62/ 009
P. M. No. 6/ 1962
The Prime Minister and several of his senior ministerial colleagues discussed today with representatives of the Associated Chambers of i. anufactures of Australia, the current level of
activity and trends in Australian manufacturing industries. The
views of the Associated Chambers were presented by Mr. John N.
Walker, Federal President; Mr. T. M. Ramsay, Vice President,
Victorian Chamber of Manufactures; Mr. Allison, President,
South Australian Chamber of Manufactures; Mr. Ashton,
President, , Western Australian Chamber of Manufactures; Mr. H. N.
Herford, President, Chamber of Manufactures of N. S. Mr. J. D.
Ferguson the immediate Past President of the Australian Chambers
and Mr. Ri'. C. Anderson, the Federal Director.
On behalf of Australian manufacturers, the industry
representatives submitted a three stage plan namely a short term
stimulus and medium and long term developments.
The short term prcposals are:
the immediate re-imposition under Article XIX of GATT of
Quantitative import Restrictions to cover the products of
particular industries. This should provide by far the most
important and immediate stimulus;
a firm statement by the Government of its w1ill to safeguard
Australian industrics;
acceptance by the Government of the principle of
anticipatory duties, and
a statement by the Govenment confirming that a clear
preference will be given to Australian made goods by the
Commonwealth Government in its purchasing policies.
For the Medium Term, the Associated Chambers suggested
the introduction of certain financial measures designed to
stimulate manufacturing activity.
In the Long Term, the Association asked for a restatement
of the obJ3 ctives of Tariff Policy and consideration of
improved protective techniques. The Associated Chambers also
affirmed that an assurance by the Government of a continuing high
level in the flow of migrants into Australia is essential to
maintain a climate favourable to industrial expansion.
Mr. d. D. Ferguson, who is also Deputy Chairman of
Chrysler Australia Ltd referred to the position of the motor
vehicle industry in Australia and the desirability for some
stimulation and assistance.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Prime Minister
and Mr. ialker agreed that there had been a most valuable
discussion and exchange of views. Mr. Menzies said the
Government would give close consideration to every proposal
submitted by the Associated Chambers when the conferences
arranged with other representative bodies have been held.
CAN3. LRA,
18th January, 1962.