AMI»-/-Whjja*' 6DIT0RIRL PUBLIC naic6S

Australians are exposed to an "~conT€nTs RENTING A HOME? enormou.s barrage of media mess­ TOWARDS A MORE RESPONSIVE PRESS 5 Several agencies operate In Brisbane ages. Newspapers, magazines, radio A critical look at the Australian Press that find houses for people to rent on and television affect most people payment of a fee. If you have used one most days of their lives. Many THE SHAKY HISTORY OF TIME OFF 7 of these agencies, successfully or people read a newspaper when TIM LOW chronicles the ups-and-downs of a former campus rag, unsuccessfully, P.I.R.G. would like to eating breakfast, listen to the hear of your experience. radio while working, and watch THE BLAND, THE HYPE AND THE 'BEAUTIFUL' 9 Please contact; Paul O'Shea television much of the night. Brisbane radio offers a variety of hype and music, PETER STEINHEUER tunes in. Public Interest Research Group University of Queensland Union Yet there is very little discussion of T.E.A.S. 10 Phone: 371.1611 the value of a inedia-oriented lifestyle. Application for T.E.A.S. close on 31 March, LYN TAYLOR outlines vrays to receive the It is not in the itttercsts of the media allowance. inoguls to promote debate on their role, WARNING and as they control the airwaves and LAOS: WITH PAGE AND NOSTALGIA 13 printing presses, little is said. To postgraduate students in It is up to non-commercial operations Historian MARTIN STUART-FOX, vvittily recalls the changes communism has brought to Laos. the Faculty of Education; such as student papers to question the Last year, a student received verbal 'rjteits of today's media - the irony of THE FEMININE IN POLITICS 19 approval for an independent study 'i-fliic-diniensional information flow in an Women who want to be Women argue that to be feminist is to be feminine. IRENE WEBLEY subject towards i Masters in Educat­ authoritarian teacher-pupil role, which explains. ional Administration, lii spite of this,- nonetheless creates the illusion of invol­ however, she was informed, on com­ vement and closeness to the decision­ pleting the work, that there were profit oublications may reprint SEMPER is a non profit ADVERTISING: Scott making process. articles and graphics provided grave doubts about whether she would Blackwell The mass media's mode of oper­ political and cultural Semper and the authors are actually receive fuU credit for it ation encourages passive acceptance of magazine based at the duly acknowledged. The ex­ towards her degree. University of Queensland. ceptions are creative writing information so it is an uphill battle for Make sure that you check with the EDITORS: Ann Jones and and copyrighted graphics which alternative papers to provoke discussion Dean and obtain a written guarantee Tim Low Semper Magazine welcomes remain the copyright of the authors and may not be re­ and debate. And it is ironic that while LAYOUT and COVER: contributions and letters, but that you are not doing your indep­ student papers have no inhibitions again­ Matt Mawson does not assume any respon­ produced without their per­ endent study units merely for your st criticism of the media, they lack the TYPESETTING: JennT Bird sibility for unsolicited manu­ mission. own amusement! resources to do so effectively. PRINTERS: Mirror News­ scripts, photographs and illus­ Address alt enquiries to: papers Ltd., 367 Brunswick trations. Semper Magazine This issue of Semper is oriented around Street, Fortitude Valley University of Qld Union the media, but it offers only token analy­ DISTRIBUTORS: Gordon and Semper is copyright, St, St. Lucia. Old. 4067. sis of media power and influence. The Gotch Ptv. Ltd., Brisbane. Lucia, Queensland, 1981. Non Ph. 317.1611 or 371.2568. 'PROBLEM' SUBJECTS subject is vast and largely unexplored, For two years the Student Union and it calls into question our own roles, has produced an alternative handbook as well as those whom we are more giving student opinions of their sub­ willing to criticise. Hopefully further jects and courses. This year the edu­ issues of Semper will include more cation committee has decided to analysis of media activity. concentrate on 'problem' subjects. L6n€fi5 If you feel that a subject that you are doing or have done should, With an enrolment oi approx­ tion on campuf could also be DRUGS for any reason, be surveyed, please imately 18,000 at University of approached for staffing. 'Heaven and Hell' an contact the Union Secretary. The University of Queensland stud­ article published in this Queensland it would appear A further suggestion is that ent's union was upset by our last editor­ year's orientation handbook that the number of children the University of Queensland ial, which discussed the TEAS wedding. made light of many of the in need of child-care would be being the more flexible body, The following motion was passed at a serious effetns of drugs. close to 500 per day. change their scholastic year PUBLIC HOLIDAY LIBRARY union council meeting on 26 February: Unless usetl ui^der strict On Campus at present, the to coincide with that of the OPENING HOURS THAT STAFF MEMBERS IN SEM­ State Education Department. supervision, ether can cause Playhouse, Munro centre and Good Friday, Saturday & Easter Sunday PER BE REQUESTED TO ASSIST IN respiratory failure anit card­ Campus Kindy cater only for The suggested vacation sch­ April 17-19 All libraries closed ANY TEAS CAMPAIGN THIS UNION iac arrest Cocain can cause pre-school children. Playhouse ools, as well as being used dur­ Easter t\^onday. April 20 Central Library, INITIATES AND BE REQUESTED TO such pychologica! effects as does, however, accept a max­ ing the above periods, could Undergraduate Library REFRAIN FROM PUBLISHING ANY imum of 25 school-age child­ also be extended to all vacation 9am - Bpm paranoia or even homicide. Anzac Day, April 25 Central Library, FURTHER EDITORIALS THAT MAY Use of LSD can result in a ren after s<:hoal in addition to periods and be available to all Undergraduate Library DAMAGE THE ABOVEMENTIONED complete loss of motivation to their daily attendance of pre­ surrounding communities. This 9am - Bpm CAMPAIGN IN ANY WAY. work or study. (SEE SIDE schoolers of 40. Ttiey also pro­ would allow all the facilities Labour Day, May 4 Central Library, vide an evening child-care serv­ available on the University of Undergraduate Library AND FURTHER THAT THIS COUN­ EFFECTS OF DRUGS VOL. 7 9am - Bpm CIL EXPRESSES ITS DISGUST AT THE ECERPTA MEDIA). ice. Due 10 lack of space they Queensland grounds to be used All other libraries will be closed. CONTENT OF THE EDITORIAL RE­ ANON. are unable to accept greater to their fullest capacity as an CENTLY PUBLISHED AND THAT A numbers and are as concerned integral part of the commun­ REBUTTAL BY THE EXECUTIVE BE as we are about the lack of ity. WOMEN'S PAPERS PUBLISHED IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF adequate child-care facilities av­ ANNETTE SHUTE Tfie papers from the second Women SEMPER. CHILD CARE ailable on Campus. ROSALIND CARTER & Labour Conference were $20 per set. The Sporting Association Now only $10 per set (plus $1.50 postage). (No rebuttal was received from the The introduction of the JEANETTE GORDON currently run limited vacation Your last chance to acquire these volumes executive.) semester system into classes on a weekly basis, but of women's latest research and writing. Queensland state schools Proceeds to the V\/omen & Labour Con­ only from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. DRY & PREDICTABLE means school-age children ference Trust Fund which will finance With lectures continuing until It's 1981 and the first feminist projects. of university students are on 6 p.m. this is insufficient. edition edition of Semper Send your cheque/postal order to The holiday for nineteen days ,lt must be pointed out that arrives looking precisely as Women & Labour Conference, History when the students may be Department, La Trobe University, Bundoora grants are available through the one expects. attending lectures or tut­ Victoria, 3083 State Government's Chitdrens' One era into another has orials. Services and the National Fit­ Semper still breathing 1974, These days are in specific ness Council for school holi­ from the silly cartoons to the KWAL periods between April 17-26, statutory Page 3 Nuclear Sur­ WOMEN'S TRUST FUND day recreational activities. How­ June 27 • July 12 and Septemb­ ever, when Childrens' Sen/ices vival article. Semper appears as The Women & Labour Conference MALA YSIAN RESTAURANT er 13 - October 4. dry and predictable as the Trust Fund is avilable to any woman or were approached they stated group of women who are undertaking a We, the undersigned, feel that Courier Mail. FORMERLY THE they do not have the funds to project of twnefit to women. Projects which students, as well as lecturers and I doubt very much if the may be eligible for grants include public­ HUNGRY YEARS' totally finance such a vaca­ lutars who are parents of school tion school. They suggested slant of your articles shall ations, films, conferences, oral history age children, are severely dis­ projects, research, art exhibitions, court GliNUlNl- MALAY/ a three way funding arrange­ ever change, the hopelessly cases where a feminist issue of principle CHINESH/ EURASIAN advantaged at these times by the ment between the parents, Chil­ outdated alternative (hal) "re­ is involved and where normal legal aid DISHES lack of child-care facilities avail­ drens' Services and the Stud­ bellion" of 'Fathers at home', procedures are inadequate, and feminist able at the University. Organizing Revolutionary Fem­ political action on key issues of concern to (e.g. Satay, Retidang) ent Union, with the latter women. Griffith University, with an inists, Bush Dances, is too cosy SUMPTUOUS SWEETS acting as the co-ordinating body CLOSING DATE FOR SECOND ROUND enrolment of approximately a world for you to ever leave. Phone 370 8106 within the scheme. OF APPLICATIONS: 30 May. 1981 2,000, runs a vacation school Gut could you at least change for reservations or Mt. Gravatt and North Bris­ SUBSEQUENT CLOSING DATES FOR and figures for the Christmas bane C.A.E. Community Re­ the look of the paper, reading APPLICATIONS WILL BE ANNOUNCED take-aways IN DUE COURSE. break 1979/80 show that an creation Course have supplied Semper makes it hard to tell 6a SHERWOOD RD TOOWONG average ol 70 school age child­ For further details, contact; staff for similar projects the years apart THE TRUSTEES, WOMEN & LABOUR ren attended with a maximum out the Brisbane area. The You fail twice; in the words CONFERENCE TRUST FUND, c/- HIS- working ratio of one super­ Human Movement Department of Vic Godard. Nobdy's scored. TORY DEPARTMENT, LA TROBE UNIVERSITY, BUNDOORA, VtC. 3083. visor to 10 - 12 children. ' within the Faculty of Educa­ ROBERT FOSTER Obscenity on the Airwaves

BRUCE CLARK looks at the continuing saga of attacks against Radio Four Triple Zed's allegedly indecent programming.

"We mated and bred 35 pups so that the kids coiUd learn." continues, why should the long suffering Rona Joyner - on sex educatioa - public contribute to the education of slobs Mdboume Age 4.10.1980 who run the radio station." Thompson said although the programme was mn with SINCE Public Broadcast radio sta­ warnings before and between the times of tion 4ZZZ began transmitting in 8.20 and 930pm the Tribunal was stiU 1975 they have had numerous worried about children listening to the programme. But he replied showing positive complaints against them through the audience feedback with two STD callers Australian Broadcasting Tribunal. asking for the show to be rc-run. He also Complaints have been based on the noted the programming on television of the notion that Triple Zed is destroying show "Scared Straight" in the same time public morals. space, which concerned itself with an equally sensitive subject. Station co-ordinator Haydn Thompson queries who should decide what is moral In fact the Tribunal itself must shoulder and how. some of the blame concerning the prob­ Is the use of four letter words in the lems of Public Broadcasters. Under section Marianne Faithful song "Working Class 18.1 of the act it says: Hero" immoral? Is the use of the phrase 'Public Broadcasters will generally have "tight arsed bastards" with reference to different overall aims and organisation public donations to the station, immoral, from broadcasting in other sectors. in the same way as "ratshit Liberal policies" Public Broadcasters will generally produce is or is it obscene to play the infamous programmes which are totally dissimilar Derek and Clive records even though numer­ in style and content to programmes ous warnings precceded the show? Is it submitted by commercial stations. There­ immoral to call Mr. Russ Hinze a rascist fore the Tribunal recognizes they are swine and a candidate for cancer or to lis­ intrinsically different from those in other ten to two announcers talking about their sectors of broadcasting and acknowledges weekend and bringing up the topic of that these differences should be reflected ruptured cysts? in the determination of standards and the mode of regulation.' On all these occasions, coupled with a few more, Triple Zed has been required by the Broadcasting Tribunal to explain their Thompson also made the point that actions. Triple Zed caters specifically for the 18-25 age group and that of the 26 public broad­ On Sabirday 18.11.1978 a tape of an casters only 5MMM in Adelaide and 3RRR interview with The Angels -went to air Melbourne were attempting the same format The tape arrived late from J. Albert and as Triple 2^d. He said music the station Sons of Sydney which restricted the played was contempory rock that reflected intense checking that normally would redity and that was why the audience re­ accompany such a tape. When the inter­ lated to the Triple Zed style. Thompson Moore, alias Derek and Clive record "Ad Island L 36290. also showed that the Tribunal itself stated view did go to ^ an 'obscene' word was Nauseum" was played as one of the station's The Skyhooks song was played during still left in the interview. Thompson said that Public Broadcasters were accountable Monday Night Specials. The content of the the Saturday night request show. Prior to to their audience and as Triple Zed was in replying to the Tribunal that all such special contained many words and phrases the progranune the audience was informed tapes arc checked for technical quahty, funded by subscriptions its audience must that might offend, and therefore on five that due to the diverse nature of the listen­ support its style. station poUcy, defamation, and audience occasions before the programme and even ing audience, some material in the show interest. Due to the late arrival of the tape once during it, warnings were given to the The Tribunal also asked Thompson to might offend. Thompson also pointed out draw up a station Promise of Performance. he said it could not be checked in that way, listening audience. The station received a the findings of Mr P. Clothier SM in a Melb­ but stressed that in no way was the word positive response from the special and In it he states "ZZZ will present diverse and ourne magistrates court. He mled that the •provocative viewpoints and shall be sensitive emphasized. Only one complaint was re­ although the Monday night specials are song was indecent but not obscene and that ceived by the station. normally re-mn the following Sunday it to' their presentation and scheduUng". in the 18 months from the time of release And it was the Tribunal that said "in essence was decided due to the sensitive nature of only one complaint was received. On Wednesday 143.1979 a breakfast the material not to programme it. Public Broadcasting is the fullfilment of a announcer made reference to a news item With respect to the Marianne Faithful need for alternative programming and there­ about a mother whose child had been The immorality of Triple Zed saga con­ song, the Tribunal itself became confused fore will have different overall aims". suffocated by a blanket The announcer tinued on 25.3.1979 when an announcer with the two pressings of the album, the No-one can doubt the alternative that made the comment, "and she didn't even refered to the policies of the Liberal Party import and local versions and in fact the Triple Zed is providing in local radio and get the spare parts". Again Triple Zed as "ratshit". Thompson again was called to version played on Triple Zed was the local that they do have overall aims. In the received a 'please explain' letter. Thompson reply. He said announcers are not restricted one rather than the imported. Thompson future they will again come in for critic­ said that the style of dry humour used by in what they say but this statement re­ said that the song was low key in style ism but that is only because 4ZZZ is ful­ and was a deep critique of modem life. tlie announcer was popular with his hst- flected the announcer's own views. In the filling a need. The word used was an intergral part of the cning audience and was consistent with same way the comment about Mr Hinze song. some of liis comments in the past. The being a racist swine and a canditatc for cancer Thompson said it should be up to the humour was very similar in style to that reflected the views of the announcer. Thomp­ indiridual to decide what is moral and what of Norman Gunston, he added. Thompson son said that he thought the listening audi­ However the strongest criticism of is not. He said that human freedom and free also pointed out that the listening age group, ence would not be offended by such state­ Triple Zed came from the playing of the expression were essential. And if cliildren 18-25, tend to respond to that announcer's ments. programme, "The Penis Show". Thompson have to learn about sex through dogs then style. No further action was taken by the What must be remembered is that Triple said it was a sober attempt to provoke what sort of guidepost is that for morality Tribunal. Zed is a public broadcaster catering for thought about how people relate to their and obscenity. On Friday 23J.1979 an announcer made different tastes and for a special target audi­ bodies. It involved the cultural imagery reference to the audience as "tight arsed ence. surrounding the human body from a fem­ bastards". This followed a station fund Complaints to Triple Zed were also inist perspective and included interviews, "We train young men to drop fire on received for playing the songs "Why dontcha raising drive which heralded $13,000. readings, discussions and music. people but their commanders won't let all get fucked" from the Skyhooks album But at least one hstener saw different­ them write fuck on their planes because its Thompson said there was no serious intent Guilty Until Proven Insane, Mushroom m the announcer's statement and it should ly and wrote to tlie Tribunal; "This salac­ obscene." L 36554 and the Mariaime Faithful version ious programme concerned itself with the Colonel Walter E. Kurtz (Marlon Brando) not have been taken seriously. No complaints of the John Lennon song, "Working Class size and shape of the title subject. If this — Apocalypse Now were received by the station. Hero", from the album Broken English - On 3.12.1979 the Peter Cook and Dudley gutter mbbish broadcast from the university

SEMPER, 19 March, 1981 -UniV€R5ITV. Student RepresentationUndermined

-TIM LOW

THE University of Queensland Senate and the student's union are at logger­ heads over changes by the senate to grant itself more power.

The conflict has arisen over the univers­ Both have sent letters to the vice-chancellor ity's Disciplinary Board, an autonomous complaining that they were not consulted body set up to judge and sentence students about the change, although both were accused of cheating and other acts of mis­ involved in the original setting up of dis­ conduct. The board of six members - three ciplinary procedures in 1970. A submission from the University Staff Association and from the union argued that the change was three students ~ is unique in that students retrograde and authoritarian, and under­ have equal representation. It contrasts with mined the fair and just role of disciplinary other areas of university bureaucracy, in boards. particular the governing senate, where stu­ dents arc a very small minority. At least one university department is also upset by a memo sent by the Vice-Chan- Last July, the disciplinary board imposed ccllor, Brian Wilson, last October. The memo penalties on two students found guilty of expressed Wilson's concern that some cases plagiarising. But when this judgement was of cheating were being dealt with within submitted to senate some senators, fearing departments, and were not refcned to him. declining standards in the university, argued He requested that he be informed of all that the penalties were too lenient. future cases of suspected cheating, and asked Senate lacks the power to increase penal­ for departmental estimates of internal ties imposed by the Disciplinary Board, but cheating in the past. The Psychology Dep­ an ingenious way was found to mete out artment has replied that it will not comply. further punishment. Statute 13, section 16 of the University constitution states in part; Members of the student's union are 'Wlicre a fine has been imposed or action within a day or two. subsequent senate meeting, senators argued concerned by this memo, pointing out that After serving on the reconvened Disci­ this decision was too harsh, as the student taken by ... a Disciplinary Board, the it contradicts Wilson's stated belief in Registrar shall publish within the Univers­ plinary Board, student member Keith had already lost a job as a result of the decentralised administration. In a letter to Horsley resigned in protest. He wrote to delay. ity in such manner as he considers appro­ then union president Eugene O'Sullivan, priate a statement showing the amount of the vice-chancellor complaining that the Wilson said the memo was not a change in board's autonomy was impaired by the need the fine imposed or the nature of the action policy, but just pointed out the already The student's union is particulariy angry taken and the name of the person...' to arrive at decisions that would not provoke over the discipline issue because of its existing policy. A close reading of Statute an appeal by the university. 13 indicates that while severe punishments campaigns for greater democratisation of the university. Students have only three repre­ Senate interpreted this statute to mean meted out by departments must be reported sentatives on the 35-strong senate, the that misdemeanors could be listed on stu­ to the Registrar, there is no compulsion to The union is hoping to reverse the amend­ dents' academic records, an obvious dis­ report instances of cheating for which no ments to Statute 13. A previous union sub­ governing body of the university. Senators advantage when seeking employment. This punishment or only a trivial punishment is mission was ignored by senate, but the include 11 appointees of the governor, was done to the students concerned, despite enforced. union's Education Committee is now pre­ recommended by state cabinet; the Anglican paring a submission on plagiarism; this will the fact that it is not listed in the statute The Disciplinary Board has met only and Catholic archbishops of Brisbane; and also argue for a return to the original Statute as a punishment option. (Available punish­ twice since the changes to Statute 13. The an appointee of the Queensland Council of 13. ments include fines up to SI00, suspensions, consequences of these meetings have pro­ Churches. Students point out the absurdity loss of credit, and expulsion from the uni­ voked controversy and anger over disciplin­ Meanwhile, both the students committed of churches having as much say in mnning versity.) ary procedure. of plagiarism have approached the vice- the university as the campuses' 18,000 Senate did not stop there. Changes were chanceDor, and mention of their misdem­ students. eanors has been removed from their academ­ Student representation is also a critical enacted to Statute 13 allowing the univers­ The first meeting held in December con­ ity to appeal against future decisions of the ic records. issue in the restracturing debate that sidered a student charged with cheating, and surfaced last year. The vice-chancellor Disciplinary Board. Students convicted of imposed a loss of credit for the subject in­ misdemeanors have always had the option The Disciplinary Board reconvened seemed intent on single-handedly restruct­ volved. It was believed this would prevent uring the university, until he bowed to staff of appealing to a Discipline Appeals Comm­ the student graduating in 1980. according to board member Keith Horsley, ittee, and now the Registrar can approach 'merely to be the mbber stamp for penal­ and student pressure and appointed a But the university discovered the student committee to look mto the matter. Even so, the same committee requesting harsher had excess credit points, and would grad­ ties which the senior University admin­ penalties. istrators regard as "acceptably severe".' students number only two on a committee uate nonetheless. As no real punishment of 15. had been effected, the Disciplinary Board's The reconvened board judged that the stu­ dent be denied credit for his entire final This is even worse than it seems, as the meeting was declared unfinished, on the The changes allowing the university to remarkable pretext that the board's minutes semester for six months, effectively delay­ appesd against disciplinary hearings can be Discipline Appeals Committee is dominated ing his graduation until July 1981. At the by senators. Unlike the Disciplinary Board, were only initialled, not signed. seen as yet another move away from student the Appeals Committee comprises four sen­ representation. The vice-chancellor and ators, one member of the Professorial Board, In a remarkable political manouvre, Senate seem committed to an archaic only one member of the staff association, Senate voted to accept the judgement of system of government in which power is and two students. Instead of equal represent­ the first (initialled) report, rejecting the concentrated, meetings are secret, and the ation, students number only two of eight report of the reconvened meeting. The governed have only token representation. members. student was granted credit for all subjects The changes have upset both the student's except the one in which he cheated. He union and the Academic Staff Association. received notice that he had graduated

FLU VACCINATION STOPPING THE NUCLEAR There is a new strain of flu for 1981 The Hcaitii Service of the University of Queensland holds stocks of flu vaccine JUGGERNAUT for protection against this strain and these are available from March. A small A Seminar charge for this service is made of $3 per ii^ection for students and $6 per for Action injection for staff members. People under the age of 25 years will need two injections unless &ey were 12.30 pm vaccinated against flu last year, in which case only one injection is Saturday 4th April Pallv For Peace needed. WESLEY HOUSE, 140 ANN ST, BRISBANE Towards a More Resi• t Press -TIM LOW

A 1971 survey of 32 non-socialist countries showed Australia had the second highest concentration of press ownership. Since then control of Australian media has become even more concentrated.

Three companies control most of Aus­ almost never has probing consumer report­ tralia's newspapers, and have interlocking ing; many of its articles on real estate and ownenhip in television and radio stations. consumerism are obvious business pro­ The power of these companies can be gauged motions. from last year's journalists' strike, when Brisbane printers refused to produce the Nader's manual has several prescriptions journalist's strike paper. The Clarion. Journ­ for a more responsible press, all modelled alists were forced to use a small anarchist on progressive American papers. That almost press, and responded by setting up their none of these proposals has been tried in own printery, Liberty Press. Australia reflects the backwardness of Aus­ tralian papers. Proposals include an in-house media Tlie potential and actual power of these critic - an employee criticising the approach companies has been question by many of his/her own publication; a reader ombuds­ observers, and is again topical with Rupert man to investigate reader complaints; and a Murdoch's takeover of The Times in London. feedback form inviting readers to write in Murdoch is well known for his promotion of about inaccuracies and bias. favoured politicians and parties. In the magazine Esquire he was quoted saying Even a corrections column is rare in of the South Australian Government (in Australian newspapers. Apologies for errors an article that attracted a $15 million hbel are usually buried in obscure corners of the writ): 'I elected them. And incidentally, paper, even when published on threat of I'm not too happy with them. I may remove libel writs. The National Times and Bulletin them" are unusual in publishing letters critical of the approach and accuracy of their articles. Fears about press ownership are not restricted to Australia. Referring to the United States, Ralph Nader wrote; 'daily Australian readers have two fomms for newspapers, increasingly gobbled up by the complaint about press performance. The large chains, enjoy a local monopoly in over Judiciary Committee of the Australian 97 percent of the towns in which they Journalists' Association will hear com­ operate'. plaints against any journalist accused of breacliing the Association's code of ethics. Nader has published a booklet by re­ searcher David BoUier, 'How to Appraise Journalists accused of distortion or and Improve Your Daily Newspaper: A suppression are heard before a panel of five Manual for Readers'. The manual is aimed experienced journalists and may be warned, at Americans, but is worth considering in rebuked, censured, or very rarely, fined up the Australian context. It indicates the to $200 or expelled from the AJA. Anyone backwardness and unresponsiveness of Aus­ may bring a complaint before the committee, tralian press. althougli its activities are not published, and it is probably unknown to most people. Brisbane's Courier Mail is here assessed by the criteria set down in the manual. The Australian Press Council adjudicates Like most towns in America, Brisbane complaints against newspapers and magaz­ is served by a monopoly press. Brisbane's ines. It is an autonomous body comprising representatives of publishers, journalists, and only morning and afternoon papers, the How can newspapers be made account­ Courier Mail and Telegraph, have common Sydney Morning Herald, the Australian and the pubhc, and will hear almost any com­ the Melbourne Age, the Courier runs very able when reporting on their vested inter­ plaint except of bias. ownership. Murdoch's Australian, while ests? A British Royal Commission on the maintaining a staff of 12 in Queensland, few features and relies heavily on wire copy The council writes that it 'upholds the (AAP) for out-of-state news. The paper has press in 1977 recommended papers declare right of a newspaper to have its own polit­ cannot be considered a local paper - it is their relationships when reporting on any edited and laid out in Sydney, and the improved since Harry Gordon became editor- ical position; to accept certain beliefs and m-chief in 1979, but it still seems to suffer associated company or an industry in which policies and to reject others; to favour the Queensland edition is long defunct. Bris­ their publisher had a stake. In the absence bane's print media is only competitive on heavily from its market monopoly. election of one party and to oppose the Nader's manual warns of newspapers of such a change readers should be alert election of another. Unless this is accepted, Sundays, when Murdoch's Sunday Sun to all reports on business and the media. competes with the Sunday Mail. slanting stories about events in which they tlie Council cannot see how one could con­ Also New Journalist is a monthly magazine tinue to speak meaningfully about the The Courier Mail, Sunday Mail and have a vested interest. Tlie Courier Mail is unlikely to run an article critical of the highly critical of media monopolies and freedom of the Press.' Telegraph are rnh by Queensland Press manipulation. Ltd., a company 40 per cent owned by the Telegraph or Channel 7. Media researcher Nonetheless the council believes papers Patricia Edgar notes the extent of this Consumer reporting is another area in have a duty to provide both sides of con­ Melbourne-based Herald and Weekly Times. which newspapers are prone to bias. Ad­ Queensland Press in turn has shareholduigs bias: 'A . . . symptom of the effect of media troversial issues. cross-ownership in Australia is the death vertisers supply necessary revenue for Thus after hearing an ALP complaint of in the Herald and Weekly Times, althou^ newspapers, and often expect favours in it is considered to be under the control of of serious media criticism. There seems to bias in the Adelaide News (Murdoch) during be an unwritten agreement that one paper return. Special consumer sections and lift- the South Australian state election, the that group. The picture is further com­ outs are often just advertising hype. plicated by John Fairfax Limited's 14 per or television station may not criticize council found no fault with that paper's cent ownership of the Herald group. another station or paper. This does not Notes th? manual: 'Tlie wholesale de­ 'intensely partisan' stand. It would not happen within a company but it does not basement of the [food and real estate accept that the greater space allocated to The Herald -and Weekly Times also owns happen between competitors either'. sections] is quite common because ad­ the then Liberal opposition (60 per cent Radio 4BK and has a 30 per cent interest In the case of Murdoch's empire, the vertisers virtually own the sections and more) reflected distortion or falsification in BTQ Channel 7, and interests in many any probing news is clearly an unwelcome of the ALP's position. But it did uphold provincial Queensland newspapers. vested interests extend well beyond the media. As well as 100 newspapers and guest . . .Nearly all food editors in a 1977 Labor's complaint that a specific article Nader's manual argues that most monop­ magazines on three continents, and several poll - 63 of 67 editors - admitted that and editoral were unfair and misleading. oly papers suffer from lack of competition. television stations, Murdoch has a stake in they rely on news releases from the indus­ The Press Council has a wide ambit. "[They] are content to dish out a homog­ Festival records, Ansett, Santos Gas, NSW try to fill up their pages . . .As one editor A reference in the Sholhaven and Nowra enized stew of low cost news. Run on strict Lotto, Merino Studs and an air charter complained, "The section is there simply News to "The boring claims of 'sacred business principles, such papers tailor their service. The opportunities for Murdoch to to wrap ads." sites' " was deplored as likely to deepen contents to the broadest possible market. promote these companies with sympathetic inter-racial antogonism. A National Alli­ Their news and opinion are not as aggressive, articles arc endless. For example Murdoch's Fear of alientating advertisers is a major ance complaint that it was called 'neo- proving and complete as their finances and reason why few papers engage in consumer talent might permit. nazi' was upheld. So too was a claim that Australian showed doubtful propriety m its reporting. Occasional National Times articles publishing the photo of an assulted child recent appointment of Ansett fornier on choosuig a lawyer or private schools was humiliating. Many people would apply these criticisms public relations consultant, Jolm Mulcair, are exceptions, and deal only with products to the Courier Mail. Compared with the as its aviation correspondent. that are not advertised. The Courier Mail — Continued on following page —

SEMPER, 19 March, 1981 « V -* -a. *.M.» ^ « « >«± ± >» 1--}:L-a--:ii:^.U4-V^V^^^. i^^n^

— From previous page — Media ownership in Australia The Council's weakness is that it relies on the moral and financial support of pub­ -NEWSPAPER^ Courier-Mail (Bris) 40% and provincial papers and lishers. The Council can impose no penaliries, JOHN FAIRFAX LTD, Telegraph (Brisbane) 40% S, DAVID BOlUfc* _ specialist magazines and depends on the papers on which it is Newspapers: Telerision: Television: adjudicating to publicise its findings. Yet The Sydney Worning Herald HSV.7 (Melh) TEN-10 (Syd) two of Australia s largest media groups - The Sun (Sydney I BTQ-7 (Bris) 30% ATV-10 (Melb) Financial Review ADS-7 lAdel) 40% Plus Interests in Murdoch's News Ltd and the Fairfax National Times organisation — have withdrawn. Complaints TVT-6 (Hobart) 14% provincial station^. The Sun-Herald (Syd) Plus various Festival Records and against these groups are still heard, but pres­ Canberra Times provincial TV interests Ansett Transport umably with little effect. Women's Day Cosmopolitan Radio: CONSOLIDATED PRESS The Press Council's credibility has been The Age (Melb) 57% 3DB (Melb) damaged by these withdrawds; it also 4BK (Bris) Magazmes: Television: SAD (Adal) Aust Women's Weekly suffers from lack of publicity. The Courier ATN-7 (Syd) Mail rarely pubUshes the small ads inviting 7H0 (Hobart) The Bulletin Radio: Plus various provincial Aust Playboy complaints to the council; its findings are 2G8 (Sydl radio interests Cleo infrequently pubUshed. 3AW (Melbl Aust Business 4BH (Bris) Trying to ri^t media wrongs is not an NEWS GROUP Plus provincial 2CA (Canberra) newspapers and easy task. Working to improve media per­ SON (Adelaide) Newspapers: specialist magazines formance is even more difficult. Nader's 2WL (Wollongong) media manual reflects these problems - Australian Television: How to Appraise And Improve Your Truth TCN-9 (Sydl its generalised approach is difficult to apply Daily Newspaper: A Manual For Readers HERALD & WEEKLY TIMES GROUP Dally Telegraph (Syd) GTV-9 (Melb) to Australian newspapers. The Courier Mail by David Bollier, Forward by Ralph Nader. Daily Mirror (Syd) Radio: rates badly, but so would any Australian $5 from the Newspaper Manual, P.O. Box Newspapers/magazines Sunday Telegraph (Syd) 3AK (Melb! paper. The battle for a more responsive 19367, Washington. D.C. 20036. Checks The Sun (Melb) . News (Adel) 6PM (Perth) press wUl be long and tedious. should be payable to Disability Rights The Herald (Melb) Sunday Sun (Bris) Plus other Center. West Australian Sunday Mail (Adel) provincial radio Sunday Times (Perth) Daily News (Perth! interests in WA Australasian Post Plus various international

be involving a lot more people, have more wanted a reasonably conservative, straight contributions and a larger budget, "Planet" name. has a good chance of surviving. 1 certainly "Because we are trying to appeal to ad­ The Planet evolves think there is plenty of room for another vertisers and get serious interviews with paper lilce "Semper", " Steve said. people, we don't want to ring up the Prem­ ier and say we're from the "Shitkicker" or The Q.I.T. newsteam have stretched It is a newspaper with aspiration and high Quality, quality and more quality is to something," he said. beyond the stars to create a newspaper ideals. Steve Purcell, editor of "Planet", said be "Planet's" glowing image. Stimulating The three full-time staff at "Planet" are the change of newspapers had been an ambit­ articles and interviews concerning up-to- called "Planet". "Unit", the former doing the complete layout and typesetting ious and challenging project. the-minute issues promise lively reading. of the paper themselves. The other campuses Q.I.T. paper has suffered an eclipse as When problems with "Unit" concerning Personality profiles of prominant people involved each get four pages so "Planet" "Planet" moves into circulation around financial restrictions and dwindling con­ wiU proliferate. (Norman Gunston and Joh has 28-32 pages whereas "Unit" only had Queensland campuses. tributions reached peak proportions last Bjelke-Petersen starred in the first issue.) "16-20 pages. Editions of "Planet" will come semester, Steve decided to create a totally As well, a little culture is captured in theatre, out every three weeks. new paper. book and record reviews and there is humour With a determined staff, the involvement He realised that other campus papers in the cartoons and graphics. of other campuses and a lot of enthusi­ were suffering similar problems as "Unit", "We want the paper to cover a broad astic zeal, "Planet" should star-trek through the planet Inspired by an anti-apathetic attitude or cross-section with a biance of some humour Queensland campuses, and eventually the perhaps even Rupert Murdoch's enlarge­ and a serious approach," Steve said. public, for an aeon. lueenalandS independent newspaper ment of operations, the "Unit" staff con­ What's in a name? Surprisingly, there is 11^ 11^ I' ^ tacted all campuses in Queensland (except definetly nothing symbolic in the name KAY NICOL Queensland University, as we have an "Planet". The paper's editor said they established paper) in a bid to evolve a com­ bined campus newspaper. So far, NBCAE, DDIAE and the Queens­ land Conservatorium of Music have com­ bined their efforts with Q.I.T. Other instit­ utions such as Griffith University are ex­ pected to join "Planet" soon. Liberty Press As Steve admitted, it had taken a lot of trouble to get everyone motivated, but Bernard Shaw once said, "Liberty Newspaper but in the near future hopes to with regular meetings between the campus publish a paper specifically for high schools. newspaper executives planned, the organ­ means responsibility. That is why "Hopefully the students will write the paper isation should flow smoothly. most men dread it." After last year's themselves," he said. "The first edition we put out had a lot Journalists strike in Brisbane a num­ Liberty have now relocated their old of teething troubles because it is like giving ber of concerned reporters carried printing press at Newstead as Grand Print­ birth to a whole new paper rather than just ing. Their newsprint comes from New putting out another edition of an established their responsibility into a reality. And Zealand. Last year when they were starting paper", he said. some in the established press are up, Liberty was told by Australian News­ Getting the paper established is the major dreading it. print Mill that no paper was available to problem for the "Planet" staff. "The first them. Therefore the expensive operation to bring it in from New Zealand. priority is to get audience enthusiasm for Liberty Press became viable, when, with the paper so it will keep going. As we will the aid of finance through a Credit Union "This year will be make or break for us," and S200 from members, a journalists' Barnes said. However during the regional co-operative bought an old printing press. strike of journalists in Rockhampton, During the journalists' strike, AJA Liberty produced an edition of the Clarion members brought out the strike paper, for their fellow reporters free of charge. The Clarion. However, as chairperson of Barnes said "It was a gesture of support." Liberty, Mick Barnes, pointed out, print­ The future of Liberty appears to be ing it was not easy. "The first edition was uncertain. But Liberty Press is definately WESTERN SUBURBS RADIO printed in Gympie but due to 'some cir­ providing a necessary service, if not an cumstances' the other editions had to be essential one as an independent printing AND TELEVISION printed further north at Hervey Bay," service. WS/7 Barnes said. But that did not deter the Money is the major concern for Liberty journalists. TTiey decided to purchase their Press. "The only money we make is that own press so that the "circumstances" which is generated from printing other would not arise again. pubhcation, and through members," Barnes * T.V.'s, Hi-fi, Radios etc. said. * 10% Discount on Repairs Liberty is also hoping to gain the support "There is a lot of talk of freedom of the of a number of regular trade unions. REPAIRS for all students press these days but our aim is to provide a Liberty is a co-operative, those interested * All Work Guaranteed service the others don't," he said. "We are in its future are not anarchists as has been an independent press working as a contact suggested previously, but journalists carry­ printer and charging contract rates." ing out their responsiblity and providing "32 Hawken Drive .Sak's ol Itlaiik i.'asSL'lli.'s. From the outset Liberty has produced theu- service. And hopefully the service other people's publications, but when it radios, ^.-assolto player^ they are now providing will not be in vain. St. Lucia gets a sound financial base it hopes to pro­ And as Mick Barnes said, "We are pro­ (Ironsiile Shoppiiit; CVnire) ' SPICIAI. .Soii\ (•()() duce a weekly paper of its own. "Basically viding a service the others don't". blank ^'assottos SI.00 L'acli we want to provide a community service," Barnes said. At the moment Liberty Press BRUCE CLARK Ph. 371 5644 produces the Queensland Kindergarten I •••••••••»••« Trrrrcrcc rr ^HI'TIP^^^'^ ' "IT — r The Shaky History of

TIM LOW documents the short but turbulent history of 'Brisbane's Living Guide'. DESPITE a reputation for cultural backwardness, Brisbane has often who would then be influenced by the low- key political articles. been at the forefront of the alternative Unfortunately the first issue was hurr­ media. Australia's first ever FM radio iedly produced, and lay-out was sloppy and station 4ZZ(Z) began in Brisbane in cramped. It did not sell as expected. Of 1975. The unusual satirical mag­ 25,000 copies printed, less than one third azine the Cane Toad Times was pub­ were sold. lished here. And so too was the Brisbane cultural guide Time Off, Unaware of sales figures, the editors pushed on. The next issue included the unusual promotional device of letters to Time Off was the ambitious idea of the the editor written by the editors them­ University of (Queensland Semper editors selves, A series of brief letters, purportedly for 1979, Bruce Dickson and Rob Cameron. from around south east Queensland, praised Dickson and Cameron had worked on the every aspect of the new magazine. Thus student paper the previous year, and were 'P. Stephens' of Caboolture lauded the intrigued by the possibihty of producing a 'fair-minded' profile of Joh, while 'D. commercially viable alternative paper based Malioney' of Camp Hill praised the Time at the university. They had achieved limited The glossy, four-colour cavetz and magazine format of the original TIME OFF proved to be too Off cartoonists as 'amongst Australia's success selling Semper through newsagents best'. in 1978, and were aware of a few campus much of a financial burden far the University of Queenslsnd's student union. papers in America which outsold their Issue number four struck problems. Under commercial equivalents. Arguing that there the incessant pressure of deadlines an article was no real difference between students was published without having been read by and the general public, Dickson and Cam­ an editor. It contained material of defamat­ eron proposed that a paper produced free ory nature. Time Off staff acted promptly. for one group could be sold at profit to Armed with a carton of black felt pens they the other. set about crossing out the offending para­ graph from each of about 11,000 magazines At first the idea was to produce an alter­ By this time the paper was coming under native political new magazine - 'The Queens­ fire from the student's union. Time Off was land In dependant' - a local equivalent of coming out fortnightly, not weekly as origin­ the then tabloid Nation Review. ITiis concept ally intended. Sales had plummeted to 2,000 was dropped in favour of a culturally-based per issue. And it's contents, includmg horo­ magazine 'Time Off, styled closely on the scopes and recipe columns, were criticised as London Time Out. The magazine would run being not oriented towards students. Dick­ a calendar of cultural events and would son pleaded that the staff were overworked, include reviews and features on culture and proposed that Time Off become a and politics. It would be free to students monthly, alternating with a monthly tabloid on campus, but cost 60c m newsagents. oriented to students. Impressed by this proposal, the 1979 student council granted Time Off a record $54,384 - an $18,000 increase on the prev-1 Rob Cameron This proposal did not solve the more ious year. 'Five members of staff were pressing problem of finance; the magazine employed, including a secretary, journalist, had spent its entire budget by about mid­ and photographer. year. Just the glossy covers alone were With advertising agency advice, Time Off costing almost 14 cents each. was promoted in a manner unheard of for Dickson left to run the Community a student paper. Advertisements were placed Arts Centre in Edward Street, Brisbane. on radio and in newspapers; with a large The Living Guide editor Elora Pylant was Courier Mall ad offering a free copy for given notice. Remaining editor Rob Cam­ return of a coupon. Even an animated tele­ eron, with an extra allocation of $20,000, vision ad was under preparation. returned the paper to tabloid format to By 6 April 1979, the first issue was out. produce another four issues, each selling With a glossy, four colour cover, and a about 550 copies. Expenditure for the year stapled magazine sized format, it looked like reached a massive $84,000. anything but a student paper. Besides the reviews and cultural calendar ('Brisbane's In December Cameron's yearly term as Living Guide'), contents included an mter- editor expired. The successful editorial team view with Premier Joh, the Russell Island for 1980, Tim Low and Kjaz Perry promised land scandel, and lightweight articles on a return to Semper, as did their opponents astrological contraception and aphrodisiac in the student elections. It was time out for foods. Time Off. .jaixd Why did the paper fail? Opuiions are From the start Time Off was an uneasy Above IBH; Part of the publicity budget for the first Issues of TIMB OFF was spent on car stickers varied. Tlie editors point out they were mix of culture and politics. Dickson and and T-shirts, featuring the magazine's fruit bat mascot Right; Matt Mawson, cartoonist for TIME hopelessly underfinanced and understaffed; Cameron believed the cultural articles and OFF in 1979, lampooned the magazine's demise in It's final campus edition. most of the staff were only on the basic Livmg Guide would attract the readership, -Continued on following page-

SEMPER, 19 March, 1981 -From previous page- Wage. They argue it was nonetheless a mid-november and Time Off was again worthwhile experiment for the student buoyant, but not without problems. union. Miller wanted photos of women on the Other opinions are less generous. Magazine covers of Time Off; he believed this would production is a highly competitive business, increase the paper's appeal to busmessmen. and apart from bizarre cartoons and occass­ He also wanted to promote his wife, ional probing features, Time Offs only Kathryn's modelling career. On the fust asset was its Living Guide of cultural events. issue under his partnership, the cover fea­ The public apparently decided it was easier tured his wife and a man at a niglitclub. to check movie times in the Courier Mall On the following issue MUler was more or Tele, rather than consult a 60 cent blatant. He wanted his wife in a bikini as magazine. London's Time Out succeeds the cover subject. Editor Keny Davies in this role in a city of much greater size, and lay-out artist Damien Ledwich weic with an immense variety of cultural events. adament in their refusal. Davies argued it Dickson and Cameron seem to have also would be bad business to use sexist adver­ miscalculated the magazine's popularity on tising, and Ledwich prepared a cover of campus. Students apparently felt alienated local actor John Dommctt. But at the by a magazine which, for the sake of its printers, Miller switched covers, peeling off image to advertisers, pretended it had nothing Ledwich's layout and inserting a photo of lo do with the university. The magazine's his wife in a brief, crocheted, see-through unpopularity was such that in the student bikini. elections for 1980, both teams promised a return to the original student paper with Davies was outraged, and rang the paper's a much reduced budget. contributors apologising for the change. With dieir support she resigned. Apparently But 1979 was not the end of Time Off. convinced die cover was bad business, On return from a U.S. holiday in cariy 1980, Cameron decided the paper could Miller relented, and with Davies' support a survive as a free give-away. Financed entirely final (non-sexist) issue for 1980 was pro­ by advertising, it would be distributed free duced. in entertainment outlets such as theatres, Davies' final editoral apologised for the restaurants, record shops and travel agencies. previous cover and for "the shift from a broad appeal^entertainment paper to some­ Cameron had exhausted liis finances on the holiday, but with a very modest $6,000 thing for 'jaded businessmen'." She promised loan, he and partner Harry Throssell set it would not happen again. about reviving the paper. Control of the But the rift was not over. It became name was not a problem, as in 1979 Cameron clear MUler was not compatable with the and Dickson had registered Time Off under staff and contributors. Davies resigned and their own names rather than the Union's. offered to buy the paper. Miller agreed. But while retaining this name, Cameron But with complications involving Cameron's strove to distance the paper from association and Miller's part ownership, the sale did not with the university. Realising that adver­ go ahead. tisers shy away from campus publications, Miller and his wife Kathryn, formerly he redesigned the lay-out and resolved that of Majestic Outlook, Seven Hills, have since the paper should not be available on campus been jailed four months on charges arising in large numbers. out of large-scale escort prostitution. In tlie Magistrate's Court recently they pleaded guilty to keeping premises for prostitution Time Off reappeared on 14 March, 1980. and living off prostitute's earnings. A fortniglitly tabloid with a three colour Time Off remained in limbo until journal­ cover, it numbered 20 pages, and 15,000 ist Denis Reinhardt took an interest. A copies. Content was confined to the living former employee of 4ZZZ Reinhardt had guide, reviews, and articles on entertainment. risen through Nation Review and the Nat­ Appropriately, advertising was mostly from ional Times to become Australasian corres­ TIME OFF cover art reached an all-time low when Allan Miller, part-owner of the magazine at the the arts, but it was not enough to match time, switched photographs without the knowledge or consent of the editor and layoutartist pondent for the Sunday Times (London). expenditure. Also shown is page 12 of the same issue. In the following months Time Off strug­ Remhardt is presently negotiatuig to gled to cover costs. A succession of adver­ become publisher of Time Off. By the time tising representatives failed to bring in a this article is printed an agreement may have profit. Advertisers were able to negotiate been reached. deals whereby their venues were published Africa within weeks, abandoning his share display ads, with their suggestive offers - Reinhardt has many ideas for the mag­ in articles in return for ads. Front covers of the enterprise. 'Attractive Gids for Out of Town Business­ azine but stresses there will be no dramatic were sold as ads. The paper was stUl losing. Bolstered by extra revenue. Time Off men', 'The Sweetest Kisses in Brisbane', changes. He wants more articles on life­ The page number dropped to 16, fewer struggled onward, slowly losing funds with etc. styles and social values, and intends to copies were printed, and column widths each issue. By November, Throssel had long Cameron persuaded an owner of several introduce sections on state poUtics. became narrower to fit in more ads. departed and the paper was again broke. massage pariou«, Allan Miller to buy into Time Off may regain the political con­ By May the paper was about to fold, By this stage much of the advertising re­ the paper. Fed up with Time Off, Cameron tent it lost in late 1979. With Reinhardt's when busincssperson Adrian Ballcnden venue was coming from massage parlours, left for a job in Sydney, working for the ideas and expertise it may eventually be­ bouglit into the partnership for several a clientele for which Tune Off was the only NSW Forestry Department under former come an alternative paper to be taken thousand dollars. This proved a miracul­ advertising outlet. The Courier Mail allowed Time Off journalist Calvin Noack. Cameron seriously. It may even begin to show a ous windfall, as Ballcnden left for South classified ads referring to pariours but forbad retained partnership in the paper. It was profit. a

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8 The Bland Brisbanes' Radio Activities

Radio is inescapable. It's always there. It's as much a part of the en­ big money behind the beautiful music vironment as rain, traffic lights and networks in the States, with the format mozzies. Something that is con­ accounting for several of the top rating regional stations. Most of those outfits stantly present, not always percept­ are FM Beautiful Music stations. When one ibly, usually in the background, an commercial FM licence was offered for intennittent soundtrack for people's Brisbane, the company which successfully day to day existence. Even the radio- applied gave very serious consideration to phobe is exposed to it in shops, the possibilities of an FM Beautiful Music cars, the beach, eating places, any­ station. where, everywhere. If you've grown Instead they opted for what you cur­ up in the post World War II period, rently hear on 4 Triple M. Which falls into you'll almost certainly identify with' the broad category of adult-oriented rock. certain songs that were "always on Triple M unashamedly aims at the mid the radio" during various stages of twenties to mid thirties, the junior ex­ your waking hours. Some of these ecutive audience. People with high des- songs have become landmarks for posable income and an image to either individuals and generations, most have build or maintain. To Triple M, if you're just disappeared into record libraries not a Guy or a Lady then you're a Nobody. They use a format that wouldn't and comers of minds. Radio has offend your boss when the wife puts on a done this. dinner party to impress him. Modern musak is boxed on similar fomiats in the States. Radio is also big business- very com­ Anytliing more adventurous than what's petitive, volatile, manipulative and usually available at Myer's Record Bar and you can aggressive. And almost invariably larger forget it. than hfe. Presented. Exaggerated. Hyped. Opened by Premier Petersen in August Commercial radio's sole function is to last year. Triple M's first weeks on air were attract enough Usleners to allow the in­ a rather shaky time, initially sounding like sincere to sell the unnecessary to the un­ AM radio in stereo, with high rotation and witting by means of advertising. The whole music hke Leo Sayer and Rocky Bumette. concept of 'personality' radio is tlie creation The format has been honed a lot since then of a disc jockey for s^e lo the public and lo to a more 'adult' style, including a lot of advertisers. The common denomination in hits from the 70's, the decade in which its this process is the omnipotent ratings. They projected audience grew up and lots of decide all aspects of radio programming current superstar product. Hi-fidelity in and advertising. sound quality for sure, as one expects from On this basis, Brisbane's most 'popular' FM, but how can you have a Neta Garden station is 4BK, just aliead of 4BH and 4BC. Sprinkler in between Bmce Springsteen A substantial interest in 4BK is held by and Roxy Music? Queensland Newspapers, publisl\ers of Bris­ bane's two daily newspapers. So it comes as Triple M's sound has changed quite a lot no surprise that 4BK comes across like an recently. A promotion it ran in which lis­ latest promotion was 'have a twiddle to aural 'Telegraph'. It promotes a Queensland/ as many country stations do for reasons teners were asked to nominate their favor­ Brisbane stereotype. Us perceives and pitches 4BC. attempted to be all tilings to all people: of economy. KQ's new promotion des­ ite 3 songs 'Super Set' revealed that their at the 'typical' Brisbanite in relation to his hoppers, mums, dads and the sports fan. cribes it as the best country in the worid. audience was actually 'rockier' than they or her interests, prejudices, tastes, aspir­ This spread the station's age appeal How the ALP, and which ALP, will cope had dared assume. Accordingly the sound ations, activities and values. 4BK's view of greatly but risks alientating segments of with the station's newfound popularity was rougliened up a bit, but not to the things comes across in its news, its adver­ the station's audience. For years it has is hard to imagine. point where the boss will be put off his tisements, the talk content between rec­ covered The Races and recently has gone Brisbane's two ABC AM stations both entree at the dinner party. Nevertheless ords. Its adoption of a totally average into Rugby League. Its afternoon and even­ rate very poorly, reflecting the constraints Triple M with its mainstream big name uninformed view on issues explains part­ ing announcers, Graham Roberts and under which both operate. 4QR is com­ sound and assortment of ex-AM announcers ially its number one rating. But it also has "Wacka" McCartney ate two of the most mitted to taking Federal Parliament, cricket, still comes out a long way ahead of its Wayne Roberts, the top rating breakfast wantonly discriminatory loudmouths as they gardening and so on, all of which restrict AM competition. announcer in the city. His salary is a well try to out-ocker each other. Inevitably,, possibilities for coherent programming. In The other three occupants of the FM kept secret, but generally considered to be both get good ratings, especially amongst between it plays a mbcture of contempor­ band are all non commercial stations. into six figures, annually. I won't describe younger age groups. ary, mainly pop music. Give the grossly ABC-FM originates from studios in Adel­ "Waynee Poo's" show; you've either heard The third Pop Format station in the self-indulgent Bill Hurrey a miss at break­ aide and is mainly classical music, with it or electively avoided it. Robert's show is city is 4IP, which from a position of number fast and wait for AM at 8 o'clock. Pre­ some jazz and other more progressive the product not of one mind but of a one a couple of years ago, slid to last amongst dominantly classical music, 4QG has some material. Local community operated class­ production team which puts hours of the commercials in the last survey in 1980. excellent talk and current affairs segments ical station 4MBS-FM operates out of labour the previous day into what you In an attempt to arrest this inexorable hidden away at odd times for those with Kelvin Grove on volunteer staff and is into hear in the morning. His consistently hi^ dechne, 4IP which is owned by the Catholic the stamina to seek them out between its third year. MBS is grateful that ABC-FM ratings flow on to keep the station cither dioscese of Sydney, has opted for a harder bible readings, recitals and religious gigs. took so long to reach Brisbane as they'd number one or two out of the seven Bris­ rock sound with more "progressive" and And so to 4BH, Brisbane's alledgedly have had a hard time establishing a local bane AM stations, despite a pretty ordinary album music. This lias increased its follow­ station against the ABC's expertise. Uneup of announcers otherwise. 'Beautiful Music' station, aimed solely at ing with the teenies but not enough to boost the over 40's who prefer to pretend hfe is 4 Triple Z has been on air for over 5 The breakfast shift is traditionally the the ratings. IP's big names are Alan McGirvan beautiful. 4BH sounds like a Henry Man- years now, its continuing saga is outlined most competitive area of commercial radio. and Paul J. Turner, the rest of the on air cini record put through a blender - utterly elsewhere in these pages. While Triple M 4BC's Mike Ahern has been around Brisbane staff are just stereotype cool AM jocks homogenised, innocuous and sanitised and plays the sound, style and perfomiances for years, starting off here as a hip nite with forced deliveries. just great for background music in art of the past Triple Z prefers to programme announcer during the flower power days at The big improver recently has been the galleries. As much as a format. Beautiful what you'll be hearing at sometime in tlie the 'big BC He married, bred, moved to Labor Party owned station 4KQ, which had Music ii a Ufestyle, a hazy existence of future, if you aren't listening to the co­ Perth, tRen returned lo get up eariy every been a money loser untfl it switched to a Valium, gallstones and grandchildren. operatively run rock station now, don't morning to fill the studio until Hadyn country music format last year. The ratings In reality, Beautiful Music is a highly wait till Unda Rondstat's ready to cover Sargeant, whose show's popularity took a have climbed ever since, despite little pro­ successful, tigluly controlled radio format the Clash in a couple of album's time. bit of a beating in the last ratings survey, motion, very restricted staffing and an ab­ which originated in the United States. Happy listening and good luck with the has been the housewifes' morning gum for sence of 'name' DJ's; 4KQ is the first Bris­ There are whole production studios in The lucky $2 note. years. His main competition comes from old bane station to use a computerised announc­ States and Britain whose total function is PETER STEINHEUER stager Russ W^kington on 4BH. 4BC, whose ing service in its midnight to dawn shift. to produce beautiful music for radio. There's

SEMPER, 19 March, 1981 TE.A.S.; A Complicated Scheme

March 31st is the last day for and your spouse's income for 1979-80. T.E.A.S. applications, if you expect to Remember that if your, parents or your be back paid from January 1st. spouse's income has dropped because of unemployment, death etc., you can •>•«• y-^ apply for a current income assessment, i.e. T.E.A.S. is a hopelessly complicated ':Wk scheme involving some 97 rules which can your T.E.A.S. allowance vidll be based on be used to cut out unsuspecting students. your 1981 financial situation. In order to Many people eli^ble for some assistance reach the hallowed ranks of the indep­ do not apply because they lack understand­ endent students, you must be 25 or over in ing of the scheme. 1981, be married, have lived in a de facto To be classed as a full-time student, relationship for two years (one year if Queensland University requires that you be there is a child), be an orphan or ward of enrolled for at least 33 credit points per the state, or have supported yourself for two of the previous fiveyears . semester. T.E.A.S. on the other hand, ••••^^'••••[srx-''^ • •• requires that you be enrolled for 75% of Recently, a number of students have • • i a full-time workload. For Arts students, married to get independent T.E.A5. The this means at least 30 credit points and for moment you sign up for marriage, you Science students 36V4 credit points. Ex­ become an independent person as far as ternal students are as eligible for T.E,A.S. T.E.A.S. is concerned, even if you are as internal students. 17 years old and living at home with your i; f millionaire parents. Full-time status is not enough! You are •'•jr'-.'*'W»*...,r not eligible for T.E.A.S. if you are study­ There are a lot of snags worth consider­ ing for a higher degree or if you are under­ ing before you marry for T.E.A.S. Divorce } She taking study at the same level as you have costs money; rape is legal within marriage; •yC^,<*^y\A¥:^-:, done previously. For example, if you do if a woman falls pregnant by another man, =^'ssr"-^Se=i>. first year law, decide that you could not her spouse will legally be the parent; it is stomach the sight of another law book almost impossible for a married woman, lo and transfer to first year engineering, you get a teaching job with the Queensland would not be eligible for T.EA.S. until Education Department; on divorce either your second year. Similarly, if you are party can apply for the interests in property This poster, satirising the recent royal engagement, drew attention to the doing a second degree, you are ineligible to be altered, even where property is in the problems of obtaining T.E.A.S, for any assistance. It makes no difference spouse's name - to mention just a whether or not you received T.E.A.S. in few. the past - you are still ineUgible. The stringent criteria for independent ance, few people can afford to be students There are three levels of T.E.A.S. allow­ status, the effects of inflation on the cut­ What are the real reasons behind the ances - ordinary at home, ordinary away disappearance of students from T.EA.S.? 'and many find enforced dependence on off point for parental income. (You start parents repugnant. from home, and independent. The first losing T.E.A.S. once your parents' com­ The reasons are the same as those behuid two levels are means tested on your par­ bined income exceeds $10,312, The aver­ the disappearance of teachers from our ents income for the 1979-80 financial age male wage is well over S13,000 per schools, tutors from our universities and A legal T.E.A.S. march is being organ­ year and your own income for 1981. You annum.), and the 97 exemption rules all nurses and social workers from our hos­ ised by various student unions for the will be classified as an ordinary at home combine to ensure that few students get pitals. The present government has made afternoon of March 31st. If you get T.E.A.S., student unless your family home is more any T.E.A5. allowance. Those on the massive cuts to public sector spending and you should march to say that it is not than sbcty minutes, by pubUc transport, maximum allowance are very rare creatures. diverted this wealth to the private sector . enou^. If you do not get T.E.A.S., you away from University. Students from As loopholes are closed and means tests in such forms as investment allowances. should march for T.EA.S. for all students. Wynumn, for example, can usually receive made more restrictive, thousands of students The stated rationale behind this is that the away from home rate, are cut out of T.E.A.S. each year. At the government incentives to private sector The Queensland University Union wUl be University of Queensland, 4,219 students will in turn stimulate employment. This writing to staff members asking that they If you turn 21 or if you can prove that received some T.E.A5. allowance in 1979 has not occured. endorse the march and that they maka your home conditions are detrimental to but the number dropped to 3,582 in 1980, The Student Union is continuing to alternative arrangements for those students your study, you will be eligible for the Australia-wide, rnore than 75% of full-time raise the issue of T.E.A.S. as a vital factor who miss lectures on March 31st because away from home rate even if your parents tertiary students receive no T.E.A.S. and in access to tertiary education for all people.. they have marched. only 14% receive the maximum allowance. live next door to the University, Your Without a reasonable T.E.A.S. allow­ -LYN TAYLOR allowance will still be means tested on your The number of students receiving T.E.A.S. parents income but will cease to be payable has been cut by about 5% each year since when parental income exceeds $19,361 the scheme was introduced by the Whitlam rather than 515,721, as in the case of "at government in 1974, Surely the Fraser Jiomc" students. government is not trying to tcU us that AN OPEN LETTER TO STUDENTS CONCERNED ABOUT If you are classed as an independent fewer and fewer students are in need of T.E.A.S. AND EDUCATION FUNDING student, your T.E.A.S. allowance will be assistance each year or that the Australian people are becoming wealthier each year. means tested on your own income for 1981 On Tuesday, March 31st, at 1.30 pm the Students Union will be holding a legal protest march against the inadequacies of T.E.A.S. and education funding. The march will be to King Georye Square where a rally will be held, and then on to Eagle Street where several thousand T.E.A.S. applications will be lodged. The opposition spokes­ person for education, John Dawkins, has been invited to speak at the rally. Have your friends It Is vitally imoortant that the federal government realises that students are facing incredible economic pressures in attaining their degrees. been getting To achieve this we alt must march. The Students Union has approached all lecturers to make alternative arrangements together for lecture material etc. so that students will not suffer acadBmically when they march. Your right to an education should not be eroded because of financial considerations. If you receive T.E.A.S. you should be marching so others receive it; if you don't, you without you? should march so you do. If you believe that education funding cuts that have resulted They have .... if you're not taking advantage in less books and periodicals in our libraries, less staff Including tutors and demonstrat­ of the many valuable financial services ors, shorter opening hours in the libraries, overcrowded classes etc. must be stopped, offered by your credit union. then you should march on March 31st. Many staff and students are already it is one of the few ways you can protest. getting together at their credit union to GET INVOLVED. It it vital to the future of us all that we develop education as a get more out of life. So don't be left out. right, notaprivelege.

QM UnW«(tit

10 Reprinting the booklet 'Protect and Survive' (Semper no. 1, 25 Feb.) provoked a critical res­ ponse from anti-nuclear groups. The Campaign Against Nuclear Power complained that the booklet made light of nuclear war, implying it could be easily survived. CANP argues we should be trying to prevent war, not deluding ourselves we can survive it. From England, MARK D. HAYES* was also critical of the booklet. He outlines British govern­ ment policy and the attitudes of Britons towards nuclear survival.

Three months before his tragic defence plans of the government are placed death in Ireland in August, 1979, alongside other government decisions to buy Admiral of the Fleet, Earl Mount- the US Trident missile system and allow US batten of Burma said these words in cmise missiles to be sited in Britain, a dan­ gerous strategy development emerges. Civil Strasbourg, Austria; defence becomes part of an offensive strat­ egy and becomes an integral part of Western "The Western powers and the USSR plans to seriously consider a limited nuclear started by producing and stockpiling nuclear war as a viable strategic option. weapons as a deterrent to general war. The The strategy has its technical roots in produced which could be fired from cannons, in building nuclear attack and fallout shel­ idea seemed simple enough. Because of the tlie late 1950's, when US nuclear scientists bazookas and dropped from tactical battle­ ters. enormous aniount of destruction that could began to .make smaller nuclear weapons, field jets. It was not just a seasonal abberation, be wreaked by a single nuclear explosion, which could be used in a battlefield situ­ brought on by the end of the British slim­ the idea was that both sides in what we still ation. At this time also, the so-called Neut­ The technical developments continued mer. As I become more familiar with British see as an East-West conflict would be de­ ron Bomb was first developed, but was not apace to June, 1980, when President Carter society and politics, 1 realised this obsession terred from taking any aggressive action manufactured in any quantity. Missile announced Presidential Directive 59. For the with nuclear war extends througliout society which might endanger the vital interests accuracy was slowly increased and, with the first time, from tlie Oval Office itself, and that the media were not actually creat­ of the other. new smaller warheads, it became possible 'counter-force' was admitted to be the new ing tills obsession, but responding to it. "It was not long, however, before smaller . jjj j ^^,1,^^^^ on one inissUe US stance with respect to nuclear warfare. nuclear weapons of various designs were and direct those warheads to individual The USA is now prepared to begin nuclear As I have since found out, the British produced and deployed for use in what was targets. Thus the motion of 'Multiple In­ war if it perceives such war to be in its int­ government is virtually figliting an un­ assumed to be a tactical or theatre war. dependently Targetable Re-Entry Vehicle' erests. The concept of 'limited nuclear war' declared nuclear war, not only against its The belief was that were hostilities ever to (MIRV) was born, soon to be followed by became express US policy, and was either enemies, described darkly as 'The Soviet break out in Western Europe, such weapons the 'Manouverable Re-Entry Vehicle', tacitly or favourably endorsed by NATO Threat', but against its own people as well. could be used in field warfare without (MARV), which could actually maneuver allies in Europe. The weapons used in this war arc not actual triggering an all-out nuclear exchange its individual warheads to hit targets. missiles and bombers, but propaganda leading to the fmal holocaust. When 1 arrived in Britain last September, These technical developments continued weapons of words and images designed to the first thing I noted was that newspapers "I have never found this idea credible. throughout the 1960's, and were slowly convince the British people that they miglit and their letter pages seemed obsessed with I have never been able to accept the reasons incorporated into newer weapons systems just survive a nuclear war if they prepare the topic of nuclear warfare. Every news­ for the belief that any class of nuclear wea­ like the Minuteman series of Inter- property for it. Consequently, the British paper carried news, feature articles, letters pons can be categorised in tenns of their Continental Ballistic Missiles obsession with civil defence against nuclear (ICBM) and to the editor and editorals about some tactical'or strategic purposes." into various Sea Launched Ballistic Miss­ attack is part of the overall offensive strategy The British government disagrees. aspect of nuclear weapon technology, which seems to be leading up to a limited iles (SLBM) like the Poseidon and Polaris nuclear strategy and civil defence against missiles. Also, situations like the Pershing, nuclear war scenario. nuclear war. Tlie advertising pages even Over the last year, the British government Asroc, BuUpup B and Subroc missiles. carried ads for companies which specialise has been conducting a low-level propa­ Nuclear weapons in the kiloton yield were ganda campaign to convince the British people Uiat nuclear war would be surviv- able. At the same time, the Thatcher govern- ment has been quietly intensifying the efforts of previous governments in Britain AFTERMATH RSG centres, again hidden in the country­ to establish a workable and secure civil side away from major population centres defence organisation which, it is hoped, will GOVERNMENT and protected against everything a nuclear survive a major nuclear attack on Britain weapon can do except a near or direct hit. and form the basis for a post-holocaust At present, there are 14 sub-RSG's built government structure. The British Civil Defence structure is and another three planned throughout the The most interesting fact which has- based on a hierarchy of secret control cent­ country. emerged from these developments in Britain res, called Regional Seats of Government over the last year Is that when the civil (RSG's) which are housed in deep shelters Each of these sub-RSG's can protect outside major cities. The country is divided upwards of 200 military, administrative and scientific officers against nuclear attack. into twelve regions, nine in Britain, and one They are connected by cable and radio to •Mark D, Hayes is a former Brisbane journ­ each for Wales, Scotland and Northern the rest of the RSG and sub-RSG structure, alist now studying peace studies at Bradford Ireland. University, Yorkshire. Beneath these RSG's, are a series of sub- — Continued or> follawtng page —

11 SEMPER, 19 March. 1981 — From previous page — others with superficial uijuries and would be ordered to put down the worst cases. and, radiating out from each sub-RSG is a The civil defence workers would be armed series of smaUer observation bunlcers which and prepared to deal ruthlessly with vigil­ win be occupied by observers who, if they ante groups prowling the ruins of ciwlisarion. survive, will relay data back to their RSG After the two week phase, the recon­ Science Officer who will then be able to struction of some sort of order would begin. calculate the scale of damage caused by the But, such a reconstruction is based on a nuclear attacks around the RSG bunker. number of fundamental facts being oper­ Within each RSG and sub-RSG are ative. housed small radio stations, sufficient food The war would have to be over. There and drink for the staff to last at least two would have to be no more attacks from weeks, small but effective armories, and surviving silos, bombers or submarines. medical supplies which, the Home Office But a nuclear war could last for weeks, readily admits, will be available to those even months, with the nuclear powers who would be good survival risks only. lobbing off individual or small numbers of According to the Home Office, which is weapons at each other for months. responsible for this RSG structure, the worst Internally, the RSG and sub-RSG or local of the nuclear radiation from the attack government structure would have to be would have decayed away after two weeks sufficiently intact to ensure control over their to reasonably acceptable levels. Of course, designated areas. If social order could not RGS personel emerging from their bunkers be guaranteed through internal cohesion or would wear protective clothing and would virtual totalitarian or martial law controls, be armed and under orders to kill those then any social organisation would be very people seriously injured and still living difficult to maintain, and society would be after the two weeks period and looters at the mercy of armed individuals or gangs. and self-appointed vigilantes. Assuming order could be maintained, the slow process of economic reconstruction would begin. But the very basis of advanced industrial society would be in tatters. Many industrial plants would be destroyed, and AFTER THE BOMBS skilled operators would be dead, injured or scattered throughout the country. Trans­ Following a nuclear attack civil defence and port systems would be destroyed, agricul­ rescue workers would not emerge from their tural production seriously disrupted, and bunkers until two weeks had passed and crops in less contaminated areas would then would only enter areas declared fairly not be harvested for months into the future. safe by their scientific advisors. Radioactive Water sources would be restricted to those fallout consisting of short-lived isotopes not contaminated. Rain water would be too would have decayed somewhat, leaving radioactive to drink. Building would be longer lived isotopes behind. destroyed, unsafe, or required for civic After two weeks it would be assumed administration. Energy distribution relation­ WlMie «lo YOU that the survivors found by civil defence ships - liquid fuels, gas, electricity - would workers would be either beyond medical be shattered and wood from wrecked build­ aid, or able to survive with medical aid. ings or forests would be the major fuel. QCt ycNii ideal Doctors would be under orders to leave inmoiionf the sufferers of radiation poisoning to help CHEAP & DIICOUIVT IDAYEL ITVDENT CHARTER EUOHTI WORLD WIDE TDAYEI NETWORK lill TRAVEL INIURAIWCE IJ.16 TAA 1»% ITiDENT DIICOUNT TOURS & ACCOMMODATION \ STUDENT BUS & RAILPASSES *D.1.Y. OUIDE BOOHS & INEORNATION sheltei ^ Monthly' Guide to, manufactured \ shelters ; \^'^^^^<^<''' ..«*•' .'

Of ^^f^Hr Aacn< lot Ihc •**'•' *"* ^&^:>^^K;1'^^-^ Auiiialian Union of if udentft Companies specialising in the of a maior attack near them. into tha filter. Gamma radi­ exotic hardware and tha even They may be trapped by debris ation can penetrate many feet mora exotic software of nuc­ tossed over their shelters. The of earth, most thin metals lear civil defence are making SHOP 9, ULSTER WALK, radioactive fallout filters in the and requires feet of steel, major profits. There is con­ air supply system of the shelter lead or concrete to stop it siderable doubt whether the may fail. The fitters could collect deadly CNR. ELIIABETH & EDWARD ST. privately designed nuclear fall­ In most of the shelter designs radioactive fallout within the out shelters on the market the filter mechanism is located BRISBANE 4000. today even conform to Home shelter, exposing the inhabit­ at the end of »long pipe leading ants to perhaps more con­ Office standards, though mag- upwanis to tha outside world. azinet like 'Protect and Sur­ centrated radiation than thay TEL: 111 9619/111 9iSS But, the filters, located within tsi^ld get on the surface! This vive Monthl/ seem to provide the living area of the shelter, disturbing matter is being in­ some screening for standards. seem to be insufficient to pro­ vestigated by independent bio- It remains a major and ex­ tect the inlu^itflnts of the k>gist> in the IMidlamb at f 0 HIGH ST., TOOWONO 4066. pansive gamble for people in­ shelter against the deadly gamma present vesting in these shelters. They and beta radiation emiting TEL: 910 94S6 / ilO S0f6 could die instantly as a result particles which could be sucked -J L 12 Vientiane, Laos; with Page and nostalgia.

Visiting Laos after a 15 year absence, historian MARTIN STUART-FOX* was delighted to meet up with an old photographer friend called Page. Stuart-Fox recounts their adventures together, which highlight the changes communism has IN 1965 Vientiane was the somno­ good coup d'etat like we'd had in the past, lent centre of a Buddhist monarchy, brought to Laos. when Page got his start in photography. In a city of dusty streets and Chinese 1965, two young officers who had led the shopkeepers where food barrows sold previous abortive coup had a falling out. sticky Vietnamese sweets, sandwiches It was mainly army versus the police, and made of French bread, and freshly who should get a cut in what racket. The pressed sugar cane juice. army at Chinairnos camp began shelling the Police barracks at Phone Keng across the Bicycles moved more slowly than any­ town. Then the air force got in on the act where else on earth, just fast enougti not to with T28s. topple over. In the shady grounds of numer­ ous wats (monasteries) orange robed monks In the British embassy the ambassador used to lounge idly in the late afternoon strode up and down maintaining a fine light, while in the bar of the Hotel Constell­ upper lip, advising people to keep calm. ation a motley collection of Chinese pilots The entire embassy staff, their families and flying for the CIA's Air America, French British residents were lying on the floor as teachers, resident journalists, an occasional shells sailed overhead. The Lao gunners diplomat, USALD personnel and any wander­ weren't that accurate and the odd mortar ing hip who happened through, supped fell short. The ambassador was in contact apperatifs, exchanged rumours, or settled with the American embassy less than a mile into an early game of dice. The night clubs away - via London and Washington. It and bars of Dong Palane, and the White took a whfle to get through. Rose would open later. For myself as a young journalist it was Vientiane today is the capital of a com­ a ready made occasion. The AP corres­ munist state, the Lao People's Democratic pondent, who had arrived a day or two Republic, forward post of Marxism-Leninism before with typewriter, violin and bow and in Southeast Asia. The streets are just as arrow (archery for relaxation) was on his dusty, but the Chinese merchants have gone. own. I gave Page rny camera with instruct­ Concrete blocks of shops stand blank and ions to press the button at everything he shuttered, their signboards slowly deterior­ saw, and sent hmi off on his Honda 250 to ating in the monsoon climate. The food bribe his way across the Mekong (the frontier barrows are few, immobile, waiting for was closed), and head for the nearest l)S base customers who rarely come. The wats at Udon to get liis film, and my story, out are still shady retreats, but there are fewer to Ban^ok. Page made the trip and back monks. Each morning they water their twice before communications were restored, vegetable gardens, and their study of Budd­ and UP! was exclusive for 48 hours. hism is interspersed with the study of Marx and Lenin. USAID and Air America have been replaced by hotels full of E-BIockers Nothing like tliat now. The Vietnamese (Eastern Blok advisers - Russians, Poles, keep a low profile and their troops are well Czechs, East Germans) who lead their own out of town. The only excitement is to join shuttered lives. The Constellation has been the Kon sat (resistance) and go across from renamed the Vieng Vilay — Lao instead of Thailand. Marchuig for days from village to French. village, trying to avoid a fight - it's a tough way to get a story. The Chinese are said to But Vientiane is still recognizably Lao be training lulltribe guerrillas in Yunnan for in important, often intangible ways. The a brank new insurgency. Poor bloody Laos. rhythm of life Is unchanged. There is less On another trip out of Vientane Page got traffic, but bicycles still move at the same into ducks. He attended a briefing for E- leisurely pace. Milling crowds gather at blocker journalists on the triumphs of even the suggestion of a boun (festival, Laos' public or private). The girl soldiers in baggy failed cooperativization programme. The Pathct Lao uniforms who act as guides in U.N. or the IMF or someone had wanted the National Revolutionary Museum paint to know how many ducks were in Laos. their finger nails and use make-up. Gone is The Lao were stunned. Wliat for? How the earlier revolutionary fervour when such would they know? You could hardly run demonstrations of decadent Western culture a census in villages days of walkmg from the were banned. After five years in power the nearest road. No-one knew how many people regime has adopted more lenient policies. there were, let alone ducks. Laos may be changing communism as much But international aid depended on it, so tlie Lao came up with a total count down to as communism is changmg Laos. the nearest ducks. None of this rounded off My old friend Page had got there before to the nearest thousand. 190,545 8ucks - me, rented a bicycle and pedalled around to or some such unlikely figure. The E-blockers all the places we had known in the sbities. in the stalls and curtained cubicles on stage. take in a dam site north of Vientiane. On the were property impressed, and whipped out It had taken him just two days to track notebooks to get the figure down. Then Page down no fewer than three opium holes, and Page had put together a party of seventeen, way back Page wanted a shot of a Pathet a dozen nationalities, one evening. Old Lao soldier toting his AK47, But the guy ruined the whole show. He wanted to know to settle for one where a skeletal Chinese, habits die hard. objected, and threatened to shoot. Maybe if the figure included fertile eggs. The quest­ promptly nicknamed Belsen, filled his pipes Page was photographing everything. In he was Vietnamese. The group's official ion was translated. The Lao briefing officer in return for Tai cigarettes and fifty kip a the morning lines of sQent, barefoot, orange guide, in a fine example of quick thinking, looked non-plussed. E-blockeis suspected a pipe (about two dollars fifty on the black clad monks, heads shaven, eyes downcast, defused the incident by shouting that Page capitalist plot. Page got nasty looks. The market). Fifteen years back Vientiane boast­ filed at dawn along the roads of the city, was a Russian. The startled trooplet dropped subject was changed - the number of ed-the largest legal opium den in the world - receiving the offering of a few of the faiUi- his rifle, sprang to attention and saluted. hectares of irrigated rice paddies. Page was a former theatre, converted to public couches fiil. Sticky rice only now; vegetables they There they left him, stock still m the middle deUghted. He went around Vientiane photo­ grew themselves. of the road, rifle at his feet, and drove back graphing every duck he could poke a lens Only once had Page had problems. That to town. The magic word would once have at, to the baffled amazement of many a •Stuart-Fox Is senior tutor in Asian history at been "American". was on an out-of-town trip (arranged, Page, — continued on folfovtffng page — the University of Queensland. said, by the Ministry of Pouitless Affairs) to That is the only excitment these days. No

SEMPER, 19 March, 1981 13 — From previous page — '^ good citizen and duck tender. :£.3m Troops of the Lao People's liberation In Uie markets the old Laos came to life. Armed Forces marched first, army, air Old women sat behind enamel bowls of force, and a small contingent from Laos' shrimp paste, ground spices and chiUies, Mekong River navy. Boyish officer cadets cracking earthy jokes at the expense of goose stepped unevenly; seasoned troops these strange foreigners with their inquisit­ marched with the mounted bayonets of ive lenses. Supplies are getting to the markets each hne an inch from the neck of the rank again, now that some of the petty trade in front; mountain troops of the Hmong restrictions have been Ufted. Peasants briflg (Meo) faction which sided with flie Pathet in green vegetables, chickens, bunches of Lao carried shoulder high anti-aircraft bananas, freshly caught carp. Prices are guns; girl soldiers looking Uke serious high, but there is plenty of food. The only children marched rigid faced. Then came the shoes are Ho Chi Minh sandals cut from miUtary hardware: skyblue motor cycles old tyres. The old fortune teller is still and sidecars pouring exhaust, mortars, there - even Marxists need to know the howitzers, trucks and scout cars, while stars. overhead flew Soviet built helicopters and MIG 21 jets. Piles of white rice noodles sit under Here if anyvyliere was the new l^os. umbrellas, and near the spices and herbs Surely in these stem faced and discipUned stand hugt baskets of rough cut tobacco youths was to be seen the new Lao socialist and dried bunches of marihuana. Smoke man that the Party was determined to create it or make soup like the Lao. The price as part of its three revolutions. One revol­ is 5 kip a bunch (about 20 American cents) ution would socialize the economy; another for enough for a dozen good joints. You would inUroduce new scientific technology; can't complain about everything under and the third would be cultural and ideol­ communism. ogical. There are more consumer goods around To bufld a sociaUst Laos, new socialist than a year or two ago - thanks to the Uber- men and women were needed. Perhaps here alization introduced eariy in 1980 to permit m the army they were to be found, for they a resurgence of private trading. Despite clos­ were not in the markets or monasteries, in ure of the border with Thailand patent the villages which had been rejected cooper­ medicines, radio batteries, condiments, ative agriculture, or in the hills with the needles and thread, sticks of incense, cigar­ guerrillas of the resistance. ettes all find their way across the Mekong, smuggled by boatmen paying off both sides. Sometimes they carry a refugee on the But what was he like, this new Lao return trip. socialist man? Did he retain the easy smile, the languid motion, the natural courtesy of In the sbcties the markets had been the Lao - or did he have the more penetrat­ busier, brhnming with luxuries from coun­ ing, calculating glance, the quicker step, the tries around the world - French perfiines, abrupt manner of the ^etnamese? American liquor, Australian tinned fruit. The French influence and the American Vientiane was then one of the great gold influence have gone. The Vietnamese mflu- centres of Asia. Gold was bou^t to be represented at the gathering - an opportun­ guide from the Ministry of Information gave ence may not be so transitory. The Pathet smuggled into India, Vietnam, in false ity they seized to introduce some good up trying to shepherd his flock together. 1^0 were welcomed m 1973, as soldiers for teeth, up anuses. Those were the days decadent Itard rock. The Lao Marxists still Even E-blockers, once shown the benefits national mdependence, men of an almost before terrorists and metal detectors. Gold know how to throw a good party. of indiscipline, followed suit. I^otographers ascetic purity of will. Since then so many and opium, and later heroin, refined in The next morning a raUy and militaiy and journahsts everywhere. Lao have fledthe n country. Why? crude stills in the north of Laos, at Ban parade was held to mark the fifth anni- All were drawn back to the renewng Policies of peace have proved so much Honei Sai. The CIA bought the Meo opium versaiy of the founding of the Republic. stand by the arrival of the official party. more contradictory than the single-minded crop, and gave them guns in return to fi^t This vras the great h^hlight of the cele­ On the reviewing stand stood the leading pursuit of war. Compromise and tolerance the Pathet Lao. And when the Americans brations, for vrfiich troops had been train­ members of the Lao Politburo and Central were not permitted to interfere mth the left, many of the Meo stayed — until sys­ ing, and ministries preparing for months. Committee of the Party, small men in dark consolidation of political power. And by the tematically wiped out, or driven to Thailand. The resistance had vowed to disrupt suits, half hidden behind a waist high bar­ time the hard line was relaxed, so many had One evening tlie Ministty of Information the celebrations, periiaps with yet another rier, flanked by ofiicial guests from the gone. Thousands more remained in reeducat­ invited all foreign guests wiio had gathered assasdnation attempt on the life of Party Communist parties of the Soviet Union, ion camps. for the fifth anniversary of the founding of Secretary General and Prime Muilster Viebiam, and eastern bloc countries. But the Lao revolution has not yet run the Lao People's Democratic Republic to Kaysone Phomvihane, the most detested These were the men who had fou^t its course. Perhaps the revolutionaries who a party in the grounds of Vientiane's posh- man in the refugee camps at Nongkhai. for 30 years, against the French, the Am- now run the country will succeed in build­ est hotel. The minor functionaries of the The press was requested to stay m a ericans; who had survived m their deep ing a more just society, one with greater Ministry stuffed as if they hadn't seen food. neat little group, but Page was having limestone caves some of the heaviest bomb­ opportunities for all. for a week. (After all, you can^t buy much none of that. He limped untidily from one ing delivered anywhere on earth. Now they But one couldn't help leaving Laos won­ for $10 a month, even in subsidized Party group of r^d troops to the next, shooting lived behind the high walls of the former dering why it is that revolutionary move­ stores.) E-blockers were more careful about down long lines into flie dawn Ught, or up US housing compound with, so it was ments seem so much more admirable during what they ate. There was plenty to drink, towards the monument to those who died rumoured, their Vietnamese advisers, run- their days of struggle and heroism in oppos­ and one of the town's best bands, which luid in the revolutionary struggle, drawing rung the country at last. ition to corruption and entrenched privil­ a great time playing music for each country flurried officials after him. Eventually the ege than when they form a government. It Souphanouvong spoke, then Kaysone is not snnply that power corrupts, but that read a long speech, full of exaggerated decisions are more complex, conditions achievements and inflated rhetoric. At more compelling. the mention of China as mtemational One left Laos bediming to recognize reactionaries in collusion with U.S. imperial­ something of the complexity and the com- ism to destroy Laos, the Chinese charge ptdsion. Page left witii a Lao flag and a d'affaires staged his ritual walk-out from the khene and a medal meant for officially diplomatic stand. His car was ready to take invited E-blocker guests. a him home. And at last the parade was underway.

SPECIAL LUNCHTIME SEMINAR TIME TO CHOOSE: TECHNOLOGY OFCONSOOVSNESS OR NUCLEAR DEFENCE Guest speaker Catherine Knoks 14 benson street, National Director of Transcendental toowong. Meditation Movement phone 371 4325 FRIDAY 20th MARCH 1 pm Green Room (under SchoneU Theatre) 10% DISCOUNT TO STUDEfrrS

14 -umvffisrrv- Eviction's for the birds

Few people have noticed, but on a few staff are in the building. The people weekend in early February the mud feared that the nests were removed at that swallows nests on the outside of the time to avoid opposition to their destruct­ Architecture, Music and Planning ion. The Operation Co-ordinator for Build­ Building's top floor were destroyed ings and Grounds stated in response to this after professional advice given by a that the mud swallows nests were removed company called in by Buildings and early in the year because the complaint Grounds. had been received about that time and it was the end of the birds' nesting season. Buildings and Grounds acted on a com­ The task was carried out on a weekend, he plaint, from within the building concerned, maintained, so as to disturb as few people about a mite and lice problem. Once the as possible. professional exterminators had identified A further issue in the nests removal was the mud swallows' nests as the cause of the the fact that the mud swallow is a protected problem. Buildings and Grounds gave the species of bird. Buildings and Grounds were permission for the nests to be removed. not aware of this fact when the nests were Tills was done on the weekend of the 7th destroyed. However, as long as Buildings and and 8th of February, Grounds assert that no mud swallows were killed they are not liable to prosecution. The department, as it is entrusted with Under the law the birds and not their nests the care and maintenance of the univer­ arc protected unfortunately the law also sity's buildings and grounds, saw the re­ docs not covcf the fuiurc generations of moval of the nests as a matter which effected birds w[\ich wouk! have becit born in the only them and had little to do with the nests. human inhabitants of the building. The and were angered that people were not given and tiicir ncsls because they broke the Though it is too late to save (he nests result of this was that Buildings and Grounds a chance to try and save tlic nests. One monotony of bare walls and concrete did not think of asking the people who used opinion expressed was that the nests were and gave some life to a dead classroom. now. action must be taken to find altern­ the building what they thouglit of the mud a natural asset for the building helping it Also a number of people were con­ ate nicllunls o\' dealing with nesting mud swallows and their nests. to be in greater harmony with its surround­ cerned about why the nests were rciiiavcd swalUiws besides destvoving liieir nests. Many students and staff were in favour ings. A spokesperson for the Music Students so early in the year, when few students MARK'ARMSTRONG of the nests and the birds that built them Society simply said students liked the birds are at university and on a weekend, when

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wm^tmm^tmmutmtmi0»fmt'0mtimmiim0mmmmftmmtmmt^ The Feminine in Politics "W»nenWhoV\&nt tobeWjmen"

The gains of the feminist movement are being undermined by a right wing group using the rhetoric of feminism. IRENE A. WEBLEY reports.

International Women's Year, 1975, was the occasion of intense and sometimes bitter debate about wo­ men's roles in society. When it ended, moderate feminism seemed to have achieved its basic goal: community recognition that sexism limited every­ one's lives. This was expressed in various ways: equal pay, at least in principle; equal opportunity in em­ ployment, at least in theory, establish­ ing anti-discrimination authorities; developing community child-care fac­ ilities; introducing anti-sexism pro­ grammes in education. The basic battle seemed won: women's issues had become an important part of the political agenda. What remained was to ensure that appropriate action was taken to implement the new community awareness that women had no particular place in society; they belonged everywhere.

This attitude has come under increas- mg challenge as the economic situation has worsened and more people have become unemployed. Increasingly, as unemployment figures have risen, the right of married wo­ men to paid employment outside the home has been challenged. Die Australian headlined a major feature article on January 14,1978: "If mums quit work there would be jobs for boys (and girls)". The Mayor of Rock­ hampton attacked the decision of the Arbitration Commission grantuig women unpaid maternity leave in similar tenns: Women's Year, women still tend to work in attacked the provision of maternity leave The birthrate is falling and more age when, it argues, women were not se­ 'female' occupations like teaching, nursing, as encoura^g women to leave their young duced by "women's bbbeis" or forced and more kids are having sex and clerical and secretarial work, and many children. In addition, however, WWWW has babies at an earlier age. The whole by harsh economic circumstances out of fabric of our society is being torn married women work in part-time employ­ campaigned for changes in the education their primary and fundamental role in the to shreds because our children are ment. Moreover these traditional areas of system so that schools teach and reflect family into the workforce, and when men bemg. neglected by their mothers. female employment are particularly vulner­ what it believes is the fundamental differ­ and women found fulfillment m their res­ I don't mind women who are forced able to the impact of new technology; ence between men and women, lis goal is pective, supporting, and different roles. to work for financial reasons, or wordprocessors mean fewer secretarial staff a society based on a traditional division Women want to be women and not non- if they have professional jobs - we are needed, for instance. But the argument of labour between the sexes: women in the sexist persons, it argues, and they would need their skills. But there's a big is not merely inaccurate. It depends on a home, men in the worid. gladly return to the family if they could. difference between needy and particular view of society and of women's That this golden age has never existed is greedy . . . There are 500,000 un­ roles. The attack on married women in the not significant to WWWW. Nor does it employed in this country and there workforce is an attack on the oppoitunites WWWWs view of the worid is based on acknowledge that its image of the family are 1.5 million women working. available to all women, and not merely the Genesis myth of the Old Testament. is based on the middle-class nuclear family I'd say at least 500,000 of them are because most will eventually many. It is It beh'e\'es that God created male and fe­ and hence is not universal. E^dence that working out of greed, not need. based on the unstated premise that women male as two different and complementary suggests that many full-time housewives {Sunday Telegraph, 18.3.79) naturally belong in the home, that the work sexes in order that they mi^t fulfill their at present in Austraha arc isolated and lonely The argument is that married women are associated with the home, unpaid and fundamental role of procreation. Biology and find frustration rather than fulfillment selfish because not only do they take jobs tuneconsuming, is the only appropriate is destiny and destiny is God-given. The in their roles is used to zXXzck feminism, not away from young people, but they deprive work for women. The implications of this biological difference between the sexes, the sodo-economic structures that produce their own chUdren of vital care and attention. for men are immense too, for they would be it argues, is the essential basis of feminine this situation. In WWWWs eyes, tlie problem If Mum would stay home, if Mum would confined to the role of sole family bread- and masculine identity, and the comple­ work at home, there would be jobs for the lies not in the housewife role itself, but in wiimer under this premise. mentarity of the sexes in reproduction is the way tiiat sodety has degraded this young. At one blow major social and econ­ the basis oftheh appropriate roles in society. omic problems facmg Australia would be uniquely female role, and it argues that The faraOy, primarily oriented to child- feminists are largely responsibile for this. solved. Women Who Want to be Woman (WWWW) rearing, is the basic and natural unit of The attractive simplicity of this argu­ is a women's group which has been prom­ sodety. In it, WWWW argues, women are ment conceals its essential fallacy. Married inent in arguing this case. It beUeves that able to give bulh to children, breast-feed What WWWW attempts to do in its women do not simply replace young people the key role in society is that of the house­ them, and nurture them with the support campaigns is to present itself as part of in the workforce. Despite International wife, and accordingly, argues that social and and protection of meo whose duty it is to •the women's movement, and to blame economic problems will only be solved by be the famOy breadwinner. In this way feminism for most of the evils in-society. reforms that recognise tids central role. It women nurture the whde sodety, and It asserts that it is the sucessor to the second- is argued, for instance, that the taxation hence the housewife is central to a heathy, wave feminism that flowered m 1975: •Irene A. Weblav teaches at the Govemnvsnt system should be reformed to lighten the good sodety. We correspond to the level of Department at the Univenity of QtJeeniland. burden of the single income family, and WWWW evokes the myth of a golden -Continued on Page 22-

SEMPER, 19 March. 1981 19 Organising against Sexism

Women's Rights organiser KERRY BOWMAN describes the functions of the University of Queensland Women's Rights Committee. he Women's Rights Committee (the latter may be useful if you wish to T is a committee of the Students' find out the feminist perspective on an Union, funded by a small per­ issue, or if you seek information about centage of women students' fees. It women or women's issues which is often is a group of women committed to rare in ordinary libraries). A wide challenging entrenched sexism on this variety of magazines and newsletters campus and in the community. To is also available. And we have inform­ this end we try to provide people with al tion on all forms of contraception, some understanding of women's op­ abortion, and other aspects of women's health; as well as posters, leaflets, stidl­ pression through the literature in our ers etc. library, and through workshops, meet­ ings, forums, films, leaflets etc. The Meetings are at 1pm every Tuesday committee acts as a channel through and all interested women are welcome. which women can act to change the If you would like notification of meet­ sexist attitudes and institutions which ings to be sent to you, just leave your keep us In a downgraded and inferior name and address at the Women's position in this society. Rights Room. Someone is usually Women usually become involved in available at the room all day and most Women's Rights out of a recognition evenings. We encourage evening students that they personally, or their sex, have to come up even if only for a chat, been discriminated against or put as studying at uni at night can be down in some way, or out of a vague alienating and lonely, as well as a lot feeling that the role society has set of hard work if you combine work, down for them as female is inadequate study and managing a family. Any and unjust. What we try to do then is evening students who are interested in to fit their personal experiences of starting their own meetings should con­ oppression into a larger analysis or tact the Women's Right Room. framework. By talking or thinking Throughout the year we are involved about our own personal experiences in various activities, such as screening and hsteriing to those of other women, films, staging forums, printing leaflets and reading, seeing films, and getting and posters, and staffing a stall in the involved in doing things, we gain a forum area every Wednesday lunchtime, greater understanding of how we all, bringing out guest speakers, having meet­ as women, are oppressed in this society. ings etc. We also make an effort to keep We are able then to look at our personal in touch with what's happening with experiences politically and see how and soon learn that in fact society's pre­ On a day to day level, public other women's groups in Brisbane, on why they fit into the patriarchal capit­ judices are merely reinforced here. putdowns of women by male lecturers other campuses throughout Australia alist system. This analysis leads us For example, women students are or tutors through their sexkt jokes or and in the general community. again and again to question what we typically in Arts courses or in the comments are common, as is just being This year we hope to put out a have been led to believe is 'natural' service orientated professions-teaching left out of the lecture or tutorials monthly newsletter, so if you have any or 'normal'. Judged, as a sex, to be and paramedical fields Uke social work altogether. For example, because you ideas, or if you write short stories, biologically, emotionally, mentaUy, and and the therapies. Here we are trained are a woman, men will often talk over poetry or songs, we'd love to hear from temperamentally inferior to men, we for a career which society has deemed the top of you, ignoring the fact that you. Also we are running a weekly have then been forced to five out this 'suitable' for women; ie one which you have spoken; or you will feel workshop (through Activities) which judgment. Anger at the way we have emphasises so-called 'feminine' traits- ahentated from the mascuUne style will be an introduction to feminist been so colossally hoodwinked about nurturing, soothing and caring-which of the lecture (and the chauvinism of ideas, and will cover 8 topics; eg. the ourselves, personally, and as a sex, and are extensions of our mothering role. the lecturers). And you will often status of women in education, the determination to act against our op­ Women in "what are regarded as male find your sex ignored when humanity politics of rape, and prostitution and pression and exploitation, led women fields are often made to feel we should­ (or more accurately MANkind or pornography. See Di Heenan at Activ­ to organise as a group on campus and n't be there, or we have to do twice History) is being discussed. ities if you are interested in enrolling as well to prove we are just as good. It for the free workshops. undertake political struggle; and this is not surprising that the number of One example of the 'humour' of is what keeps us going. female academics is much lower than which lecturers are capable is a crack A Women Against Sexist Advertis- Unfortunately there is plenty about the number of male academics and the made by a statistics lecturer about mg (W.A.S.A.) group is starting this this mstitution which makes us angry. few that are found are usually in the correlating bust sizes with brain cap­ semester. Its activities will include Despite what you may have thought lower levels such as tutors. There are acity. This was said obviously for the writing letters and collecting signa­ about universities being places where also fewer women than men in the benefit of all the male students there, tures for petitions to send to manu­ people are too educated and enlightened positions of power in the Senate and and at the expense of those female facturers whose advertising exploits or to discriminate against others, you will the Students' Union. students present (although we are so objectifies women. Each week the often expected to lau^ at putdowns worst ad for the week will be displayed of ourselves). This is not an isolated at the Women's Rights stall in the example, and it is no doubt not the Forum area, along with a petition which worst either. people can .sign. In addition to these But things are changing; albeit slowly. practical steps against sexism in adver­ What improvements have taken place, tising, we hope to make people more however, have not occurred magically aware of what role sexist advertising COMICS or because of the mherent fairness of plays ui our society and why it is people at uni. They have been brought instrumental in oppressmg women. about by the hard work and determin­ There are plenty of things for people ation of women on campus and in the who want to get involved to do, and we community, organisuig together to bring are open for suggestions as to what we about change. should do during the year. Lack of The Women's Rights Committee is a (experience at things is no great dis­ means by which women on campus advantage, as a lot of us are domg things can organise; we have the faciliries and for the first tune and you'll quickly MliiiiiHi resources which individual women lack. pick things up if you get in and do them. Bowl for 95c a game We are ready to help with any problems The Women's Ri^ts Room is your which women face in their courses- iiiuuiiii.,-..:^ (That's 30% off the usual price) room. A place where you can just whether it is sexual harassment by male relax and have a cup of coffee, and a between 3 and 6 pm MontoFri lecturers or students, victimization or [MARVEL COMICS and BOOKS place where you can learn about fem- discrimination in course work, lack of uiist politics-from our books, mag­ [bought and sold at BASEMENT confidence in tutorials, or frustration azines, leaflets etc, or from discussion WOK EXCHANGE at our MILTON BOWL with the alienating atmosphere of the with other women. ^182 EDWARD STREET shop, place. We also have a Ubrary with 36 2488 excellent fiction and non-fiction books mt0mm «Mi 20 •UnveRSITV.

Competitive Education

A quick look at the departmental competitively won and jealously guarded. handbooks at Queensland University Queensland University has had no com­ will reveal that assessment schemes in punctions about stating this: nearly all subjects have two common UBAR 'Tt\imti& To sum up, an examination for the features. Firstly, how students are to university student constitutes a goal be assessed will be dictated by the in that he strives to meet it, an staff. Secondly, at least one compuls­ incentive in that passing the exam­ ory exam will rear its ugly head. ination opens the way to further /? vA« ^_ pfi^lH(peXAM4g satisfaction in the form of status In days gone by, assessment procedures and income; it constitutes a reward- were almost always imposed from above and-punishment system in that and compulsory exams at the end of the there are indications to the candid­ year were the order of the day. Nowadays, ate as to whether his learning and if you search in every nook and cranny of examination behavour have been the Forgan Smith Building, you will find a effective, and it constitutes a yardstick against which the cand­ few academics who ask their students how idate and others may assess his in­ they would prefer to be judged. This done, m^xne^^ ^00 PA^S OR. mr^ tellectual standing with respect to most find that students have a natural his peers. (Professioral Board, Uni­ aversion to compulsory exams and opt for ^00 PRogmui mnf6erA ^loh versity of Queensland, Report of assignments or at least a choice between Committee Appointed to Investigate the two. In many subjects, die compulsory Examining Procedures, 1969.) exam is tempered with a couple of assign­ This statement puts another common ments and/or tutorial presentations. Most argument forward in favour of exams — academics, however, find it impossible to that is that they act as a very powerful wean themselves entirely off compulsory motivating force on students. Motivation exams and quite unthinkable to offer .t.^'-j^ towards what must be the question here. students alternatives. Tlie presence of exams as the big stick The reasons for this reluctance to take foHhJi^roBef\NKiooi encourages students to do the work nec­ the final leap are obscure but sneaking essary to pass tlie exam, rather than to concentrate on areas which are of special suspicions do creep to mind. Could it be interest to them and in which they might something to do with accountability? Could make considered contributions to learning. it be that many academics, deep in their hearts, believe that exams are more res­ Assessment by exam encourages students pectable "objective" fomis of assessment, to forget selectively what they have learnt if their subjects are not to be dismissed as in that it encourages cramming a breadth "soft options"? After all, most of our acad­ of ideas (rather than invjstigating the depth) emics were brought up on a diet of extensive and then dispensing with these ideas once formal exams, making a total weaning quite the exam hurdle has been lept. Carole painful. Ferrier, from the English Department, The shift away from complete reliance on the English Department which states in the Assessment should, wherever possible be claimed that arguments in favour of exams compulsory exams occurred largely in the Student Guide: tailored to the needs of individual students. stress that this is the only way to check first half of the seventies. This was due to Subject to course prescriptions Educating the individual is a more important faniUiarity with a whole range of work. student agitation, an influx of overseas determined by the English Depart­ aim than the grading of students. This confuses acquaintance with work and staff bringing progressive methods, and ment Committee and promulgated Very few academics at Queensland in the English Department Student grading that acquaintance. Thus, exams changing attitudes to education generally. University entertain the idea of negotiable overvalue superficial acquaintance witli a Guide, students have a right, during assessment methods. As a result, conformity The shift, however, never went far enougli semester, to discuss and infiuence wide range of knowledge - "covering the and students are again agitating for change. the form and content, the assess­ is rampant with hundreds of students, at any course". Carole said that this could easily Cuts to education funding since 1975 ment procedures, and the general one time, doing the same essay topic or be tested independently and non-evaluat- have conservatised the University in several organisation of all Courses. Discuss­ studymg for the same exam, rather than pur- ively. ways. Firstly, many academics have res­ suuig their own private study or exchanging ion should include the objectives of In describing work usually submitted by ponded to real or imagined demands for the Course. Assessment structure as ideas in groups. One academic who does students in exams Kay Saunders from the accountability by avoiding innovation and agreed upon should be put into negotiate assessment is Ted D'Urso, from the History Department, commented that the retaining time-honoured exams. written form and distributed as Education Department, who said that he did soon as possible. standard was often very low. Secondly, staffing cuts make it difficult not start with the assumption that there However, even where bills of rights must be failures but that lie must create an Both Kay Saunder and Ray Evans (also to administer assessment systems, tailored from History) suspected that exams were to the needs of individual students. The have been adopted, some staff ignore them. environment in which all students could do In some English subjects, for example, their best. Part of this environment would be a device which some academics used to Psychology Department, for example, would ensure that students attended lectures. find it much easier to mark a thousand students have not been consulted about negotiable assessment methods, both for assessment and are being subjected to individuals and for the group as a whole. No-one likes lecturing to only a handful of multiple choice exams than to discuss and the students enrolled and when students hnplement alternatives when there are not compulsory exams. There are two issues here. One is the It's difficult to find valid arguments in know that the whole breadth of the course enough tutors to go around. could be examined, they are fearful of Widespread dissatisfaction among stu­ question of choice and student participation. favour of exams, apart from their admin­ The other is the educational value of exams. istrative convenience. A claim is sometunes missing even one lecture. Doug Ogilvie, dents with assessment methods, workload from the Education Department, reiterated and the undemocratic nature of staff/ Whilst exams may be convenient for staff in made tliat exams are a good test of a student's terms of administration and some students performance under stress. Related to this is this in pointing out that exams were marked student relationships has led to fights on much less critically than assignments because some of the departmental consultative may opt for exams if given a choice, these the argument that students might as well are no arguments for their imposition on all learn to cope with fierce competition the standard was generally much lower. He committees for student bills of rights. added that this was one reason why some Because students in the Psychology, Govern­ students. Many academics are quite horrified because ours is a very competitive society.. by the suggestion of alternative forms of If one of the course aims is to teach students will opt for an exam, if give a ment, English and Classics Departments choice. liave been active, bills of riglits dealing with assessment within the one subject. These students to perform well under stress and to people claim that it is impossible to rank compete most effectively then, perhaps, Don Fletcher (from the Government such issues as feedback to students on work Department), Ted D'Urso and Kay Saunders assessed, tight of appeal, adequate teachuig, order students if they are not all being exams are appropriate. Most graduates, assessed in the same way. however, will work in situations requiring all commented that exams were certainly staff accessibility and student representation not the best assessment method for then are now supposedly departmental policy. At Obviously, different students would show co-operation rather than competition with that they have acliieved the course aims in their workmates. disciplines because most exams placed an the same tune, the Students Union has been undue emphasis on recall and regurgitation mountuig a campaign for student partici­ different ways. It should not matter that the It follows that the emphasis in tertiary same assessment tool is not being used for studies should be on co-operation. Exams, rather tlian on analysis and understanding. pation m detennining assessment schemes. This is true for many discipUnes, apart Most departments, including those with each, unless one of the course aims is to more than any other form of assessment, foster competition and encourage the student bills of rights, have steered well teach students to cope with exams or with — continued on following page — clear of this issue. An exception to this is any one particular form of assessment. concept of knowledge as a private possession.

21 SEMPER, 19 March, 1981

onno HieW,fk / ANNE JONES talks with Brisbane animator, Max Bannah. Animation is a medium which fascinates most people. It has stim­ ulated the minds of children and adults for most of tliis century. From Mickey Mouse and Fantasia to Fritz the Cat and Fantastic Planet, cartoons effect and entertain everyone. Tlie advertising world realises the power of exciting visuals; consequently anim­ ation is often used for commercials.

But animation is a costly, labour-intensive process. It takes hundreds of working hours to produce a couple of minutes of anim­ ation. Most animation in Australia is pro­ duced by large companies in Sydney. But it is possible for a small, Brisbane based company to succeed as Max Bannali has shown. Max has one of Brisbane's few anim­ ation companies. Born in Toowong, he works there now making mostly commer­ cials for Brisbane television. Not the first choice of career for most people. Max became interested in cartooning as a boy hving away from home. He said, "My father used to write to me each week and illustrate the letters with comic characters like Mickey Mouse and Bugs Bunny." These beautiful letters were written in nonsense verse with brightly coloured characters teUing the news in the first person. "I tliink that's when the damage was done."

When it came to choosing a career the nearest thing for Max Bannah seemed to be architecture. Which as it turned out was a good choice, it was enjoyable and useful. "I think the disciplines of architecture are very similar to animation. You're involved with design problems..." And studying architecture in the 60s at the University of Queensland meant the Archi Revues. The Archi Revues are part of the folklore of this university and Max was involved as writer, artist and actor. He points out, "In themselves they were very amateurish but very successful, and socially relevant". To Max tliey were im­ portant, "I became much more interested in characters and developing characters. . . I decided to take it a bit more seriously. . . whedier it was cartooning or writing gags or developing a sense of humour." So Max Bannah set off to Europe to study at the London Film School where he said "It all settled down to wanring to be an animator". He worked at Richard Williams Studio in London where anunation was treated as a craft, Williams, anxious that the art of animation should not die, employed continuity of work. To a craftsman it is sible for its graphic appearance. Someone live action film called "Timber and Tin" old Walt Disney animators. Max said he'd essential to be oontmually working at that else decided they should have a bear. 1 only about Queensland homes. At present he is "dig them up . . . people in tlieir seventies craft, to hnprove skills and develop. The give a visual interpretation." working on another small piece called and eighties and drag them kicking and economics of producing animation make it Developing an animated character is an "Violet and Brutal". Max and one of his screaming out of retirement to tutor his impossible to work on cartoon series and interesting process. Max begins with a helpers joked about it. young animators." features without selling them to an over­ discussion about the type of character and "It's a modern morality piece." seas market, which would be an enormous the anunal being used. But he likes to treat "It's a love story." Max said he saw anunation essentially as and tune-consuming task. There are certain characters as human being with a heart "...In the style of Renoir." a craft. "I see it as involving skills that you rewards in doing commercial work. Max and soul. "It's not just a man... it's Morris "A statement on the human condition." acquire in time dealing with many problems, said, "The morality of it is another question or Arthur, or whatever, and he lives with "... Yeah ... Zola." but it's great occasionally when the anim­ a bit Uke a stone mason. At 16,you are not a certain set of values." Max doesn't like to "1 think it has age old themes. It's set in a great stone mason because you haven't ation becomes a bit bigger than the product treat them as anonymous, uni-sex char­ or the company. I think the 4BK bear has Brisbane [pointing to the drawing]. There's chipped away enough stone , . . The best acters. He said, for instance, that he'd even a mosquito net in it too, you see. The sound become larger than 4BK in that he could know the way a character voted. stone masons would probably be middle exist outside". track could have music that could drift in aged if there are any left. The same with and out of mosquito noises." animation." The 4BK bear is one of Max's best known Besides commercial work. Max has Although his creative freedom is limited, creations, yet like all advertising work there made various small films for hunself over commercials provide Max Bannah wth a were many constraints. "I'm only respon­ the last few years and also an excellent

23 SEMPER, 19 March, 1981

T music

The bass and percussion are invariably prom­ record merely takes this idea one step fur­ inent and push the music along with a steady ther left of centre. and danceable beat. Lyrics often convey the The music itself is largely percussive. As Rasta philosophy yet vocals are, on the well as Byrne and Eno, the other musicians whole, understated and often come across include Chris Frantz, Jose Rossy, Steve as mere adornment (to the non-Rasta ear, Scales, Busta 'Cherry' Jones (all past or at least). present Talking Heads Funk Orchestra Unfortunately these restrictions tend to members), David van Tiegham (a NYC produce repetition and there isn't all that percussionist) and M\ LasweW. Over the much on Sinsemilla, musically, which hasn't top Eno and Byrne provide a coating of already been heard amongst Bob Marley's guitar and synthesizer. vast output of recordings or on many of "My Life in the Bush of Ghosts" is the numerous other reggae albums released easily the best testament to the creative In recent years. endeavour of both Byrne and Eno. By Familiarity in this case breeds, if not taking these completely off-the-wall vocal exactly contempt, then perhaps indifference, pieces and managing to supplant the rather Sinsemilla fails to inspire the same excite­ complex rhythmic patterns present on the ment that greeted the first Waiters or Burn­ record is an artistic coup that very few of ing Spear albums. It is, admittedly, a high- their contemporaries could even aspire to. BEAT CRAZY: The Joe Jackson standard example of the genre and, if you GREATEST HITS: Heart (CBS) haven't already got any reggae in your As mentioned, one must remove all pre­ Band, A&M L- 37431 record collection, then this is as good an conceptions before being able to appreciate "This album represents a desperate Heart's self titled double album is a hotch­ introduction as any. If you want inventive, the music held within the sleeve. While attempt to make some sense of Rock and potch of music. Sides one and two are a sort stimulating, original reggae, without having being more left field than the pop end of Roll. Deep in our hearts we knew it was of 'best of selection, headed by the punchy to go back five years or more, listen to The the current Interest in Afro-beat music doomed to failure 'Barracuda', their first and possibly their Clash break the basic rules on their most (e.g. Bow Wow Wow, Talking Heads Funk biggest commercial success in Australia. recent release, 'Sandinlsta!'. Orchestra, Adam and the Ants), "My Life Heart's other Austraian 'hits', "Crazy on So who says rock {and roll) Is supposed -MATT MAWSON in the Bush of Ghosts" is by no stretch of to make sense? Instead of diagnosing and You" and "Magic Man", also feature on the imagination inaccessible. The music is dissecting with some academic scalpel, Joe the first record of the set. Ann Wilson, lavish in its structure, superbly produced Jackson and his band build up their music Heart's leading light and main songwriter, and still remains eminently danceable. This with healthy doses of passion, wit, fun, had a hand in writing all the tracks on the album must surely rate as one of the more originality and musical competence. Rock first record and unfortunately it shows. courageous and artistically redeeming re­ is alive and kicking on Beat Crazy. Sister Nancy co-wrote all but "Barracuda". leases in recent years. The Wilson sisters distinctive vocal style -TONYGILSON Joe Jackson came in with the wave of and their constant use of electric and acous­ angry young wimps that included Elvis tic guitars together, create a "Haven't I Costello and Graham Parker, initially acc­ heard that before" effect on almost all of used of bandwagon jumping, his pop- the first two sides of the album, until the infectious insights into the psyche of the ballad "Dog and the Butterfly", proves that frustrated loser were responsible for making there is more than one song on the first Look Sharp one of the best selling and most record. critically acclaimed albums of 1979, On Beat Crazy, Joe once again deals with Sides three and four introduce Heart the frustrations of 'real life'. Eleven songs, 'live', recorded at more than half a dozen concerts up and down the West Coast of all written, arranged, produced and sung by America. If you like Bob Seger, Heart Mr Jackson. 'live', may appeal to you. It's slow grinding rock in the popular West Coast style. When I The title track takes the rock fan to the woke up and replayed side three, 1 dis­ other side of the generation gap; a parental covered two tracks at the end that were critique of the blank generation's infatuation 'wierd' to say the least. The first track, with noisy music and mind-sapping drugs; MY LIFE IN THE BUSH OF called "Hit Single", consisted of screams, GHOSTS: Brian Eno and David Alt those drugs - they can't be sane crowd noises and tapes playing backwards Byrne (E.G. Records). Available only And if the Russians come and suddenly slips Into the second track, They'll alt be beating bongo drums "Strange Euphoria", a track that is very through import. With safety pins in their ears simitar to a Nina Hagen recording. This Much has been written about this record The Joe Jackson Band (JJ on keyboards section of the album is inspired more in­ prior to its recent release, a problem which and melodica; Graham Maby, bass; Gary terest than the rest of the album put to­ plagues many of the projects with which Sanford, guitars; Dave Houghton, drums) gether. Side four contains three poor covers, Brian Eno involves himself. have themselves gone beat crazy on this "I'm Down/Long Tall Sally", "Unchained Such speculation is a dangerous thing. It track and there are lots of dub touches - Melody" and Led Zep's "Rock and Roll" tends to build up one's expectations, which up-front bass, reggae percussion, echoed (dedicated with all their love to John the end result often can't meet To a certain »vocals - to stimulate the aural nerves Bonham). extent 'My Life in the Bush of Ghosts' through-out the album. Basically the album Isn't good. Sides one suffers from this phenomenum. and two digitally recorded, and uninteresting. Eno and Byrne faced seemingly insur­ The subject matter of Jackson's lyrics Sides three and four are live and boring, mountable problems in getting this record covers a broad range; trendy politics (One released. First of all, an evangelist who app­ except for "Hit Single" and "Strange to One), paranoia (The Evil Eye), marital eared as a 'found object' on one track died Euphoria". breakdown (Mad At You, musically one of and her estate refused permission for the use -«1M0N STOKES the album's strongest tracks and basis for of her words of christian wonder. After a great video clip), fatalism (Someone Up overcoming this problem, they then found There), racism (Battleground, dedicated to difficulty in finding a record company which reggae poet Linton KwesI Johnson), shallow would actually release the album. media imagery (the ska-ish Pretty Boys) and The most detrimental aspect of the spec­ conformity (Fit). ulation was the predicted comparison to the 'Biology' is Jackson's understated humour new Talking Heads material. While "Remain at it's best The unfaithful lover blames his in Light" makes several courageous investi­ COCONUT TELEGRAPH: Jimmy infidelity on gations into Afro-beat music, it still re­ Buffett (Astor) mains predominantly a pop album. A pop These tittle white things with tittle MY DAD LOVES TO WORK: James album "My Life in the Bush of Ghosts" white tails Is not Taylor (CBS) Which multiply and start to shout These two people have remained suc­ It's getting crowded down here - let The music is structured around what Eno and Byrne term as "found objects". cessful over the years by repeating their us out own particular formula on each successive It's just B-l-O-L-O-G-Y These consist of moralistic American radio broadcasters, exorcists, assorted evangel­ album. They have both recently released ists and Lebanese mountain singers amongst records, which show that Jimmy Buffet Jackson's vocals express his mini-dramas can still make it work whereas James Taylor wi^ convincing passion. Musically, Beat others. This contept remains close to the idea has not quite got it The two albums both Crazy Is never dull. Jackson's 'desperate feature contributions by John David Souther attempt' has resulted in a worthwhile and that Eno expressed about three years ago of taping street singers, hobos and small and Greg 'Fingers' Taylor (on harmonica) entertaining album. children chanting words that were never but that is wfhere the similarities end. -MATT MAWSON SINSEMILLA: Black Uhuru, Island meant to have musical accompaniment then One characteristic of reggae is it's adher­ — continued on following page — providing the necessary orchestration. This ence to a certain basic, distinctive fomiula.

25 SEMPER, 19 March, 1981 ^=^TH6flTft6 •• •<».•».»« .^•^^lM9*^m^»l9•^

THE CHOIR: By Errol Bray. Directed by Bryan Nason. Cement Box Theatre. COLONIAL EXPERIENCE: By Walter Cooper, directed by Eileen Beetson La BoitB Theatre. The T.N. Company is to be applauded group has been gelded. The eldest, Andrew, for its initiative, perhaps even courage in remains intact and has the dual role of staging The Choir (Cement Box, March 18 pleasing the unseen matron and protecting The lesson in this play for La Boite is to April 4). It will be only the second (read exploiting) the youngsters in his care. that melodrama is an art fontn of its own professional production of this brilliant However, unrest enipts in the donnitory and and to succed it has to be done brilliantly. new Australian drama. The furore over last Andrew gets it in the end. It is not^ enough to gather a small group of Brisbane s 'ham' actors together and expect month's performances at Sydney's Nimrod Opinion on the 'message' of the play is Theatre has not yet abated. that their style of performance will be almost as varied as its audience's reactions. comedy enough. Great public debate on £rfol Bray's Views range from the need for an under­ script is understandable. It pulls no punches standing of teenage emotions, a statement and many land below the belt. In Sydney, (sometimes for, sometimes against) on male Make no mistake. Colonial Experience critical opinion ranged from 'too sensational homosexuality, a condemnation of parent­ could be very funny and, done well, would hood to the more popular (and trendy) ... a load of codswallop' to 'brilliant. . , be. However La Boite's production suffers expose of institutional Ufe, It may be best since Williamson', However, all critics from a lack of directorial vision. The brilli­ safer to heed the playwright's own ideas agreed that the play was strong drama and ant perfomiance of some cast members is emotionally shocking. on its theme "The Choir makes people aware, its stirs them up. That is a start. dulled by heavy, wooden actuig of others. Some of this strength lies in tlie play's Am I God? Should 1 impose a solution?" EUeen Beatson, as director, does not have involvement with teenage sexuality, homo­ her players working in harmony. Perhaps sexuality and castration all underlined by The play was been wisely sited in the a short joumey up the hill to the theatre gutter language from the mouths of "angels". Cement Box where the harsh, bare atmos­ restaurants would show the troupe how weU this style of theatre can be performed. The angels themselves are pubescent phere of the theatre itself echoes visually males within the confines of an orphanage. a terrifying but brilliant set. The cast, They make-up the orphanage choir and to though far from pubescent, are experienced The script itself B somewhat dated and preserve high, sweet voices almost the entire and talented enough to grasp and portray any attempt at social comment has been difficult roles. lost in the past century. (The play was first So if you're booking for entertainment perfomied in 1868.) Getting the most from Red Hill Community Arts Centre that's anything but light, see The Choir and their caricatures however, were Narelle presents form your own opinion, but do it soon and Hooper as the infectious Julia, Fiona Win­ try to book. Its a fair bet the first couple ning, handhng well the difficuU role of a AN OPEN DAY of performances will contain a fair proportion tender innocent and Graeme Johnstone Saturday, 11 April of people from 'community groups' eager as the silver-tongued Fluent, Ralph Car- tunity to make his mark and held the pro­ duction together in some of the difficult 10am - 6pni to be morally outraged so they can 'protect' usle as the pipe-smoking Joe Gnidge was, others. luckily, not a chip off the old block. moments. His performance, together with a Activities will range from community brilliant set, prove Colonial Experience service displays, magicians, discussion Hopefully, the play will have its full mn worth a look if only as a museum piece. groups, devonshire teas, films and ethnic and not be castrated itself by our self- One actor, however, stood out above View the play for what it is; you may en­ dancers. appointed peers. a trymg crowd. Ian Maclean as the doddery joy the experience. FuU details available from DAN FLANNERY old Peter Shrivel was magnificent. Tnie, he DAN FLANNERY Chris Maver on 36.99126 had more opportunity than most to show his wares, but Mr Maclean took every oppor­ Errol Brav's THE CHOIR By arrangement with the Shopfront Theatre

Written by ERROL BRAY Directed by BRYAN NASON Designed by DAVID BELL Choreography by JACK WEBSTER CEMENT BOX THEATRE (Below SchoneU Theatre) University of Queensland, SL Lucia. WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH •- SATURDAY 4 APRIL Playing Tuesdays to Saturdays at 8pm . , Friday 20, 27 IMarch, 3 April at 6pm & 8pm m) Special Late Night Performance Saturday 28 IMarch at 11.30pm Latecomers not admitted. BOOKINGS: 352 5133 Please Note: Due to the sensitive subject matter, this play is recommended for mature audiences only.

26 tiv«^ WW«•«'»«««M«*i»M« »«iai»»«^«i«•«»««»••«• I K •* w m »-a.» % » a «• i'^ •••* •*k. •« '.J*.^ -• • ^. -. 'V ••••.*.,-•, ^v-- FKTIOa i4ustra/ia,My£>3rfcness. Norms Fate.

that it's time to move out when a person worries about way," But I couldn't drive the idea from my mind and all A short story by the family as much as I seem to, I worry for their happi­ my doubts appeared in my head as a pile of dirty news­ ness, their regrets, and it grows daily to the point where a papers. I wanted to make an incredible mess then sweep lANMcINTOSH separation from all humans seems not only necessary-, it away with a wave of my arm, to shout and swear, urinate but emmensely appealing. Ah. At the thought of this I and defaecatc, and in a mood of dreadful despair I fell did a little dance in front of the mirror, and when I saw into a deeper trance than I had ever had before. I am unable to account for the past twelve that the eyes reflected were not my own, I knew it was time to walk. hours. I was far gone when I saw the car. It seemed to come Before I go further I should explain my situation. It's morning, Saturday, and as I stare out the living room from out of the white line. The headlights were off and its approach was so slow that at first it appeared to not window at the old trees by the river I can hear the material I am totally dependant on my parents. The very idea of possessions at play on the brown water, out for walkies, be mo\-ing at all. When it pulled up next to me .ind the independence and self-sufficiency repulses me. It may door opened, \ realised the car had always been here, and all those buttons being pushed. In my mind, the events sound idiotic but I can't sec the point. It's Hke going to of last night seem a life away, as though for a few hours each night, waiting for mc. the coast or nightclubs, where does it get you? You've I couldn't see my captors' faces, Tiircc of them, all men, I was part of, yet beyond daily Hfe, in a queer place where got to come home eventually wherever home is, 1 still time had little significance. sat in the front, and 1 alone in the back. ,-\ll 1 could make wonder what all my preparation has been for, I always out were silhouettes. I had no idea who they were or Yesterday at ten p.m. I went walking. I always do. By assumed the good things would come to mc, that fame and going regularly, alone, the experience can make rac high. I why I had been taken, I felt safe, though 1 knew somctliing fortune foHowed automatically from the school blazer. was gomg to happen. follow the same path, never deviate from it, but the trip And the illusion lives on. On the surface, everything about always varies. Sometimes nothing happens, while at others .\s the conversation started it was as if ;ill three spoke Australia seems too easy and accessible, and that if I can as one, and I wasn't sure if it was to mc, each other, or the incidents can be so bizarre that I have to break the spell have everything this country has to offer then maybe it's and run home quickly to write it all down. Small things Australia herself that their thoughts were directed. In not worth having and we should all be working on more along the way take on unusual meaning and cause great fits and starts, after long pauses it began. excitement. It's an odd world I sec, where there is no important things. Australia feels like a stepping off ground. "If you had your way I'd rot in this place. When I was exterior, no deceiving envelope, where inexplicably moving I have no vision of myself here in the future and it's scary young I'd have given anything to migrate to the U.S..'\. objects become a source of evil inspiration, and sugar bats because even when I try, the brain will just not accept but there was no demand for people with my abilities. 1 and cane toads are foreigners and tolerated with amuse­ the idea. My life appears before mc like an enormous took everything this system handed out just for a chance ment. void that 1 would rather walk around than step into, or to escape. I've lived seventy years, I can't complain. Every, a long straight congested road, so many traffic lights, After walking for a little while, perhaps only a few one complains, il makes mc sick. Yet there are things and mc, caught unaware somewhere along the line, the about Australia that work against us. The more you allow hundred yards, if the condiUons are right I feel up in the victim of a senseless deathtrap. air, about a foot up, and stretched out over the city like yourself to be taken in, the more you find mdividuality a torn balloon. For years and years I've avoided all forms of respons- and ambition swallowed up, and tolerance for any form of deviance disappears. Amusing? Well, the empty streets, the glow of the tele­ ibilty, on jumbo walkabout. I found a Europe that had vision in the window, dogs barking behind high fences, had its day and even the avant garde was of historical "I remember once watching the Olympic mens figure scared people behind locked doors. It seems so absurd, interest. New York? 1 wondered why it hadn't been blown skating, so elegant and precise, and I thought to myself preposterous. The incomprehensible horror flows through up years ago. It seemed that in my few years I had no real Aussie could compete in that event. Ho%v could my senses like pop music'and when I return home it's accomplished the dreams of so many, while my own were he explain it at the pub? His mates would laugh at him, Uke waking from a dream. With that vagiic confused feeling deeply buried, filed away, lost in some tangled maze of and if he walked down the main street, old women would as if a dozen eggs had just been broken over your head. pain. I was becoming my own historical monument. look sideways at him suspiciously. I pity him. 1 pity us Last night, though, was different from any other. I Each night these days I go for long walks. I am so afraid alL Our hold on reality is ver>' fragile. The base level is so remember few of the details. It's the voices I recall. It of dying in confusion having never understood this country shaUow, empty. Alcohol tears away that thin veneer of seems so clear now that I can't accept it was only a dream. and why it motivates me. respectability. Last night I was kidnapped. A white car pulled along­ Of my walk last night I remember fragments, only "As a country there is no lead up to where we are at side me as I ambled along, the door opened and 1 stepped fragments. I recall passing a famous dancers house, I saw • the moment Wc read and hear of a world in which wc in. There were no commands or violence and no reason to her. Too beautiful, too much for me. A tragedy in the played no part We've inherited the lessons but have been hesitate. It's only now that I wonder why. making, the sigh of a silent cowboy. "I cannot believe cheated of the progress. When you play golf, you follow The hours before my departure I can clearly recollect. it", 1 remember saying to myself, "it's bullshit. I won't etiquette for all tiic right reasons, but if the course is I'd delayed leaving as I had expected my parents home and believe she watches five hours of television a day and empty and you're playing alone, why follow the rides? I was beginning to worry about them. I think it's a sign mercilessly beats her brother when she doesn't get her — Continued on following pago —

SEMPER, 19 March, 1981 27 single drop of rain fell on my forehead and — From previous page — I imagined the chance boulder falling off a cUff and crushing a car passing underneath, Suppose you were sent back m time and you didn't know whether you could return. a single shot and a president dies, a whole You've lived with radio and television but lifetime and an old man dies. "Please don't naturally don't know enough to explain let it be too late." I cried. "There is so much their manufacture. People would think I have to apologise for." But as I spoke there you were crazy if you insisted that they was a deafening crack of thunder and the exist. It'd be like saying there's another sky flashed blue, A few seconds passed, colour that no-one can see or describe." another explosion. I fell to roy knees in We were no longer in the city. The moon prayer and as I looked up I caught sight of shone brightiy and I could visualise the dull the cause. On the power lines overhead, greys and greens of the Australian bush. a possum was being electrocuted. A circus "How insignificant it is in comparison to actor on the high wire, the great unknown the splendours of this worid," the voice possum, with me the sole spectator of his continued, "there's tragedy here in the greatest performance. cleared acres, bitterness in every sheet of galvanised iron, and more, much more, I was shattered. Tears shot from my eyes there is something terribly grand about the Uke bullets and it was as if my heart had night The darkness obliterates, conceals exploded and filled my body with blood. what the eyes prefer not to see during the I stood modonless for hours until I realised day, and as night sctUes, this vast continent where I was. The kidnappers had dumped disappears into the sky, gone, forgotten, me right outside my house, under stars which twinkle alike across the I climbed in up through the laundry universe." chute and positioned myself where I'm now I held my head in my arms and when I sitting, staring out the window, patting the again opened my eyes we were back in dog. I have told the story as it happened, yet Brisbane, and then it happened. It was all the meaning escapes me, as though caught so quick. We screeched round a comer, between the speeds of a record player. sped down a dark street and slammed to a holt "We've made it just in time," they My. parents had returned safely and I guess said, and with that the door burst open and they assumed I'd gone to bed early. I have I was flung out onto the street only left the seat momentarily this morning. I was still deeply in a trance. I've had a craving for iceblocks. In the last There was a slight cracUing in the two hours I've eaten the whole family bushes and I shook violently all over. A supply. A few minutes ago my mother stormed in, yelling, but I couldn't bring myself to look at her. She was loo red altogether, sort of like guns and revolut­ BOOK NOW or BRISBANE ions, things I've never been able to take seriously. When I didn't respond she screamed and screamed. "You're so spoilt you don't •HC Kawasaki even know you exist. When are you going to move out?" but then her voice seemed to PHIL DEnumonr fade as the smells and songs of distant KISS YOUR SEAT places filled my thoughts and overwhelmed moTOf^cyeies the memory and senses, and I dreamed of 41 ALLISON ST a time, a daytime, when I would walk and MAYNE they would be with me, at hand, surrounded by them, and everything would expand into S22115-522116 nothing. GOOD-BYE! SECOND-HAND BIKE SPECIALISTS DID YOU KNOW THAT IF YO U BOOK AND PAY AT LEAST 30 DA YS IN ADVANCE YOU COULD SAVE AMPOL 40% TARINGA EAST AND YOU ARE GUARANTEED A SEATI Service Station Normal student concession is 25% on Gailey Road, Taringa domestic travel RESERVATIONS AND TICKETS AVAILABLE AT BATTERIES $3465 (with case trade) to suit most 4 and 6 cylinder cars CAMPUS MENTION THIS AD

TR;»mL Ken Grantham Phdnc 370 2929 GROUND FLOOR, UNION BUILDING RMPOL UNIofQLD Phone 371 2433 or 371 2163

28 am Fr^k Sl\pw THE ELEPHANT MAN: Directed by David Lynch, starring John Hurt and grotesque? Anthony Hopkins. The perfomiances of the cast axe ex­ cellent particularly Hurt, Hopkins and The Elephant Man is currently due to his mother being frightened by an Freddie Jones as a conniving wardsman. enjoying a revival of interest. Joseph elephant during the fourth month of her Anne Bancroft plays the actress who intro­ (usually referred to as John) Merrick pregnancy. His nightmare is graphically duces Merrick to society. When she first was the Elephant Man. He lived in presented; swirling images of elephants meets Merrick she presents hiin with a copy Victorian England, He was bom gross­ tmmpeting and a terrified woman. of Shakespeare's plays. They read the love ly deformed and developed hideous One of the most interesting aspects of scene from Romeo and Juliet, considering tumours over 90% of his body. the plot is Treaves self examination of his his gross deformity, the true pathos that is Despite his physical appearance, John. motives in rescuing Merrick from the side­ generated is a tribute to both actors. show. Has he brouglit him from one side­ The Elephant Man is a poignant story, Merrick had an educated, gentle show to another? His original motive was to well told with supurb but disturbing imagery. nature. He died after 27 years, most display Merrick to his colleagues; but Merrick The tragedy of John Merrick's life must of which were spent being displayed soon becomes the freak of London society. effect all who see it. as a sideshow freak. Wliich brings one to wonder why there is -ANNE JONES such an interest in the Elephant Man at Hie revival of interest is in the fomi of a present. Are we still fascinated by the handful of books, a Broadway play and a film by David Lynch. The play featured David Bowie as John Merrick. The best known book about the Elephant Man is HOPSCOTCH: Directed by Ronald of roles among spies; Kendig knows all by surgeon Frederick Treaves who found Neame. Starring Walter Matthau and kinds of embarrassing information about Merrick in a sideshow and rescued him. Glenda Jackson. Hoyts Regent. his former colleagues and foes. He threatens This book fomied the basis of the film. to reveal all in a book, but he is recklessly David Lynch was the man who gave the magnanimous. He distributes copies of the If more films offered audiences worid, for better or worse, Eraserhead, chapters globally and sits back to enjoy the Eraserhead had a short run in Brisbane amusingly altered views of accepted pandemonium that results. in September, 1980. Lynch described it lifestyles, then film houses would Matthau, with his lanky frame and as 'a dream of dark and troubling things'. once more be packed. The common shambling gait gives another creditable The Elephant Man has the same haUmarks. spy films were always true to the performance of Ids own brand of sardonic Tlie clanking, industrial imagery; a dis­ formula of being mere fantasies with humour. His portrayal of Kendig is con­ turbing story; scenes that disappear into absurd gadgetry to take the edge off. vincing enough to suspend disbelief. mist and intriguing, textural black and a desolate, often deadly existence. A good actress like Glenda Jackson, wliite photography. Wlien the genre is treated frothily in former spy who intends to get even with lets an audience share the excitment in her The opening scenes of The Elephant order to amuse, then an audience can lang­ his boss, after being unceremoniously own sense of authority. Part of the joy of Man are particularly powerful. Merrick uish in a breezy, chuckle-inducing film like dumped to mind files. Jackson's performances is our collaboration was convinced that his deformities were Hopscotch. It is about an iconoclastic Miles Kendig (Walter Matthau) is that with the actress in the recognition of enjoy­ rare specunen; a spy with a human face. ment of her proweK. It is like a secret He portrays a CIA agent who has earned treaty, our willingness gives her the freedom the grudging admiration of both his advers­ to proceed with her art of minimal apparent aries and colleagues. He is not sure initially effort. " A MARVELOUS MOVIE!' how to get his own back, until a sardonic Hopscotch has its moments of weakness, remark by his Russian counterpart starts but in most parts it succeeds in offering a -Vincent Canby, New York Times him on a cunningly-devised plan to thumb different and amusing look at the world his nose at tlie global intelligence fraterruty. of espionage. "A JOY TO EXPERIENCE!' What follows is an often amusing reversal S. LIPOVICH -Kathleen Carroll. New York Daily News Allen's best film, like a filmjc funhcxjse! -Newsweek'

\7(^oodsf/4(k» ^eMica Jiaftfoh *^ RETURNS TO THE /VMiKIAIM

X 3711879 • ST.IUCIA A Directed by Menahem Golan, starring scHonai U-^'.. Alan Arkin. SchoneU Theatre 5.45pm VOPENTOTHEPOCUC, Saturday 28th March. TO COMPLETE HIS This production of Nobel Prize winner TRILOGY! Isaac Bashevis Singer's novel owes much to it's original author. The story masterfully traces the rise of a IF YOU ENJOYED ANNIE falling angel - an impoverished Jewish HALL AND MANHATTAN magician named Yasha — whose obsessive YOU'LL LOVE belief in his own metaphysical powers and liis ambition io perform at the elite Alham- bra theatre in Warsaw drive him to the pomt of proving he can fly. scenes of squalor and luxury is lost in beautiful photography; and the enigma of Alan Arkin's portrayal of Yasha is both Yasha's true metaphysical abilhies is lost compassionate and forceful, as he cleveriy WEEKLY TUE TO SAT 7.30PM when the audience is unnecessarily forced maintains his appealing character while to concede that magic (clever photography) destroying those around him. The mysticism and not slight of hand, is used by Yasha. THE MOST generated by Arkin is admirably comple­ However, these are mainly frustrated f HONOURED FOREIGM lutein! mented by Shelley Winter's characteristic criticisms of a good movie that could have FILM OF THE YEAR! sense of insanity. She plays a brief but been a masterpiece. explosive role. Billed as a comedy-drajna, it is visually Unfortunately director and co-writer of pleasing due to some interesting photo­ BEST FOREIGN FILM (1980' the screen-play, Menahem Golan, does not graphy and the setting in tum-of-the-cen- BEST PICTURE 1979 CANNES quite display the magic touch he showed in FILM FESTIVAL 1 Directed by tury Poland (actually shot in Berlin). VOLKER the film "Madame Rosa". Basically the Recommended. (CO-WINNERWITH SCHLONDORFR mood of the film sags in tlie middle. During APOCALYPSE NOW) ASHLEY BOWEN WEEKLY TUE TO SAT 9PM this calm before the storm, gratmg american accents are accentuated; the contrast between

SEMPER, 19 March, 1981 29

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COLORVISION: by Ron Cobb. Published by Wild & Woolley. Dark Star, Star Wars and the forth­ 84 pages. $14.95. coming Conan. There are also" further The Ron Cobb/Australla connect­ politically-inspired cartoons, including ion dates back to 1972 when he was ifour drawn for an NBC television spec­ imported from the U.S. for a six- ial, and miscellaneous pieces like a week campus tour. He ended up design for the facade of a Melbourne staying a year, climbed Ayers Rock, community arts centre, a cookie married an Australian, and cartoon­ advertisement and a promotional post­ ed for now-defunct alternative news­ er for an American FM station. paper, The Digger. Cobb's excellently drafted black Cobb's fertile imagination and and white political {Marxist, border- meticulous style have created a prolif­ ind on anarchist) cartoons had been ic output of alien creatures, buildings, appearing in American 'underground' space vessels and landscapes. All are magazines since 1966, and Australian depicted in a realistic manner. publishers, Wild & Woolley, negotiat­ Cobb's unique perspective dates ed to bring out two compilations of form his Californian childhood. As he this work; The Cobb Book, followed explains in the book: by Cobb Again. Middle-class Burbank life seemed Now Wild & Woolley have released bleak and unexciting . . . I began a lavishly produced collection of to notice out of the corner of my another aspect of Cobb's work, the eye distant vistas of fantasy . . . product of a pre-occupation of his glimpsed through the wonderful since adolescence - fantasy and window of television and E.C. fantastic drawing. comics. I daydreamed and nur­ The book, Colorvision, contains 25 tured my fantasies, and to make monotone cartoons as well as the 82 them more real I drew. full-colour reproductions. The scope Through the pages of Colorvision of Cobb's work is staggering, ranging we can all share Cobb's fantasies. from science fiction/horror magazine illustrations from the early fifties to recent designs for films like Alien, -MATT MAWSON

One of the early designs for the film Alien.

Ambulatory plant, designed for Star Wars. These creatures are the bast joke-tellers in the galaxy.

An aquatic hammerhead alien. It's religion is based on the tying and untying of knots in cords.

Ut'a,-:-

A two-seat, longe range heli-iet, designed for Alien.

', A logo for Conan, a forthcoming movie based on Robert Howard's Conan the Barbarian. Tiny Tim, a promotional poster for a Los Angeles radio station. RbN^ 31 .cMPER. 19 March. 1981