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?

Did you know that in 2000, more than 250,000 people walked across the Sydney Harbour Bridge in support of Reconciliation, with Australia’s Aboriginal people? Thousands joined similar events in other cities across the nation, with the Yothu Yindi song "Treaty" sung widely by people in the crowds.

Did you know, 2001 was the centenary of federation, when, 100 years earlier, the six British colonies of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia united to form the Commonwealth of Australia?

Did you know that, in 2002, Australia suffered its worst drought in 100 years, with water restrictions put in place in Sydney, Melbourne and many other areas, and farmers devastated by crop failures.

Did you know that, in 2003, two mates from Melbourne talked their friends into growing a moustache in support of a campaign about men's health? The innovative “Movember” movement has won millions of followers around the world who all grow a mo once a year to raise funds for medical research.

Did you know that, in 2004, Australia won a record 17 gold medals at the Summer Olympics in Athens, the capital of Greece? This haul surpassed the previous medal tally of 16 gold from the Summer Games in Sydney four years earlier.

Did you know that in 2005 Sydney-born journalist, writer and social critique Donald Horne died at the age of 84. He is best known for his critical evaluation of Australian society in his book "The Lucky Country". The famous title has become a popular catchphrase to describe Australia as a nation.

Did you know that, in 2006, Sydney recorded the hottest New Year's Day ever? Temperatures reached a top of almost 45 degrees Celsius, causing power blackouts and widespread train cancellations. While crowds flocked to city beaches and swimming pools, a total of 44 fires were burning across NSW.

Did you know that in 2007 world leaders including US President George W. Bush gathered in Sydney for the annual summit of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation. Facing thousands of protesters and under the strictest security Australia has ever experienced, the politicians discussed ways and means to create a free trade area in the Asia Pacific region.

Did you know that, in 2008, more than half a million young people from 200 countries gathered in Sydney to celebrate World Youth Day? They were joined by Pope Benedict the 16th, who took full advantage of new developments in telecommunications by sending text messages to many participants at the festival.

Did you know that, in 2009, researchers at Melbourne's Swinburne University announced the development of an optical disc technology capable of holding 10-thousand times more data than a regular DVD? The breakthrough was made possible through the use of minute nano particles, which allow the storage of extremely large files without increasing the size of the DVD.

Did you know that, in 2010, Melbourne-born nun Mary MacKillop, who dedicated herself to educating the children of the poor, was made Australia’s first saint of the Catholic Church?

Did you know that, in 2011, American Australian astrophysicist Brian Schmidt was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics? Working at the Mount Stromlo Observatory, just outside of Canberra, Schmidt discovered that our universe is getting bigger, faster, not slowing down as most other scientists believed.

Did you know that, in 2012, violence broke out during a Sydney protest against the YouTube film “Innocence of Muslims” leaving six police officers and 19 demonstrators injured? The short video was perceived by some Muslims as denigrating the Prophet Muhammad.

Did you know that, in 2013, a fleet of ships from 17 nations anchored along the Sydney foreshore to mark 100 years since the Royal Australian Navy fleet first entered the Harbour? Watched by tens of thousands of people, the armada included warships from Japan, India, China and the US.

Did you know that, in 2014, former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam died at age 98. A key figure in the shaping of modern Australia, it was his government that launched, in 1975, the ethnic radio stations 2EA in Sydney and 3EA in Melbourne, which later became the Special Broadcasting Service, SBS.

Did you know that, in 2015, SBS Radio was recognised for “40 years of building multicultural Australia” at the NSW Premier's Multicultural Media Awards? Speaking at the event, NSW Premier Mike Baird said, “By celebrating our differences and similarities, we can grow to understand each other better and strengthen our identity as Australians." Three SBS Radio broadcasters were winners on the night, taking out for Best Feature, Best Report and Best Investigative Story.

Did you know that, in 2016, ride-sharing services including Uber became legal in Queensland, with 200 cab drivers and their supporters rallying outside the State Parliament in protest?

Did you know, in 2017, One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson wore a burqa to question time? She entered the Senate Chamber wearing an Islamic veil ahead of her planned motion to call for the Federal Government to ban the burqa. The stunt was labelled offensive, intolerant, and divisive, and drew audible opposition from crossbenches and Hanson’s motion would later be defeated within one hour.

Did you know, in 2018, the longest lunar eclipse of the 21st century was visible across Australia? The total eclipse lasted for one hour, 42 minutes and 57 seconds.

Did you know, in 2019, climbing Uluru was permanently banned? The Anangu (ara-ahng-oo) people, Uluru’s traditional owners, fought for the closure of the climb arguing that Uluru should be preserved and protected as a sacred site, and not treated as a tourist attraction. The last permitted climber descended Uluru on Saturday the 26th of October 2019.

Did you know, in 2020, General Motors announced the retirement of Holden? Holden was founded 160 years previously in Adelaide, and had stopped manufacturing cars in 2017, but it was in 2020 that General Motors axed the Iconic Australian brand altogether.

Did you know, in 2021, Victoria was shaken by one of its largest recorded earthquakes? The 5.9 magnitude earthquake hit in September, and it was felt as far away as Sydney and Canberra and was followed by ten smaller aftershocks.

Did you know, in 2022, the Australian government purchased the copyright to the Aboriginal Flag? The copyright to the flag’s design was transferred from its author, Harold Thomas, to the Commonwealth. This permitted for the flag to be freely available for reproduction by the public.

Did you know, 2023 was the year the World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 was no longer a Public Health Emergency?

Did you know that 2024 was the biggest election year in human history? Half of the world’s population, around four billion people, headed to the polls in 72 countries. These included the United States, India, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, and South Africa.