SBS50: Fast Facts

Did you know that 1975 brought Australia the biggest constitutional crisis in the nation’s history, triggered by the unexpected sacking of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam?

Did you know, that as a result of Australia’s low medal count at the 1976 summer Olympics, Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser established the Australian Institute of Sport to improve our international sporting success.

Did you know that in 1977, Australian media tycoon Kerry Packer revolutionised cricket, introducing one day games and coloured uniforms? Cricket traditionalists were shocked, but sell-out crowds lapped it up chanting "C'mon Aussie, C'mon".

Did you know that, in 1978, the Northern Territory was granted self-government under its own Administrator appointed by the Governor-General? A year later, the Northern Territory Parliament assumed responsibility for most state-related functions.

Did you know that, in 1979, multiculturalism was officially recognised as the cornerstone of Australia's ethnically diverse society? It was also the year SBS Radio extended its broadcasts to Newcastle, Wollongong, and Brisbane.

Did you know that in 1980, Australia’s first test-tube baby was born? Today around one in six couples turn to fertility specialists for help in conceiving.

Did you know that, in 1981, Australia’s economy was booming, supported by tariff cuts and a unique wage accord with unions which banned industrial conflict.

Did you know that in 1982, the Immigration Review Tribunal was established? The Tribunal conducts merit reviews of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection’s visa-related decisions which are required to be independent, fair and quick.

Did you know that, in 1983, Australia made sailing history by winning the America’s Cup, breaking the United States’ 132-year winning streak?

Did you know that, in 1984, a heated debate raged in Australia about the influx of Asian migrants? It followed revelations that in the year before more than half of all immigrants had come from Asian countries. It was also the year SBS responded by establishing an Advisory Committee on Racism to refute claims that multiculturalism threatens the social fabric of Australia.

Did you know that, in 1985, stereo broadcasting on the AM frequency started in Australia? It was a last-ditch attempt to fight off the rising competition of many new FM stations which were popular with younger listeners. It was also the year when the number of programs on SBS Radio grew to more than 50, among them Dari, Kurdish and Indonesian.

Did you know that, in 1986, the film Crocodile Dundee was released? Starring Aussie actor Paul Hogan, it was a worldwide smash hit, becoming the highest grossing Australian film ever.

Did you know that in 1987, the first mobile phone call was made in Australia? The first portable handsets were about the size of a briefcase, cost more than four thousand dollars and had a battery life of little more than 20 minutes.

Did you know that in 1988, Australia celebrated the 200th anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet from Britain? Carrying more than 700 convicts over 250 marines and their families, the Fleet entered Sydney Harbour on 26 January 1788. This date is still celebrated as "Australia Day".

Did you know that, in 1989, Australia experienced one of its worst natural disasters when a massive earthquake shook Newcastle, killing 13 people and injuring more than 160? The 5.6 magnitude quake was also felt in many areas of rural NSW.

Did you know that, in 1990, Australia suffered severe economic difficulties including a stock market slump, high inflation and rising unemployment? It was the recession then Treasurer Paul Keating famously claimed “we had to have.”

Did you know that, in 1991, Australia was one of 34 countries to enter into a coalition contributing military forces to the Gulf War, following the invasion of Kuwait by its neighbour Iraq. However, the decision to send troops was greeted by huge peace marches across Australia, demanding the withdrawal of Australian forces from the Gulf.

Did you know that, in 1992, the High Court of Australia recognised that Aboriginal people have native title over land and waters according to their customary law? Known as the Mabo case, the decision rejected the belief that Australia had been an empty country prior to English settlement and that Aboriginal people had no connection to the land.

Did you know that, in 1993, the first website was launched? The new technology was made available to the public free of charge. It was the birth of the worldwide web. It was also the year of the official opening of the new Sydney SBS Radio and Television headquarters at Artarmon.

Did you know that, in 1994, Australia's population was over 17 million - almost twice the size it was at the end of World War Two? It was also the year when, on January 26, 1994, SBS Radio launched its national network, reaching almost 90 per cent of the Australian continent.

Did you know that, in 1995, the ANZAC Bridge in Sydney was opened to traffic? It was given its name to honour the memory of the soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who together served in World War One – and features two bronze statues of an Australian and a New Zealand soldier standing side by side at the bridge’s western end.

Did you know that, in 1996, 35 people died and 23 were wounded in a killing-spree at Port Arthur, a popular tourist site in south-eastern Tasmania? Following the incident, then Prime Minister John Howard introduced strict gun laws, restricting the private ownership of semiautomatic rifles in Australia.

Did you know that, in 1997, the Australian telecommunications market was deregulated, allowing the entry of new competitors besides Optus and government-owned Telstra, which was partly privatised at the same time.

Did you know that, in 1998, Australia observed its first National Sorry Day to commemorate the mistreatment of the continent's Indigenous population? A decade later, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd publicly apologised on behalf of the federal government for the wrongs of the past.

Did you know that, in 1999, a powerful earthquake hit western Turkey, devastating many towns, and killing almost 20-thousand people — many in their sleep?