PM Transcripts

to
-4j,, AUSTKALIAy
PRIME MINISTER PRESS STATEMENT NO. 348
18 October 1974
RELEASE OF TARIFF BOARD REPORT -PHOTOGRAPHIC AND CINEMATOGPAPHIC
APPARATUS
The Prime Minister, Mr. Whitlam, today released the
Tariff Board's report on Photographic and Cinematographic
Apparatus. The report covers a wide range of apparatus including
process~ cameras and enlargers and reducers suitable for use as
cameras but not including other cameras, cinematographic
projectors or slide viewers.
The Prime Minister recalled that he had previously
announced the Government's acceptance of the Board's report,
but because changes in tariff rates had implications for
international commitments the Government would not release
its decision or the report pending the completion of necessary
GATT negotiations with overseas countries. These negotiations
have now been concluded.
Mr. Whitlam said that in accordance with a decision
taken by the Government in September last year, where it accepted
a recommendation of the Tariff Board in a report received prior
to 19 July 1973, the duties approved for inclusion in the
Customs Tariff would, subject to international commitments,
be those recommended by the Board less 25 per cent. Consequently
a rate of 15 per cent will apply to the majority of goods of
types made in Australia. Currently the process cameras, the
enlargers and the reducers are free of duty while many other goods
are subject to protective duties.
Mr. Whitlam said that details of the customs tariff
changes arising from the Government's decision will be announced
when administrative arrangements to implement them have been
finalised.
CANBERRA, A. C. T.