
Issue No 11		30 April 1999

Piers Watch

The People Versus Piers

The continued attack on Justice Michael Kirby gained momentum this week, with another nasty little piece casting doubt on the High Court judge's integrity.

Piers cited Kirby's admission that he has had a male partner since 1969, to suggest Kirby had broken the criminal law, which had homosexuality illegal until the late 1970s.

He went on to ask whether his sexual orientation could lead to him to "perhaps turn a blind eye to chaps who engage in the sort of sexual antics which might constitute statutory rape?"

Notwithstanding the fact that Justice Kirby's position on the High Court does not routinely deal with these sorts of cases, the implication is grubby beyond the grounds of accepted standards of journalism.

As we argued last week, Piers is playing with a man of substance, who's contribution to making Australia a more civilised society would be matched by very few.

This attack must stop; and if Piers can't help himself, Workers Online will lend a hand.

Let he who is without sin cast the first stone, we say.

Accordingly, we're putting up $1,000 to anyone who can prove that Piers has breached the law at any point in his illustrious career.

Using the same criteria he has applied to Justice Kirby we'll set the cut-off date at 1969, meaning we'll excuse any indiscretions in his youth.

But any breach of the criminal law since then is up for grabs.

We admit the inspiration comes from Larry Flynt's pursuit of hypocritical Washington politicians who pursued Clinton over the Lewinsky affair (if that's the appropriate term).

In the same tradition, Workers Online believe that it's time our newspaper columnists are held to account for their views, prejudices and general outlook on the world. No more double-standards!

Here's the deal:

- we need a statutory declaration laying down the facts of any criminal breach.

- the statutory declaration would be forwarded to police.

- if charges are then laid, the money is yours!

Of course, we are not suggesting that Piers has broken the law. But if he has, thousands of Telegraph readers would be entitled to know.

  Got the dirt? Take the cash!

  View entire issue - print all of the articles!

  Issue 11 contents

Interview: The Young Republican
Jason Yat-Sen Li stole the show at the Constitutional Convention with his community consultation compromise. Now he faces a bigger challenge, convincing Australia to vote Yes.

Unions: ACTU Moves on the Republic
The ACTU Executive has endrosed the Australian Republic -- but it's given Howard's Preamble the short shrift it deserves.

History: And A Hundred Years Ago
Just as it was a hundred years ago, it is important that trade unions and their members are actively involved in the current republic debate.

Reader's Forum: John Passant
A Workers Online reader explains why he'll be voting "no".

Review: Mountain Men and Women Framed
Working Lives, a history of working people from the Blue Mountains, looks back to illuminate future challenges.

Labour Review: What's New at the Information Centre
View the latest issue of Labour Review, Labor Council's fortnightly newsletter for unions.

International: Performers on the World Stage
Australian performers know better than most the importance of identity, self and place. That's why they are committed Republicans.

» Unions Challenge: Reclaim the Republic

» Freeloader Legislation on the Agenda

» Unionsï¿½ New Years Eve Plea

» Skill Shortage Leads to Tiling Crisis

» Apprentice Chefs Get Fairer Share of the Pie

» Rail Workers Strike for Passenger Safety

» Living Wage Sparks New Activity

» ACTU Endorses East Timor Action

» WorkCover Troubles Canï¿½t Hit Injured Workers

» NSW Young Labor Turns 50!