PM Transcripts

PRIME MINISTER
FOR MEDIA 22 DECEMBER 1987
Brian Burke, the Premier of Western Australia, has today
announced his intention to retire from active politics on
February when he will resign the Premiership.
I wish to place on record my appreciation for the great
contribution Brian Burke has made since he was swept to
office in the State election of 1983, immediately prior to
the election of my Government. During his tenure, Western
Australia has recorded remarkable growth, due in great
measure to the restructuring reforms which Premier Burke and
his Government have put in place.
Brian Burke's contribution has been a distinguished one and
he has always been an articulate advocate for his State in
his dealings with the Commonwealth. His voice and his
advice will be greatly missed. He is a young man at the
zenith of his powers and popularity who could have remained
as Premier of Western Australia for a decade or more, had he
so chosen. While I greatly regret his decision, I
understand his personal reasons for setting himself a
timetable for his political career.
While Brian Burke's political skills will be mi'ssed, I am
delighted that he will continue to serve Australia in his
new and important posting as our Ambassador to Ireland. He
brings great personal and professional skills to that
position, and I am confident that he will discharge his
duties of fostering and strengthening the historic and
important relationship between Ireland and Australia with
distinction. I look forward to continuing a close partnership with the
new Premier. 0 0 367-3
JR AUM