PM Transcripts

FOR PRESS: P. M. No. 1-33/ 1968
NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO THE NATION
From the Prime Minister, Mr. JohnGorton
This is the first time I have had the privilege, as Prime
Minister# of wishing you all a happy, prosperous and successful New.
Year. This the last year of the sixties can be all these things for us,
but at the same time, it will be a " crossroads" year for Australia.
Our environment, our resources, out~ high standards of
living and our many other advantages can give us the good things of life;
but 1969 will confront us with many changes and many challenges on the
international scene! What will be the outcome of the Paris talks on
Vietnam what will be the United States' attitude to Asia and the Pacific
under its new Admir. stration. what is to be the basis for defence and
stability in our part of the world after Britain completes her withdrawal?
Tjhese are imponderables that face us in 1969. You can
rest assured that your Government will be making policies and deciding
priorities based on an honest assessment of what we believe is best for
Australia. At home we must press on with the urgent task of national
development so that we grow stronger and more self-reliant as each month
goes by. We must continue to people our continant, to save and invest
our money and attract the capital we still need to finance our growth.
We must continue to diversify our industries and increase
our exports. We must nourish our world markets of long standing and
develop new ones, particularly in South East Asia where the future holds
a bright promise for the emerging nations and for Australia.
We must carry on the work we began last year of giving
increased help to the aged and the chronically ill and those citizens who
are still in need so that 1969 will hold better things for them and bring a
new dignity to their lives.
We have done reasonably well in the year past, but let us
not be satisfied. There is much to do and I am heartened by the fact
that we tackle the future with a burgeoning belief in our nationalism and a
growing faith in ourselves as Australians.
A Happy New Year to you all. I will be doing my best to see
that it is.
CANBERRA 31 December 1968