PM Transcripts

TRANSCRIPT FROM " NATIONAL FARMING NEWS" THURSDAY 5 JUNE 1975
QUESTION: Prime Minister, will the Government definitely
stand behind the reserve price of 25O in the wool market?
PRIME MINISTER: Certainly it will do so and it will do so
throughout the 1975/ 76 wool selling season. I am aware of
statements which have been made particularly by the leader of
the National Country Party which are obviously designed to
undermine woolgrowers confidence in the market support
scheme of the Australian Government. I repeat, the decision
by the Government is a firm one, it will apply throughout
the 1975/ 76 wool selling season. I can't imagine what
motivates the Opposition in their efforts to create
uncertainty, presumably an attempt to embarrass the Gove'rnment
and win a few votes is more important to them than
stabilizing Australia's greatest rural industry. They do
neither a service to the wool industry nor a service to
Australia. QUESTION: Sir, at present you are planning some moves
within Cabinet. Could these moves lead to an additional
move to relower the floor price to 2OO
PRIME MINISTER: Not a chanc This decision was made by
the members of the present Minister and whatever changes may
be made in portfolios they will remain the Ministry and in
any case I can beat the gun to this extent by saying that
Senator Wriedt, the Leader of the Government in the Senate
will certainly remain the minister for Agriculture. He has
my confidence. I believe he is entitled to have the
confidence of woolgrowers, woolbuyers and the whole country.,
QUESTION: Cables into our office this morning from overseas
indicated that if Mr Hayden was appointed Treasurer, that as
he supported 2OO before he may make a new move in this
direction. Could you kill that rumour?
PRIME MINISTER: There is no chance of Mr Hayden making this
but you are asking me to comment on newspaper reports on
speculation in part. NOW I have told you the position, there
is no change in that position.
QUESTION: 25O for the full season?
PRIME MINISTER: For the third time, for the full season,
throughout the 1975/ 76 wool selling season. Make no
mistake about it.