disputed New South Wales south-eastern forests, to the dismay of environmentalists. 27 October – A general election is held in the Northern Territory. The Country Liberal Party government of Marshall Perron is returned to power. 29 October – Prime Minister Bob Hawke makes an announcement promising the States more access to Government revenue. 30 October – A special Premiers' Conference is held in Brisbane. State Premiers agree with the Commonwealth to streamline transport rules under an historic agreement providing for national registration and licensing. November 1 November – The Australian domestic aviation market is deregulated. 12 November – Prime Minister Bob Hawke announces that the risk of war in the Persian Gulf had increased as two more Australian guided missile vessels left for the Gulf. 14 November – Former Queensland Health Minister Leisha Harvey is sentenced to twelve months in gaol after being found guilty of thirteen counts of misappropriating public money. 16 November – Prime Minister Bob Hawke and Queensland Premier Wayne Goss announce that the Federal and State Governments will provide $11 million to manage the 621,566 hectares of rainforest between Townsville and Cooktown. 21 November – The Queensland state caucus amends the Criminal Code and the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 1978–1989 to decriminalise consensual sexual activity between adult males in private. 29 November – Federal Treasurer Paul Keating announces that Australia is experiencing an economic recession. December 7 December – Paul Keating remarks at a Press Gallery dinner that Australia has never had a strong leader. He is forced to make a public apology to Prime Minister Bob Hawke on 10 December. 11 December – Media company Fairfax is placed in receivership. 12 December – Prime Minister Bob Hawke publicly states that skilled journalists are more important than diverse media ownership to the media's crucial democratic role. Arts and literature Tom Flood's novel Oceana Fine wins the Miles Franklin Award Film 20 September – The Big Steal is released. Directed by Nadia Tass, the film will go on to be nominated for nine AFI awards, of which it will win three. Blood Oath Television July – Kerry Packer purchases back control of the Nine Network for A$250 million from Alan Bond, who purchased it from him for $1 billion in 1987. 14 September – Westpac puts Network Ten into receivership. 27 December – WIN Television purchases Star Television just three days before Queensland is due to