John Ifield

The Battle for Australia John Ifield

Born in the Middle East, Gregorian's desire for acceptance in Australia is thwarted by the old boys' network, epitomised by John Sinclair. Determined to succeed, Gregorian is bribed into undertaking a political career backed by a terrorist organisation. Australia is seen as a soft target for take-over by this organisastion. Initial acts of destabilisation occur in Sydney and Melbourne, leaving the authorities jittery. Finally, Parliament House is stormed; all Parliamentarians are taken hostage and imprisoned; they will be killed if any rescue is mounted. Gregorian becomes Prime Minister. The new government is able to control the south-east corner of the continent and becomes accepted through its nationalisation of the banks and the abolition of income tax. A rescue attempt led by John Sinclair fails and Sinclair's wife, formerly Gregorian's lover, is taken hostage. A second rescue attempt led by Sinclair is mounted under the direction of a foreign power but all the hostages are slaughtered.