EMBARGOED:' 0005 26 January, 19G6F76/ 10
PRIME MINISTERI
FOR PREbSJanuary 25, 1976
AUSTRALIA DAY
For 188 years, Australians first the convicts, the pioneers,
sezttlers and their descendants and now the migrants of the
Post War years have used their ability and their enterprise
to create a nation with vast potentialities.
Today Australians celebrate the anniversary of frst settlement
amidst national and international challenaes.
Australia's inflation and unemployment rates, although abating,
still remain high.
The Government has taken actions in the economic field to
lay the grounds for economic recovery and for an upturn in
business expansion.
Processes for reviewing Government expenditure have been
initiated. These will bring under control the extravagance
of the past three years and make for a more effective and
economical public sector.
Steps have also been taken to stimulate consumef spending
to encourage economic recovery and bus _ S3 netet The
means we have chosen are designed to lay the foundations for
real recovery.
I again pledge my Government to work for the well-being of all
Australians. We are one people and one nation. / 2
Our over-riding commitment is to the value and dignity of each
individual and to ensuring that they have the opportunity to
develop their talents and their capacities.
The decisions of the Government will be taken with this as the
prime objective.
I must also say that the solution of our present difficulties
will not be easy.
It will take hard work and commitment. It will take dedication.
It will require a recocnition that our most important interests are
the ones we all share in common.
It will also require the recognition that our material resources
are limited, that the more resources governments take the less
pecple are able to choose for themselves the way in which they
will live their own lives.
Australia was not built by its governments acting alone. Australia
grew out of a sense of the idealism of its people and out of the
combined efforts of people and government. The com unity must
play its part in Australia's recovery and development.
Australia has unparalleled advantages. We have a highly
skilled and educated population, vast natural resources and
responsive political institutions.
These advantages hold out the promise of restored prosperity
in a vigorous and growing nation.
We can have economic stability and progress, industrial harmony,
ensure the security and well being of the disadvantaged, and the
maximum freedom of individual citizens to make their own decisions
about their own lives.
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These things . can only be achieved, if, as a people, we recognise
national interests and national objectives and work together.
We will fail if individuals or groups selfishly pursue their
own ends at the expense of Australia.
The Government, will seek to work with all Australians and
asks that individuals and organisations also recognise their
obligation to the national well-being.