TRANSCRIPT OF NEWS CONFERENCE, NEW TAKANAWA PRINCE HOTEL,
TOKYO -17 SEPTEMBER 1990
E OE -PROOF ONLY
JOURNALIST: So what does it look like,
PH: Well one of the things that's impressed me very much is
there is absolutely no knocking of Melbourne, which is a
good basis. It's a great reflection, I believe, on the team
that has been led by John Ralph. They've been very positive
in their presentation but they haven't been knocking other
candidates. We've acknowledged the virtues of other cities
that are trying to get the nomination. But they have been
concentrating on the intrinsic merits of Melbourne and ' I
think that seems to me to be paying of f in the reaction of
others. I think, as I've said from the beginning, as you
know, that if it's decided on the intrinsic merits I think
Melbourne must have a second to none chance.
JOURNALIST: Will you be a part of the presentation tomorrow
and if so what will you be saying? We're from Atlanta.
PM: Ok. The answer to the first part of your question is
yes and the answer to your second question is I'm not a
sucker.
JOURNALIST: Mr Hawke, the Greeks are offering I think a
three day to trip to everyone around the Greek Islands as an
incentive. Are you inclined to offer them a holiday on the
Gold Coast if they take the Melbourne
PM: What about the Barrier Reef?
JOURNALIST: Is this on the agenda this sort of I won't
say bribery but
JOURNALIST: Greeks bearing gifts.
PM: You're saying beware of the Greeks bearing gifts. No,
no, no. What we are doing which I think is very relevant to
the Olympic spirit is in terms of travel and accommodation.
We are offering a deal whereby for the first 100 athletes
and officials of each country at US$ 350 per person then
we'll cover the travel and accommodation. That's not a
gimmick. I think it's a very realistic offer because one of
the problems that's suggested about Australia is the
distance. It is for so many. And that is a legitimate
concern for many so that offer is directed towards that
concern. JOURNALIST: Is there a concern that some of the other
countries are doing the hard sell, like Athens
PM: I'm not here and I won't at any stage knock any other
competitor. Each city goes about pushing their bid in the
way that they think is appropriate. That's for them to
decide. You won't hear me or I think you won't hear any
Australian here knocking any other competitor. I think
every competitor is sincere and each one has got some
merits. I just believe that Australia's task is to sell its
bid on the basis of its merits and not to knock anyone else.
JOURNALIST: How much do you think Australia's softly softly
approach is impressing the delegates?
PM: I've been told that it is impressed. They've been
impressed about the way in which we've just quietly not said
vote for Melbourne, vote for Melbourne but giving them
information as to the merits of Melbourne. I think that's
the way to go.
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, what odds would you offer on
that? PM: As you know I'm a punter and I always like to study the
form right up until the last minute before I place my bets.
I've still got a lot of form studying to do.
JOURNALIST: Hellenic, the favourite, came second in the
English St Leger classic at the weekend. Do you think we
should see that as an omen?
PM: I suppose we're always prepared to see anything in the
races or the tea-leaves or whatever. But as I say, we're in
there on our merits.
JOURNALIST: You were speaking to the Greek delegates in
there a moment ago. Could you tell us what you said to
them? PM: Well yes, and I can tell you what they said to me.
Firstly I said you should feel that if Melbourne does
triumph that Greece should have a real feeling of
association because I said Melbourne is the third largest
Greek city in the world, which is true. They appreciated
that and very interestingly they said this. They said if
Melbourne wins we'll feel less bitterness than if anyone
else does. That's very very significant.
JOURNALIST: Why is that significant?
PM: Well I mean I think it sort of indicates, you know,
they feel very strongly about the centenary aspect of the
bid and one can understand that argument. I think the fact
that they acknowledge that feeling about Melbourne is, I
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think it just indicates that the country that many regard as
the sentimental favourite, if they have that feeling towards
us it's helpful I think.
JOURNALIST: Mr Hawke, we couldn't let you go without
commenting on a couple of sporting events over the weekend.
PH: Yes.
JOURNALIST: I know there's a London rule against this sort
of thing.
PM: It's flexible when it comes to sport.
JOURNALIST: Thank you. Can we ask you how you feel about
Wayne Gardiner's victory and the Raiders?
PM: Fantastic for Wayne Gardiner. I've had the opportunity
of meeting and knowing Wayne over a fair bit of time and his
lovely wife Donna. They've been into my office. I have
great respect for him not just as a sportsman but as an
Australian ambassador. It was thrilling to see him get back
to back victories in the Phillip Island Grand Prix and for
Australia to take of f the quinella was fantastic. Now the
Raiders, you know, a great achievement. Quite seriously,
for a Canberra club to be in the three grand finals is a
tremendous tribute to all who are associated with the club.
Of course if they could pull of f the three premierships
would be fantastic.
JOURNALIST: What's the chance of that do you think?
PM: The trifecta?
JOURNALIST: I meant the Raiders victory in the major grand
final. PM: I think they'll win. I've been tipping them all year
so they must.
PM: Prime Minister, the Sydney Morning Herald said this
morning that you changed your position on the invasion of
Panama PM: Could you explain this, the London convention to the
gentleman. JOURNALIST: ( inaudible)
PM: Those who've been around longer, I mean, will you just
explain the London convention to him mate.
JOURNALIST: it was a declaration.
ends