brisbane on his way to New Zealand.Lague David 30 March 1996 $3bn boat contract on cards: Mahathir https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-3bn-boat-cont/122361139 The Sydney Morning Herald 2 6 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407202320/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-3bn-boat-cont/122361139/ live 30 March – A state election is held in Victoria The Liberal/National coalition government of Jeff Kennett is re-elected for a second term with a massive 59 to 29 majority over Labor, but suffers a 2.8% swing and loses 2 seats.Robinson Paul 31 March 1996 Kennett's coup! https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-kennetts-coup/122361220 The Sunday Age 1 6 April 2023 29 October 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231029181503/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-kennetts-coup/122361220/ live With 45% of the vote in the Legislative Council, Labor is reduced to 10 of the 44 seats. April 4 April – The Wiggles' sixth album, Wake up Jeff is released.Shoebridge Neil 17 March 1997 Bring on the clowns, but take them seriously https://www.afr.com/companies/bring-on-the-clowns-but-take-them-seriously-19970317-kb1rn The Australian Financial Review 6 April 2023 The album Wake Up Jeff was released in April 1996, but the Wake Up Jeff video did not appear until August. 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407013426/https://www.afr.com/companies/bring-on-the-clowns-but-take-them-seriously-19970317-kb1rn live 8 April – Nine people die in a fire at a home for the intellectually disabled in Melbourne, Victoria.Costa Gabrielle McKay Sandra Button James 9 April 1996 Kew inferno kills 9: 'They had tried to get out... they had little chance at all' https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-kew-inferno-kills-9/122363619 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 6 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407123427/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-kew-inferno-kills-9/122363619/ live 28 April – Port Arthur massacre: Martin Bryant kills 35 people and injures 21 in a shooting spree at the Port Arthur historic site in Tasmania. Bryant is captured the next day after an 18½ hour standoff with the Special Operations Group of the Tasmania Police.Simpson Lindsay Hayes Bronwen 29 April 1996 Gunman captured https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-gunman-capture/122364802 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 6 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407221907/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-gunman-capture/122364802/ live Federal Attorney-General Daryl Williams says he will press for changes to gun laws.McKay Sandra Oldfield Stewart 29 April 1996 State slammed over gun control record https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-state-slammed-over-gun-control-r/122364922 The Sydney Morning Herald 65 6 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407013427/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-state-slammed-over-gun-control-r/122364922/ live 29 April – Prime Minister John Howard orders an emergency meeting of state police ministers to toughen gun laws and draw up a national plan for firearm registration.Wright Tony Lagan Bernard 30 April 1996 Howard pledges weapons action https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-howard-pledges/122364158 The Sydney Morning Herald 7 6 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407143134/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-howard-pledges/122364158/ live The Port Arthur massacre crystallises resolve for a national approach to the issue.Wahlquist Calla 15 March 2016 It took one massacre: how Australia embraced gun control after Port Arthur https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/mar/15/it-took-one-massacre-how-australia-made-gun-control-happen-after-port-arthur The Guardian 6 April 2023 22 February 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180222132631/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/mar/15/it-took-one-massacre-how-australia-made-gun-control-happen-after-port-arthur live 30 April – Prime Minister John Howard imposes a new code of ministerial conduct on his first day in Parliament, forbidding ministers from engaging in any other work, from holding directorships in public companies and from holding shares in companies in the area of their portfolios.April 2023 May 3 May – Queensland Premier Rob Borbidge prepares to dump his election pledge of no new taxes and charges, while Queensland Opposition Leader Peter Beattie signals a move by Labor away from economic rationalism towards service delivery.April 2023 10 May – Prime Minister John Howard announces new gun control measures, which involve the banning of automatic and semi-automatic weapons, self-loading rifles, shotguns and pump-action shotguns, as well as tightening of other gun laws.Millett Michael 11 May 1996 A victory for sanity https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-a-victory-for/122365463 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 6 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407114951/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-a-victory-for/122365463/ live A nationwide register will be established, along with requirements for a genuine reason for owning, possessing or using a firearm, minimum standards for storage and mail order sales controls. 15–16 May – Debate takes place in the Tasmanian Parliament on Green-sponsored gay reform legislation.17 May 1996 Gay law reform delay https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-gay-law-reform-delay/122365779 The Age 6 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407024408/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-gay-law-reform-delay/122365779/ live The watered down bill is passed, but then rejected by the Legislative Council 8:6.Darby Andrew 19 June 1996 Tasmania blocks gay law reform yet again https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-tasmania-block/122365683 The Sydney Morning Herald 8 6 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407114951/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-tasmania-block/122365683/ live 24 May – Prime Minister John Howard indicates that he may have to drop some of his election promises because of budget constraints. May – Floods in southern Queensland and northern New South Wales kill five people and cause more than A$55 million in farm losses.Hoy Anthony Roberts Greg 7 May 1996 Havoc as flood toll continues to grow https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-havoc-as-flood/122366119 The Sydney Morning Herald 10 6 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407022303/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-havoc-as-flood/122366119/ liveLewis Daniel Woodford James 9 May 1996 Carr offers aid as northern floodwaters recede; Heavy rainfall fails to boost dam levels https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-carr-offers-ai/122366282 The Sydney Morning Herald 6 6 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407131746/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-carr-offers-ai/122366282/ live 25 May – Former federal member for Page, Harry Woods, wins the 1996 Clarence state by-election from the National Party with a 14% swing, thus giving the New South Wales Government a more comfortable 3-seat majority.Dasey Daniel 26 May 1996 Just wild about Harry https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-just-wild-abou/122360881 The Sun-Herald 2 6 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407202456/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-just-wild-abou/122360881/ live June 11 June – Peter Ryan replaces Tony Lauer as New South Wales Police Commissioner.Bearup Greg 12 June 1996 $315,000 a year to clean up police https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-315000-a-yea/122368704 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 6 April 2023 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408024544/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-315000-a-yea/122368704/ live 12 June – Two Blackhawk Helicopters collide near Townsville, killing 18 people.14 June 1996 The Blackhawk Tragedy: Death of the men who dared https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-the-blackhawk/122307767 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 6 April 2023 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408000809/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-the-blackhawk/122307767/ live 16 June – Prime Minister John Howard wears a bullet-proof vest as he confronts an angry crowd of 3,000 in Sale on a tour of rural Australia to listen to the pro-gun lobby, stating that "If I am wrong and you are right then the democratic processes of Australia will vindicate you and condemn me".Savva Niki 17 June 1996 No backdown on guns https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-no-backdown-on-guns/122368849 The Age 1 6 April 2023 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408083810/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-no-backdown-on-guns/122368849/ live 26 June – Prime Minister John Howard rejects claims by Noel Pearson that he does not believe in the spirit of the Mabo decision, saying "I have always regarded the Mabo decision itself as being a justified, correct decision".Brough Jodie 27 June 1996 Mabo champion bows out with one final barb https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-mabo-champion/122368888 The Sydney Morning Herald 3 6 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407152822/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-mabo-champion/122368888/ live July 1 July – The Northern Territory legalises voluntary euthanasia.Alcorn Gay 1 July 1996 A challenging act https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-a-challenging/122369179 The Sydney Morning Herald 13 6 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407175523/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-a-challenging/122369179/ live The legislation would be later be repealed by a conscience vote in the federal parliament in 1997. 3 July – Prime Minister John Howard slashes immigration by 10,000 places to 74,000 a year. citing high unemployment.Millett Michael 4 July 1996 Migration shake-up hits families https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-migration-shak/122369250 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 6 April 2023 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408105047/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-migration-shak/122369250/ live 7 July – The Governor-General, Sir William Deane, warns that unless there are drastic improvements for Aboriginal Australians, reconciliation is doomed until well into the next century.Kitney Geoff 8 July 1996 A black peace or our loss, says G-G https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-a-black-peace/122369347 The Sydney Morning Herald 4 6 April 2023 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408045430/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-a-black-peace/122369347/ live 22 July – Foreign Minister Alexander Downer tells Asian governments that Australia will now fund some development aid projects which were to be axed with the closure of the Development Import Finance Facility (DIFF).April 2023 26 July – Road worker Ivan Milat is found guilty of the murder of seven backpackers between December 1989 and April 1992 in the Belango State Forest, south-west of Sydney.Sutton Candace 28 July 1996 Milat gets life https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-milat-gets-lif/122369486 The Sydney Morning Herald 2 6 April 2023 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408105048/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-milat-gets-lif/122369486/ live Justice David Hunt hands down a sentence of seven life terms, meaning that Milat will spend the rest of his life in prison. Prime Minister John Howard bolsters United States links by upgrading and expanding Pine Gap and increasing joint military exercises.Skehan Craig 27 July 1996 Massive new war games with US https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-massive-new-wa/122369591 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 6 April 2023 14 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240714061703/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-massive-new-wa/122369591/ live 27 July – HMAS Collins; the first of the Collins Class Submarine, is officially commissioned into service by the Royal Australian Navy.Lague David 16 July 1996 Navy takes delivery of faulty sub https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-navy-takes-del/122369655 The Sydney Morning Herald 4 6 April 2023 will be commissioned as HMAS Collins on July 27. 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407175522/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-navy-takes-del/122369655/ live 28 July – Janette Howard, wife of John Howard is admitted to hospital to be operated on for a serious medical condition.29 July 1996 Howard cancels trip after his wife falls ill https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-howard-cancels/122369687 The Sydney Morning Herald 2 6 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407065409/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-howard-cancels/122369687/ live Howard cancels his first overseas trip to Indonesia and Japan as a result. August 6 August – The Australian Bureau of Statistics conducts the 1996 National Census.Byrne Andrew 22 January 1996 After seven years' hard work, thousands out for the count https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-after-seven-ye/122370250 The Sydney Morning Herald 5 6 April 2023 Australia's thirteenth national Census of Population and Housing will take place on Tuesday, August 6. 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407192922/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-after-seven-ye/122370250/ live 9 August – Federal Education Minister Amanda Vanstone cuts $1.8 billion from higher education funding, as well as a lowering of the HECS repayment threshold from $28,495 to $20,701 and HECS increases of between 35 and 125%.Willox Innes 10 August 1996 Fees soar as unis lose funds https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-fees-soar-as-unis-lose-funds/122370332 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 6 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407212938/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-fees-soar-as-unis-lose-funds/122370332/ live 13 August – The Federal Government announces a $400 million cut to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC).Brough Jodie 14 August 1996 Aborigines face $400m Budget cut https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-aborigines-fac/122370376 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 6 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407100430/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-aborigines-fac/122370376/ live 14 August – Federal Treasurer Peter Costello releases the Statement on the Conduct of Monetary Policy giving the Reserve Bank of Australia independence, thereby ending the need for it to consult with the Government before making interest rate changes.Cleary Paul 15 August 1996 New Reserve chief aims to nail down inflation https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-new-reserve-ch/122370415 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 6 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407100433/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-new-reserve-ch/122370415/ live 15 August – The Tasmanian Budget is handed down with big job losses predicted.April 2023 19 August – Thousands of protesters, in a breakaway group from a pre-budget rally against the Federal Government's workplace reforms, broke down the doors of Parliament House and caused an estimated $200,000 worth of damage in one of the most violent demonstrations ever seen in Australia.Norington Brad 20 August 1996 Batons used as rioters storm Parliament https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-batons-used-as/122370596 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 6 April 2023 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408081015/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-batons-used-as/122370596/ liveSeccombe Mike 20 August 1996 Rioters hand PM Budget-eve gift https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-rioters-hand-p/122370618 The Sydney Morning Herald 7 6 April 2023 14 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240714061632/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-rioters-hand-p/122370618/ live 20 August – Federal Treasurer Peter Costello hands the Government's first budget, which provides relief for families and small business, with cuts to unemployment programmes, the ages, universities, the ABC, the Australia Council, ATSIC and foreign aid.Tingle Laura Laura Tingle 21 August 1996 Costello's $7.2b gamble https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-costellos-72b-gamble/122370652 The Age 6 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407212942/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-costellos-72b-gamble/122370652/ liveMillett Michael 21 August 1996 The $19bn crunch https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-the-19bn-crun/122370675 The Sydney Morning Herald 6 April 2023 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408143045/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-the-19bn-crun/122370675/ live Senator Mal Colston defects from the Labor Party to become and Independent.Seccombe Mike 21 August 1996 Top Senate job goes to Labor defector https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-top-senate-job/122370721 The Sydney Morning Herald 5 6 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407212936/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-top-senate-job/122370721/ live 28 August – As Australian governor-general, William Deane issued a proclamation that officially established 3 September as Australian National Flag Day. Australian Government 12 August 2013 http://www.itsanhonour.gov.au/symbols/flag.cfm#day Australian National Flag: Australian National Flag Day It's an Honour!: Australia Celebrating Australians 3 September 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20130219054232/http://www.itsanhonour.gov.au/symbols/flag.cfm#day 19 February 2013 dmy-all September 1 September – Senator Richard Alston calls for the full sale of Telstra, drawing a rebuke from Prime Minister John Howard the following day.Wright Tony 2 September 1996 Cabinet plans to sell all of Telstra, Alston admits https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-cabinet-plans/122370981 The Sydney Morning Herald 2 7 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409030019/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-cabinet-plans/122370981/ liveMillett Michael 3 September 1996 PM's bid to rescue Telstra sell-off https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-pms-bid-to-re/122371007 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 7 April 2023 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408161232/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-pms-bid-to-re/122371007/ live 6 September – The Wiggles' Wiggly Wiggly Christmas album is released.April 2023 10 September – Independent Federal MP Pauline Hanson makes her maiden speech to Parliament, reigniting the race debate, attacking Asian immigration, calling for a tougher line on Aboriginal welfare, as well as the reintroduction of compulsory national service.Woodford James 11 September 1996 MP debuts with attack on Asians https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-mp-debuts-with/122370926 The Sydney Morning Herald 3 7 April 2023 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408115450/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-mp-debuts-with/122370926/ live 16 September – Prime Minister John Howard meets President Suharto in Jakarta and tells him Australia does not need to choose between "our history and our geography".Millett Michael 17 September 1996 Australia is not Asian, Howard tells Indonesia https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-australia-is-n/122416608 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 7 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409125735/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-australia-is-n/122416608/ live "Neither do I see Australia as a bridge between Asia and the West, as is sometimes suggested," he says. "Rather I believe that our geography and our history are elements in an integrated relationship with our region and the wider world". 22 September – Australia's first legal euthanasia takes place in Darwin, Australia when 66-year-old Bob Dent elects to submit to the lethal injection.Brough Jodie Alcorn Gay 27 September 1996 Mercy death splits the nation https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-mercy-death-sp/122416956 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 7 April 2023 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408105446/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-mercy-death-sp/122416956/ live Prime Minister John Howard states that he welcomes "the fact that people can now talk about certain things without living in fear of being branded a bigot or as a racist" which some felt indicated a veiled acceptance of Pauline Hanson's maiden speech.Greene Gervase 23 September 1996 Howard defends freedom to speak https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-howard-defends-freedom-to-speak/122417862 The Age 4 7 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409031509/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-howard-defends-freedom-to-speak/122417862/ live Hanson declares him "the leader she is prepared to have" the following day.April 2023 24 September – British Holocaust denier David Irving says he will lodge a new visa application "because these remarks made by the Australian Prime Minister show a new climate of freedom of speech now applying in Australia".Boreham Gareth Chamberlin Paul 25 September 1996 Kennett disputes PM's free speech claim https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-kennett-disputes-pms-free-speec/122418339 The Age 3 7 April 2023 The right-wing British historian, Mr David Irving, yesterday vowed to test Howard's commitment to free speech by re-applying for an Australian visa. 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409131936/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-kennett-disputes-pms-free-speec/122418339/ live 25 September – John Howard rejects Pauline Hanson's views on Asian immigration and multi-culturalism but defends her right to express them.Tingle Laura Milburn Caroline 26 September 1996 Howard denies backing racism https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-howard-denies-backing-racism/122418226 The Age 3 7 April 2023 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408105444/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-howard-denies-backing-racism/122418226/ live He supports reductions in the immigration programme, saying: "there is a link between the high level of unemployment among certain groups in Australia and some past immigration levels in the composition of our programme in the past". 26 September – The Dalai Lama meets Prime Minister John Howard in Canberra, Australia during his week-long visit to Australia.Skehan Craig Hutcheon Stephen 27 September 1996 The handshake China tried so hard to prevent https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-the-handshake/122416984 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 7 April 2023 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408105444/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-the-handshake/122416984/ live October 1 October – Prime Minister John Howard abandons his election promises for a full public inquiry into cross-media ownership in favour of a low-key, internal review.Wright Tony 2 October 1996 Libs dump media ownership inquiry https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-libs-dump-medi/122419149 The Sydney Morning Herald 3 7 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409050949/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-libs-dump-medi/122419149/ live 7 October – Australian Professor Peter C. Doherty wins the Nobel Prize for Medicine jointly with Professor Rolf M. Zinkernagel of Switzerland for showing an important way in which the body targets germs.8 October 1996 Australian Nobel winner says it was all by accident https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-australian-nob/122419311 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 7 April 2023 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408181507/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-australian-nob/122419311/ live The research revolutionised the study of immunology and laid the groundwork for designing improved vaccines and researching new therapies against cancer, multiple sclerosis and diabetes. Angry at the direction taken by the Criminal Justice Commission (CJC) investigations, the Queensland Government launches its own inquiry into the CJC, headed by retired judges, Kevin Ryan and Peter Connolly.Roberts Greg 2 November 1996 Still searching for justice https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-still-searchin/122425501 The Sydney Morning Herald 38 7 April 2023 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408160030/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-still-searchin/122425501/ live 8 October – Prime Minister John Howard vows always to denounce intolerance and defend the non-discriminatory nature of Australia's immigration policy but questions the value of an inquiry into the stolen generation, saying additional funds would be better spent on improving Aboriginal health, education, housing and employment opportunities.Seccombe Mike 9 October 1996 Howard closes the door on 'stolen children' inquiry https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-howard-closes/122420159 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 7 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409050947/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-howard-closes/122420159/ live 10 October – Paul Streeton douses school boy Tjandamurra O'Shane in petrol and sets him alight, causing burns to 70% of Tjandamurra's body.11 October 1996 Boy, 6, fights for life after stranger sets him alight at school https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-boy-6-fights/122420285 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 7 April 2023 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408181505/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-boy-6-fights/122420285/ live The case attracts national attention.Stephens Tony 19 November 1996 Tjandamurra's story https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-tjandamurras/122425266 The Sydney Morning Herald 13 7 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409160348/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-tjandamurras/122425266/ liveDow Steve 7 December 1996 Tjandamurra's journey https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-tjandamurras-journey/122425378 The Age 15 7 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409050951/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-tjandamurras-journey/122425378/ live 13 October – Assistant Federal Treasurer, Jim Short, resigns after controversy about his ANZ shareholding.Millett Michael 14 October 1996 Minister quits in bank shares row https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-minister-quits/122420583 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 7 April 2023 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408160024/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-minister-quits/122420583/ live 15 October – Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, Brian Gibson, resigns over a share-trading technicality.Millett Michael Seccombe Mike 16 October 1996 Shares claim second casualty https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-shares-claim-s/122420740 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 7 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409050952/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-shares-claim-s/122420740/ live 19 October – Liberal Jackie Kelly retains the seat of Lindsay in the 1996 Lindsay by-election with a primary swing of more than 6 per cent after Labor forces an election re-run on a technicality.Cumming Fia 20 October 1996 Howard's happy day - Liberals crush ALP in Lindsay https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-howards-happy/122420879 The Sun-Herald 1 7 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409080011/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-howards-happy/122420879/ live 25 October – Queensland Premier Rob Borbidge attacks National Party branches which supported Federal MP Pauline Hanson in her anti-immigration policies, warning of the threat to Chinese investment in Queensland projects.April 2023 27 October – Democrats Leader Cheryl Kernot agrees to support the passage of industrial relations legislation after 171 changes.Willox Innes 28 October 1996 Workplace deal clinched https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-workplace-deal-clinched/122421170 The Age 1 7 April 2023 29 October – Kenneth Carruthers resigns from the Carruthers inquiry on the grounds that its independence was compromised by the Queensland Government.Roberts Greg 30 October 1996 Borbidge battles to survive as head of corruption inquiry quits https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-borbidge-battl/122423185 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 7 April 2023 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408160030/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-borbidge-battl/122423185/ live Replacement lawyers then complete the inquiry. 30 October – A joint motion opposing racism and re-affirming a non-discriminatory immigration policy attempts to dispel fears voiced in Asia.Millett Michael 31 October 1996 Hanson absent as MPs join to deplore racism https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-hanson-absent/122423298 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 7 April 2023 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408181505/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-hanson-absent/122423298/ live Prime Minister John Howard describes the motion as "an embodiment of certain attitudes and values that both sides of the House in the national Parliament have in common". November 4 November – Retired Supreme Court judge David Yeldham commits suicide after being named in the New South Wales Parliament on 31 October by Franca Arena as having received preferential treatment in connection with paedophilia investigations by the New South Wales Police Royal Commission.5 November 1996 Justice Yeldham commits suicide https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-justice-yeldha/122425711 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 7 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409182038/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-justice-yeldha/122425711/ livehttp://www.abc.net.au/4corners/stories/s72790.htm Four Corners – 17/02/97: Courting Disaster Australian Broadcasting Corporation 14 September 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160905052053/http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/stories/s72790.htm 5 September 2016 dead dmy-all 7 November – Martin Bryant pleads guilty to the massacre of 35 people in a shooting rampage at the Port Arthur historic site in Tasmania in April.Darby Andrew 8 November 1996 Bryant pleads guilty https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-bryant-pleads/122425921 The Age 1 7 April 2023 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408192331/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-bryant-pleads/122425921/ live 11 November – Victorian Cabinet decided to cede its industrial relations power to the Commonwealth following a Democrat move to amend federal law to override Victoria's unfair dismissal laws.Millett Michael Norington Brad 12 November 1996 Howard hails historic deal on IR powers https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-howard-hails-h/122426053 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 7 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409095406/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-howard-hails-h/122426053/ live Some 400,000 Victorian workers had left the state system for the protection of the federal awards since Jeff Kennett came to power. 14 November – Rock star Michael Jackson, aged 38, marries Debbie Rowe, aged 37, at Sydney's Sheraton on the Park Hotel.Macey Richard 16 November 1996 Jacko's secret that shot round the world https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-jackos-secret/122426235 The Sydney Morning Herald 3 7 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409103049/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-jackos-secret/122426235/ live 17 November – Perth teenager David Dicks becomes the youngest person to sail non-stop solo around the world as he arrives back in Fremantle Harbour, having left in February.Whitely Simon 18 November 1996 David sails into the Guinness https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-david-sails-in/122426705 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 7 April 2023 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408194412/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-david-sails-in/122426705/ live 19 November – The President of the United States Bill Clinton begins a five-day visit to Australia in which he addresses both Houses of Parliament, only the third head of state to do so.Kitney Geoff Brough Jodie Huxley John Lamont Leonie 20 November 1996 The Clinton visit https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-the-clinton-vi/122427055 The Sydney Morning Herald 9 7 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409095409/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-the-clinton-vi/122427055/ live Clinton says Australia could be a "shining example" of how people could come together as one nation and a "beacon of hope".Clinton Bill Bill Clinton 21 November 1996 'On top of the world Down Under' https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-on-top-of-the/122427279 The Sydney Morning Herald 8 7 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409070645/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-on-top-of-the/122427279/ live Parliament passes the Federal Government's first major economic reform: the Workplace Relations Bill.Norington Brad Millett Michael 20 November 1996 Strike hits ports as industrial bill passed https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-strike-hits-po/122427413 The Sydney Morning Herald 2 7 April 2023 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408192330/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-strike-hits-po/122427413/ live Industrial Relations Minister Peter Reith agrees to amendments from the Australian Democrats, including a non-disadvantage test ensuring that employees could not be worse off if they signed a non-union individual contract. Reith says the next step is "better practices in key industries like the waterfront, construction and meat processing". 22 November – Martin Bryant is sentenced to 35 consecutive sentences of life imprisonment plus 1,035 years without parole for the Port Arthur massacre.Darby Andrew 23 November 1996 'For the term of your natural life' https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-for-the-term-of-your-natural-li/122426873 The Age 1 7 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409063542/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-for-the-term-of-your-natural-li/122426873/ live 27 November – Dean Brown is ousted in a party-room ballot as Premier of South Australia by John Olsen.28 November 1996 Olsen is new SA premier https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-olsen-is-new-sa-premier/122427530 The Age 3 7 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409070636/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-olsen-is-new-sa-premier/122427530/ live December 4 December – Alan Bond pleads guilty to dishonesty offences during the $1 billion takeover of Bell Resources, which is believed to be Australia's biggest corporate fraud.Graham Duncan 5 December 1996 Bond comes clean: I'm guilty of $1 billion fraud https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-bond-comes-cle/122427912 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 7 April 2023 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408191036/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-bond-comes-cle/122427912/ live 5 December – Independents Brian Harradine and Mal Colston vote to push the Telstra Bill through to the second reading in the Senate, allowing for the part-privatisation of Telstra by the Federal Government, in exchange for an additional $250 million from the sale being spent to ensure regional and rural areas have greater access to telecommunications services.Wright Tony 6 December 1996 Independents' Day clears way for Telstra sell-off https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-independents/122428082 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 7 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409184100/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-independents/122428082/ live The legislation is expected to pass the Senate the next year and be proclaimed on 1 May. 6 December – Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Senator John Herron appoints entrepreneurial Aboriginal businessman Gatjil Djerrkura as the head of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission.Woodford James 7 December 1996 New ATSIC chief readies for challenging time https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-new-atsic-chie/122428140 The Sydney Morning Herald 9 7 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409184102/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-new-atsic-chie/122428140/ live 14 December – A state election is held in Western Australia. The Liberal/National coalition government of Richard Court is re-elected.Graham Duncan 15 December 1996 Court increases majority https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-court-increases-majority/122428218 The Age 1 7 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409075725/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-court-increases-majority/122428218/ live 18 December – The Carruthers Inquiry recommends that disciplinary action be taken against 8 police officers, including the union president and executive officer.April 2023 23 December – In a 4–3 majority verdict, the High Court of Australia holds that the native title of the Wik and Thayorre peoples of Cape York has survived the granting of pastoral leases by the Queensland Government and did not necessarily extinguish native title.Woodford James Wright Tony 24 December 1996 A decision for chaos https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-a-decision-for/122428373 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 7 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409072714/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-a-decision-for/122428373/ liveJopson Debra Wright Tony Slee John Hoy Anthony 24 December 1996 The Wik decision https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-the-wik-decisi/122428439 The Sydney Morning Herald 5 7 April 2023 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408202653/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-the-wik-decisi/122428439/ live However, although pastoral leaseholders do not have exclusive possession of grazing land, if the two uses were in conflict, pastoral uses would prevail. 27 December – Lone French yachtsman Raphael Dinelli is rescued in treacherous conditions 2,200 kilometres south of the Western Australian coast after his sloop Algimouss was dismasted and its rigging swept overboard on Christmas night.Graham Duncan 30 December 1996 Rescued sailor savours greatest gift of all https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-rescued-sailor/122428565 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 7 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409083800/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-rescued-sailor/122428565/ live Arts and literature 1996 in Australian literature Wendy Sharpe wins the Archibald Prize with Self Portrait – as Diana of ErskinevilleCochrane Peter 9 March 1996 Diana in thongs walks off with Archibald https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-diana-in-thong/122358941 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 7 April 2023 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408202300/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-diana-in-thong/122358941/ live William Robinson wins the Wynne Prize with Creation Landscape Earth and Sea National Biography Award established, first winner, Abraham Biderman for The world of my pastWyndham Susan 28 October 1996 Holocaust story takes prize https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-holocaust-stor/122428857 The Sydney Morning Herald 12 7 April 2023 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408200023/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-holocaust-stor/122428857/ live Highways to a War by Christopher Koch wins the Miles Franklin AwardCarbines Louise 13 June 1996 Miles Franklin winner declares war on 'controllers of thought' https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-miles-franklin-winner-declares-w/122428912 The Age 3 7 April 2023 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408204342/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-miles-franklin-winner-declares-w/122428912/ live Film ShineWhite Judith 31 March 1996 Taking a Shine to Oscar https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-taking-a-shine/122429047 The Sun-Herald 136 7 April 2023 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408200022/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-taking-a-shine/122429047/ live Television 1996 in Australian television Australian television celebrates its 40th birthday with celebrations lasting throughout the year.https://televisionau.com/timeline/1990-1999 1990-1999 Bayley Andrew Television.AU 7 April 2023 1996: Australian television celebrates 40 years with commemorative specials on ABC, Seven, Nine and Ten networks. 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407084109/https://televisionau.com/timeline/1990-1999 live The actual birthday was on 16 September. January – Jessica Rowe joins Ten News in Sydney to co-anchor with Ron Wilson for the next nine years.Conway Andrew 15 January 1996 New kids on the block https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-new-kids-on-th/122369885 The Sydney Morning Herald 52 7 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409121013/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-new-kids-on-th/122369885/ liveCartwright Lexie 8 March 2023 Jess Rowe claims Channel 10 boss wouldn't allow her to open bulletin: 'You are a woman' https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/current-affairs/jess-rowe-claims-channel-10-boss-wouldnt-allow-her-to-open-bulletin-you-are-a-woman/news-story/45102b9f80aceb59ec4ed1eafc48d618 news.com.au 7 April 2023 8 March 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230308015205/https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/current-affairs/jess-rowe-claims-channel-10-boss-wouldnt-allow-her-to-open-bulletin-you-are-a-woman/news-story/45102b9f80aceb59ec4ed1eafc48d618 live April – John Burgess is shelved from the Seven Network after being long-time host of Wheel of Fortune.https://televisionau.com/2016/08/1996-july-20-26.html 1996: July 20–26 Bayley Andrew 28 August 2016 Television.AU 7 April 2023 John Burgess is considering legal action over the Seven Network's decision to suddenly axe him as host of Wheel Of Fortune after 12 years. In shifting the show's production from Adelaide to Sydney, Seven has appointed Tony Barber as the new host, joining long-serving co-host Adriana Xenides. 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407084114/https://televisionau.com/2016/08/1996-july-20-26.html live The show begins to repeat the 1988 episodes. July – Wheel of Fortune returns and starts in mid-1996 with the relocation from Adelaide to Sydney, with new host Tony Barber.https://aso.gov.au/titles/tv/wheel-of-fortune/notes Wheel of Fortune - Curator's notes Burnstock Tammy 2023 Australian Screen National Film and Sound Archive 7 April 2023 There was controversy in 1996 when Wheel of Fortune relocated from Adelaide to Sydney. Along with a revamp of theme music, set, game format and rules, popular host Burgess was replaced after 12 years by Tony Barber (from Sale of the Century). Viewers were not impressed by the treatment of Burgess or by the faster pace and format changes and ratings declined. 13 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230413223940/https://aso.gov.au/titles/tv/wheel-of-fortune/notes/ live August – After a court battle, the first series of Friends screens on the Seven Network, almost two years after it premiered in the United States.https://televisionau.com/2016/10/1996-august-3-9.html 1996: August 3–9 Bayley Andrew 9 October 1996 Television.AU It's been a long wait, but Friends is finally making its Australian debut. The hit US sitcom has taken two years to get to Australian screens, largely due to a battle between the Seven and Nine networks for rights to the show. The series about a group of six New York singles debuts this week on Seven, screening on both Monday and Thursday nights. 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407084111/https://televisionau.com/2016/10/1996-august-3-9.html live Subsequent series is picked up by the Nine Network. Sport AFL 1996 AFL season 18 May – The Fitzroy Lions (16.11.107) defeat the Fremantle Dockers (10.16.76) at the Whitten Oval in what would be Fitzroy's final ever victory as a stand-alone club.Connolly Rohan 19 May 1996 Lions, Roos in merger pledge https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-lions-roos-in-merger-pledge/122431767 The Age 1 7 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409010201/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-lions-roos-in-merger-pledge/122431767/ liveNiall Jake 19 May 1996 Lions end losing streak https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-lions-end-losing-streak/122431799 The Sunday Age 60 7 April 2023 14 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240714061633/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-lions-end-losing-streak/122431799/ live 8 June – About 2/3 of the way into the 3rd quarter of the match between Essendon & the St Kilda Saints at Waverley Park, the ground lighting fails.Connolly Rohan 9 June 1996 Footy riot as lights fail https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-footy-riot-as-lights-fail/122431830 The Sunday Age 1 7 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409010202/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-footy-riot-as-lights-fail/122431830/ live The remainder of the game is played the following Tuesday, Essendon won, 13.11.89 to 9.13.67.Saunders David 12 June 1996 Dons build on three-day-old lead https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-dons-build-on-three-day-lead/122431865 The Age 39 7 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409140503/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-dons-build-on-three-day-lead/122431865/ live12 June 1996 Football's shortest night ...and still the disputes linger https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-football-shortest-night-and-s/122431847 The Age 1 7 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409134956/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-football-shortest-night-and-s/122431847/ live 4 July – The AFL teams endorse a merger between the Fitzroy Lions & the Brisbane Bears.Linnell Stephen Overington Caroline 5 July 1996 It's the Brisbane Lions https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-its-the-brisbane-lions/122431881 The Age 1 7 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409140504/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-its-the-brisbane-lions/122431881/ live 17 August – Fitzroy & Brisbane play each other for the last time before merging. At Optus Oval, Brisbane win 29.13.187 to 14.16.100.Lovett Michael 18 August 1996 Bears romp home https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-bears-romp-home/122431919 The Sunday Age 60 7 April 2023 10 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230410010142/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-bears-romp-home/122431919/ live 25 August – Fitzroy play their last game in Melbourne, against the Richmond Tigers at the MCG. Richmond win, 28.19.187 to 5.6.36.Mithen Anthony 26 August 1996 Lions to the slaughter https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-lions-to-the-slaughter/122431986 The Age 40 7 April 2023 10 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230410010137/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-lions-to-the-slaughter/122431986/ live Despite losing by 151 points, the Fitzroy song is played after the game and their fans flood the field.Smith Patrick 26 August 1996 Finally, fans arrive in force for Fitzroy https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-finally-fans-arrive-in-force-fo/122431946 The Age 1 7 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409123031/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-finally-fans-arrive-in-force-fo/122431946/ live 1 September – Fitzroy play their last ever game of Australian rules football as a stand-alone entity.Flanagan Martin 2 September 1996 The end https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-the-end/122432015 The Age 53 7 April 2023 10 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230410010142/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-the-end/122432015/ live Against Fremantle at Subiaco Oval, Fremantle win, 24.13.157 to 10.11.71.Atkinson Tim 2 September 1996 Freo sends Roys packing https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-freo-sends-roys-packing/122432040 The Age 47 7 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409140502/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-freo-sends-roys-packing/122432040/ live 21 September – Tony Lockett kicks a memorable behind to ensure the Swans (10.10.70) defeat the Essendon Bombers (10.9.69) & thus qualify for Sydney's first grand final appearance since 1945.22 September 1996 Now the big one https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-now-the-big-on/122432069 The Sun-Herald 1 7 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409005752/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-now-the-big-on/122432069/ liveKogoy Peter 22 September 1996 MCG here we come https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-mcg-here-we-co/122432096 The Sun-Herald 53 7 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409140502/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-mcg-here-we-co/122432096/ live 28 September – The North Melbourne Kangaroos (19.17.131) defeat the Sydney Swans (13.10.88) to win the 100th VFL/AFL premiership.Howell Stephen 29 September 1996 Belief and destiny drive Roos home (Part 1) https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-belief-and-destiny-drive-roos-ho/122432159 The Sunday Age 75 7 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409164011/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-belief-and-destiny-drive-roos-ho/122432159/ liveHowell Stephen 29 September 1996 Belief and destiny drive Roos home (Part 2) https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-belief-and-destiny-drive-roos-ho/122432162 The Sunday Age 76 7 April 2023 10 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230410012238/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-belief-and-destiny-drive-roos-ho/122432162/ live It is the Kangaroos' third premiership and they are presented with the only gold premiership cup to mark the centenary season. Cricket 1996 Cricket World Cup 17 March – Sri Lanka win the Cricket World Cup, defeating Australia in the final.Baum Greg 18 March 1996 Sri Lanka on top of world https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-sri-lanka-on-t/122432268 The Sydney Morning Herald 27 7 April 2023 10 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230410010712/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-sri-lanka-on-t/122432268/ live Rugby league 23 February – Super League's challenge to club loyalty contracts signed with the ARL is ruled out of order & orders banning Super League until 2000 are made.Masters Roy FitzSimons Peter 24 February 2023 ARL's stunning victory https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-arls-stunning/122432644 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 7 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409020324/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-arls-stunning/122432644/ live 22 March – Clubs aligned with the Super League forfeit opening round of matches in the ARL competition. 29 September – Minor premiers the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles defeat the St. George Dragons 20–8 to win the 89th NSWRL/ARL premiership.Stephens Tony 30 September 1996 League's high-flyers crush Dragon's dreams https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-leagues-high/122432810 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 7 April 2023 10 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230410030448/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-leagues-high/122432810/ live The South Queensland Crushers finish in last position, claiming the wooden spoon.Cowley Michael 2 September 1996 Sharks left to rue precious points down the plug-hole https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-sharks-left-to/122432853 The Sydney Morning Herald 26 7 April 2023 South Queensland: Well, the Crushers finally have something to place in their trophy cabinet - the wooden spoon 10 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230410030450/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-sharks-left-to/122432853/ live 4 October – The full bench of the Federal Court overturn the earlier decision to ban Super League, meaning the competition can start in 1997.Curtin Jennie 5 October 1996 Super League's super win https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-super-leagues/122432901 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 7 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409154412/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-super-leagues/122432901/ live Soccer 26 May – Melbourne Knights win the National Soccer League competition for the second season in a row, defeating minor premiers Marconi Fairfield 2–1 in the Final at Olympic Park.Cockerill Michael 27 May 1996 It's two in a row for Knights https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-its-two-in-a/122432963 The Sydney Morning Herald 30 7 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409133816/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-its-two-in-a/122432963/ live Motorsport 1996 Australian Grand Prix 10 March – The first Australian Grand Prix to be held at the Albert Park Street Circuit in Melbourne takes place. Damon Hill, of the Williams team wins. 11 March 1996 Melbourne Grand Prix 1996: Damon's day https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-melbourne-grand-prix-1996-damon/122432305 The Age 1 7 April 2023 Track and field 7 March – First day of the Australian Track & Field Championships for the 1995–1996 season, which are held at the ES Marks Athletics Field in Sydney. The 10,000-metre championship was conducted at the Zatopek Meet in Melbourne on 14 December 1995. 21 July – Magnus Michelsson wins the men's national marathon title, clocking 2:20:20 in Brisbane, while Sylvia Rose claims the women's title in 2:40:17.22 July 1996 Marathon win to Victorian https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-marathon-win-to-victorian/122432575 The Age 72 7 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409130017/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-marathon-win-to-victorian/122432575/ live Horse racing 5 November – Saintly wins the Melbourne Cup giving Bart Cummings his 10th win as a trainer.Carlyon Les 6 November 1996 Saint Bart of Flemington, a joy to his creditors https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-saint-bart-of/122432445 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 7 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409125213/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-saint-bart-of/122432445/ live Sailing 29 December – The 80-foot maxi Morning Glory breaks the race record in winning the 1996 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race in 2 days 14 hours 7 minutes 10 seconds.Darby Andrew 30 December 1996 Early morning glory for Hobart record beaters https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-early-morning/122432512 Sydney Morning Herald 1 7 April 2023 9 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230409125524/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-early-morning/122432512/ live Births 3 January – Bradley Mousley, tennis playerhttps://www.tennis.com.au/player-profiles/bradley-mousley Player profile: Bradley Mousley Tennis Australia 7 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407110041/https://www.tennis.com.au/player-profiles/bradley-mousley live 4 January – Jackson Hastings, rugby league playerhttps://www.newcastleknights.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/newcastle-knights/jackson-hastings Jackson Hastings (halfback) Newcastle Knights 7 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407110041/https://www.newcastleknights.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/newcastle-knights/jackson-hastings live 6 January – Courtney Eaton, actress and model 10 January – Dylan Edwards, rugby league playerhttps://www.penrithpanthers.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/penrith-panthers/dylan-edwards Dylan Edwards (fullback) Penrith Panthers 7 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407110041/https://www.penrithpanthers.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/penrith-panthers/dylan-edwards live 12 January Aaron Calver, footballerhttps://www.eurosport.com/football/aaron-calver_prs342394/person.shtml Aaron Calver Eurosport 7 April 2023 14 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240714061629/https://www.eurosport.com/football/aaron-calver_prs342394/person.shtml live Katherine Downie, Paralympic swimmerhttps://results.gc2018.com/en/swimming/athlete-profile-n6029846-katherine-downie.htm Katherine Downie Gold Coast 2018 7 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407110043/https://results.gc2018.com/en/swimming/athlete-profile-n6029846-katherine-downie.htm live 19 January – James Golding, racing driverhttps://www.supercars.com/drivers/james-golding James Golding Supercars 7 April 2023 6 June 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230606024348/https://www.supercars.com/drivers/james-golding/ live 25 January – Brandon Walters, actor 4 February – Tevita Pangai Junior, rugby league playerhttps://www.bulldogs.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/canterbury-bankstown-bulldogs/tevita-pangai-junior Tevita Pangai Junior (prop) Bulldogs 7 April 2023 10 February – Christina Parie, singer-songwriter 29 February – Mitchell Kilduff, Paralympic swimmerhttps://results.gc2018.com/en/swimming/athlete-profile-n6032655-mitchell-kilduff.htm Mitchell Kilduff Gold Coast 2018 7 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407110804/https://results.gc2018.com/en/swimming/athlete-profile-n6032655-mitchell-kilduff.htm live 8 March – Matthew Hammelmann, Australian rules footballerhttps://australianfootball.com/players/player/matthew%2Bhammelmann/19611 Matthew Hammelmann Australian Football 7 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407110804/https://australianfootball.com/players/player/matthew+hammelmann/19611 live 19 March – Kaiya Jones, Scottish-born actress 25 March – Dougal Howard, Australian rules footballerhttps://www.saints.com.au/players/999/dougal-howard Dougal Howard St Kilda Football Club 7 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407112307/https://www.saints.com.au/players/999/dougal-howard live 10 April – Thanasi Kokkinakis, tennis playerhttps://www.tennis.com.au/player-profiles/thanasi-kokkinakis Player profile: Thanasi Kokkinakis Tennis Australia 7 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407112117/https://www.tennis.com.au/player-profiles/thanasi-kokkinakis live 17 April – Caitlin Parker, boxerBoxing Athlete Profile: Caitlin PARKER - Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games https://results.gc2018.com/en/boxing/athlete-profile-n6031123-caitlin-parker.htm results.gc2018.com 27 October 2020 30 October 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201030215600/https://results.gc2018.com/en/boxing/athlete-profile-n6031123-caitlin-parker.htm live 24 April – Ashleigh Barty, tennis playerhttps://www.tennis.com.au/player-profiles/ashleigh-barty Player profile: Ashleigh Barty Tennis Australia 7 April 2023 5 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230405220245/https://www.tennis.com.au/player-profiles/ashleigh-barty live 25 April – Mack Horton, Olympic swimmerhttps://results.gc2018.com/en/swimming/athlete-profile-n6029870-mack-horton.htm Mack Horton Gold Coast 2018 7 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407112116/https://results.gc2018.com/en/swimming/athlete-profile-n6029870-mack-horton.htm live 29 April – Katherine Langford, actress 30 April – Jaidyn Leskie (died 1997), murder victim 1 May Daniel Saifiti, Australian-Fijian rugby league playerhttps://www.newcastleknights.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/newcastle-knights/daniel-saifiti Daniel Saifiti Newcastle Knights 7 April 2023 14 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240714061635/https://www.newcastleknights.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/newcastle-knights/daniel-saifiti live Jacob Saifiti, Australian-Fijian rugby league playerhttps://www.newcastleknights.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/newcastle-knights/jacob-saifiti Jacob Saifiti Newcastle Knights 7 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407113619/https://www.newcastleknights.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/newcastle-knights/jacob-saifiti live 5 May – Isaac Heeney, footballerhttps://www.sydneyswans.com.au/players/966/isaac-heeney Isaac Heeney Sydney Swans 7 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407104122/https://www.sydneyswans.com.au/players/966/isaac-heeney live 18 May – Teeboy Kamara, Liberia-born football soccer playerhttps://www.eurosport.com/football/teeboy-kamara_prs297998/person.shtml Teeboy Kamara Eurosport 7 April 2023 14 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240714061631/https://www.eurosport.com/football/teeboy-kamara_prs297998/person.shtml live 27 May Li Tu, tennis player Minjee Lee, golferhttps://www.eurosport.com/golf/minjee-lee_prs455110/person.shtml Minjee Lee Eurosport 7 April 2023 31 May – Connor Watson, rugby league playerhttps://www.roosters.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/sydney-roosters/connor-watson/ Connor Watson Sydney Roosters 7 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407112116/https://www.roosters.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/sydney-roosters/connor-watson/ live 6 June – Jack Hetherington, rugby league playerhttps://www.newcastleknights.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/newcastle-knights/jack-hetherington Jack Hetherington Newcastle Knights 7 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407113828/https://www.newcastleknights.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/newcastle-knights/jack-hetherington live 9 June – Chantelle Kerry, actress, singer, figure skater and ice dancer 13 June – Kodi Smit-McPhee, actor 25 June – Tyrone May, rugby league playerhttps://www.nrl.com/players/rugby-league-world-cup/samoa/tyrone-may/ Tyrone May NRL.com 7 April 2023 14 October 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20221014210908/https://www.nrl.com/players/rugby-league-world-cup/samoa/tyrone-may/ live 5 July – Ajdin Hrustic, footballer 8 July – Braidon Burns, rugby league playerhttps://www.bulldogs.com.au/teams/nsw-cup/canterbury-bankstown-bulldogs-nsw-cup/braidon-burns Braidon Burns (centre) Bulldogs 7 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407115330/https://www.bulldogs.com.au/teams/nsw-cup/canterbury-bankstown-bulldogs-nsw-cup/braidon-burns live 16 July – Luke Hemmings, singer and guitaristhttps://www.capitalfm.com/artists/5-seconds-of-summer/luke-hemmings/ LUKE HEMMINGS 15 February 2024 15 February 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240215204738/https://www.capitalfm.com/artists/5-seconds-of-summer/luke-hemmings/ live 20 July – Ben Simmons, basketball playerhttps://lsusports.net/sports/mens-basketball/roster/ben-simmons/4673 Ben Simmons LSU 8 July 2019 1 November 2020 5 October 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161005085618/http://www.lsusports.net/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=210041987 live 25 July – Kristy Pond, sprinter 4 August – Kaide Ellis, rugby league playerhttps://www.nrl.com/players/nrl-nines/penrith-panthers-9s/kaide-ellis Kaide Ellis (prop) NRL.com 7 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407113828/https://www.nrl.com/players/nrl-nines/penrith-panthers-9s/kaide-ellis live 10 August – Evan Evagora, actor 17 September – Justin Holborow, actor 20 September – Jhye Richardson, cricketerhttps://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/jhye-richardson-774223 Jhye Richardson Australia Bowler 28 February 2024 28 February 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240228142049/https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/jhye-richardson-774223 live 2 October - Tom Trbojevic, rugby league player 11 October – Rhea Ripley, pro wrestlerhttps://www.espn.com.au/wwe/story/_/id/31223052/wwe-profile-rhea-ripley WWE Profile: Rhea Ripley ESPN 7 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407113828/https://www.espn.com.au/wwe/story/_/id/31223052/wwe-profile-rhea-ripley live 22 October – Harley Windsor, pair skaterhttps://www.owia.org/harley-windsor.html Harley Windsor Olympic Winter Institute of Australia 7 April 2023 12 November – Amanda Reid, Paralympic swimmer and cyclisthttps://www.paralympic.org.au/athlete/amanda-reid-3/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw_r6hBhDdARIsAMIDhV-g4QFk-UDWV_L3qYeWrxcga-U0SuI5vzs2UwaGQnch46_MYr7HAx0aApWZEALw_wcB Amanda Reid Paralympics Australia 7 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407114345/https://www.paralympic.org.au/athlete/amanda-reid-3/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw_r6hBhDdARIsAMIDhV-g4QFk-UDWV_L3qYeWrxcga-U0SuI5vzs2UwaGQnch46_MYr7HAx0aApWZEALw_wcB live 12 December – Lachlan Croker, rugby league playerhttps://www.seaeagles.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/manly-warringah-sea-eagles/lachlan-croker Lachlan Croker Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 7 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407114346/https://www.seaeagles.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/manly-warringah-sea-eagles/lachlan-croker live 18 December – Jayo Archer, motocross rider (d. 2024)https://www.foxnews.com/sports/jayo-archer-x-games-medalist-motocross-rider-dead Jayo Archer, X Games medalist and motocross rider, dead at 27 28 February 2024 28 February 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240228142049/https://www.foxnews.com/sports/jayo-archer-x-games-medalist-motocross-rider-dead live 22 December – Phoebe Bell, beach and indoor volleyball player Deaths 8 January – John Hargreaves, 50, actor9 January 1996 Hargreaves: actor's death a double tragedy https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-hargreaves-ac/122368012 The Sydney Morning Herald 15 6 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407044656/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-hargreaves-ac/122368012/ live 27 February – Laurie Connell, 49, Western Australian businessmanGraham Duncan 28 February 1996 Death of a salesman https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-death-of-a-salesman/122368094 The Age 9 6 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407043911/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-death-of-a-salesman/122368094/ live 28 March – Peter Dombrovskis, 51, photographerDarby Andrew 5 April 1996 Photographer dies in wilderness he saved https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-photographer-d/122368166 The Sydney Morning Herald 2 6 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407235227/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-photographer-d/122368166/ live 7 April – Colleen Clifford, 97, matriarch of Australian theatreBurke Kelly 9 April 1996 Tireless trouper clocked up 80 years in entertainment https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-tireless-troup/122368207 The Sydney Morning Herald 6 6 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407235227/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-tireless-troup/122368207/ live 8 April – Mick Young, 59, politicianWright Tony 9 April 1996 State funeral for shearer who led Labor's comeback https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-state-funeral/122368260 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 6 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407235227/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-state-funeral/122368260/ live 23 June – Ray Lindwall, 74, cricketerGrowden Greg 24 June 1996 Test great Lindwall dies https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-test-great-lin/122368335 The Sydney Morning Herald 3 6 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407235222/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-test-great-lin/122368335/ live 17 July – Alan McGilvray, 85, cricket commentatorDerriman Philip 18 July 1996 Stumps for summer's velvet voice https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-stumps-for-sum/122368399 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 6 April 2023 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408082617/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-stumps-for-sum/122368399/ live 20 August – Beverley Whitfield, 42, swimmerFitzSimons Peter 22 August 1996 Munich Games gold medal swim star found dead at 42 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-munich-games-g/122368449 The Sydney Morning Herald 4 6 April 2023 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408023155/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-munich-games-g/122368449/ live 28 August – Lennie McPherson, 75, Mr "Big" of modern Australian crime29 August 1996 Lennie McPherson dies in jail, aged 75 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-lennie-mcphers/122368507 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 6 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407235227/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-lennie-mcphers/122368507/ live 30 August – Dunc Gray, 90, cyclistFitzSimons Peter 31 August 1996 Dunc Gray now just a golden memory https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-dunc-gray-now/122368575 The Sydney Morning Herald 10 6 April 2023 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408021947/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-dunc-gray-now/122368575/ live 4 December – Syd Heylen, 74, comedian and actorHooks Barbara 6 December 1996 A last, lost link with vaudeville https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-a-last-lost-link-with-vaudevill/122368671 The Age 18 6 April 2023 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407044656/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-a-last-lost-link-with-vaudevill/122368671/ live See also 1996 in Australian television List of Australian films of 1996 References 1996 in yes Australia Category:Years of the 20th century in Australia