PRIME MINISTER CANBERRA
2 8MAR 1983
Dear Mr Premier
We are most disappointed at your decision to reject our
request for discussion and negotiations on the matter
of the Gordon below Franklin Dam, as expressed in your
telex received on March 22, 1983.
We are well aware of the election results at both a
State and Federal level within the State of Tasmania.
We are equally conscious of the result Australia-wide
and that we gave an unequivocal commitment on this issue,
which has been well and truly endorsed by the Australian
people. We do not accept the view that Tasmania is separate from
the rest of the country, nor do we accept the view that
what occurs in Tasmania is purely the business of
Tasmanians. we have made it clear that we have the utmost respect
for State Governments and their rights.
The question of the Gordon below Franklin is one that
extends well beyond State boundaries, and indeed
national boundaries.
It has been recognised by the World Heritage Commission
as an area of international importance, one that should
be preserved for future benefit.
It is not a question of I, or my Ministers, being ignorant
of your arguments, nor of viewing the area in order to
understand Tasmania's power requirements, the need for
alternative employment and the State's energy options.
As a matter of information, if you are not already aware,
many of my Ministers have visited the area when in
Opposition. During the course of negotiations over the settlement of
this issue I will naturally be visiting Tasmania and
will be pleased to take up the offer to view the area we
are committed to preserving for the future. / 2
Wie repeat our position that we are commnitted to ensuring
alternative schemes, including hydro, are found to
guarantee the energy needs of Tasmania in the future,
allowing for the growth rates that you refer to and your
expected industrial expansion.
We repeat our unequivocal commitment to assisting in the
transfer of employment from that site to other projects,
and further repeat our assurance of presenting to you in
negotiations, an economic package aimed at a transition
period and at facilitating future development in
Tasmania and a consequent reduction in unemployment levels.
Our commitment to reducing unemployment levels and
creating job opportunities was made clear during the
election campaign and has been repeated since. The whole
endeavour of my Government will be towards this objective.
The people of Tasmania will benefit from those general
policies and our explicit package aimed at compensating
for the cessation of the development of the Gordon below
Franklin.
We are prepared to enter into serious negotiations in order
to resolve the issue and to eliminate the bitter divisions
it has created within Tasmania.
in our view the people of Tasmania want:-
* guaranteed energy supplies to cover both
the present and future needs;
equivalent employment opportunities; gnd
* the resolution of this conflict.
These legitimate objectives can only be attained by
discussion and negotiation.
We call upon your Government as an act of good faith to
declare a moratorium on the current works on the Gordon
below Frank-lin and to commence discussions with my
Government on alternative power and employment initiatives.
During the period of the moratorium and discussions we
will guarantee the income of those directly affected through
the course of their transfer to other employment such
employment to be determined during the discussions.
We believe our approach is more than reasonable. We
believe we are offering to yourself, your Government and the
people of Tasmania the possibility of healing divisions,
of guaranteeing the energy supplies required and of helping
to alleviate the unemployment levels of your State. / 3
We would appreciate your response by Wednesday next,
March.
Yours sincerely Hawke)
The Hon. Robin Gray, MHA
Premier of Tasmania
Parliament House
HOBART TAS 7000