PM Transcripts

MEDIA RELEASE WAGES PAUSE: MEETING WITH THE ACTU
( Statement by the Acting Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. J. D.
Anthony, M. P.)
Representatives of the Government and the ACTU met
today in Canberra to discuss aspects of the Wages Pause
agreed to at the Special Premiers Conference in Canberra.
The ACTU was represented by the President, Mr Cliff
Dolan, Senior Vice-President, Mr Charlie Fitzgibbon, Vice-
President, Mr Simon Crean, Advocate, Ms Jan Marsh, and
Assistant Secretaries Mr Bill Kelty, Mr Bill Richardson and
Mr Bob Gradwell. With me representing the Government were the Treasurer,
Mr Howard; the Defence Minister, Mr Sinclair; the Minister for
National Development and Energy and Leader of the Government in
the Senate, Senator Carrick; the Minister for Finance, Senator
Guilfoyle; the Minister for Industry and Commerce, Mr Peacock;
the Minister for Social Security, Senator Chaney; and the
Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations. Mr Macphee.
Our talks, which lasted for almost two hours, were
marked by a friendly and constructive atmosphere and a shared
concern about the current employment situation.
The ACTU sought clarification of a number of details
of the Wages Pause and related aspects of the Government's
economic policies. There was frank and detailed discussion
about all of the matters raised.
Although no commitments were made, the Government is
confident that the ACTU will be taking a constructive approach
to the Wages Pause, and I personally welcome the . opportunity
today's meeting provided to fully inform the ACTU on the measures
agreed to by the Commonwealth and the Premiers.
Today's talks were also a valuable lead-up to tomorrow's
meeting of the National ] J1abour Consultative Council.
Canberra, 9 December 1982