PM Transcripts

PRIME MINISTER
FOR MEDIA WEDNESDAY, 4 FEBRUARY, 1981
EXPOSITION PROPOSAL FOR 1988
The Prime Minister, Mr. Malcolm Fraser, and the Premier of
*. New South Wales, Mr. Neville Wran, today announced that their
two Governments had completed the examination of proposals
to stage a Modified Universal Exposition in Sydney as part
of the Bicentenary celebrations.%
Mr. Fraser and Mr. Wran stated that a great deal of thought
and initiative had been devoted by the Australian Bicentennial
Authority to the development of plans for the Exposition and
they wished to place on record their appreciation of these
efforts.-However, it was clear that a very substantial capital
outlay which could be up to*$ 1,000 million, would be required
to ensure t-he successful staging of the Exposition. The
Governments had reluctantly concluded that it was impractical Eor
them to agree to make the necessary funds available, being
conscious of their heavy commitments for basic infrastructure
in support of industry and services such as hospitals and schools.
The two Governments were determined, however, that Australia's
Bicentenary should be celebrated in a manner fitting to such a
significant event. They would therefore co-operate to the
maximum in arrangements to achieve this objective and give
recognition to the historic role of Sydney in such celebrations.
For its part the Commonwealth Government would also be asking the
Australian Bicentennial Authority to put before it options for
activities to take place in all States in 1988 on a scale smaller
th-an that envisaged for the. Exposition.
The-Prime Minister indicated that he would propose to list these
for consideration at the next Premier's Conference.
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