Regret the Error

IN a recent article by Gold Coast Bulletin journalist, Kathleen Donaghey (Banned on the run - Kiwis canned, May 10, 2008), The Gold Coast Bulletin reported as fact a number of allegations concerning the Musicians Union of Australia and the extent to which the Musicians Union of Australia was alleged to have interfered to cancel a performance by rock musician Kevin Borich at the Southport RSL with three other Kiwi acts, including Larry Morris, rock revivalist Tom Sharplin and reggae band The Herbs.
The attack made upon the Musicians Union of Australia was emotive and inflammatory. Mr Borich was reported as describing the alleged conduct of the Musicians Union of Australia as ‘absolutely disgusting’ as well as noting that ‘thanks to the Australian Musicians Union the ANZAC spirit is a myth’. Promoter Morris Mersky had `no idea why the union had to get involved’ and ‘it’s just pure bloody nastiness to bugger me around’.
The article concluded with reports of retaliation against the Musicians Union of Australia and noted that Aussie guitarist Phil Manning has left the union and called for a boycott.
The Gold Coast Bulletin acknowledges that none of the allegations reported by it as conduct of the Musicians Union of Australia were true. Contrary to what the above people understood, the Musicians Union of Australia was never consulted by anyone about the Southport RSL gig. It did not interfere or seek to interfere with any planned performance. It did not demand that an Australian act be part of the show. It did not refuse to endorse a work visa for Mr Larry Morris nor was it asked to do so at any time.
Morris Mersky and Larry Morris both now accept that their reported attack upon the Musicians Union of Australia was without foundation and have expressed deepest regret and apology to the union for their comments…
At the time of its report, The Gold Coast Bulletin believed that the allegations made against the Musicians Union of Australia were true and had attempted to check the information with the union.
The Gold Coast Bulletin now unconditionally accepts that its report was factually inaccurate and apologises unreservedly to the Musicians Union of Australia, its staff and Mr Terry Noone.