1998 in Australia

none March 2020 February 2012 The following lists events that happened during 1998 in Australia. Elizabeth II Sir William Deane John Howard 18,711,271 ACT, QLD, TAS, Federal 1998 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 (until 21 May), then Murray Gleeson State and territory leaders Premier of New South Wales – Bob Carr naur Premier of Queensland – Rob Borbidge (until 20 June), then Peter Beattie Opposition Leader – Peter Beattie (until 20 June), then Rob Borbidge Premier of South Australia – John Olsen Opposition Leader – Mike Rann Premier of Tasmania – Tony Rundle (until 14 September), then Jim Bacon Opposition Leader – Jim Bacon (until 14 September), then Tony Rundle 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 – Wayne Berry (until 20 February), then Jon Stanhope Chief Minister of the Northern Territory – Shane Stone Opposition Leader – Maggie Hickey Chief Minister of Norfolk Island – George Smith Governors and administrators Governor of New South Wales – Gordon Samuels Governor of Queensland – Peter Arnison Governor of South Australia – Eric Neal Governor of Tasmania – Guy Green Governor of Victoria – James Gobbo Governor of Western Australia – Michael Jeffery Administrator of the Australian Indian Ocean Territories – Ronald Harvey (until 30 October) Administrator of Norfolk Island – Tony Messner Administrator of the Northern Territory – Neil Conn Events January 1 January – The body of toddler Jaidyn Leskie is found, more than six months after he went missing.Cauchi Stephen Foley Brett Shiel Fergus Toddler's body found https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-toddlers-body-found/122493454 The Age 1 30 April 2023 12 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230412054605/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-toddlers-body-found/122493454/ live A volunteer New South Wales Rural Fire Service firefighter from Wingello dies and seven others are injured after becoming trapped in their truck while battling a bushfire in the Wingello State Forest.Kennedy Les Bearup Greg 2 January 1998 One dead, seven hurt in blazing tanker https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-one-dead-seve/123770380 Sydney Morning Herald 1 30 April 2023 6 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230506023158/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-one-dead-seve/123770380/ live 2 January – A helicopter carrying Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer makes an emergency landing in the Bougainville hinterland after its windscreen is smashed in a bird strike.Greene Gervase 3 January 1998 Downer's peace mission drops in https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-downers-peace-mission-drops-in/123771069 The Age 1 30 April 2023 6 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230506023159/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-downers-peace-mission-drops-in/123771069/ live Downer was travelling to Arawa to meet senior leaders of the Bougainville Revolutionary Army. 5 January – In an address to the American Bar Association in Hawaii, Australia Attorney-General Daryl Williams is criticised by Justice Michael Kirby for failing to defend the High Court of Australia against political attacks especially after the Wik decision.Macdonald Janine 6 January 1998 High Court and Government fall out again https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-high-court-and-government-fall-o/123772078 The Age 3 30 April 2023 2 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230502071748/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-high-court-and-government-fall-o/123772078/ live Around 100 staff members are sacked by Mayne Nickless after the company closes its Ipec depot at Campbellfield in Melbourne.Kermond Clare 6 January 1998 100 jobs lost as truck depot closes https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-100-jobs-lost-as-truck-depot-clo/123771698 The Age 2 30 April 2023 3 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230503150139/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-100-jobs-lost-as-truck-depot-clo/123771698/ live 7 January – Prime Minister John Howard declines an offer to meet with British pop group, The Spice Girls.Schembri Jim Lancashire Rebecca 8 January 1998 Spice is not to our PM's taste https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-spice-is-not-to-our-pms-taste/123188504 The Age 1 23 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428195430/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-spice-is-not-to-our-pms-taste/123188504/ live 11 January – Pope John Paul II awards a papal knighthood to Australian media magnate Rupert Murdoch who is officially made a Knight of St. Gregory the Great by the Catholic Church in Los Angeles.Phelen Amanda 5 January 1998 'Unblemished character' cited as Murdoch gets papal knighthood https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-unblemished-c/123773096 The Sydney Morning Herald 3 30 April 2023 5 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230505152331/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-unblemished-c/123773096/ live13 January 1998 Murdoch honour https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-murdoch-honour/123772596 The Sydney Morning Herald 4 30 April 2023 3 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230503061739/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-murdoch-honour/123772596/ live 25 January – American tourists Tom and Eileen Lonergan are unintentionally left behind on the Great Barrier Reef after a scuba diving trip.McGeough Paul 31 January 1998 Depths of despair https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-depths-of-desp/124182271 The Sydney Morning Herald 35 6 May 2023 8 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230508024922/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-depths-of-desp/124182271/ live 26 January – In the aftermath of Cyclone Les, the town of Katherine in the Northern Territory begins to be affected by torrential rain causing major flooding which eventually claims the lives of three people.Culpitt Amy Judd Bridget Katherine floods remembered as 'something from a movie', 20 years on ABC News https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-01-26/katherine-floods3a-20-years-on/9359006 26 January 2018 7 January 2020 8 September 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220908184355/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-01-26/katherine-floods3a-20-years-on/9359006 live 31 January 1998 Flood death https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-flood-death/123189258 The Sydney Morning Herald 2 24 April 2023 29 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230429083037/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-flood-death/123189258/ live1 February 1998 Floods claims second life https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-floods-claim-second-life/123189284 The Sunday Age 24 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428200713/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-floods-claim-second-life/123189284/ liveMacDonald Janine 3 February 1998 Company says it's sorry for cashing in on flood https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-company-says-its-sorry-for-cash/123189347 The Age 2 24 April 2023 The body of a third person to drown in the flood was found yesterday morning... 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428153424/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-company-says-its-sorry-for-cash/123189347/ live 28 January – Prime Minister John Howard unveils a new plan for training, education and expansion of the Work for the Dole Scheme aimed at easing youth unemployment.Millett Michael 29 January 1998 Work for the dole scheme: tough new rules https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-work-for-dole/123188787 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 24 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428195431/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-work-for-dole/123188787/ liveMitchell Ben MacDonald Janine 29 January 1998 More youth to work for dole https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-more-youth-to-work-for-dole/123188685 The Age 3 24 April 2023 27 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230427165240/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-more-youth-to-work-for-dole/123188685/ live Howard's plan is criticised by the president of the Australian Council of Social Service Michael Raper.Millett Michael 29 January 1998 PM's 'home-breaking' plan comes under fire https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-pms-home-bre/123188745 The Sydney Morning Herald 6 24 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428152508/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-pms-home-bre/123188745/ live 29 January – A man opens fire at a real estate agency in the Perth suburb of Mundaring, killing his estranged wife and seriously injuring another staff member as well as a customer before fleeing.30 January 1998 Man kills wife and wounds two https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-man-kills-wife-and-wounds-two/124180046 The Age 2 6 May 2023 8 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230508023115/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-man-kills-wife-and-wounds-two/124180046/ live He crashes his car and then attempts suicide by shooting himself but was taken to Swan Districts Hospital in a serious condition. 30 January – Prime Minister John Howard visits the flood ravaged town of Katherine in the Northern Territory as flood waters claim their first victim.31 January 1998 Howard pledges Katherine aid https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-howard-pledges-katherine-aid/123189136 The Age 6 24 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428195431/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-howard-pledges-katherine-aid/123189136/ live February 1 February – Some Sunday newspapers publish a Libra advertisement for ultra-absorbent menstrual pads accompanied by a caption which reads "Katherine could use some of these right now" while also depicting a flooded home. Northern Territory Deputy Chief Minister Mike Reed criticises the ads describing them as "un-Australian" and calls on the company to apologise. General manager of Sancellar Pty Ltd, the makers of Libra products, unreservedly apologises and commits $25,000 for the town's Red Cross appeal. 2 – 13 February – Constitutional Convention is held to decide which model of republic should be put before the people of Australia in a referendum.Millett Michael 14 February 1998 Republic or Monarchy? Now it's over to you https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-republic-or-mo/123313784 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 24 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428150849/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-republic-or-mo/123313784/ live The model chosen is one where the president is chosen by a joint sitting of both houses of parliamentGordon Michael Rollins Adrian 14 February 1998 The people's day https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-the-peoples-day/123424308 The Age 1 24 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428192201/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-the-peoples-day/123424308/ live 4 February – The Federal Government gives short-term credit insurance to exporters to Indonesia to counter-act the effect of Indonesia's economic problems.Cleary Paul 5 February 1998 Howard hits back at US to protect our exports https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-howard-hits-ba/123313855 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 24 April 2023 29 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230429172128/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-howard-hits-ba/123313855/ live 5 February – High Court of Australia judge Ian Callinan is accused of bias in the High Court challenge of the Hindmarsh Bridge.MacDonald Janine 6 February 1998 High Court dilemma https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-high-court-dilemma/123313899 The Age 1 24 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428145223/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-high-court-dilemma/123313899/ live 21 February – Elections in the ACT re-elect the Liberal Party government of Kate Carnell.Wright Tony 23 February 1998 Knives out for Berry as ALP sinks to its second-worst vote https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-knives-out-for/123313924 The Sydney Morning Herald 4 24 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428192203/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-knives-out-for/123313924/ live It would be the last State or Territory election that the Liberal Party have managed to form government after until the Western Australia state election in September 2008. 23 February–March – After generator breakdowns at four major coal-fired power stations, rolling blackouts hit the city of Brisbane and much of South-East Queensland. March 3 March – Federal Speaker of the House of Representatives Bob Halverson resigns.Wright Tony 4 March 1998 Sinclair steps in after Speaker's sudden exit https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-sinclair-steps/123314027 The Sydney Morning Herald 2 24 April 2023 27 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230427155518/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-sinclair-steps/123314027/ live 8 March – New South Wales Premier Bob Carr opens the Olympic Park Station on the new rail link between Sydney and the site for the 2000 Olympics.Riley Mark 9 March 1998 Train your eyes on our Olympic horizon https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-train-your-eye/123314100 The Sydney Morning Herald 4 24 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428142439/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-train-your-eye/123314100/ live 12 March – The Federal Opposition alleges that Mining and Resources Minister Warwick Parer increased his ownership of a mining company during the first year of the Howard Government's office.Wright Tony 13 March 1998 Parer admits super scheme still going as ALP turns up heat https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-parer-admits-s/123314254 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 24 April 2023 27 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230427155516/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-parer-admits-s/123314254/ live 16 March – Prime Minister John Howard pledges a $50 million crime database investment if the Liberal Party is re-elected.April 2023 17 March – The Federal Government announces sweeping reforms to business rules to attract overseas companies to Australia.April 2023 April 2 April – Prime Minister John Howard pledges $270 million to keep the aged in their own homes and win back their support.Tingle Laura Downey Marion 3 April 1998 $270m to keep elderly in community https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-270m-to-keep/123314480 The Sydney Morning Herald 4 24 April 2023 29 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230429070408/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-270m-to-keep/123314480/ live 7 April – 3 June – Patrick Corporation sacks 2,000 dock workers to try to improve efficiency on the waterfront.Trinca Helen Jamieson Tim 8 April 1998 Waterfront ambush https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-waterfront-amb/123314499 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 24 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428144701/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-waterfront-amb/123314499/ live In response, the Maritime Union of Australia stages possibly the largest industrial dispute Australia has ever seen.Norington Brad Davies Anne Trinca Helen Millett Michael Stephens Tony Sheehan Paul Loane Sally Roberts Greg Cummins Carolyn Askew Kate Lamont Leonie 9 April 1998 Battle for the waterfront https://www.newspapers.com/image/120508415 The Sydney Morning Herald 1, 6–7 24 April 2023 24 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230424003622/https://www.newspapers.com/image/120508415 live In the end, the jobs are restored to the workers in exchange for improvements in efficiency. 25 April – Prime Minister John Howard joins former prisoners of war in a ceremony at Hellfire Pass in Thailand, paying tribute to those who died building the Thai-Burma railway.Wright Tony 26 April 1998 Anger, tears at Hellfire Pass https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-tears-anger-a/123314602 The Sun-Herald 4–5 24 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428141232/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-tears-anger-a/123314602/ live After attending that morning's Anzac Day commemorations, 16-year-old Air Force Cadet Rachel Antonio goes missing from the North Queensland town of Bowen after being dropped off at the local cinema to see an evening movie.Lavelle Laura 25 April 2023 Rachel Antonio's parents hope for answers 25 years after Bowen teen's murder https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-04-25/qld-rachel-antonio-disappearance-anniversary-bowen-murder/102208812 ABC News 27 April 2023 27 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230427024451/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-04-25/qld-rachel-antonio-disappearance-anniversary-bowen-murder/102208812 live May 5 May – Fires caused by unsafe fuel hoses aboard the replenishment ship HMAS Westralia kill four people.Reardon David Woodford James 6 May 1998 Fireball kills four at sea https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-fireball-kills/123314620 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 23 April 2023 27 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230427203233/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-fireball-kills/123314620/ liveWeber David HMAS Westralia Coroner's Inquest to begin ABC News https://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/stories/s736038.htm 27 November 2002 7 January 2020 12 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170512021823/http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/stories/s736038.htm live 14 May – Prime Minister John Howard cuts defence ties and suspends all but the most vital humanitarian aid to India after the country carries out two more nuclear tests.Woodford James 15 May 1998 Military exercises, relations suspended https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-military-exerc/123314823 The Sydney Morning Herald 8 23 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428002216/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-military-exerc/123314823/ live 18 May – The value of the Australian dollar slumps to 62 and a quarter US cents, its lowest level in 12 years.Aylmer Sean O'Loughlin Toni 19 May 1998 $A slides further on 'no help' signal https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-a-slides-furt/123374995 The Sydney Morning Herald 26 23 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428014432/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-a-slides-furt/123374995/ live In a radio interview, Prime Minister John Howard attributes the fall in value on "poorly informed, economically illiterate money market people on the other side of the world".Walsh Max 19 May 1998 They're not dills for dumping dollars https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-theyre-not-di/123314895 The Sydney Morning Herald 26 23 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428012926/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-theyre-not-di/123314895/ live 22 May – The Federal Court of Australia blocks construction of the Jabiluka uranium mine, granting to the traditional owners of the land a temporary injunction against work on the mine entrance.Hudson Phillip Strong Geoff 23 May 1998 Court stalls Jabiluka mine https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-court-stalls-jabiluka-mine/123315012 The Age 8 23 April 2023 27 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230427203234/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-court-stalls-jabiluka-mine/123315012/ live 24 May – Prime Minister John Howard opens the new Central Synagogue in Sydney to replace the former synagogue which burnt down in 1994.Jacobsen Geesche 25 May 1998 Synagogue opening a celebration https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-synagogue-open/123315097 The Sydney Morning Herald 4 23 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428145502/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-synagogue-open/123315097/ live Christopher Skase's passport is seized by Spanish officials and cancelled.Daley Paul 25 May 1998 Now Skase has travel blocked https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-now-skase-has-travel-blocked/123315121 The Age 3 23 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428213220/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-now-skase-has-travel-blocked/123315121/ live Skase applies for a renewal of his Spanish residency, which expired on 13 May and the Federal Government asks Spanish authorities to refuse the application, hoping it will force him home. 26 May – The first National Sorry Day is observed, on the first anniversary of the tabling of the report Bringing them Home which was the result of an inquiry into the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families (the Stolen Generation).Brady Nicole 23 May 1998 Apologies flow for Sorry Day https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-apologies-flow-for-sorry-day/123315017 The Age 8 23 April 2023 27 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230427203233/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-apologies-flow-for-sorry-day/123315017/ liveJopson Debra 27 May 1998 A million times sorry as the nation's conscience is stirred https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-a-million-time/123315186 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 23 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428002219/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-a-million-time/123315186/ liveMacdonald Janine 27 May 1998 Thousands say sorry, but not PM https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-thousands-say-sorry-but-not-pm/123315153 The Age 1 23 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428213222/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-thousands-say-sorry-but-not-pm/123315153/ live The day was held annually until 2004. It was renamed National Day of Healing from 2005. 27 May – The Australian Labor Party criticises the Queensland Coalition Government for its decision to put Pauline Hanson's One Nation party ahead of the Labor Party on how to vote papers for the upcoming Queensland State Election. 30 May – Prime Minister John Howard expresses Australia's concern about Pakistan's nuclear tests.31 May 1998 New Pakistani blasts https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-new-pakistani-blasts/123315294 The Age 1 23 April 2023 27 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230427203230/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-new-pakistani-blasts/123315294/ live June 1 June – The Terminus Hotel in Wodonga, Victoria, burns down.https://victoriancollections.net.au/items/6073e0b9553a77efbc76a915 Photograph: Terminus Hotel Wondonga Fire 1998 - Historical information 2019 Victoria Collections 23 April 2023 On 1st June 1998 the Terminus Hotel was destroyed by fire 23 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230423094620/https://victoriancollections.net.au/items/6073e0b9553a77efbc76a915 live 13 June – The Queensland state elections depose the ruling National Party government of Rob Borbidge & elect a minority ALP government, led by Peter Beattie.Roberts Greg Tingle Laura 26 June 1998 PM tells One Nation: you'll vote Labor in https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-pm-tells-one-n/123374550 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 23 April 2023 The Queensland Premier, Mr Borbidge, conceded and resigned his commission after Labor secured the support of Independent MP, Mr Peter Wellington, to form a government around 2pm yesterday. 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428004423/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-pm-tells-one-n/123374550/ liveRoberts Greg 26 June 1998 'Born with a plastic spoon' in his mouth https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-born-with-a-p/123374471 The Sydney Morning Herald 10 23 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428204425/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-born-with-a-p/123374471/ live Pauline Hanson's One Nation scored 23% of the vote & 11 seats, leading to anti-racism protests & four former Prime Ministers to sign an open letter rejecting racism.Mitchell Alex 14 June 1998 Pauline Power - One Nation wins key seats in poll shock https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-pauline-power/123315361 The Sun-Herald 1 23 April 2023 27 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230427032622/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-pauline-power/123315361/ liveKingston Margo 1 September 1998 Ex-prime ministers join to attack 'evil' of racism https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-ex-prime-minis/123374400 The Sydney Morning Herald 8 23 April 2023 27 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230427192358/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-ex-prime-minis/123374400/ live 26 June 1998 – While awaiting trial on child sex charges, former New South Wales state MP and former mayor of Wollongong Frank Arkell is murdered by Mark Valera.Hannan Liz Patty Anna Mitchell Alex 28 June 1998 Child sex MP slain https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-child-sex-mp-s/123786640 The Sun-Herald 1, 6–7 30 April 2023 2 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230502145410/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-child-sex-mp-s/123786640/ live In 2000, Valera is found guilty of murdering Arkell and David O'Hearn and sentenced to two term of life imprisonment.9 August 2000 Guilty of murders, Valera exits smiling https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-guilty-of-murd/123786941 The Sydney Morning Herald 3 30 April 2023 2 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230502145409/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-guilty-of-murd/123786941/ liveJackson Allison 22 December 2000 Life for double murderer https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-life-for-doubl/123786891 The Sydney Morning Herald 2 30 April 2023 2 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230502145409/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-life-for-doubl/123786891/ live 30 June – The Mercy Hospital in Albury, New South Wales, closes down its maternity unit. From 1 July, all babies are now born at the Wodonga Hospital in Wodonga, Victoria.April 2023 July 11 July – The Telstra sale bill is defeated in the Senate.Wright Tony 12 July 1998 Telstra sale plan sunk by Colston https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-telstra-sale-plan-sunk-by-colsto/123314194 The Age 1–2 23 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428132916/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-telstra-sale-plan-sunk-by-colsto/123314194/ live Prime Minister John Howard states the full sale of Telstra is still on the agenda for the next election. 15 July – Prime Minister John Howard stands firm against a Coalition backbench revolt on the full sale of Telstra.Millett Michael Davies Anne Roberts Greg 16 July 1998 Coalition at breaking point over Telstra sale https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-coalition-at-b/123315432 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 23 April 2023 Howard informs Parliament that the Government is committed to the Telstra sale. 21 July – Federal Treasurer Peter Costello admits he has been approached to challenge John Howard for the leadership of the Liberal Party.Tingle Laura 22 July 1998 Costello exposes leadership tension https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-costello-expos/123315481 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 23 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428132916/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-costello-expos/123315481/ live Talk of the challenge overshadows a Cabinet meeting in regional Victoria.Gordon Michael Wright Tony 22 July 1998 Question over PM as leader https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-question-over-pm-as-leader/123315494 The Age 1 23 April 2023 21 July – 5 September – A rapidly evolving water crisis occurs in Sydney, due to the suspected contamination of the microscopic pathogens cryptosporidium and giardia in the water supply, prompting authorities to instruct residents to boil all their tap water before using it.McClennan, Peter Peter McClellan December 1998 Sydney Water Inquiry: Final Report 2 Fifth Report NSW Premier's Department 0-7313-3073-0 Sydney http://www.dpc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/15361/05_Fifth_Report_-_Final_Report_Volume_2_-_December_1998.pdf 16 March 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20190211192215/https://archive.dpc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/15361/05_Fifth_Report_-_Final_Report_Volume_2_-_December_1998.pdf 11 February 2019 dead Jacobsen Geesche 28 July 1998 East Sydney residents told they should boil their water https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-east-sydney-re/123315546 The Sydney Morning Herald 3 23 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428132919/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-east-sydney-re/123315546/ liveDoherty Linda 29 July 1998 Two-day silence on tainted city water https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-two-day-silenc/123315561 The Sydney Morning Herald 3 23 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428132918/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-two-day-silenc/123315561/ live30 July 1998 Sydney told: boil all tap water https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-sydney-told-b/123315597 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 23 April 2023 27 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230427185039/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-sydney-told-b/123315597/ liveDoherty Linda Bernoth Ardyn Dale David 31 July 1998 Contaminated https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-contaminated/123315614 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 23 April 2023 27 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230427220239/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-contaminated/123315614/ liveMurphy Damien Bernoth Ardyn 1 August 1998 Is this the best we can do? https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-is-this-the-be/123315672 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 23 April 2023 27 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230427185037/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-is-this-the-be/123315672/ liveWalker Frank 2 August 1998 Eight more days: Carry on boiling water say water chiefs https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-eight-more-day/123315727 The Sun-Herald 1 23 April 2023 27 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230427185041/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-eight-more-day/123315727/ live 22 July – The Federal Government bows to the mounting pressure from backbenchers and rural voters by placing a 49% cap on the sale of Telstra.Tingle Laura 23 July 1998 Howard's backdown on Telstra https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-howards-backd/123315765 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 23 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428132914/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-howards-backd/123315765/ live 26 July – Premier Bob Carr promises to help the victims of flooding in Narrabri, Wee Waa and Gunnedah with the damage bill expected to top $100 million.Doherty Linda 27 July 1998 Northern towns brace for major flooding https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-northern-towns/123315792 The Sydney Morning Herald 7 23 April 2023 27 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230427221732/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-northern-towns/123315792/ live August 13 August – The Coalition Tax Reform Package is launched and includes a 10 percent GST with the proceeds to be distributed to the states.Millett Michael Tingle Laura 14 August 1998 Family matters https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-family-matters/123315833 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 23 April 2023 27 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230427012940/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-family-matters/123315833/ live Income tax will be lowered and the wholesale sales tax abolished, along with certain taxes on financial transactions. 16 August – Silk–Miller police murders: Two Victoria Police officers, Gary Michael Silk, 34, and Rodney James Miller, 35, are murdered in Moorabbin, Victoria.Silvester John Conroy Paul Munro Ian Walker D. M. Gibson Rachel 17 August 1998 Slain in cold blood https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-slain-in-cold-blood/123315879 The Age 1–3 23 April 2023 27 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230427163656/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-slain-in-cold-blood/123315879/ live 17 August – Illawarra floodsEvans Michael Baird Julia Kennedy Les 18 August 1998 Thousands stranded by mudslides and floods https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-thousands-stra/123373462 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 23 April 2023 27 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230427191326/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-thousands-stra/123373462/ live 29 August – The Liberal Party government of Tony Rundle is voted out in Tasmania & replaced with an ALP government of Jim Bacon.Darby Andrew 30 August 1998 Labor set for win in Tasmania https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-labor-set-for-win-in-tasmania/123316038 The Sunday Age 1–2 23 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428114840/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-labor-set-for-win-in-tasmania/123316038/ live 31 August – President of Ireland, Mary McAleese arrives in Perth to begin an 11-day visit to Australia.1 September 1998 Perth greets the Irish president https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-perth-greets-i/123316022 The Sydney Morning Herald 2 23 April 2023 27 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230427191324/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-perth-greets-i/123316022/ live September 17 September – Prime Minister John Howard is involved in a heated off-air exchange with ABC staff in Perth following a radio interview on 720 6WF in which he is asked by Mornings presenter Verity James about whether a GST would affect the price of heroin.https://australianpolitics.com/1998/09/17/verity-james-howard-interview-perth.html Verity James Interviews John Howard – ABC Radio, Perth | AustralianPolitics.com australianpolitics.com 14 September 2021 14 September 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210914101939/https://australianpolitics.com/1998/09/17/verity-james-howard-interview-perth.html liveCleary Paul Seccombe Mike 18 September 1998 Howard's in a spin and the senator's in a toilet https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-howards-in-a/123316120 The Sydney Morning Herald 10 23 April 2023 27 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230427221040/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-howards-in-a/123316120/ liveNicholson Brendan Easterbrook Margaret 18 September 1998 ABC 'sorry' for drug question https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-abc-sorry-for-drug-question/123316078 The Age 9 23 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428181646/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-abc-sorry-for-drug-question/123316078/ live An angry Howard states: "The suggestion that in some way the GST is linked to heroin is just about the most bizarre thing I've heard and I want an apology from the ABC without qualification, and I expect to get it." Both James and the state manager of the ABC in Western Australia Steve Altham unreservedly apologise to Howard in a letter, where they admitted a mistake had been made after briefing material had been misread. ABC managing director Brian Johns later states the incident was regrettable. 23 September – Federal Opposition Leader Kim Beazley launches Labor's election policy at the Brisbane Convention Centre, promising funding to a new jobs plan.Millett Michael Lagan Bernard 24 September 1998 Back to work, Australia: Beazley pledges $1.7bn downpayment on 105,000 new jobs https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-back-to-work/123354878 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 23 April 2023 27 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230427183708/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-back-to-work/123354878/ live Prime Minister John Howard dismisses Mr. Beazley's job target as unrealistic.Allard Tom 24 September 1998 PM: failed policies recycled https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-pm-failed-pol/123372808 The Sydney Morning Herald 9 23 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428112514/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-pm-failed-pol/123372808/ live 25 September – A fire at Esso's Longford plant killed 2, injured 8 & left most of Victoria without gas for two weeks.Wood Leonie Strong Geoff 26 September 1998 Gas shutdown https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-gas-shutdown/123354938 The Age 1 23 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428112502/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-gas-shutdown/123354938/ liveStrong Geoff 27 September 1998 The Gippsland disaster a vision of hell https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-the-gippsland-disaster-a-vision/123372687 The Sunday Age 7 23 April 2023 ...the destruction that had killed two men... 27 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230427221040/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-the-gippsland-disaster-a-vision/123372687/ live Hundreds of businesses were affected.Brown Suzanne Finlay Sally 27 September 1998 Counting the cost as the gas runs out https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-counting-the-cost-as-the-gas-run/123372665 The Sunday Age 7 23 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428181633/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-counting-the-cost-as-the-gas-run/123372665/ live October 3 October – With the help of One Nation preferences, John Howard's Liberal/National coalition government is re-elected in the federal election.O'Rourke Jim Cumming Fia Mitchell Alex Walker Frank Crisp Lyndall Chulov Martin Toohey Brian Potts Brian 4 October 1998 Howard defiant after narrow win: 'A mandate for my GST' https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-howard-defiant/123355181 The Sun-Herald 1–13 23 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428103202/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-howard-defiant/123355181/ live November 6 November – The City of Rockhampton, the first of Queensland Rail's Electric Tilt Trains enters service, leading to the eventual demise of the Spirit of Capricorn.Martin Bruno 2014 Cape-Gauge Australian Record Breakers: Queensland's Tilt Trains https://issuu.com/sedibelophetoe/docs/er1074_railwaysafrica_issue2_reduce Railways Africa 13 2 23 April 2023 Queensland Rail entered a new era of long-distance train travel on 6 November 1998 when electric tilt train set 301/302 carrying the name of City of Rockhampton was taken into revenue service from Rockhampton... 23 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230423062143/https://issuu.com/sedibelophetoe/docs/er1074_railwaysafrica_issue2_reduce live5 November 2018 20th anniversary of the Tilt Trains https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/about%20us/Media%20Centre/Media%20Releases/Pages/20th-Anniversary-of-the-Tilt-Trains.aspx Queensland Rail 23 April 2023 Timeline... 6 November 1998 – Inaugural Tilt Train service Brisbane to Rockhampton 25 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230425030704/https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/about%20us/Media%20Centre/Media%20Releases/Pages/20th-Anniversary-of-the-Tilt-Trains.aspx live 12 November – State Premiers and Territory Chief Ministers meet in Canberra with Prime Minister John Howard to discuss the sharing of funds from a goods and services tax.Humphries David Millett Michael 13 November 1998 States reject GST offer https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-states-reject/123355795 The Sydney Morning Herald 6 23 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428171456/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-states-reject/123355795/ live 15 November – Prime Minister John Howard arrives in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the APEC Conference.Millett Michael Skehan Craig 17 November 1998 Diplomacy in KL: it's like walking on eggshells https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-diplomacy-in-k/123355992 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 23 April 2023 27 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230427144443/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-diplomacy-in-k/123355992/ live 20 November – The High Court of Australia decides to allow uranium mining to proceed at Jabiluka in the Northern Territory. 29 November – Prime Minister John Howard joins in celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the first Holden motor car.Dowling Joshua Power Ben 30 November 1998 I had one too, says PM on Holden's golden day https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-i-had-one-too/123356336 The Sydney Morning Herald 7 23 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428171456/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-i-had-one-too/123356336/ live December December – A man posts 28 mail bombs at a Canberra post office after losing a legal battle with the Australian Taxation Office which had been going since 1994.Kennedy Les Baird Julia Woodford James Bearup Greg 4 December 1998 More bombs feared https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-more-bombs-fea/123357104 The Sydney Morning Herald 1, 4 23 April 2023 27 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230427160720/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-more-bombs-fea/123357104/ live One of the bombs explodes, injuring two workers. 1 December – The Federal Government rejects an attempt by UNESCO to suspend construction of the Jabiluka uranium mine pending a further environmental impact report.Nicholson Brendan 2 December 1998 Canberra defies UN's mine call https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-canberra-defies-uns-mine-call/123356410 The Age 3 23 April 2023 26 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230426232538/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-canberra-defies-uns-mine-call/123356410/ live 2 December – The Linton bushfire kills five volunteer firefighters in Linton, Victoria.Saltau Chloe Farouque Farah 3 December 1998 Bushfire kills five https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-bushfire-kills-five/123356469 The Age 1 23 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428095046/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-bushfire-kills-five/123356469/ live 4 December – Colin Dunstan, aged 43, is arrested for the tax office mail bomb campaign.Koutsoukis Jason 6 December 1998 Man, 43, charged over letter-bomb campaign https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-man-43-charged-over-letter-bom/123356960 The Sunday Age 5 23 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428164522/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-man-43-charged-over-letter-bom/123356960/ live 14 December – New South Wales Premier Bob Carr opens extra lanes on the road the runs from Penrith to Strathfield.April 2023 19 December – A fire breaks out at the Country Comfort hotel in Albury, New South Wales, spreading up to the top floor.McPherson Tahlia 7 September 2016 Albury Civic Fire Station celebrates 100 years on Kiewa Street https://www.bordermail.com.au/story/4149294/a-century-of-heated-tales The Border Mail 23 April 2023 ...a fire at the Country Comfort reinforced the importance of modern alarm systems. The 1998 blaze broke out in a bin... 27 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230427160722/https://www.bordermail.com.au/story/4149294/a-century-of-heated-tales/ livehttps://drnevillebuch.com/wednesday-december-19-2018/ On this day... Wednesday December 19, 2018 Buch Neville 19 December 2018 Dr Neville Buch - Professional historian 23 April 2023 On Saturday 19 December 1998, A fire breaks out at the Country Comfort hotel in Albury, New South Wales, spreading up to the top floor. 23 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230423055053/https://drnevillebuch.com/wednesday-december-19-2018/ live 20 December – Christopher Skase is rushed to a Majorca hospital just days after a Spanish court lifts an order preventing his deportation.Kitney Geoff 21 December 1998 Skase to fight with health defence https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-skase-to-fight/123357256 The Sydney Morning Herald 2 23 April 2023 27 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230427140344/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-skase-to-fight/123357256/ live Full date unknown The Wiggles re-release three videos after the video release of The Wiggles Movie, including Yummy Yummy, Wiggle Time, and Wiggledance!.http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/wiggles/videography.php Powerhouse Museum – The Wiggles Videography 18 February 2017 Powerhouse Museum dead https://web.archive.org/web/20130923080939/http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/wiggles/videography.php 23 September 2013 However, Yummy Yummy and Wiggle Time contains new footage, as they have been re-recorded, Wiggledance! cuts out the song "Vini Vini". Wilkins Farago book publishing house is founded in Melbourne.Nawotka Edward Aussie Kids Publisher Wilkins Farago on a Mission to Market "Emotions" http://publishingperspectives.com/2015/02/aussie-kids-publisher-wilkins-farago-mission-market-emotions/ 23 August 2015 Publishing Perspectives 18 February 2015 26 August 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150826070130/http://publishingperspectives.com/2015/02/aussie-kids-publisher-wilkins-farago-mission-market-emotions/ live Arts and literature 1998 in Australian literature Peter Carey (novelist) won the Miles Franklin Award for Jack Maggs Austlit — Miles Franklin Literary Award : 1997-1999 Austlit https://www.austlit.edu.au/austlit/page/v254?mainTabTemplate=awardWorksAndAgents&from=24&count=3 24 April 2024 20 November 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231120044954/https://www.austlit.edu.au/austlit/page/v254?mainTabTemplate=awardWorksAndAgents&from=24&count=3 live Film 2 May – Fox Studios Australia opens in Sydney on the site of the former Sydney Showgrounds.Owens Susan 3 May 1998 Hollywood sizzle fires Fox opening https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-hollywood-sizz/123849001 The Sun-Herald 9 1 May 2023 5 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230505001014/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-hollywood-sizz/123849001/ live 20 August – The InterviewHall Sandra 20 August 1998 Interview: a talk on the Wildside https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-interview-a-t/123849094 The Sydney Morning Herald 12 1 May 2023 6 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230506191956/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-interview-a-t/123849094/ live 10 December – Babe: Pig in the CityHall Sandra 10 December 1998 Ham acting that you can't help but love https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-ham-acting-tha/123849051 The Sydney Morning Herald 12 1 May 2023 Television 16 February – Long running British preschool series Teletubbies premieres on ABC.Oliver Robin 9 February 1998 Teletubby takeover https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-the-teletubby/123426891 The Sydney Morning Herald 57–58 24 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428211905/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-the-teletubby/123426891/ live 27 March – Darwin finally gets a second commercial television station when TND-34 opens, taking a Seven Network affiliation.https://televisionau.com/2008/04/the-top-end-scores-a-ten.html The Top End scores a Ten Bayley Andrew 24 April 2013 Television.AU 24 April 2023 is the first new channel to commence operation in Darwin since Seven Darwin (now Southern Cross Darwin) commenced operation in March 1998. 24 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230424084318/https://televisionau.com/2008/04/the-top-end-scores-a-ten.html livehttps://televisionau.com/classic-tv-guides/tv270398 NT News TV Guide: Friday 27 March 1998 27 March 1998 Television.AU 24 April 2023 The launch of Seven Darwin, the city’s second commercial station, broadcasting on UHF Channel 34 24 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230424084316/https://televisionau.com/classic-tv-guides/tv270398 live WIN Television WA is granted a licence to broadcast to regional & remote Western Australia to commence transmission in 1999.April 2023 27 November – After 25 years, The Midday Show is axed by the Nine Network.Jinman Richard 14 November 1998 After 25 years, it's high noon for Midday https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-after-25-years/123438096 The Sydney Morning Herald 2 24 April 2023 30 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230430045224/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-after-25-years/123438096/ liveFitzSimons Peter 28 November 1998 The last Midday a sunburst of nostalgia https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-the-last-midda/116649277 The Sydney Morning Herald 4 24 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428211904/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-the-last-midda/116649277/ live 5 October – Pokémon begins on Network Ten.April 2023 December – The remote Central & Eastern Australia markets are aggregated, with Imparja taking a Nine Network affiliation & Seven Central (formerly QSTV) taking a joint Seven & Network Ten affiliation.April 2023 Sport Australian rules football 26 September – The Adelaide Crows (15.15.105) defeat North Melbourne (8.22.70) to win the 102nd VFL/AFL premiership.Smith Patrick 27 September 1998 Back to back: Adelaide AFL premiers 1998 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-back-to-back-adelaide-afl-premi/123438969 The Sunday Age 1 30 April 2023 4 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230504060150/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-back-to-back-adelaide-afl-premi/123438969/ live The Brownlow Medal is awarded to Robert Harvey of St KildaConnolly Rohan 22 September 1998 Harvey has the medal mettle https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-harvey-has-the-medal-mettle/123438995 The Age 1 30 April 2023 3 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230503110841/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-harvey-has-the-medal-mettle/123438995/ live The Leigh Matthews Trophy is awarded to Wayne Carey of North MelbourneApril 2023 The Coleman Medal is awarded to Tony Lockett of Sydney SwansApril 2023 The Norm Smith Medal is awarded to Andrew McLeod of Adelaide CrowsBrowne Ashley 27 September 1998 How North lost the pole position https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-how-north-lost-the-pole-position/123492159 The Age 36–37 30 April 2023 Leading the way was Andrew McLeod... went all the way to the post-match podium where he received his second-straight Norm Smith medal. 6 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230506101149/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-how-north-lost-the-pole-position/123492159/ live The AFL Rising Star award is awarded to Byron Pickett of North MelbourneLyon Garry 13 September 1998 Star on the rise https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-star-on-the-rise/123492355 The Age 31 30 April 2023 4 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230504060150/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-star-on-the-rise/123492355/ live The Wooden Spoon is 'awarded' to Brisbane Soccer 16 May – South Melbourne become Australian Champions for the third time in their history, beating newly formed Carlton SC in the National Soccer League Grand Final at Olympic Park, 2-1.Cockerill Michael 17 May 1998 Souths chase away Blues https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-souths-chase-a/123438771 The Sydney Morning Herald 107 24 April 2023 29 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230429020504/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-souths-chase-a/123438771/ live The game is marred by brawling soccer fans who invade the playing arena, throw flares and rip up seating prompting Victoria Police to consider increasing police presence and introducing CCTV to monitor crowd behaviour for future games at the venue.Foley Brett 18 May 1998 Soccer brawls force police to think again https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-soccer-brawls-force-police-to-th/123438707 The Age 3 24 April 2023 29 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230429020504/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-soccer-brawls-force-police-to-th/123438707/ live Rugby league 13 March – The NRL competition kicks off, with the South Sydney Rabbitohs upsetting the Auckland Warriors 24–18 at Ericsson Stadium. 14 March 1998 Plucky Souths triumph with late try https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-plucky-souths/123784914 The Sydney Morning Herald 56 30 April 2023 14 March – In their first match, the Melbourne Storm upset the Illawarra Steelers 14–12 at WIN Stadium.Mascord Steve 15 March 1998 Storm in a shock victory over Illawarra https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-storm-in-a-shock-victory-over-il/123785046 The Sunday Age 86 30 April 2023 3 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230503123935/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-storm-in-a-shock-victory-over-il/123785046/ live The Storm go on to have a remarkable debut season, going within one game of the grand final. 24 April – The Kangaroos play their first 'full-fledged' international match in four years as they play the Kiwis who defeat Australia 22–16.25 April 1998 New Zealand in upset victory over Australia https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-new-zealand-in-upset-victory-ove/123785078 The Age 55 30 April 2023 2 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230502133152/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-new-zealand-in-upset-victory-ove/123785078/ live 12 June – Rugby league rocked by drugs scandal. Three Newcastle Knights players test positive, as do one Melbourne player & a Western Suburbs player.Wiedler Danny Timbrell Graham 14 June 1998 Drugs crisis https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-drugs-crisis/123785153 The Sun-Herald 110 30 April 2023 4 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230504071529/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-drugs-crisis/123785153/ liveMagnay Jacquelin 26 June 1998 Howe to get off lightly on steroids https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-howe-to-get-off-lightly-on-stero/123785214 The Age 30 April 2023 4 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230504071529/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-howe-to-get-off-lightly-on-stero/123785214/ live29 September 1998 22 weeks for Wests centre https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-22-weeks-for-wests-centre/123785266 The Age 43 30 April 2023 4 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230504071529/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-22-weeks-for-wests-centre/123785266/ live 23 September – The St. George Dragons & the Illawarra Steelers announce they will form the game's first joint venture team, the St George Illawarra Dragons.Kent Paul 24 September 1998 Mere merger not enough to slay Dragons https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-mere-merger-no/123785302 The Sydney Morning Herald 6 30 April 2023 4 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230504071530/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-mere-merger-no/123785302/ live 27 September – Minor premiers the Brisbane Broncos defeat the Canterbury Bulldogs 38–12 to win the 91st NSWRL/ARL/NRL premiership.Masters Roy 28 September 1998 Comeback kings https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-comeback-kings/123785331 The Sydney Morning Herald 21 3 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230503121839/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-comeback-kings/123785331/ live Gordon Tallis is awarded the Clive Churchill Medal.Mascord Steve 28 September 1998 Embarrassed, groggy Tallis says every player deserves to get a medal https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-embarrassed-g/123785346 The Sydney Morning Herald 22 30 April 2023 4 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230504071528/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-embarrassed-g/123785346/ live It is the first premiership held under the NRL name & the last grand final to be played at the Sydney Football Stadium (now Aussie Stadium). It is also the second consecutive premiership for the Broncos following their success in the 1997 Super League. The Western Suburbs Magpies finish in last position on points difference and points against, claiming the wooden spoon.Magnay Jacquelin 24 August 1998 Storm take third spot for strong tilt at title https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-storm-takes-third-spot-for-stron/123785549 The Age 45 30 April 2023 ...Western Suburbs succumbed to Penrith to pick up the wooden spoon. 6 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230506001516/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-storm-takes-third-spot-for-stron/123785549/ live 1 & 3 December – The Adelaide Rams & the Gold Coast Chargers are eliminated from the NRL competition for 1999.2 December 1998 End of the road for Rams, Chargers https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-end-of-the-roa/123785433 The Sydney Morning Herald 48 30 April 2023 2 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230502133710/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-end-of-the-roa/123785433/ live Cricket 16 October – Mark Taylor equals Don Bradman's record of 334 in a test match against Pakistan.Ray Mark 17 October 1998 Taylor matches Sir Don with historic 334 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-taylor-matches/123430560 The Sydney Morning Herald 58 24 April 2023 However, unlike Bradman, Taylor is not out & declares the innings closed when he reaches that score.Roebuck Peter 18 October 1998 Taylor resists the lure of record https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-taylor-resists-the-lure-of-recor/123430680 The Sunday Age 34–35 24 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428165510/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-taylor-resists-the-lure-of-recor/123430680/ live 9 December – Shane Warne & Mark Waugh publicly confess to accepting money from an Indian bookmaker when the Australian cricket team was on tour in Pakistan & Sri Lanka in 1994.Wright Tony Wilkins Phil Ray Mark Blake Martin Baum Greg Gati-Aslam Fareshteh Paxinos Stathi Roebuck Peter Blake Martin 10 December 1998 Cricket scandal https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-push-for-new-inquiry/123430163 The Age 1, 8–10 24 April 2023 27 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230427181009/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-push-for-new-inquiry/123430163/ live Swimming 8 to 17 January – The 8th FINA World Championships are held in Perth. Ian Thorpe wins his first gold medal at a major meet in the 400m freestyle.Cowley Michael 16 January 1998 Teens land gold, silver https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-teens-land-gold-silver/123428989 The Age 28 24 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428163401/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-teens-land-gold-silver/123428989/ live Human growth hormone was found in a Chinese swimmer Yuan Yuan's bag at Sydney Airport, resulting in her deportation.Papadopoulos Nick Magnay Jacquelin 9 January 1998 Chinese caught red-handed https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-chinese-caught/123429119 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 24 April 2023 29 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230429113420/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-chinese-caught/123429119/ liveDillman Lisa 9 January 1998 Australians to test vials found on Chinese swimmer https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-jan-09-sp-6703-story.html Los Angeles Times 24 April 2023 24 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230424024203/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-jan-09-sp-6703-story.html live Motor sport 8 March – Finnish driver Mika Häkkinen wins a controversial Australian Grand Prix ahead of McLaren teammate Scot David Coulthard after Coulthard moved over and allowed Häkkinen to take the race lead in the closing stages of the race.Carlyon Les 9 March 1998 The crying Finn https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-the-crying-finn/123785716 The Age 1 30 April 2023 4 October – Mick Doohan riding a Honda NSR500 won his third and final Australian motorcycle Grand Prix at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.Hinds Richard 5 October 1998 Doohan, the best thing on two legs https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-doohan-the-best-thing-on-two-le/123785797 The Age 35 30 April 2023 3 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230503123921/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-doohan-the-best-thing-on-two-le/123785797/ live The win secured Doohan's fifth consecutive World Championship victory.Young Colin 5 October 1998 Master's five of the best https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-masters-five-of-the-best/123785822 The Age 37 30 April 2023 6 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230506002631/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-masters-five-of-the-best/123785822/ live 4 October – Jim Richards and Swede Rickard Rydell win the Bathurst 1000 in their TWR prepared Volvo S40, defeating Richards' son Steven Richards and Brit Matt Neal in a Nissan Primera by the smallest competitive margin in the races history. It was Richards' sixth Bathurst victory.Kennedy Alan 5 October 1998 Rydell tops in a cliffhanger https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-rydell-tops-in/123785840 The Sydney Morning Herald 22 30 April 2023 3 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230503123919/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-rydell-tops-in/123785840/ live 8 November – Finnish driver Tommi Mäkinen won his second Rally Australia driving a Mitsubishi Lancer.McKay Peter 9 November 1998 Tommi rallies to down unhappy Sainz https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-tommi-rallies/123785863 The Sydney Morning Herald 29 30 April 2023 4 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230504073538/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-tommi-rallies/123785863/ live 15 November – Jason Bright and Steven Richards in a Ford Falcon take victory in the Bathurst Classic, the first major victory for Stone Brothers Racing team.Kennedy Alan 16 November 1998 Whiz-kids get lion's share of the cake https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-whiz-kids-get/123785904 The Sydney Morning Herald 37 30 April 2023 6 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230506120343/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-whiz-kids-get/123785904/ live Commonwealth Games September – Australia comes home with a record 199 medals, 80 of them gold from the 1998 Commonwealth Games held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.Eakins Bevan 23 September 1998 Drama, joy and the odd spoke in the wheel https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-drama-joy-and-odd-spoke-in-the/123428642 The Age 63 24 April 2023 29 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230429102756/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-drama-joy-and-odd-spoke-in-the/123428642/ live Netball 7 August – The Adelaide Thunderbirds defeat the Sydney Swifts 48–42 in the Commonwealth Bank Trophy netball grand final8 August 1998 Adelaide defence too tight for the Swifts https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-adelaide-defence-too-tight-for-t/123428288 The Age 53 24 April 2023 29 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230429191612/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-adelaide-defence-too-tight-for-t/123428288/ live Horse racing 3 November – Jezabeel wins the Melbourne Cup.Carlyon Les 4 November 1998 ...and all that Jez https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-and-all-that-jez/123428074 The Age 1 24 April 2023 27 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230427172939/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-and-all-that-jez/123428074/ live Miscellaneous 19 February – Zali Steggall wins bronze in the women's slalom at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan.Magnay Jacquelin 20 February 1998 Steggal's super bronze https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-steggalls-sup/123786049 The Sydney Morning Herald 42 30 April 2023 3 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230503131829/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-steggalls-sup/123786049/ live It is Australia's first ever individual Winter Olympic medal. 13 March – First day of the Australian Track & Field Championships for the 1997–1998 season, which are held at the Olympic Park in Melbourne, Victoria.April 2023 The 10,000 metres was conducted at the Zatopek Classic, Melbourne on 18 December 1998 and the men's decathlon event was staged at the Hobart Grand Prix on 21 – 22 February.April 2023 1 June – Susie Maroney becomes the first person to swim from Mexico to Cuba, setting a new world distance ocean swimming record.Jamieson Tim 2 June 1998 Mexican wave... it's Susie's record https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-mexican-wave/124027489 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 4 May 2023 6 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230506091044/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-mexican-wave/124027489/ live 12 July – Greg Lyons wins the men's national marathon title, clocking 2:17:00 in Brisbane, while Lisa Dick claims her second women's title in 2:36:54.13 July 1998 Kiprop's record bid goes with the wind https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-kiprops-record-bid-goes-with-th/123786087 The Age 39 30 April 2023 6 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230506012739/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-kiprops-record-bid-goes-with-th/123786087/ live 26 December – The 1998 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race begins with warnings of a severe storm expecting to produce 40-knot winds, rain and mountainous swells during the first night.Brown Alex 27 December 1998 Heavy traffic out of town https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-heavy-traffic/123786352 The Sun-Herald 97 30 April 2023 3 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230503233001/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-heavy-traffic/123786352/ liveBrown Alex 27 December 1998 Calm before the storm https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-calm-before-th/123786337 The Sun-Herald 86–87 30 April 2023 3 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230503131830/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-calm-before-th/123786337/ liveKennedy Alan Lagan Bernard Darby Andrew Brown Malcolm Jamieson Tim Bearup Greg Clennell Andrew 30 December 1998 Mayday: The Sydney to Hobart disaster https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-warning-but/123786148 The Sydney Morning Herald 1, 6–7 30 April 2023 3 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230503131829/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-warning-but/123786148/ live An hour after the starter's gun, the Bureau of Meteorology issues a priority storm warning for coastal waters south of Merimbula, which is expected to produce gales of up to 55 knots the following day. Despite the warnings, the race continues which results in six fatalities, the destruction of five yachts and the rescue of 55 sailors. Births 1 January – Lara Robinson, actresshttps://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/lara_robinson Lara Robinson Rotten Tomatoes 30 April 2023 30 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230430081848/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/lara_robinson live 2 January – Jake Clifford, rugby league playerhttps://www.nrl.com/players/nrl-nines/north-queensland-cowboys-9s/jake-clifford/ Jake Clifford National Rugby League 30 April 2023 30 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230430081848/https://www.nrl.com/players/nrl-nines/north-queensland-cowboys-9s/jake-clifford/ live 14 January – Maddison Inglis, tennis playerhttps://www.tennis.com.au/player-profiles/maddison-inglis Maddison Inglis Tennis Australia 30 April 2023 30 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230430083350/https://www.tennis.com.au/player-profiles/maddison-inglis live 15 January – Alexandra Eade, artistic gymnastArtistic Gymnastics Athlete Profile: Alexandra EADE – Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games https://results.gc2018.com/en/artistic-gymnastics/athlete-profile-n6029330-alexandra-eade.htm results.gc2018.com 21 April 2020 1 August 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200801233323/https://results.gc2018.com/en/artistic-gymnastics/athlete-profile-n6029330-alexandra-eade.htm live 16 January Cameron Murray, rugby league playerhttps://www.rabbitohs.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/south-sydney-rabbitohs/cameron-murray Cameron Murray South Sydney Rabbitohs 30 April 2023 30 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230430081847/https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/south-sydney-rabbitohs/cameron-murray live Jai Whitbread, rugby league playerhttps://www.nrl.com/players/nrl-nines/gold-coast-titans-9s/jai-whitbread/ Jai Whitbread National Rugby League 30 April 2023 30 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230430081849/https://www.nrl.com/players/nrl-nines/gold-coast-titans-9s/jai-whitbread/ live 17 January – Sophie Molineux, cricketerhttps://www.cricket.com.au/players/sophie-molineux/d4lfRy2esEyiQmOPqbZP4A Sophie Molineux Cricket Australia 30 April 2023 30 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230430081849/https://www.cricket.com.au/players/sophie-molineux/d4lfRy2esEyiQmOPqbZP4A live 5 February – Sara Tomic, tennis playerhttps://www.tennis.com.au/player-profiles/sara-tomic Sara Tomic Tennis Australia 30 April 2023 30 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230430081848/https://www.tennis.com.au/player-profiles/sara-tomic live 12 February – Bilal Maarbani, rugby league playerhttps://www.nswrl.com.au/players/nsw-cup/blacktown-workers-sea-eagles/bilal-maarbani Bilal Maarbani New South Wales Rugby League 30 April 2023 30 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230430081848/https://www.nswrl.com.au/players/nsw-cup/blacktown-workers-sea-eagles/bilal-maarbani live 17 February – Harry Grant, rugby league playerhttps://www.melbournestorm.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/melbourne-storm/harry-grant Harry Grant Melbourne Storm 30 April 2023 30 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230430081849/https://www.melbournestorm.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/melbourne-storm/harry-grant live 24 February – Tom Highmore, Australian Rules footballerhttps://www.saints.com.au/players/4073/tom-highmore#playerbio Tom Highmore St Kilda Football Club 30 April 2023 12 March – Jordan Jansen, singerApril 2023 14 March – Victor Radley, rugby league playerhttps://www.roosters.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/sydney-roosters/victor-radley/ Victor Radley Sydney Roosters 30 April 2023 30 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230430081848/https://www.roosters.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/sydney-roosters/victor-radley/ live 30 March – Kalyn Ponga, rugby league playerhttps://www.newcastleknights.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/newcastle-knights/kalyn-ponga Kalyn Ponga Newcastle Knights 30 April 2023 30 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230430081849/https://www.newcastleknights.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/newcastle-knights/kalyn-ponga live 1 April – Isabella Bliss, chefhttps://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/isabella_bliss Isabella Bliss Rotten Tomatoes 30 April 2023 30 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230430080141/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/isabella_bliss live 3 April – Max Purcell, tennis playerhttps://www.tennis.com.au/player-profiles/max-purcell Max Purcell Tennis Australia 30 April 2023 16 April – Jordana Beatty, actresshttps://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/jordana_beatty Jordana Beatty Rotten Tomatoes 30 April 2023 30 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230430080143/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/jordana_beatty live 22 April – Reed Mahoney, rugby league playerhttps://www.bulldogs.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/canterbury-bankstown-bulldogs/reed-mahoney Reed Mahoney Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 30 April 2023 30 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230430080142/https://www.bulldogs.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/canterbury-bankstown-bulldogs/reed-mahoney live 29 April – Kimberly Birrell, German-born Australian tennis playerhttps://www.tennis.com.au/player-profiles/kimberly-birrell Kimberly Birrell Tennis Australia 30 April 2023 16 March 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230316073641/https://www.tennis.com.au/player-profiles/kimberly-birrell live 30 April Oliver Anderson, tennis playerhttps://www.tennis.com.au/player-profiles/oliver-anderson Oliver Anderson Tennis Australia 30 April 2023 30 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230430080143/https://www.tennis.com.au/player-profiles/oliver-anderson live Olivia DeJonge, actresshttps://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/olivia_dejonge Olivia DeJonge Rotten Tomatoes 30 April 2023 30 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230430080141/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/olivia_dejonge live 10 May – Priscilla Hon, tennis playerhttps://www.tennis.com.au/player-profiles/priscilla-hon Priscilla Hon Tennis Australia 30 April 2023 30 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230430080143/https://www.tennis.com.au/player-profiles/priscilla-hon live 25 may – Andrew Lambrou, singerAndrew Lambrou https://www.eurovisionuniverse.com/encyclopedia/andrew-lambrou/ 2024-06-27 Eurovision Universe en-GB 27 May – Brittany O'Brien, diverBrittany O’Brien Results Commonwealth Games Australia https://commonwealthgames.com.au/athletes/brittany-obrien/#:~:text=Commonwealth%20Games%20selection%20came%20in,which%20she%20launched%20in%202020. commonwealthgames.com.au 3 November 2022 en-AU 3 April 2018 6 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230406210645/https://commonwealthgames.com.au/athletes/brittany-obrien/#:~:text=Commonwealth%20Games%20selection%20came%20in,which%20she%20launched%20in%202020. live 9 June – Moses Suli, rugby league player 24 July – Bindi Irwin, television presenterhttps://www.australiazoo.com.au/about-us/the-irwins The Irwin Family Australia Zoo 30 April 2023 In 1998 Steve and Terri were blessed with their first child. Bindi was born on 24 July... 15 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230515031705/https://www.australiazoo.com.au/about-us/the-irwins/ live 1 August – Pasami Saulo, rugby league playerhttps://www.raiders.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/canberra-raiders/pasami-saulo/ Pasami Saulo Canberra Raiders 30 April 2023 8 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230408100409/https://www.raiders.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/canberra-raiders/pasami-saulo/ live 5 August – Adam Doueihi, rugby league playerhttps://www.weststigers.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/wests-tigers/adam-doueihi/ Adam Doueihi Wests Tigers 30 April 2023 30 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230430074829/https://www.weststigers.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/wests-tigers/adam-doueihi/ live 15 August – Gulliver McGrath, actorhttps://www.empireonline.com/people/gulliver-mcgrath Gulliver McGrath Empire 30 April 2023 19 August – Salesi Junior Fainga'a, rugby league playerhttps://www.nswrl.com.au/players/nsw-cup/wentworthville-magpies/salesi-faingaa/ Salesi Fainga'a New South Wales Rugby League 30 April 2023 30 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230430074827/https://www.nswrl.com.au/players/nsw-cup/wentworthville-magpies/salesi-faingaa/ live 21 August – Sean O'Sullivan, rugby league playerhttps://www.dolphinsnrl.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/dolphins/sean-osullivan Sean O'Sullivan Dolphins 30 April 2023 30 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230430074828/https://www.dolphinsnrl.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/dolphins/sean-osullivan live 1 September – Emily Condon, footballerhttps://au.soccerway.com/players/emily-condon/326341/ E Condon Soccerway 30 April 2023 2 September – Gehamat Shibasaki, rugby league playerhttps://www.cowboys.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/north-queensland-cowboys/gehamat-shibasaki Gehamat Shibasaki North Queensland Cowboys 30 April 2023 30 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230430025030/https://www.cowboys.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/north-queensland-cowboys/gehamat-shibasaki live 9 September – Alexander Brimson, rugby league playerhttps://www.titans.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/gold-coast-titans/alexander--brimson AJ Brimson Gold Coast Titans 30 April 2023 30 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230430025029/https://www.titans.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/gold-coast-titans/alexander--brimson live 19 October – Enari Tuala, rugby league playerhttps://www.newcastleknights.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/newcastle-knights/enari-tuala Enari Tuala Newcastle Knights 30 April 2023 30 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230430025033/https://www.newcastleknights.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/newcastle-knights/enari-tuala live 29 October – Kotoni Staggs, rugby league playerhttps://www.broncos.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/brisbane-broncos/kotoni-staggs/ Kotoni Staggs Brisbane Broncos 30 April 2023 30 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230430025030/https://www.broncos.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/brisbane-broncos/kotoni-staggs/ live 3 November – Maddison Elliott, swimmerhttps://www.paralympic.org.au/athlete/maddison-elliott/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwgLOiBhC7ARIsAIeetVAvS1OZOUNI0TUqwsdKdvf-X7wquicv9eLZwT9olXkiTnHBfTDsLaEaAn7XEALw_wcB Maddison Elliot Paralympics Australia 30 April 2023 18 November – Nick Cotric, rugby league playerhttps://www.raiders.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/canberra-raiders/nick-cotric/ Nick Cotric Canberra Raiders 30 April 2023 30 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230430025031/https://www.raiders.com.au/teams/nrl-premiership/canberra-raiders/nick-cotric/ live 8 December – Shai Bolton, Australia Rules footballerhttps://www.richmondfc.com.au/players/1407/shai-bolton Shai Bolton Richmond Football Club 30 April 2023 30 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230430025031/https://www.richmondfc.com.au/players/1407/shai-bolton live Deaths 1 January – Lionel Long, singer and actor (b. 1939)3 January 1998 Entertainer Lionel Long dies at 60 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-entertainer-li/123829258 The Sydney Morning Herald 2 1 May 2023 3 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230503041832/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-entertainer-li/123829258/ live 16 January – Alphonse Gangitano, underworld criminal (b. 1957)Sinclair Jenny Webb Carolyn Silvester John 18 January 1998 Death of a gangster https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-death-of-a-gangster/123357887 The Sunday Age 1, 4 23 April 2023 27 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230427114450/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-death-of-a-gangster/123357887/ live 22 January – Chilla Christ, cricketer (b. 1911)https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/chilla-christ-4573 Chilla Christ (Australia) ESPN CricInfo ESPN Sports Media 23 April 2023 23 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230423041359/https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/chilla-christ-4573 live 27 January – Kay Kinane, educational broadcaster (b. 1912)Andrews Kylie 2023 Kathleen (Kay) Kinane (1912–1998) https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/kinane-kathleen-kay-32659 Australian Dictionary of Biography Australian National University 2 September 2026 25 February – B. A. Santamaria, political activist and journalist (b. 1915)Gordon Michael Baker Mark Carson Andrea 26 February 1998 How PM farewelled father of The Split https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-how-pm-farewelled-father-of-the/123358195 The Age 1–2 23 April 2023 27 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230427114446/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-how-pm-farewelled-father-of-the/123358195/ live 15 March – Afferbeck Lauder, author (b. 1911)6 April 1998 Obituary: Alistair Morrison https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-obituary-alis/123358568 The Sydney Morning Herald 41 23 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428150153/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-obituary-alis/123358568/ live 28 April – Mum Shirl, Indigenous activist (b. 1924)Stephens Tony 29 April 1998 Mum Shirl, Black Saint of Redfern, dies at 76 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-mum-shirl-bla/123358649 The Sydney Morning Herald 3 23 April 2023 27 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230427133055/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-mum-shirl-bla/123358649/ live 13 June – Kathleen Funder, social scientist and researcher (b. 1941)Harrison Margaret 9 July 1998 Obituary: Kathleen Funder - Family studies researcher https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-obituary-kathleen-funder-fami/123358818 The Age 22 23 April 2023 26 June – Frank Arkell, politician and accused paedophile (b. 1935) 17 July – Marc Hunter, singer, songwriter and record producer (born in New Zealand) (b. 1953)Kent Simon Patty Anna 19 July 1998 Marc dies in wife's arms https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-marc-dies-in-w/123368077 The Sun-Herald 5 23 April 2023 27 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230427114446/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-marc-dies-in-w/123368077/ live Adam Wright, rugby league player (b. 1974)19 July 1998 Shot dead: League star and mate killed in random attack https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-shot-dead-lea/123358992 The Sun-Herald 1 23 April 2023 27 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230427141917/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-shot-dead-lea/123358992/ live 2 September – Tommy J. Smith, racehorse trainer (b. 1916)Presnell Max 3 September 1998 T. J. Smith - master of his craft https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-t-j-smith/123359299 The Sydney Morning Herald 23 April 2023 28 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230428080147/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-t-j-smith/123359299/ live 4 September – Elizabeth Kata, author (b. 1912) 9 September 1998 Obituary: Elizabeth Kata https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-obituary-eliz/123359374 The Sydney Morning Herald 36 23 April 2023 9 October – Ian Johnson, cricketer (b. 1917) 13 October 1998 An Invincible takes his leave https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-an-invincible-takes-his-leave/123359451 The Age 39 23 April 2023 21 November – Sir Otto Frankel, geneticist (born in Austria) (b. 1900)Saxon Wolfgang 12 December 1998 Sir Otto Frankel, Geneticist, 98; Warned of Extinction of Species https://www.nytimes.com/1998/12/12/world/sir-otto-frankel-geneticist-98-warned-of-extinction-of-species.html The New York Times 23 April 2023 6 October 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211006154332/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/12/12/world/sir-otto-frankel-geneticist-98-warned-of-extinction-of-species.html live See also 1998 in Australian television List of Australian films of 1998 References 30em 1998 in yes Australia Category:Years of the 20th century in Australia