Post by Skip on May 18, 2004 19:26:21 GMT 10
Jones to host PM's big bash
By Matt Price
May 18, 2004
BROADCASTER Alan Jones was handpicked to host John Howard's lavish 30th anniversary fundraising dinner before the recent controversy involving the appointment of Australian Broadcasting Authority chair David Flint.
Jones will preside over a grand $275-a-head function at Sydney's Hordern Pavilion on Thursday night, where more than 1200 guests are expected to toast the Prime Minister's political longevity.
Organisers told The Australian Jones was booked to host the dinner "long before" last month's row sparked by veteran broadcaster John Laws's claims that Jones had instructed the Prime Minister to reappoint Professor Flint for a second term as ABA chair in 2000.
Mr Howard, who was elected to parliament 30 years ago today, has been notoriously coy about celebrating political milestones, especially during his eight years as Prime Minister.
But, with an election looming, the NSW Liberal Party has persuaded Mr Howard to ditch his usual reticence to help fill the party's coffers.
"We don't have the steady flow of funds from the unions and Centenary House that Labor can rely on," organiser Paul Nicolau said yesterday. "The election campaign remains the focus, but there'll be a part of the event dedicated to recognising the Prime Minister's long service."
Most senior cabinet ministers are expected to attend and Treasurer Peter Costello is scheduled to formally introduce the PM. Entertainment is to include a performance by Kamahl and former Australian Idol contestant Cosima De Vito.
A spokeswoman for John Laws said Jones's fierce rival and critic had not been invited to Mr Howard's dinner, and did not plan attending.
"But there's no hard feelings with the PM," the spokeswoman said. "He was in the building today and popped his head into the studio to say hello to John."
Whether Professor Flint, a devoted admirer of Mr Howard, will attend was unclear.
By Matt Price
May 18, 2004
BROADCASTER Alan Jones was handpicked to host John Howard's lavish 30th anniversary fundraising dinner before the recent controversy involving the appointment of Australian Broadcasting Authority chair David Flint.
Jones will preside over a grand $275-a-head function at Sydney's Hordern Pavilion on Thursday night, where more than 1200 guests are expected to toast the Prime Minister's political longevity.
Organisers told The Australian Jones was booked to host the dinner "long before" last month's row sparked by veteran broadcaster John Laws's claims that Jones had instructed the Prime Minister to reappoint Professor Flint for a second term as ABA chair in 2000.
Mr Howard, who was elected to parliament 30 years ago today, has been notoriously coy about celebrating political milestones, especially during his eight years as Prime Minister.
But, with an election looming, the NSW Liberal Party has persuaded Mr Howard to ditch his usual reticence to help fill the party's coffers.
"We don't have the steady flow of funds from the unions and Centenary House that Labor can rely on," organiser Paul Nicolau said yesterday. "The election campaign remains the focus, but there'll be a part of the event dedicated to recognising the Prime Minister's long service."
Most senior cabinet ministers are expected to attend and Treasurer Peter Costello is scheduled to formally introduce the PM. Entertainment is to include a performance by Kamahl and former Australian Idol contestant Cosima De Vito.
A spokeswoman for John Laws said Jones's fierce rival and critic had not been invited to Mr Howard's dinner, and did not plan attending.
"But there's no hard feelings with the PM," the spokeswoman said. "He was in the building today and popped his head into the studio to say hello to John."
Whether Professor Flint, a devoted admirer of Mr Howard, will attend was unclear.
