Court reverses ban on The Platters

Press, 16 July 1986, Page 10

Court reverses ban on The Platters

NZPA-AAP Sydney The American singing group. The Platters, was preparing to leave Europe yesterday, after a court order allowing them to tour Australia.

The group’s sponsor, Peter Conyngham, managing director of South Pacific Entertainment Corporation, said The Platters would leave Monte Carlo for the United States today, and continue on to Australia as planned. Mr Justice Wilcox, in the Federal .Court of Australia on Monday, ordered the Immigration Minister, Mr Chris Hurford, to grant an entry permit for the group within 24 hours.

The Platters were due to begin a. two-week tour of New South Wales, Victoria, and the Australian

Capital Territory on Friday night But earlier this month Mr Hurford denied the group a permit because they did not possess a level of talent of such merit as to lead to the continuing cultural enrichment of the community. None of the group’s five members is an original of The Platters formed in the 19505. Mr Hurford said he would seek a stay of execution on the Court decision and visas would be refused to the five singers until his challenge was determined.

The main object of the appeal would be to challenge the Federal Court’s power and discretion to make orders directing a Minister of the Crown .to make a certain decision.