PM Transcripts

PRESS OFFICE TRANSCRIPT THURSDAY, 27 SEPTEMBER 1979
DOORSTOP INTERVIEW
CANBERRA Prime Minister-
It's been a very difficult evening. It's been a very difficult
evening f or Ian Sinclair. He has had the best interests of
the Government very much in mind and that is appreciate by
Doug Anthony and myself.--by all his colleagues. He believed
that the action that he has action is in the best interests
of the Government and I haven't the slightest doubt that
that was foremost in his mind. We need to remember, I think,
that the N. S. W. Government has published a report which has
left very much up in the air. It makes charges, it makes
allegations, it comes to conclusions, in a sense, and. as I
am advised it is not a document that could be used as evidence
in law-. and the N. S. 11. Government needs to take action so that
the matter can be finally determined one way or another. I am
sure Ian Sinclair would want that action taken, because he
would want the opportunity to clear himself. Now, that can't
happen or it is very difficult to see how it can happen
unless the N. S. W. Government does what it ought, and that is
allow the processes to unfold so that the matters in
Mr. Finnane's Report can be truly and properly tested.
Question Mr. Sinclair spoke to you tonight. Did he agree with the
decision that he should resign?
Prime Minister-
It was his decision, didn't you read his letter?
Question Did you agree that he should resign.
Prime Ministerof
course I did, because there was no argument about that.
He believed that that was in the best interests for the
Government as a whole.. I've got no doubt that that was the
consideration foremost in his own mind. : There was discussion
between Mr.. Sinclair, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Lynch and myself.
Mr. Nixon was there. There was no disagreement, but the
decision was very clear Mr. Sinclair's own, and as my letter
has shown, with great regret again in the interests of the
Government I will be making certain recommendations to
the Governor-General in the morning.
Question Is there any effect on the Coalition because of the resignation?
Prime Minister
No, none at all. 0 00---