Original subtitles

(PULSING DISCO MUSIC)

(LAUGHTER)

Welcome to Sydney.

1983.

It's big and bold and you can get lost here and re-invent yourself.

So every freak is packing their bags and coming to Sydney.

The city of refuge.

Because every freak needs a home.

A culture.

A language.

We're gonna tell you story.

Some of it really happened

and some of it...we made up.

If you want to know the truth, just...

pick up a book.

Everyone's got their own version of truth anyway

and this is ours.

(ALL CHEER, LAUGH)

Whoo-hoo!

(DISCO MUSIC PULSES)

Are we having a good time? (PATRONS CHEER)

Well, of course you are - you're all pissed!

(LAUGHTER)

I'd be pissed too if I wasn't such a professional.

(LAUGHTER)

Because tonight, Bob Hawke is your new Prime Minister!

(CHEERING)

I feel a change coming.

No, not that - I'm keeping it!

(LAUGHTER)

I know you're all sick of being criminals.

Hear, hear! Always looking over your shoulder.

And so am I!

(CHEERING)

It's our time - and there's no turning back!

(CHEERING) (LAUGHS)

(DISCO MUSIC PULSES) (PATRONS CHEER)

To my handsome boyfriend, David, and his swish new job in Canberra!

To David! (CHEERING)

Oh! You didn't have to organise a send-off.

Why not? I'm proud of you.

You're my big man who's going places.

Sure you don't want to move to the world's most dynamic city?

I'm too fabulous for Canberra.

(GLASS FALLS) Whoops!

(LAUGHS) I'm going to miss you, my love.

I will be back every weekend.

I don't think we've spent a day apart in six years.

I'll call you every day! Oh, please!

Come on, people - this is a party!

(CHEERING)

('JUST CAN'T GET ENOUGH' BY DEPECHE MODE PLAYS)

# When I'm with you, baby I go outta my head

# And I just can't get enough

# And I just can't get enough

# All the things you do to me And everything you said

# I just can't get enough

# I just can't get enough

# We slip and slide as we fall in love

# And I just can't seem to get enough... #

Finished! Roger.

Have a good night, you big spunk.

# And I just can't get enough

# Every time I think of you I know we have to meet

# And I just can't get enough

# And I just can't get enough

# It's getting hotter It's a burning love

# And I just can't seem to get enough of

(BOTH LAUGH)

CHORUS: (SINGS) # And when it rains You're shining down for me

# And I just can't get enough

# And I just can't get enough

# Just like the rainbow You know you set me free

# And I just can't get enough

# And I just can't get enough

# You're like an angel and you give me your love

# And I just can't seem to get enough of... #

(LAUGHS) This is the most excited I've ever seen you.

I have the man of my dreams, Labor has won a majority government

and I'm going to Canberra to deliver universal healthcare.

Is this dirty time? We've waited eight long years.

It's sexy.

We're gonna finish what Whitlam started.

Baby, don't stop.

We live in the greatest country in the world!

I'm sorry - Colombia is the greatest country in the world.

Thought you grew up under a fascist dictator.

No - but now I live with one. Ouch!

I am going to have a revolution. Oh, really?

And I will get to choose at the video store.

No. No more Bergman.

But... No more black-and-white.

Only colour. Oh! You've lost me.

And people will sing for no reasons. Sounds like a nightmare.

And the lovers...the lovers will stay together forever.

Oh, now, that...

that doesn't sound so bad.

You know me - I'm all about the love.

Got you this for your first day. Oh!

And how did you know that we were gonna win?

I kept the receipt!

(LAUGHS) You bitch.

(BOTH LAUGH)

MAN: David!

Good morning, Minister.

Good to see you.

Who would have thought meeting in Rhodesia all those years ago

would lead us here?

I was delighted to receive your call. Uh, coffee?

Uh, no, thank you - don't we have a department briefing in 5 minutes?

Something stronger, then.

But seriously, these briefings can be very long

and I get low blood sugar.

Have a scroll - you'll thank me later.

I've been shadow minister for three years - nobody took any notice.

Today, suddenly everyone's either ingratiating or threatening or both.

Not surprising.

We've been refining the new universal healthcare scheme forever.

Now, suddenly, it's showtime.

I, uh...I...appreciate the...

You think you have all the time in the world but you don't, David.

Clock's ticking. It's imperative we deliver Medicare without fault.

I will do whatever I can to support you, Minister.

Good, good - because the Liberal Party, the Nationals

and the Australian Medical Association

will continue to oppose it every step of the way.

The department are our source of knowledge and experience.

I advise you to listen and learn carefully.

I'd finish that now, if I were you.

We've always been everywhere.

Even in places like this.

Hiding in plain sight.

We're so familiar with disguise,

we don't even know we're wearing one.

It's an unspoken contract between us and the world.

But what's a life without a little risk?

I've drawn up an agenda for you all.

Clara, why don't you lead us through it?

Of course.

There's a lot to get through,

so we'll try and keep this as brief as possible.

I want every detail, so I can be confident we have the full picture.

Margaret, do you want to start reading through the agenda items?

Of which there are... 287.

Uh, sorry - 387. 387.

Item number 1 - legislative changes required

for the introduction of Medicare...

Item number 226 - measures to reduce smoking, including excise.

Duty rates raised by 0.3 cents from April 23, 1983.

Item number 267 - GRID.

Item number 268 - status of the Commonwealth State...

Sorry - could you repeat that last one for me?

Status of the Commonwealth... No, the one before that.

GRID. Yes. GRID.

Could you explain that for me, please?

It stands for 'Gay-Related Immune Deficiency'.

What's that? It's some sort of mystery disease.

It seems to have manifested in unusual forms of cancer

in a cluster of male homosexuals in the US.

Are you referring to AIDS?

I don't know.

I think having 'gay' in the title is quite progressive, don't you think?

What do you mean? Well, rather than trying to hide it.

Ah. Well, is this something we should be concerned about?

The Center for Disease Control in the US is keeping us updated.

Well, have we had any cases here in Australia?

No recorded cases outside the US

and we don't anticipate

that this will pose any significant health problem in Australia.

Well, how many have they had, in the US?

Well, between June, 1982 and January, 1983,

there were 329.

That seems like a lot, don't you think?

It's relatively low numbers.

Were they all gay men? Mostly - and Haitians.

Haitians? And intravenous drug users.

What is the connection? They don't know.

Well, do they know what causes it?

Well, we can't be sure but initial studies in the US

have reported, um... common behaviours,

including...

gay men who...

indulge in, um...

What? Uh...

Badminton?

Anal sex, with multiple sexual partners.

Yes, they think it's derived

from certain aspects of the homosexual lifestyle.

What about the Haitians? Are they all gay Haitians?

I would have to go over the data again...

Well, perhaps it's some sort of STD.

We really don't have enough information.

Well, is it a virus?

I can assure you, Minister, that whatever this is,

it is not a virus.

Item number 269 - the prevalence of rickets

in children in rural New South Wales.

You've certainly found your feet.

I apologise for speaking out, Minister.

I thought you were there to listen. It won't happen again.

Anyone would think you were gunning for my job.

I think whatever this disease is, it needs to be investigated further.

Do you?

And frankly, I don't think having 'gay' in the title

is progressive at all.

Really? I think it's misleading.

Clearly, gay men are not the only ones getting this.

What else do you know?

Not too much. I read Time and Newsweek like everyone else.

But I have heard rumours about it in Sydney.

The department doesn't seem to know too much about it either.

But maybe you could keep your ear to the ground in Sydney.

Of course. We have to ask questions.

That's part of the job.

Find out if there's anything to this.

We'll talk Medicare roll-out in half an hour.

WOMAN: Legislative changes to the Health Insurance Act

must be introduced to the Senate in May.

They need to pass by September

for the Health Insurance Commission to sign the lease

of the Medicare offices, which will be operational by February.

That's 11 months away.

Bob and the cabinet want it up and ready as soon as possible.

How many offices? Ah, hundreds.

All across Australia.

This will be preceded by a public education campaign,

detailing the cash-back system in all languages.

And then we have a successive plan to roll out Medicare cards.

We need every eligible Australian to sign up.

How will they do that?

Every permanent resident

will receive an enrolment form in the mail.

And if they don't fill it out?

I hadn't thought of that.

Well, what about a mass-media campaign?

Print, TV ads.

The Prime Minister could be in it.

We see him get the form in the mail,

he fills it out just like anyone else -

Medicare is for everyone, no matter who you are.

Even the Prime Minster.

You know what? That's not such a bad idea.

It's already past 10:00.

I promise not to make a habit of this

but we've made great progress.

Might try and pick up some takeaway before everything shuts.

See you tomorrow. See you then.

Messages. Thanks.

(EXITS)

Could you find me the number for the health department in the White House?

You want to talk to them now?

Thank you for speaking with me. I know it's early over there.

MAN: (U.S. ACCENT) I've been at my desk for hours.

What can I do for you?

Uh, I was hoping you could update me

with any developments concerning AIDS.

I see.

Uh, I have a report from the CDC from June last year,

showing more than 300 cases.

Do you know the current case numbers?

Not off the top of my head.

Well, even with 300, I'm sure you're concerned

and I wanted to know what the White House thought...

There's been no personal experience here at the White House.

I wasn't suggesting that...

This is something that affects homosexuals, right?

Mostly but it also...

Well, we don't know too much about it.

(CLEARS THROAT) Do you know how it's transmitted?

No. Is it a virus?

I'm not a doctor.

I understand that but surely you have doctors advising you.

Of course we do.

Are you aware that most cases have been fatal?

I'm not across the numbers.

262 dead,

that we know of.

Are you a Christian, David?

No.

Well, we're a Christian nation

and we believe in God's will.

God's will?

Yes, God's will.

You might want to think about that. (HANGS UP CALL)

(COCKATOO CHATTERS)

(TYPEWRITER KEYS CLICK)

The Daily Telegraph are running a story. Do you want to comment?

HEALTH MINISTER: About?

There are some doctors who are concerned

Medicare will cause a decline in admissions to study medicine

and there'll be a shortage of trained GPs.

And I thought people went into medicine to save lives.

This is just fearmongering. All the GPs support it.

Tell them I understand their fears

but under the scheme, doctors will be remunerated in due course.

Are you sure? What's wrong with that?

Uh, sounds like we're pandering.

We're just telling the truth.

Once you start attacking people for political ends,

it just goes on forever.

We need to stay the course.

We can tell lies for political purposes or we can tell the truth.

Speaking of, the Premier of Queensland, Mr Bjelke-Petersen,

has warned, "Medicare will spark a socialist revolution

"that will sweep Australia."

Even Joh deserves the best possible medical care

at the least possible price.

You can quote me on that. Anything else?

Uh, a journalist called and asked about AIDS.

Said they'd seen the reports from the US

and wanted to know what we thought.

Have you heard anything new? Nothing useful.

Well, just tell them what our people told us.

We're following reports and keeping updated as they come to hand.

Alright. Come on. Let's go. Wait, wait, wait.

What? Tim! Wait, wait!

This is Larry Kramer in America.

"If this article doesn't scare the shit out of you,

"we're in real trouble.

"Our continued existence as gay men upon the face of this earth

"is at stake.

"If we don't fight for our lives, we shall die."

Alright. That's full-on. Yeah.

"The rise in case numbers is terrifying.

"Whatever is spreading, it is now spreading faster

"as more and more people come down with AIDS."

You believe it?

I don't know. Sounds pretty scary.

Oh, it sounds like a beat-up.

What if it's a beat-up? What if it's not?

Come on - a gay cancer?

I didn't know cancer had a sexual preference.

If you have a headache, do you take a gay Panadol?

Hmm.

The pink ones that taste like shame or the red ones that take you to Oz?

I'd like a red one, please. Ooh!

(BOTH SING 'WE'RE OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD' MELODY)

(CROWD CHANTS NEARBY) Ooh, shit - we're on. We're on!

(CROWD CONTINUES CHANTING)

The abominable crime of buggery

carries a maximum sentence of 14 years in New South Wales.

If you want to skip jail time,

the cops are not above taking bribes.

But when you're a criminal, people feel they can beat you up,

sack you and kick you out on your arse.

And there's nothing in the law to protect you,

so if you want to change the world, you have to change the law.

Good morning, Constable. Not you again!

Oh, I'm just doing my civic duty, sir.

I've brought you 20 hardened criminals.

My name is Tim and I have collected signed statutory declarations

from each of these men,

outlining the sexual activities they have engaged in, with men,

over the last two years.

We demand that we be arrested

and we're prepared to face the maximum penalty.

Move your van and piss off!

But Tim here has slept with hundreds of men.

Guilty! Go on!

Arrest these perverts!

Aren't you supposed to keep the streets safe?

I'm a menace. Look at me! I won't ask you again.

Does this mean you think it shouldn't be a crime?

No comment.

Would you support a bill for decriminalisation?

Piss off! (CROWD CONTINUES CHANTING)

Alright, Constable. Let's wrap it up!

Love is love!

CROWD: Love is love! Love is love!

Love is love! Love is love!

(FAX MACHINE WHIRRS)

Come on, come on!

Come on!

You might want to take a look at this, Minister.

It's the latest report from the CDC in the US about the spread of AIDS.

The numbers have tripled in six months.

They have almost 1,200 cases of AIDS.

And 418 dead.

They must be concerned.

I spoke to an adviser at the White House,

who told me point-blank it was the will of God.

The will of God - did they really say that?

Whatever the doctors are telling them,

they're choosing not to believe it.

What are you suggesting?

Maybe they're not doing anything

because it's killing people they don't care about.

It seems like they're determined to politicise AIDS,

which makes no sense.

How can a disease affect a social or political group?

Besides, sex is not all that gay men do.

Maybe it's environmental.

Exactly.

Gay men frequent the same places -

cafes, restaurants, crowded dance floors.

What if it's in the air-conditioning?

Well, they're not all going to the one place, though.

I mean, aren't the reports from multiple cities?

Maybe they're getting it from somewhere

and giving it to each other.

How? I don't know.

Uh, skin-to-skin contact, coughing, kissing?

What if this is airborne, like influenza?

Well, you think it could be a bacteria or a virus?

I mean, the department doesn't think it's a virus.

I know.

But lots of gay men from Sydney go in and out of the US every day.

But we have no cases.

Not yet.

The last thing we need is some infectious disease running rampant.

I want every medical journal article, every report from the CDC,

every gay press clipping -

I want to know every theory and hypothesis.

Absolutely.

Uh, I'll get out just up ahead, thank you.

And perhaps you could chat to some unofficial sources

while you're here.

Find out what you can.

(CHATTER, LAUGHTER, MUSIC PUMPING)

See you Monday.

Mmm, yes. There you go.

You should have invited him for a drink.

At a gay bar?

Would have been the end of his career in Canberra. And mine.

Just a thought.

Hmm. Mmm.

Did you miss me?

I cried every day, for hours,

like a puppy waiting for you to come home.

You did not! It's true!

I don't believe you.

I didn't think it was gonna be this hard.

I know.

The usual, darls.

Get a room!

Oh, we'll try and keep it above the waist.

David! Just back from a funeral?

Uh, quiet after-work drink.

I'm not joking when I tell you this -

you look like my grandmother's arsehole.

Thanks, Patty. Show some respect!

He's a government official now. I heard!

So what brave, new world awaits us?

What bills have you passed?

I'm an adviser.

I don't pass anything but my informed, unbiased opinion.

That's refreshing, I suppose,

but I was hoping for something a little more revolutionary.

I'm sorry. I'm just a pen-pusher.

Don't worry about me. I'm just frustrated.

Whenever I see two guys in love,

I just want to scratch their eyes out.

I didn't know you were such a romantic!

I want what you have.

It could happen any time.

Don't lie to my face, darls.

We fell in love the first time we met.

I was in a club in Colombia

and I could feel him checking me out.

Can you blame me? He came over, covered in sweat.

It was a hot night. It was embarrassing!

People were staring! No, they weren't.

And I took his hand

and I dragged him to the dance floor.

We danced the whole night.

Mmm. From that moment, I was hooked.

It was love.

Never been so sure of anything in my life.

It's like we've known each other for a hundred lifetimes.

I don't know which one of you I hate more right now.

I hardly knew him and I told my family

I was following this Australian man across the world.

They said, "Go on. Be happy."

And I am.

You want love? You grab it.

Get fucked.

Oh!

Maybe we should get a dog. (SIGHS) Dogs are for old couples.

We have been together six years. Mmm.

We should get married.

(LAUGHS) What?

I don't know. Talking to Patty tonight.

Feels like everyone wants what we have.

Right? We should celebrate it.

We're as good as married

and I'm telling you now, that's never gonna happen.

Look, I know it wouldn't be for real.

Mmm.

But I also know I want to spend the rest of my life with you.

It'll be for us and our friends.

We'll throw a big party. Mmm.

It'll be fun!

Wait - are you serious?

Maybe.

No, don't panic. It's just an idea.

Hmm.

I know you just got this new job but...

it'll calm down.

Any of the guys from the restaurant mention anything about AIDS?

We're too busy

cooking a hundred dishes of apricot chicken every night.

So no-one's mentioned anything?

About this thing in America? Yeah.

It's getting worse.

I heard it's only happening to guys that sleep around a lot.

I don't know.

Nobody does yet.

Well...

..until you do,

I'll hold off booking our honeymoon to New York.

Mmm.

I'd be happy just to sleep for a week.

Hmm, you are not sleeping tonight.

(SNORES LOUDLY)

Wake up.

Wake up!

('COMPUTER GAMES' BY MI-SEX PLAYS)

# ..pu-pu-puter games

# Compu-pu-pu-pu-pu-pyah! Pu-pyah! Pu-pyah! Pu-pyah! Pu

# Computer games

(SHOUTING ECHOES)

(MAN SHOUTS INDISTINCTLY)

(YELLING VOICES ECHO)

(GLASS SHATTERS)

You pull another stunt like that outside the station

and you'll be next, you filthy fuckin' dyke!

(GASPS)

(SHOUTING ECHOES)

You can touch my bits but don't touch my fucking hair!

(CAMERA SHUTTERS CLICK)

(DOOR OPENS) Gutless pricks!

We should all storm the station and burn it down.

What happened? The cops raided Patchs.

Are you serious? They arrested five guys.

It was a pissed-off constable going rogue to prove a point.

Jesus! What happened to your head? Those bastards!

They know decriminalisation will happen

and they hate that they won't be able to intimidate us!

Stay...still. They're not protecting anyone!

They just want to keep us down. Who's this?

It's Liam. He's gonna stay with us.

Just for a few days, till I find a place.

Another stray?

Can we keep him? He could be a psycho.

Are you a psycho?

Uh... He paused!

If you are dealing, you can just walk straight back out there.

Dealing? Don't play dumb with me.

I've seen and heard everything. She teaches Year 10 physics.

I'm not. Sorry. I promise - I'm just...I'm between places.

How old are you? 21.

You got a job? I'm...an artist.

Oh, god.

But I work at Patchs part-time.

You can have the couch. I'll get you a blanket.

She's way more hard-arse than you!

(CHUCKLES) I heard that!

Down here.

Is she asleep? Yep.

You must have been scared.

Deb took good care of me. She's good like that.

Now...can you cook?

I make a mean punch.

That is not food. Do you smoke?

I'm asthmatic. Mmm. Do you know how to use a broom?

Dust is not so good, because I'm...

Asthmatic.

But I can birth a lamb and milk a cow and put up a wire fence.

I would not have pegged you for a farm boy.

Wouldn't have pegged you for a lesbian.

Oh! Point taken.

Never judge people by appearances. Fold these.

Do your family know where you are?

Uh...they know.

Yeah. But they're...not exactly sending out a search party.

Speaking of - no parties, no sex on the couch, or in our bed.

But the kitchen's OK?

Joking. Joking. Ooh.

Just buy some milk every now and then

and don't tell Deb that we have had this conversation.

Mmm.

My friends call me 'Mish', by the way.

OK, Mish.

(PHONE RINGS)

David Westford?

I was not expecting to see you here.

But I suppose a lot of kinky stuff goes down in Canberra.

(PUFFS) Pants down.

I'm not here for a check-up.

I'm actually here on official business.

Am I in trouble?

I only fondle lumpy balls because it's part of my job.

Paul, I'm serious.

I'm here to find out any information that you might have about AIDS.

Don't you have a whole department that handles that?

They're, uh...they're tracking it in the US,

waiting to see if it'll come here.

They're a little late.

Doctors diagnosed the first case at St Vincent's a few months ago.

Who was it?

Gay landscape gardener from New York who'd been here for a month

and then checked himself into hospital.

It hasn't been officially reported

but you know how fast gossip can spread on Oxford Street.

What was wrong with him? Pneumonia.

Doesn't sound so unusual.

Healthy 27-year-old men don't catch pneumonia.

His immune system was shot.

Something has made him susceptible to infection.

What happened to him?

Hospital let him go.

What? Why? Well, they can't detain him.

He got better, supposedly.

Well...did he go back to New York?

I don't know.

Could he have given it to someone else?

Maybe.

But nobody knows anything much at all.

Guys are coming in here, terrified.

They read stuff in the gay papers but I know just as much as they do

and by the time reports from the US get here,

there's a new theory - promiscuity, poppers, back rooms, saunas,

rimming, fisting, anal,

urine, semen, shit, saliva, sweat,

drugs, immune overload from constant bouts of STIs -

take your pick.

Which one is it? It could be one of them.

It could be all of them.

All I can tell you is what you already know.

Something is killing gay men

and until we do our own research,

we won't know what it is.

Could you start gathering information?

Well, I'll do what I can but I don't have a lab - I'm a clap doctor!

I take blood, I prescribe antibiotics,

I give counsel - that's what I do.

What are you and your department doing about it?

This New York gardener averaged six sexual contacts per month,

that he can remember.

The doctors have traced them and told them all to monitor for symptoms.

Are they sick? I don't know.

But there's been no other recorded cases?

Correct.

We'd have to assume, if there's one case, there's more.

If the theories are correct, then this is transmitted sexually,

not spread through kissing and coughing.

Mmm. Then we have a problem.

The US government are sitting on their hands

and the numbers are going crazy.

It's clear we can't rely on them for answers.

But we have to act quickly -

we can't allow this to be hijacked for political purposes.

Agreed.

But we're not gonna get anywhere on theories.

We need scientific research and facts, not hearsay.

We're putting together a designated task force

of doctors and researchers

to advise us.

I want the department to be across all the research and findings.

Advise you on what? AIDS.

I assumed the department would continue to keep an eye on it.

Well, I'm convinced we need an independent body to do that.

This poses a serious health threat and we need expert opinion.

But this is a matter for the state health departments.

Look, if cases appear and people get sick,

they go to hospitals, which we don't run.

But we help fund.

It's better if we remain interested observers

and whatever happens, the state deals with it.

I'm the Federal Health Minister.

This department has to take responsibility

for the health of all Australians -

that's the brief.

Should we really be encouraging these particular lifestyle choices?

What do you mean?

People who willingly engage in dangerous criminal activity!

But not all states criminalise gay sex.

Voters don't appreciate

their tax dollars being spent on those intent on self-destruction.

Some of them pay taxes before they self-destruct.

But it's their choice.

Now...

I'm sure there are a lot of gay men and drug-users that are good people

but trust me - no amount of research or advice

is going to stop them.

This is not a request.

I'm trying to protect you, Minister.

CHORUS: A few months have gone by since Australia's first AIDS case

and now we have a National AIDS Task Force

set up by the government.

Fabulous, right?

But no-one's heard from them.

They're used to working in labs, not with people.

There's been three more cases in Sydney.

Not exactly plague proportions -

but people are starting to talk.

TIM: Now, they're just a few guys

and they've only just started to get organised

but they're connected

and the gays listen to them.

And - one of them is just my type!

(SOFTLY) Ooh, that's him.

Mark, this is Tim. He organised the protests at the police station.

Enchante!

And this is Deb. She's the real organiser.

Lesbian and serial interferer.

Tim tells me you're putting together a public meeting about AIDS.

We want to arm ourselves with non-alarmist information,

otherwise the media and the government

will pin this solely on us, no question.

The mayor in San Francisco has already shut the bath-houses

and they're proposing quarantining gay men.

Oh, I hope it's somewhere tropical.

We have to worry about certain high-profile members of the clergy,

who love getting their face on television.

Who, Fred Nile? What has he done now?

Telegrammed the New South Wales Health Department,

asking what they're doing about, "the gay plague,"

and demanding they close all gay bars

and remove all homosexual teachers from classrooms.

For fuck's sake!

They'll use this to wind back every right we fought for,

for 10 years.

But...if we can find out what the doctors know

and become the experts,

we might have a fighting chance.

So, who have you got coming?

Well, doctors from St Vincent's, immunologists, researchers.

But get this -

some of the interstate doctors who said they can't be here -

they've been told there's no money for flights.

Bullshit. I don't blame them.

I'd be scared to be in a room full of queens.

How are we meant to know what this thing is

if they can't even meet with us?

Empty your pockets.

Come on!

Alright.

Thank you. Thank you.

47.

Danny!

How much do youse need?

(PULSING DISCO MUSIC PLAYS)

(GLASS BOTTLES CLINK)

I thought you had left.

I'm waiting for a date.

Oh, don't look so shocked! When this habit's off, I'm a wildcat, alright?

Why do you wear it?

Well, when you're a nun with a beard,

people pay attention.

I can point out big, fat liars

and make people laugh all at the same time.

People listen to angels too, you know.

Oh, I don't have anything to say.

You will.

I...I think I will leave the protests up to you.

Uh...I want to retire soon.

Is everything about to go to shit?

Maybe.

What do I have to contribute?

Work it out.

I got arrested for your right to wear those wings.

Lost my job,

had my name printed in the paper,

kicked out of my flat...

I just...I came to Sydney to have fun.

And I want a night with Richard Gere!

But when people start making decisions FOR you...

..and about you...

..it'll be too late for fun.

I'm not wearing a habit.

Oh, I would never ask anyone to give up their wings!

Now, if you don't mind...

This one's for my date.

See you later.

Where's the minister?

He's in a meeting.

You'll do.

Files pertaining to the first five years of subsidised health care.

Second five years.

What are you doing?

I have been with this department since Whitlam came to power in '72.

I am the walking repository of knowledge on Medicare.

I'm aware that you...

And suddenly,

I've been re-deployed to another department.

The minister can keep the files.

But my expertise goes with me.

I'll be sure to tell him that.

I'm keeping the trolley.

(FOOD SIZZLES)

It's my department.

Is that what you told the Prime Minister?

We have to act quickly and I need people who are nimble-minded.

Can't argue with that. Oh, he did.

"It's a crucial time," he said,

"and losing some corporate knowledge will slow the Medicare roll-out."

We're making great progress. Exactly.

The pressure's on now.

We may have to give up some more of our weekends.

Absolutely. I will be out of the office tomorrow. I'll be in Sydney.

What's happening there?

Uh, there's a public meeting about AIDS.

Some of our task force members have been invited to speak.

The task force is taking a broad approach to research.

It's actually been organised by some of the gay activist groups.

They're concerned enough to make the first move.

MAN: It has been a very steep learning curve

for all of us, though.

There is certainly no question we're dealing with a viral agent

that attacks and weakens the immune system.

How, exactly, is unknown

but there are factors of the homosexual lifestyle...

(ANGRY MUTTERING)

..which we think may contribute to being high-risk.

Mitchell Chalmers, one of the doctors on the task force.

Rectal intercourse,

with multiple partners.

Inhaling amyl nitrate.

MAN: Oh, come on! Ingesting semen.

You've gotta be kidding me!

Therefore, we have strong reason to believe

the virus is transmitted sexually.

What about I-V drug users? AUDIENCE: Yeah!

Aren't they getting this too?

I believe there are cases.

Well, then how is it ONLY transmitted sexually?

Our advice for the time being

is don't get involved with Americans...

(MOCKING LAUGHTER)

..moderate your behaviour and limit your number of sexual partners.

How many is 'limiting'?

None, preferably. MAN: What?

None?!

You can't be serious! No sex!

Sex is the only time I don't have to hide who I am

and it's about connection.

That's what I'm looking for.

That's what all of you are looking for, isn't it?

(AUDIENCE MEMBERS ASSENT)

If I give it up, how am I supposed to find connection?

I've already had to give up my family and friends to be gay.

Don't ask me to give up this too.

MAN: Yes! (APPLAUSE)

Until we know conclusively,

abstinence is the safest option available.

(ANGRY MUTTERING)

We also strongly suggest cancelling the upcoming Mardi Gras.

(AUDIENCE MEMBERS PROTEST)

You cannot do that. You cannot do that.

It is wise to avoid certain high-risk activities

until we know what we're dealing with.

It's a public health and safety concern.

How is it a public safety concern?

We're marching down Oxford Street!

The worst thing that could happen is we'll sprain our ankle in heels!

(APPLAUSE)

The only way to know for sure how this is transmitted

is to investigate the link

between behaviour and the onset of immune deficiency.

Dr Grace Maitland, an immunologist from St Vincent's.

Loves a shoulder pad.

We're looking for volunteers for a research trial at St Vincent's.

Here we go.

We'll be distributing a questionnaire,

asking you to reveal, confidentially...

Oh, god. Confidentially!

..your sexual and recreational practices...

Yeah. OK. Sure.

..and...and we'll also be taking blood samples

to test for immune suppression.

How could this possibly be confidential?

It won't require you to submit your name.

We could be charged for admitting to having sex with other men.

WOMAN: Yeah! (APPLAUSE)

I don't know about everyone else but I am not too thrilled

about spending four years in Long Bay Jail!

(APPLAUSE)

You can see our dilemma, can't you, Doctor?

Yes.

TIM: Would you put your name

behind a push to repeal sodomy laws in New South Wales?

(APPROVING MURMURS)

We need your cooperation if we're to find any answers.

And we need yours.

(APPLAUSE)

Please, you are just going to have to trust us...

(CYNICAL LAUGHTER) Oh, my god.

How can they?

Shock therapy, lobotomies - you don't have a great track record!

If you're gonna fill out a questionnaire

and submit to further testing,

make sure you understand what it means -

it means surveillance and control.

And with only four recorded cases, I can't see how that's necessary.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) Right?

PAUL: Calm down, everyone. Please, please, just calm down.

I know a lot of you are scared.

So am I - but there is not a man in this room

who has not done half the things that they say are high-risk.

I am prepared to do the testing in my clinic

and I will burn all of the records if I have to, OK?

I just think this is...

(SCATTERED APPLAUSE) Thank you.

I just think this is our best chance that we have of survival.

We don't have the luxury of time.

DR CHALMERS: He's right.

There are men in America who have walked into clinics

and two weeks later, they're dead.

AUDIENCE MEMBERS: Two weeks? PAUL: Yes, two weeks!

DR CHALMERS: If our calculations are correct,

then 10% of the men in this room tonight

may already be infected.

You could be giving it to each other without even knowing.

How do you know if you might have AIDS?

You might already be infected but not show any symptoms.

But most...most likely, at first,

you would develop mild infection, similar to a common cold.

(ANXIOUS MURMURING) Fever, muscle aches, night sweats.

Is there any cure?

No. We can only treat the infection.

(ANGRY MUTTERING) Oh, my god.

So what are we doing here?

Your only solution is telling us to live like monks.

It's better than being a nun.

Oh, that was low. OK, I'm a pro-sex nun. Just ask your boyfriend.

(LAUGHTER)

10% of us could have this thing without knowing.

Maybe we should stop fucking our brains out for a while!

What does it matter what we do

if we're already infected and probably going to die?

And they're saying there's no cure!

They're trying to help us!

By telling us how to live our lives!

(ANGRY ASSENT, APPLAUSE)

Wouldn't you stop having sex if it could save your life?

Is the government paying you to say that?

(APPLAUSE)

We know what's really going on here.

We're trying to get gay sex decriminalised

and they hit us with this!

Right! (APPLAUSE)

It's no conspiracy - it's real!

# Shout, shout

# Let it all out... #

Why go back 10 years? 10 years?

We could all be dead in 10 days!

# Come on... #

PAUL: We'll never get anywhere by attacking each other.

# I'm talking to you Come on... #

TIM: We need to organise!

OK. Who made you our leader?

# Shout, shout

# Let it all out

# These are the things I can do without

# Come on

# I'm talking to you

# Come on

# In violent times

# You shouldn't have to sell your soul

# As cold as ice

# I hope we live to tell the tale

# I hope we live to tell the tale Shout, shout

# Let it all out

# Let it all out

# These are the things # Let it all out

# I can do without # Let it all out

# Come on

# I'm talking to you

# Come on

# Come on

# I'm talking to you

# Come on. #

(ANGRY SHOUTING CONTINUES)

Captions by Red Bee Media

DAVID: They tested 500 men.

40% of them were found to be immunosuppressed.

And the death rate? Rising.

MICHELLE: You're sick, aren't you? That obvious?

This is way out of our league. It's a big responsibility.

DAVID: The gay community are not waiting around to be told what to do.

They're getting on with it.

I saw you at Town Hall! Are you the ones handing out condoms?

They're trying to make sex safer.

Before you stick your manhood in a manhole, just remember to...

Whoo!

..cloak the bishop.

I think this is the message we should be promoting.

Well, that's, um...radical, to say the least.

Just help us do what we're doing.

We need to move so much faster.

Copyright Australian Broadcasting Corporation