1980 in Australia
{{short description|none}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}
{{Use Australian English|date=February 2012}}
The following lists events that happened during 1980 in Australia.
{{Infobox Australian year
| monarch = Elizabeth II
| governor-general = Sir Zelman Cowen
| pm =Malcolm Fraser
| population = 14,515,729
| australian = Manning Clark
| elections =WA, NT, Federal, QLD
}}
{{Year in Australia|1980}}
Incumbents
=State and territory leaders=
- Premier of New South Wales – Neville Wran
- Opposition Leader – John Mason
- Premier of Queensland – Joh Bjelke-Petersen
- Opposition Leader – Ed Casey
- Premier of South Australia – David Tonkin
- Opposition Leader – John Bannon
- Premier of Tasmania – Doug Lowe
- Opposition Leader – Geoff Pearsall
- Premier of Victoria – Rupert Hamer
- Opposition Leader – Frank Wilkes
- Premier of Western Australia – Sir Charles Court
- Opposition Leader – Ron Davies
- Chief Minister of the Northern Territory – Paul Everingham
- Opposition Leader – Jon Isaacs
- Chief Minister of Norfolk Island – David Buffett
=Governors and administrators=
- Governor of New South Wales – Sir Roden Cutler
- Governor of Queensland – Sir James Ramsay
- Governor of South Australia – Sir Keith Seaman
- Governor of Tasmania – Sir Stanley Burbury
- Governor of Victoria – Sir Henry Winneke
- Governor of Western Australia – Sir Wallace Kyle (until 30 September), then Sir Richard Trowbridge (from 25 November)
- Administrator of Norfolk Island – Peter Coleman
- Administrator of the Northern Territory – John England
Events
=January=
- 9 January – Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser announces sanctions against the Soviet Union following its invasion of Afghanistan.{{cite news|last=Kruger|first=Andrew|date=10 January 1980|title=A message for Moscow|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-a-message-for/137115427|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=1|location=|access-date=20 December 2023|archive-date=20 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220103210/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-a-message-for/137115427/|url-status=live}}
- 17 January – Debbie Wardley becomes Australia's first female pilot to take to the skies when she co-pilots a Fokker Friendship on Ansett Flight 232 on the so-called "milk run" from Alice Springs to Darwin.{{cite news|author=|date=17 January 1980|title=Mrs Wardley is up and away|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-mrs-wardley-is/137006397|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=3|location=|access-date=18 December 2023|archive-date=18 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218103321/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-mrs-wardley-is/137006397/|url-status=live}} The flight marks the end of a 15-month legal battle with Ansett Airlines to overcome gender-based discrimination which had prevented her from earlier taking the controls.{{cite news |author= |date=2 January 1980|title=Fokker job soon for Mrs Wardley|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-fokker-job-soo/115890046|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=3|location= |access-date=18 December 2023}}
- 24 January – The first section of Melbourne's underground railway loop is opened.
- 27 January – Frank Nugan of the failed Nugan Hand Bank is found dead at the wheel of his Mercedes by police at Lithgow.{{cite news |author= |date=29 January 1980|title=Police say no foul play in director's death|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-police-say-no/137006331|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=9|location= |access-date=18 December 2023}}
=February=
- 19 February - Rock singer Bon Scott of the band AC/DC, at age 33 found dead having slept in parked car in London, UK.{{cite news|author=|date=21 February 1980|title=Singer dies|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-singer-dies/137006288|work=The Age|page=6|location=|access-date=18 December 2023|archive-date=18 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218101719/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-singer-dies/137006288/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|author=|date=23 February 1980|title=Alcohol blamed for singer's death|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-alcohol-blamed/137006294|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=31|location=|access-date=18 December 2023|archive-date=23 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223052035/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-alcohol-blamed/137006294/|url-status=live}}
- 21 February – Advance Airlines Flight 4210 crashes at Sydney Airport, killing all 13 aboard the Beechcraft King Air 200 aircraft.{{cite news|author=|date=22 February 1980|title=13 die in Sydney crash: Commuter airliner turns back, hits wall near Mascot runway|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-13-die-in-sydn/137006219|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=1|location=|access-date=18 December 2023|archive-date=18 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218100612/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-13-die-in-sydn/137006219/|url-status=live}}
- 23 February – The 1980 Western Australian state election takes place and the Liberal/National coalition government of Sir Charles Court is re-elected.{{cite news|author=|date=25 February 1980|title=WA Liberals hold on|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-wa-liberals-ho/137006204|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=1|location=|access-date=18 December 2023|archive-date=18 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218095941/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-wa-liberals-ho/137006204/|url-status=live}}
=March=
- 1 March – The federal executive of the Australian Labor Party decides to intervene in the Queensland branch, with most key office-holders replaced.{{cite news|last=O'Reilly|first=Neil|date=2 March 1980|title=Hayden wins: It's the sack for Queensland officials|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-hayden-wins-i/137006177|work=The Sun-Herald|page=5|location= |access-date=18 December 2023}}
- 25 March – Defence Minister James Killen announces that Cockburn Sound Western Australia will offer base and home port facilities to the United States Navy.{{cite news|author=|date=26 March 1980|title=Agreement defines US logistic aid|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-agreement-defi/137006099|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=14|location=|access-date=18 December 2023|archive-date=18 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218094545/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-agreement-defi/137006099/|url-status=live}}
=April=
- 3 April – It's revealed that a sensitive report entitled The Threat of the Internal Security of Australia is lost by the Office of National Assessments.{{cite news|last=Shanahan|first=Dennis|date=3 April 1980|title=Secret security paper missing|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-secret-securit/137005970|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=1|location= |access-date=18 December 2023}}{{cite news|last=Shanahan|first=Dennis|date=4 April 1980|title=ASIO moves to tighten security|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-asio-moves-to/137005981|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=1|location= |access-date=18 December 2023}}
- 26 April – Louise and Charmian Faulkner disappear from outside their flat in St Kilda, Melbourne, Australia.{{cite news|last=Turner|first=Noel|date=December 2018|title=Murders in Melbourne: St Kilda|url=https://www.historyvictoria.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/rhsv-history-news-issue-339-dec-2018.pdf|work=History News|publisher=Royal Historical Society Victoria|page=8|issue=339|location=|access-date=|quote=On 26 April 1980, they were seen getting into a white utility outside the Faulkner home in Acland Street.|archive-date=2 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402003021/https://www.historyvictoria.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/rhsv-history-news-issue-339-dec-2018.pdf|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Lord|first=Kathy|date=6 October 2010|title=Cold case murder reward offered|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-10-06/cold-case-murder-reward-offered/2288206|work=ABC News|location=|access-date=18 December 2023|archive-date=18 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218093920/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-10-06/cold-case-murder-reward-offered/2288206|url-status=live}}
- 30 April – Automotive company Chrysler Australia Limited is taken over by Japanese company Mitsubishi after the American-based Chrysler Corporation sold its Australian subsidiary to the dynamic Japanese automobile manufacturer for $80 million.{{cite news|last1=Porter|first1=Ian|last2=de Fraga|first2=Christopher|date=1 May 1980|title=Japanese buy out Chrysler|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-japanese-buy-out-chrysler/137006067|work=The Age|page=1|location=|access-date=18 December 2023|archive-date=23 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223045511/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-japanese-buy-out-chrysler/137006067/|url-status=live}} The declining fortunes of Chrysler's North American operations forced the sale.
=May=
- 1 May – The Australian branch of Earthwatch Institute is established in Sydney.
- 15 May – The telecommunications tower on Canberra's Black Mountain is officially opened.{{cite news |author= |date=16 May 1980|title=Protests at PM opens tower |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110957649|work=The Canberra Times|page=1|location= |access-date=17 December 2023}}{{cite news |author= |date=19 May 1980|title=Thousands visit Telecom tower|url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110958185|work=The Canberra Times|page=3|location= |access-date=17 December 2023}}
- 23 May – The Australian Olympic Federation announces it will send an Olympic delegation to Moscow, despite objections raised by the prime minister.{{cite news |author= |date=24 May 1980|title=Australian team for Games: 6-5 decision rebuff to Federal Govt|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-australian-tea/137000005|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=1|location= |access-date=18 December 2023}} The tight 6–5 ballot, announced by Federation President Syd Grange at Melbourne's Sheraton Hotel ends speculation about Australia's role following America's boycott of the games.{{cite news|author=|date=24 May 1980|title=Yes to Moscow Games: 6-5 vote after plea by PM|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-yes-to-moscow-games/137000070|work=The Age|page=1|location=|access-date=18 December 2023|archive-date=18 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218044103/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-yes-to-moscow-games/137000070/|url-status=live}} Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser is critical of the decision, expressing hope that the Australian participation would not be interpreted as an endorsement of Soviet policy.{{cite news|last=Fraser|first=Malcolm|date=24 May 1980|title=The Fraser statement|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-the-fraser-statement/137000231|work=The Age|page=1|location=|access-date=18 December 2023|archive-date=18 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218044103/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-the-fraser-statement/137000231/|url-status=live}}
- 24 May – Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip arrive in Australia.{{cite news |author= |date=25 May 1980|title=Welcome to Australia Ma'am|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-welcome-to-aus/136946718|work=The Sun Herald|page=1|location= |access-date=18 December 2023}}{{cite news |author= |date=25 May 1980|title=Informality as Queen arrives in Canberra |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110959097|work=The Canberra Times|page=1|location= |access-date=18 December 2023}}
- 26 May – The High Court of Australia building in Canberra is opened by Queen Elizabeth II.{{cite news|author=|date=27 May 1980|title=Queen opens High Court building|url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110959395|work=The Canberra Times|page=1|location=|access-date=18 December 2023|archive-date=18 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218020712/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110959395|url-status=live}} Prince Philip is also in attendance.
- 31 May – The Royal Commission into Drug Trafficking (Woodward Royal Commission) estimates that there are at least 20,000 heroin addicts in Australia.
=June=
- 7 June – The 1980 Northern Territory general election takes place and Paul Everingham's Country Liberal Party government is re-elected.{{cite news|author= |date=9 June 1980|title=NT Govt looks set for new term|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-nt-govt-looks/136946117|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=2|location= |access-date=17 December 2023}}
- 23 June –
- Australia's first "test tube baby" Candice Elizabeth Reed is born in Melbourne's Royal Women's Hospital.{{cite news |last=Ballantyne|first=Tom|date=24 June 1980|title=Day One in the life of Candice|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-day-one-in-the/137005703|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=1|location= |access-date=18 December 2023}}{{cite news|last1=Turnbull|first1=Gregory|last2=Eckersley|first2=Richard|last3=Bolton|first3=Barbara|date=24 June 1980|title=Candice Elizabeth Reed, Australia's first test-tube baby|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-candice-elizab/137005682|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=10|location=|access-date=18 December 2023|archive-date=15 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715070904/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-candice-elizab/137005682/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Kerin|first=Lindy|title=First IVF baby turns 30|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-06-23/first-ivf-baby-turns-30/877426|access-date=31 March 2012|newspaper=ABC News|date=23 June 2010|archive-date=24 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424032830/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-06-23/first-ivf-baby-turns-30/877426|url-status=live}}
- David Opas, a Judge of the Family Court of Australia is shot and killed outside his home.{{cite news|author=|date=24 June 1980|title=Sydney judge shot dead|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-sydney-judge-s/136946199|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=1|location=|access-date=17 December 2023|archive-date=15 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715070904/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-sydney-judge-s/136946199/|url-status=live}}
- 26 June – Australian Richard Thorp, of the United States firm Mitchell, Giurgola and Thorp, wins the competition for the design of the new Parliament House, Canberra.{{cite news|last=Milson|first=Scott|date=27 June 1980|title=The nation's $156 million house on the hill|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-the-nations/136946279|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=1|location=|access-date=17 December 2023|archive-date=17 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217054343/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-the-nations/136946279/|url-status=live}}
=July=
- 1 July – Women are allowed to join surf clubs as full members.{{cite news|last=Murphy|first=Damien|date=2 July 1980|title=The sexual tide turns on the beaches|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-the-sexual-tide-turns-on-the-bea/136946014|work=The Age|page=5|location=|access-date=17 December 2023|archive-date=15 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715070936/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-the-sexual-tide-turns-on-the-bea/136946014/|url-status=live}}
- 4 July – Newcastle's afternoon newspaper The Newcastle Sun ceases publication.{{cite web|last=Isaacs|first=Victor|date=2015|title=Labour dailies|url=https://labourhistorycanberra.org/2015/05/labour-dailies/|work=Australian Society for the Study of Labour History|location=|access-date=17 December 2023|quote=In 1936 the Newcastle Morning Herald took over the Newcastle Sun, a lively afternoon paper... The Newcastle Sun closed on 4 July 1980 (after which for a short time there was a Newcastle edition of the Sydney Sun)|archive-date=17 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217053357/https://labourhistorycanberra.org/2015/05/labour-dailies/|url-status=live}}
=August=
- 17 August – Nine-week-old Azaria Chamberlain disappears from a campsite at Ayers Rock (Uluru), later confirmed to be taken by a dingo.{{cite news|author=|date=19 August 1980|title=Little hope for baby girl taken by wild dog|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-little-hope-fo/136945344|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=3|location=|access-date=17 December 2023|archive-date=15 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715070906/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-little-hope-fo/136945344/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|author=|date=12 June 2012|title=Coroner rules dingo killed Azaria Chamberlain|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-06-12/coroner-rules-dingo-killed-azaria-chamberlain/4065802|work=ABC News|location=|access-date=17 December 2023|archive-date=15 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715070907/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-06-12/coroner-rules-dingo-killed-azaria-chamberlain/4065802|url-status=live}}
- 22 August – Confusion reigns at the inquest into the death of Frank Nugan of the failed Nugan Hand banking group. A letter is produced on the final day of the inquest signed by the secretary to the Commissioner Mr. Justice Woodward, who presided over the Royal Commission into Drug Trafficking, appears to clear Nugan of any involvement with narcotics dealing.
=September=
- 26 September – The Lonie Report in Victoria recommends the closure of half the suburban rail lines, all country passenger rail lines and a number of tram routes.{{cite news|last=Strong|first=Geoff|date=25 September 1980|title=State let transport run down: report|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-state-let-transport-run-down-re/136944793|work=The Age|page=5|location=|access-date=17 December 2023|archive-date=22 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222210540/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-state-let-transport-run-down-re/136944793/|url-status=live}} It also recommends huge freeway expansion. The report is controversial and protests cause its recommendations to be moderated.
- 30 September – Bob Hawke retires as President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) to contest the seat of Wills in the federal election.{{cite news|author=|date=11 September 1980|title=Dolan next ACTU head|url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/125621317|work=The Canberra Times|page=7|location=|access-date=17 December 2023|quote=Mr Hawke, the ALP candidate for the safe Federal seat of Wills has tendered his resignation as president. He will formally leave the ACTU at the end of this month...|archive-date=17 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217043900/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/125621317|url-status=live}} Cliff Dolan becomes the new President of the ACTU.{{cite news|last=Gordon|first=Michael|date=1 October 1980|title=Enter the new ACTU chief, without fanfare or drumroll|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-enter-the-new-actu-chief-withou/136944148|work=The Age|page=5|location=|access-date=17 December 2023|archive-date=15 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715070913/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-enter-the-new-actu-chief-withou/136944148/|url-status=live}}
=October=
- 1 October – The Costigan Royal Commission begins in Melbourne, with the purpose of inquiring into the activities of the Federated Ship Painters and Dockers Union.{{cite news|author=|date=2 October 1980|title=Lawyer for 'Mr X' and 'Mr Z' not to be heard|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-lawyer-for-mr/136940524|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=2|location=|access-date=17 December 2023|quote=The Royal Commission into the Federated Ship Painters' and Dockers' Union opened in Melbourne yesterday...|archive-date=15 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715071426/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-lawyer-for-mr/136940524/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|author=|date=2 October 1980|title=Unionist balk on call for file|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-unionist-balk-on-call-for-file/136940656|work=The Age|page=4|location=|access-date=17 December 2023|archive-date=15 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715071425/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-unionist-balk-on-call-for-file/136940656/|url-status=live}}
- 9 October – The standard-gauge railway from Tarcoola to Alice Springs is opened by Princess Alexandra.{{cite web|last1=Mikosza|first1=T.G.|last2=Ascione|first2=J.A.|date=|title=Australian Rail Freigh Movements 1979-1980|url=https://www.bitre.gov.au/sites/default/files/ip_008.pdf|work=|page=15|location=|access-date=|quote=Although not officially opened until 1979-80, the Northern Region now includes the new standard gauge line from Tarcoola to Alice Springs. This line was opened on 9 October 1980.|archive-date=15 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715071434/https://www.bitre.gov.au/sites/default/files/ip_008.pdf|url-status=live}}{{cite news |author= |date=1981|title=The New railway link from Darwin to Alice Springs (excerpt)|url=https://www.nfsa.gov.au/collection/curated/new-railway-link-darwin-alice-springs|work=Northern Territory Contact|publisher=National Film and Sound Archive|location= |access-date=17 December 2023|quote=Princess Alexandra officially opened the new railway line in October 1980.}}
- 14 October – Violet Roberts, 52, and Bruce Roberts, 22, are released from prison after serving almost five years of their sentence after being found guilty in March 1976 of murdering their violent husband and father, Eric Leslie Roberts.{{cite news|last=Frail|first=Rodney|date=15 October 1980|title=A new life for the Roberts family|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-a-new-life-for/136941306|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=3|location=|access-date=17 December 2023|archive-date=22 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222205448/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-a-new-life-for/136941306/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Brooks|first=Geraldine|date=17 October 1980|title=End of a nightmare: Violet Roberts wants a peace she can hardly remember|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-end-of-a-night/136941106|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=2|location=|access-date=17 December 2023|archive-date=17 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217033622/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-end-of-a-night/136941106/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Brooks|first=Geraldine|date=25 October 1980|title=A day in the new life of the Robertses|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-a-day-in-the-n/136941194|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=5|location=|access-date=17 December 2023|archive-date=15 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715071428/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-a-day-in-the-n/136941194/|url-status=live}} The mother and son are "released on licence" just 24 hours after the New South Wales Attorney-General Frank Walker recommended the action to the Department of Corrective Services, following sustained pressure from supporters who argued that the sentences were unduly harsh. The Attorney-General had publicly described the sentences as a miscarriage of justice.
- 18 October – The 1980 Australian federal election is held with Malcolm Fraser's Liberal/National Country Coalition government re-elected with a substantially reduced majority, defeating the Labor Party led by Bill Hayden.{{cite news|last=Davidson|first=Gay|date=19 October 1980|title=Fraser returned: 15-seat majority likey despite 6.2pc swing|url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/125628403/13920351|work=The Canberra Times|page=1|location=|access-date=17 December 2023|archive-date=17 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217042144/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/125628403/13920351|url-status=live}} The Government also loses control of the Senate, with the Australian Democrats winning the balance of power.{{cite news|author=|date=12 November 1980|title=Democrats win Senate power balance|url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/126157880|work=The Canberra Times|page=1|location=|access-date=17 December 2023|archive-date=17 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217042146/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/126157880|url-status=live}}
=November=
- 20 November – Former Prime Minister Sir John McEwen dies.
- 29 November – The 1980 Queensland state election takes place with the National Party government of Joh Bjelke-Petersen being re-elected.{{cite news|last=O'Reilly|first=Neil|date=30 November 1980|title=It's Joh again - but no joy for Libs|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-its-joh-again/136938131|work=Sun-Herald|location=|access-date=17 December 2023|archive-date=15 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715071431/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-its-joh-again/136938131/|url-status=live}}
=December=
- 1 December – A memorial service is held for former Australian prime minister Sir John McEwen at St Paul's Cathedral in Melbourne.{{cite news|last=Gibson|first=Sally|date=2 December 1980|title=600 at memorial service for Sir John McEwen|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-600-at-memorial-service-for-sir/136939243|work=The Age|page=5|location=|access-date=17 December 2023|archive-date=15 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715071428/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-600-at-memorial-service-for-sir/136939243/|url-status=live}}
- 2 December – The Federal Government lifts controls regulating the interest rates offered by banks on customer deposits.{{cite news|last=Barton|first=Russell|date=3 December 1980|title=Home interest, overdraft rates soar|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-home-interest/136937793/|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=1|location=|access-date=|quote=Mr Howard also said that the Government had decided to lift all controls on the rates that savings and trading banks can offer on deposits|archive-date=17 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217021556/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-home-interest/136937793/|url-status=live}}
- 15 December – The Azaria Chamberlain inquest begins in Alice Springs.{{cite news|author=|date=15 December 1980|title=Ayers Rock dingo baby inquest opens|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-ayers-rock-din/136934938|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=3|location=|access-date=17 December 2023|archive-date=17 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217011952/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-ayers-rock-din/136934938/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Brown|first=Malcolm|date=16 December 1980|title='No motive' for inventing dingo evidence|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-no-motive-fo/136935073|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=1|location=|access-date=17 December 2023|archive-date=17 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217011951/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-no-motive-fo/136935073/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Brown|first=Malcolm|date=16 December 1980|title=Unlikey someone else in tent, says mother|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-unlikely-someo/136935176|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=3|location=|access-date=17 December 2023|archive-date=15 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715071432/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-unlikely-someo/136935176/|url-status=live}}
- 17 December –
- Turkish Consul-General, Şarık Arıyak and his bodyguard, Engin Sever, are shot dead in the street outside the consulate in Dover Heights, Sydney, becoming the victims of Australia's first political assassinations.{{cite news|last1=Collier|first1=Roger|last2=Molloy|first2=Paul|last3=Molly|first3=Susan|date=18 December 1980|title=Political murder in a quiet Sydney street - police check for foreign 'hit men'|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-political-murd/136933613|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=1|location=|access-date=17 December 2023|archive-date=17 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217010938/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-political-murd/136933613/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Morris-Grant|first=Brianna|date=17 December 2023|title=A $1 million reward and a mystery phone call — a Sydney assassination remains unsolved four decades later|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-12-17/turkish-consul-general-assassination-sarik-ariyak-sydney/103222092|work=ABC News|location=|access-date=17 December 2023|archive-date=16 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216231910/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-12-17/turkish-consul-general-assassination-sarik-ariyak-sydney/103222092|url-status=live}} The obscure international terrorist army, the "Justice Commandoes of Armenian Genocide", claim responsibility for the deaths only 20 minutes after the shootings.
- A Woolworths store in the Wollongong suburb of Warilla is bombed, causing $300,000 worth of damage.{{cite news|last=Molloy|first=Paul|date= 26 December 1980|title=Bomber's target: the toy department on Christmas Eve; Police pin hopes on $¼m reward|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-bombers-targe/136936088|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=1|location= |access-date=17 December 2023|quote=On December 17, a blast believed to have been caused by a time bomb, caused $300,000 damage to the store at Warilla, a southern suburb of Wollongong. Two days later, another time bomb started a fire which destroyed the Maitland branch, causing damage estimated at more than $300,000.}}
- 19 December – A Woolworths store at Maitland, New South Wales is bombed, suffering more than $300,000 worth of damage.
- 20 December – A Woolworths store at Orange, New South Wales receives a call from a man threatening to bomb a Woolworths store unless he is paid $1 million.
- 23 December – Victoria decriminalises homosexual acts between consenting adults, with the Royal Assent of the Crimes (Sexual Offences) Act 1980.{{cite web|last=Carbery|first=Graham|date=1993|title=Towards homosexual equality in Australian criminal law - a brief history: Victoria|url=https://www.alga.org.au/files/towardsequality2ed.pdf|work=Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives Inc|pages=10-15|location=|access-date=17 December 2023|quote=The Crimes (Sexual Offences) Act 1980 was nevertheless passed on 23 December 1980 and came into effect on 1 March 1981|archive-date=17 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217020539/https://www.alga.org.au/files/towardsequality2ed.pdf|url-status=live}}
- 24 December – Woolworths' Town Hall store in the centre of Sydney is devastated by a bomb blast – the chain's third store to be targeted in nine days. Authorities received only 10 minutes' warning of the bombing, which miraculously caused no serious casualties after 2,000 shoppers and staff were evacuated from the area.{{cite news|last=Molloy|first=Paul|date=26 December 1980|title=Bomb blast at Town Hall store|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-bomb-blast-at/136936480|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=2|location= |access-date=17 December 2023}}
- 26 December – Police offer a $250,000 reward for information relating to the recent Woolworths bombings. The reward is the largest ever offered in Australian history.
Arts and literature
{{main|1980 in Australian literature}}
- Jessica Anderson's novel The Impersonators wins the Miles Franklin Award.{{cite news|last=Field|first=Michelle|date=4 June 1981|title=Novelist wins award for the second time|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-novelist-wins/137164030|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=2|location=|access-date=21 December 2023|archive-date=21 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221054349/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-novelist-wins/137164030/|url-status=live}}
Film
- 5 July – The Australian film Breaker Morant opens in Sydney and Melbourne, having been the toast of the recent 1980 Cannes Film Festival.{{cite news|last=Hogan|first=Christine|date=1 July 1980|title=Bryan Brown - the latecomer who made it to the top|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-bryan-brown/137164222|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=12|location=|access-date=21 December 2023|archive-date=21 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221060353/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-bryan-brown/137164222/|url-status=live}}
- 18 September – The Club starring Jack Thompson and Graham Kennedy is released to cinemas.{{cite news|last1=Groves|first1=Don|last2=Lee Lewes|first2=Jacqueline|date=30 March 1980|title=Dirty play's the game in The Club...|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-dirty-plays-t/137164445|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=91|location=|access-date=21 December 2023|archive-date=21 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221065739/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-dirty-plays-t/137164445/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Wilmoth|first=Peter|date=11 September 1980|title=What happens in Club|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-what-happens-in-club/137164586|work=The Age|location=|access-date=21 December 2023|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225022311/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-what-happens-in-club/137164586/|url-status=live}}
Television
- 17 January – Gippsland's GLV-10 becomes GLV-8.{{cite news|author= |date=17 January 1980|title=Gippsland switches to eight (Channel 10 advertisement feature)|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-gippsland-switches-to-eight/137115471|work=The Age|page=50|location= |access-date=20 December 2023}} This is done so that Melbourne's ATV-0 can become ATV-10.
- 20 January – ATV-0 becomes ATV-10.{{cite news |author= |date=17 January 1980|title=Easy and big switch to new 10 on Sunday (Channel 10 advertisement feature)|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-easy-and-big-switch-to-new-10-on/137115465|work=The Age|page=50|location= |access-date=20 December 2023}} This move prompts the 0–10 Network to change its name to Network Ten, although Brisbane's TVQ-0 would continue to broadcast on Channel 0 until 1988. On the same night, Ten's new drama series Arcade premieres. It is regarded as the biggest flop in Australian television history, costing over $3 million to make and being axed after 49 episodes.{{cite news|last=Courtis|first=Brian|date=1 March 1980|title=Channel 10 swings the axe on 'Arcade'|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-channel-10-swings-the-axe-on-arc/137115568|work=The Age|page=2|location= |access-date=20 December 2023}}
- 14 July – Nine Network's new quiz show Sale of the Century launches, bringing in record ratings with Nine winning the 7pm timeslot.{{cite news |last=Dando|first=Mark|date=10 July 1980|title=New face lifts a tired format |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-new-face-lifts-a-tired-format/137006556|work=The Age|page=42|location= |access-date=18 December 2023}}{{cite news |last=Hogan|first=Christine|date=14 July 1980|title=Not another quiz!|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-not-another-qu/137006583|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=11|location= |access-date=18 December 2023}}
- 30 January – Kingswood Country debuts on the Seven Network.{{cite news|last=Lawrence|first=Mark|date=17 January 1980|title=New Oz comedy exploits bigotry|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-new-oz-comedy-exploits-bigotry/137164703|work=The Age|page=28|location=|access-date=21 December 2023|archive-date=21 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221061204/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-new-oz-comedy-exploits-bigotry/137164703/|url-status=live}}
- 15 October – Mini-series The Last Outlaw debuts on Seven.
- 24 October – Australia's new multicultural television network SBS is officially opened by Malcolm Fraser as it commences transmission in Sydney & Melbourne on VHF Channel 0 & UHF Channel 28, becoming the first station in Australia to use UHF frequencies.{{cite news |last=Molloy|first=Susan|date=25 October 1980|title=Tears, ecstacy and a serving of scorn for multicultural TV|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-tears-ecstasy/137006460|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=2|location= |access-date=18 December 2023}}
Sport
- 5 July – Evonne Cawley (née Goolagong) wins the Wimbledon singles for the second time, easily beating the popular American champion Chris Evert-Lloyd 6–1, 7–6 in the final.{{cite news|last=Trengove|first=Alan|date=6 July 1980|title=Wimbledon again for Evonne, a determined mum|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-wimbledon-agai/137165043|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=77|location=|access-date=21 December 2023|archive-date=21 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221063151/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-wimbledon-agai/137165043/|url-status=live}} She becomes the first woman to have won the Wimbledon singles nine years apart and is the first mother ever to take tennis' most coveted prize.
- 8 July – The inaugural 1980 State of Origin game is played at Lang Park, which is won by Queensland who defeat New South Wales 20 – 10.{{cite news|last=Clarkson|first=Alan|date=9 July 1980|title=Football lesson by Maroons|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-football-lesso/137165152|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=48|location=|access-date=21 December 2023|archive-date=21 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221063635/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-football-lesso/137165152/|url-status=live}}
- 27 July – Laurie Whitty wins the men's national marathon title, clocking 2:19:00 in Adelaide.{{cite news|author=|date=28 July 1980|title=Upset in marathon|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-upset-in-marathon/137165338|work=The Age|page=25|location=|access-date=21 December 2023|archive-date=21 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221064728/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-upset-in-marathon/137165338/|url-status=live}}
- 27 September –
- The Canterbury Bulldogs defeat the Eastern Suburbs Roosters (now Sydney Roosters) 18–4 to win the 73rd NSWRL premiership.{{cite news |last=Stephens|first=Tony|last2=Clarkson|first2=Alan|date=28 September 1980|title=The glory boys|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-the-glory-boys/137165417|work=The Sun-Herald|page=2|location= |access-date=21 December 2023}} It is the first premiership for Canterbury since 1942 & the last grand final played on a Saturday. In the process, Steve Gearin scores one of the most spectacular tries in history. Penrith finish in last position, claiming the wooden spoon.
- The Richmond Tigers (23.21.159) defeat the Collingwood Magpies (9.24.78) to win the 84th VFL premiership.{{cite news|author=|date=28 September 1980|title=Bartlett leads Tigers to flag|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-bartlett-leads/137165531|work=The Sun-Herald|page=79|location=|access-date=21 December 2023|archive-date=21 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221074457/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-bartlett-leads/137165531/|url-status=live}} It was the last premiership win for Richmond until 2017.{{cite news |last=O'Halloran|first=Kate|date=30 September 2017|title=Richmond end 37-year wait with AFL grand final win over Adelaide |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/sep/30/richmond-end-37-year-wait-with-afl-grand-final-win-over-adelaide|work=The Guardian|location= |access-date=21 December 2023}}
- 5 October – Alan Jones becomes the second Australian driver to win the Formula One World Drivers Championship after winning the final race of the season at Watkins Glen, New York.{{cite news |author= |date=7 October 1980|title=Record-breaker Jones: 'I just want to rest'|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-record-breaker/137165682|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=28 |location= |access-date=21 December 2023}}
- 4 November – Beldale Ball wins the Melbourne Cup.{{cite news|last=Lillye|first=Bert|date=5 November 1980|title='It's better than Paris': Win with a song and a dance|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-its-better-t/137165755|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=1|location= |access-date=21 December 2023}}
- 13 December – Illawarra is accepted as the 13th team in the NSWRL premiership for 1982, making them the first team from outside the Sydney metropolitan area to compete in the competition since Newcastle in 1909.{{cite news|last=Clarkson|first=Alan|date=14 December 1980|title=Illawarra in Sydney comp|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-illawarra-in-s/137165856|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=102|location= |access-date=21 December 2023}}
Births
- 5 January – Brad Meyers, rugby league player{{cite web|url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/brad-meyers/summary.html|title=Brad Meyers: Playing career|author=|date=|website=Rugby League Project|publisher=|access-date=22 December 2023|quote=|archive-date=22 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222094033/https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/brad-meyers/summary.html|url-status=live}}
- 7 January – Reece Simmonds, rugby league player{{cite web |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/reece-simmonds/summary.html|title=Reece Simmonds: Playing career|author= |date= |website=Rugby League Project|publisher= |access-date=22 December 2023|quote=}}
- 8 January – Adam Goodes, footballer{{cite web|url=https://australianfootball.com/players/player/adam%2Bgoodes/14096|title=Adam Goodes: Key Facts|author=|date=|website=Australian Football|publisher=|access-date=22 December 2023|quote=|archive-date=2 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240302022321/https://australianfootball.com/players/player/adam+goodes/14096|url-status=live}}
- 9 January – Luke Patten, rugby league player and referee{{cite web|url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/luke-patten/summary.html|title=Luke Patten: Playing career|author=|date=|website=Rugby League Project|publisher=|access-date=22 December 2023|quote=|archive-date=22 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222094033/https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/luke-patten/summary.html|url-status=live}}
- 17 January – Kylie Wheeler, heptathlete{{cite web |url=https://worldathletics.org/athletes/aus/kylie-wheeler-14271088|title=Kylie Wheeler: Profile|author= |date= |website=World Athletics|publisher= |access-date=22 December 2023|quote=}}
- 25 January – Alayna Burns, track cyclist{{cite web |title=Alayna BURNS – Olympic Cycling Track {{!}} Australia |url=https://www.olympic.org/alayna-burns |website=International Olympic Committee |access-date=19 June 2019 |language=en |date=21 June 2016 |archive-date=19 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190619201852/https://www.olympic.org/alayna-burns |url-status=live }}
- 8 February – Cameron Muncey, singer and guitarist (Jet)
- 2 March – Rebel Wilson, actress and producer
- 13 March – Nathan Phillips, actor
- 27 March – Toni Cronk, field hockey goalkeeper
- 17 April – Cameron McKenzie-McHarg, former rower
- 15 April – Lauryn Mark, Olympic skeet shooter{{cite web |title=Glasgow 2014 – Lauryn Mark Profile |url=http://results.glasgow2014.com/athlete/squash/1030574/lauryn_mark.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724124231/http://results.glasgow2014.com/athlete/squash/1030574/lauryn_mark.html |url-status=usurped |archive-date=24 July 2020 |website=results.glasgow2014.com |access-date=10 March 2019}}
- 25 April – Daniel MacPherson, actor
- 9 May – Grant Hackett, swimmer
- 10 May – Pete Gray, environmental activist (d. 2011)
- 16 May – Simon Gerrans, road bicycle racer
- 23 May – Ben Ross, rugby league player
- 24 May – Anthony Minichiello, rugby league player
- 31 May – Craig Bolton, footballer and sportscaster
- 5 June – Chris Flannery, rugby league player
- 18 June – Craig Mottram, long and middle distance runner
- 29 June – James Courtney, motor racing driver
- 9 July
- Brooke Krueger, hammer thrower
- Wil Traval, actor
- 23 August – Bronwyn Eagles, hammer thrower
- 24 August – Rachael Carpani, actress
- 10 September - Caterina Mete, dancer, singer and choreographer (The Wiggles)
- 18 September – Chris Tarrant, Australian rules footballer
- 16 October – Timana Tahu, rugby league player
- 5 November – Luke Hemsworth, actor{{cite news|title=Luke Hemsworth biography|website=Tribute.ca|publisher=Tribute Entertainment Media Group|url=https://lemonyblog.com/chris-hemsworth-thors-father-craig-hemsworths-biography/|url-status=live|access-date=25 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624175603/https://www.tribute.ca/people/luke-hemsworth/47117/|archive-date=24 June 2018}}
- 28 November – Alex Greenwich, politician
- 16 December
- Natalie Porter, basketball player and Olympic medalist
- Axle Whitehead, actor and singer-songwriter
- 22 December – Matt Parker, recreational mathematician and author{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99stb2mzspI |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/99stb2mzspI |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Why 1980 was a great year to be born... but 2184 will be better |date=29 June 2015 |last=Parker |first=Matthew |access-date=30 October 2016 |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}
- 25 December – Ricky Muir, politician
Deaths
- 7 January – Eddie Scarf, Olympic wrestler and boxer (b. 1908){{cite news |author= |date=11 January 1980|title=Former Aust wrestler dies|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-former-aust-wr/137166023|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=16|location= |access-date=21 December 2023}}
- 2 May – Clarrie Grimmett, cricketer (born in New Zealand) (b. 1891){{cite news|last=Fingleton|first=Jack|date=4 May 1980|title=Vale, Clarrie|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-vale-clarrie/137165988|work=The Sun-Herald|page=76|location=|access-date=21 December 2023|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225031048/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-vale-clarrie/137165988/|url-status=live}}
- 24 September – Pat Galvin, South Australian politician (b. 1911)
- 11 November – Vince Gair, 27th Premier of Queensland (b. 1901){{cite news |last=Milson|first=Scott|date=12 November 1980|title=Mr Vincent Gair, turbulent Qld politician dies, aged 78|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-mr-vincent-gai/137165930|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=2|location= |access-date=21 December 2023}}
- 20 November – Sir John McEwen, 18th Prime Minister of Australia and 1st Deputy Prime Minister of Australia (b. 1900){{cite news|last=Fitchett|first=Ian|date=22 November 1980|title=Country Party giant dies - John McEwen: protection was his strength|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-country-party/136939148|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|page=6|location= |access-date=17 December 2023}}
See also
References
{{reflist}}
{{Years in Australia}}
{{Oceania topic|1980 in|countries_only=yes}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:1980 in Australia}}