What Australian newspapers says today, Dec 31, 2001

AAP General News (Australia)
12-31-2001
What Australian newspapers says today, Dec 31, 2001

SYDNEY, Dec 31 AAP - The September 11 attacks on New York have overshadowed other events
this year and proved a defining moment in history, the Herald Sun says in its editorial
today.

The blow killed 3,000 innocents and temporarily knocked out a chunk of the world financial
system, but the world did not stand still, the newspaper says.

"We can take heart from the knock-out blow that America and her free-world allies,
Australia included, struck against the evil of state-sponsored terrorism.

"Our way of life will be more secure as a result," it says.

The events of September 11 have divided the year into before and after the attack on
New York but has led to an unprecedented unity among the world's major powers, The Age
says.

The newspaper says that although forgotten wars grind on around the world, events such
as the IRA agreement to lay down its arms provides a glimmer of hope.

"The magnitude of the challenges of 2001 demanded global cooperation, an approach endorsed
by the Nobel committee in awarding its peace prize to the United Nations and its Secretary-General,
Kofi Annan," it says.

As the year ends, Australians are again focused on a familiar threat, The Australian says.

The bushfires continue to burn, the newspaper says, but we have rallied together as
a nation, inspired by the tireless work of our volunteer firefighters.

"Let's harness that sense of purpose to imagine for 2002 an optimistic, outward-looking
can-do country," it says.

The bushfires are here again, The Sydney Morning Herald says, bringing with them the
tragedy of loss of property and the threat of worse.

The newspaper says: "As always, through the work of thousands of volunteers... [the
bushfires are] also bringing out the best in the Australian spirit, of actively helping
-- often at great risk -- neighbours in need."

Australia developed new character this year, confronted new challenges and can face
the future with renewed confidence and boldness, The Daily Telegraph says.

The newspaper says the disasters of 2001 will not be forgotten and our sadness at the
loss of so many lives in New York "will forever be a flame of remembrance in world history".

"But, with a new year beckoning, we must also remember that we are tougher for having
endured what came our way in 2001 and our character is stronger to meet the trials ahead,"

it says.

It is difficult to see what a South Australian state government inquiry into insurance
premiums can accomplish beyond looking grave and busy, The Advertiser says.

Rising premiums, some of which have increased by as much as 300 per cent, are a serious
concern for clubs, community groups and small business and should be recognised as such,
the newspaper says.

"It is not, however, an argument for heavy government intervention, which could only
have the effect of passing the bill down the line to the taxpayer," it says.







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KEYWORD: EDITORIALS

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