PM Transcripts

FOR PRESS: PnM No. 125 ' 19' 10
NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO THE NATION
From the Prime Minister, Mr. John Gorton
New Year's Day is a fitting time to take stock to note what Australia
has achieved; and to consider what improvements and new achievements are re eded.
We have finished the old year greater in numbers and with more material
development than ever before. Most of us enjoy a standard of living and a way of
life that few other countries in the world can equal. But many improvements are
needed. Australians engaged in many rural industries are in economic straits
due to no fault or dereliction of their own. Helping to solve this national problem
must be our great task in the New Year.
We are threatened, too, with the risk of money inflation illusory increaseo
in money wages which will buy no more unless more is produced to buy an inflation
which in the long run benefits no one and hurts everyone in the Nation. Combating
this will be another great task in the New Year.
If we all think in terms of producing more during each hour worked so that
there will be more to divide between the worker, the einployer, the old, and the
nation's demand for improved social action and further development of all kinds
then the New Year can see us beating inflation and improving real living standards.
We must push ahead with the task of further developing our natural
resources with the highest possible degree of Australian ownership. We must encourage
the growing public interest in the preservation of our environment. We must continue
to attack poverty wherever it is found and it is not found only among some of those
who draw pensions. We must continue to encourage self-expression and creative activity
in the arts. We must continue to help our less fortunate neighbours. I believe
these are the goals the nation should strive tw wards in the New Year.
There will be discussion, and divided opinion on how best to move towards
this achievement. I hope that such discussion will be rational, restrained and
productive and that whatever the conflicting views on how to attain our goals there
will be little division in the Nation as to the proper goals for which we should strive.
If we can do this, then I believe the New Year will see our further advance
as a nation and will prove to be that what I wish you all
A Happy New Year.
CA NBERRA
31 December 1970