Qld: Premier Pete aims to change the face of fashion

AAP General News (Australia)
08-24-2001
Qld: Premier Pete aims to change the face of fashion

By Barbara Adam

BRISBANE, Aug 24 AAP - While admitting he's never been much of a trendsetter, Queensland
Premier Peter Beattie today began a push to have the humble hat included in the Queensland
corporate wardrobe.

Since having a second round of skin cancer surgery this week, Mr Beattie has attended
most of his public functions with a hat clamped on his head and sunglasses on his face.

At the outdoor launch of three new Ronald McDonald Houses, Mr Beattie was the only
be-suited guest wearing a hat.

Afterwards, the fair-skinned premier announced he was on a mission to make hats a part
of every Queenslander's uniform.

It's the second time Mr Beattie has set out to change the face of Queensland fashion.

Last September, Mr Beattie began a drive to get rid of neckties.

"I think ties should become an illegal item ... they're an impediment to sound, healthy
living," Mr Beattie told a tourism breakfast.

Since then, Mr Beattie has made a point of having one, no-tie day a week.

And now he's at it again.

"I'm not exactly described as a trendy figure, but I'm going to work on it," he said.

"I just think everybody's got to wear a hat when they're outside.

"It is a means of fighting skin cancer."

Mr Beattie said he'd religiously worn a hat outside since the extent of his skin cancer
became clear.

So far he's had two operations to remove basal cell carcinomas from near his left eye
and regularly has other sunspots burnt off his face.

Mr Beattie grew up in far north Queensland, where he played cricket, football and hockey
- without a hat.

These days he takes every chance he can to promote the slip-slop-slap campaign.

"I think in a climate in Queensland you're mad not to have a hat," he said.

"With a head like mine you can't do much with it, but a hat helps - it hides some of it.

"I just can't afford to keep getting burnt."

AAP bja/jhm/cd

KEYWORD: BEATTIE (WITH AUDIO)

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