PM Transcripts

FOR PRESS: PM. No. 76/ 1e67
CCRIO BY-ELECTION RESULT
Comment by the Prime Minister, Mr Harold Holt
Labor has had a good win in Cor'o and Mr Scholes s ent* tled
to his congratulations. No doubt some electors felt they could give the Government
a knock without the risk of changing it, and there were some local factors
contributing to the swing from the Government.
In a by-election, voting usually runs against the ruling party
but 4s a notoriously unreliable barometer to voting at a general election.
This was demonstrated last year when Labor's win in Dawson was followed
by their greatest rout in history at the subsequent general election.
I still believe we offered Corio the best candidate and the best
policies. The majorfty of the voters preferred a local man despite the
uncertainties which persist in regard to future Labor policies and
organisation. Mr Vlhitlam, who literally installed himself in the electorate,
will gain credit from many for the contribut'on from his vigorous
campaigning, just as he will lose credibility with others for the gross
misstatements he so blatantly perpetrated.
Our reverse in Corio will make us determined to regain that
seat at the first opportunity.
CANBERRA, 23rd July, 1967.