FOR PRESS
STATEMENT BY MR. E, G. WILITLAM, Q. C.
I am informed by the Chief Electoral Officer, Mr. Ley,
that it may well be the end of next week, i. e. Friday,
December, before the counting can be completed in certain
electorates where the voting is close. In the light of this,
it would not seem possible or proper for the Federal
Parliamentary Labor Party to mee-before Monday, 18 December.
There are certain things which I believe must be put
in hand by the incoming government before then.
One example is action on abolishing conscription.
Another is the reference to the Tariff Board covering
colour television. A third is an application to the Commonwealth
Conciliation and Arbitration Commission to reopen the Equal Pay
Case so that the new government can support the claim.
There are also several matters in foreign affairs,
including votes in the United Nations General Assembly.
Each of these is urgent. There are other examples.
Accordingly, consideration has been given to ways in
which administration could be ta'., en up immediately by the
incoming government. Therefore, I have today recommended to His Excellency
the Governor-General that he swear my Deputy, Mr. Lance Barnard,
and me to all existing ministerial offices. His Excellency
has agreed and the swearing will take place this afternoon.
This allocation of portfolios is, of course, temporary.
It will operate only until such time as the full Ministry is
selected and can be sworn. I hive given His Excellency an
assurance on this point.
Attached is a list showing the allocation of portfolios.
Where decisions are to be taken, Mr. Barnard and I
shall, of course, continue to consult with our appropriate
colleagues as necessary.
I have told Mr. McMahon that he and his ministers and
their staffs should feel free to use their present offices and
facilities till the end of next week.
Canberra December 1972
ATTACHMENT
Portfolios to be administered by Mr. Whitlam
Prime Minister
Minister for Foreign Affairs
Minister for External Territories
Treasurer Attorney-General
Minister for Customs: and Excise
Minister for Trade and Industry
Minister for Education and Science
Minister for Shipping and Transport
Minister for Civil Aviation
Minister for Housing
Minister for Works
Minister for the Environment,
Aborigines and the Arts
Portfolios to be administered by Mr. Barnard
Minister for Defence
Minister for the Navy
Minister for the Army
Minister for Air
Minister for Supply
Postmaster-General
Minister for Labour and National
Service
Minister for Immigration
Minister for Social Services
Minister for Repatriation
Minister for Health
Minister for Primary Industry
Minister for National Development
Minister for the Interior