PRIME MINISTER
FOR MEDIA 23 February 1985
The Prime Minister today announced he had accepted an
invitation from the Rt Hon Brian Mulroney, Prime Minister
of Canada, to address the Canadian National Economic
Conference. The invitation is to deliver the keynote address on the first
day of the Conference, which is to be held in Ottawa from
March 22-23.
Mr Hawke said he was delighted to be able to accept the
invitation, which represents an international recognitjion of
the considerable national economic achievements to whch all
Australians had contributed in the past two years.
" The invi tation, coming from Canada, one of the seven World
Economic Summit nations, is a gratifying tribute to the
success Australia has had in-turning our own economic
performance around.
" As well as an oppourtunity to share our experience with a longstanding
friend, the invitation will provide another chance
to put our economic achievements and potential into sharper
focus before the international community.
" This can only enhance our reputation and hopefully lead to
greater interest in trade with, and investment in, Australia.
The invitation will also provide an occasion to report on
Australia's progress on the long-term restructuring of our
economy designed to improve our international competitiveness.
" The business and trade union leaders in Australia can properly
regard this invitation as one which recognises their
significant and unselfish contributions to Australia's
economic recovery.
" All Australians should feel honoured that when Canada sought
a contribution from another country it turned first to Australia.
" Canada and Australia have a history of strong and close
economic, cultural and political ties.
" Our economies are both large, and resource rich, and are in
the consolidation phase of economic recovery. / 2
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2.
" Both governmnents seek to promote durable economic recovery
and thus recognise the need to improve the competitiveness
of domestic producers and encourage investment.
" Our two governments, moreover, particularly share a common
determination to improve the co-operation between business,
labour and other participants in the economy.
" Clearly, Australia has been benefitted from this approach.
" At the same time, it should be acknowledged that the
policy is not risk-free.
" The Conference will-bring together approximately 120
representatives of Canadian business, l* abour, community
groups and other interests with members of the Canadian
A Federal Government.
" Plenary sessions will be chaired by Prime Minister Mulroney."
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