PM Transcripts

FOR PRESS: PM. Nd 33/ 1972.
AUSTRALIAN ENVIRONMIENT COUNCIL MEETING
Statement by the Prime Minister, The Rt Hon. William
McMahon, C. H. M. P.
The Prime Minister said today he welcomed the first formal
meeting of the Australian Environment Council as evidence of a
co-ordinated nationwide approach to the problems of improving and
protecting the environment and the management of pollution throughout
Australia. The Council, which comrrises Commonwealth and State
ministers resonsible for environmental matters, meets in Sydney
tomorrow. Mr. McMahon 3aid that Commonwealth/ State co-operation was
essential to the effective solution of problems associated with the
environment. The Commonwealth wanted to facilitate co-operation and
ensure a common approach which was essential to effective control and
protection measures. He said the Commonwealth had now decided to establish its
own Commonwealth Advisory Committee on the Environment. A~ full
statement covering the function and persohnel of this new advisory
body would soon be made by the Minister for The Environment, Aborigines
and The Arts, Mr. Howson.
The Prime Minister said a major share of the responsibility
for the environment within State boundaries lay with State and local
governments and there were already encouraging signs of success.
The States were already showing their concern and their
capability through the establishment of new ministries and authorities
and the implementing of stronger control measures.
Mr. McMahon also emphasised that Government activities
needed to be supplemented by the work of private organisations and
companies if anti-pollution and environmental protection efforts were
to succeed.
CANBERRA, 6 April, 1972.