PRIME MiNISTER
FOR MEDIA 14 July 1983
I have this afternoon received a letter from Mr. Young
tendering his resignation from the Ministry. I have with
regret considered it necessary to accept his resignation.
The circumstances involved in his decision go to matters
which will be dealt with by the Hope Royal Commission. I
refer particularly to Clause 17 of the issues to be
resolved in respect of para of the Commission's Terms
of Reference i. e. " was there any unauthorised or improper
disclosure by any and what Minister of the information made
available to the NIS Committee concerning the relationship
between Combe and Ivanov before 11 May?"
I am also seeking an opinion from the Attorney-General as to
whether an offence may have been committed under the Crimes
Act. It is perfectly clear that I am therefore at this point
unable to answer any questions on this matter.
I need hardly say that the resignation of Mr. Young who
is a close friend and valued colleague over many years and
my necessary acceptance of that resignation, is for me a
matter of profound personal sadness.
PRIME MINISTER CAY BERA
14 July 1983
His Excellency the Rt Hon Sir Ninian Stephen
AK, GCMG, GCVO, KBE, KStJ,
Governor-General of the Commonwealth of
Australia
Government House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Your Excellency
I am forwarding to Your Excellency a letter from
the Hon Michael J. Young MP, resigning from the
office of Special Minister of State and his
appointment as Vice President of the Executive
Council. I recommend that Your Excellency accept
Mr Young's resignation.
I also recommend to Your Excellency that the Hon
Kim C. Beazley MP, be sworn as Special Minister
of State in addition to his present portfolio as
Minister for Aviation and Minister Assisting the
Minister for Defence, and that the Hon Lionel
Bowen MP, be appointed as Vice President of the
Executive Council.
I inform Your Excellency that I have appointed the
Hon Lionel Bowen MP, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister
for Trade and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister
for Commonwealth-State Relations, as Leader of the
House. Yours sincerely
R. J. L. Hawke
0 0
SPECIAL MINISTER OF STATE
PARLIAMENT HOUSE
CANBERRA 2600
Tel. 733666
14 July 1983
His Excellency the Rt Hon. Sir Ninian Stephen
AK, GCMG, GCVO, KBE, KStJ,
Governor-General of the Commonwealth of
Aus tr ali a
Government House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Your Excellency
I, Michael Jerome Young, hereby tender my resignation
from the Office of Special Minister of State and as
Vice President of the Executive Council.
Yours sincerely
Michael J. Young