JOURNALIST:
Will Native Title be the main focus of your message to voters in
Northern Queensland?
PRIME MINISTER:
There will be a whole range of things particularly the attempts
of the Government to reform the Australian waterfront. What is at
stake here is the need after 70 years of inefficiency and rorts
to reform the Australian waterfront. We want a more efficient waterfront
because that will generate more jobs, generate more exports and
attract more business investment. That is what is at stake, the
outcome of a more efficient waterfront. We've had 70 years
of trying to do it with the inefficiency and I think the public
is fed up with that and they want a new reformed deal on the Australian
waterfront that will generate jobs, generate investment and generate
exports, and that's the message I'll be taking, not only
to the people of North Queensland, but to people all over Australia
because what is at stake is Australia's export and jobs future.
JOURNALIST:
Were you disturbed by those images of women and children on the
front line of the picket in Sydney on the docks?
PRIME MINISTER:
Yes, I was. A picket line is no place for children and I think
the people responsible for the use of those children will be condemned
by Australians all over the country irrespective of their views
on this dispute.
JOURNALIST:
Would it be justified for the New South Wales Government to wind
back police presence on the docks because it's opposed to what
you are trying to do there?
PRIME MINISTER:
No it wouldn't. But police in any part of lawful
No it wouldn't. But police in any part of lawful society are
there to protect lawful activity. And it is the role of the police,
irrespective of the political views of the Government in power,
be it at a Federal or State level, to uphold the law. They are the
civilian authority that upholds the law and any attempt by any State
Government to interfere with that very solemn responsibility of
the police will be condemned by Australians. Thank you.