/ 17A
IL.. . LIU
PRIME MINISTER
FOR MEDIA25 SEPTEMBER 1990
The Commonwealth has received a request from the New South
Wales Government ( a copy of which is attached) to defer the
Federal Government'Is consideration of the State Government'Is
proposal on the South East forests of NSW until 8 October
1990. The Commonwealth was preparing to consider the NSW proposal
this week, in accordance with its public undertaking to do
so. The Government is very conscious of the legitimate
expectation in the industry that decisions be made as
quickly as possible.
In view of the NSW Government'Is request, however, I have
decided, in consultation with relevant Ministers, to hold
over Cabinet consideration.
I wish to emphasise that the Commonwealth will accede to no
further reaquests f or delay f rom any quarter.
The issue will be discussed by Federal Cabinet on 2 October,
with a view to f inal decisions being made absolutely no
later than the date nominated by the NSW Government of 8
October. 67>
September 1990
The Hon R. J Hawke AC MP
Prime Minister
Parliament House
CANBERRA Dear Prime Minister SOUTH EAST FOREST / CONSIDERATION BY FEDERAL CABINET
I presume to wrrite to you in the absence of my Premier, Hon
Nick Greiner MP, following a discussion Mr Grei. ner and I had
on Saturday last concerning the time of consideration by both
governments of the possibity of an agreed resolution to issues
in the South East forest of New South Wales.
As you will be aware, Mr Greiner, is at present in the
Peoples Republic of China and endeavours are being made to
have him contact you to confirm the New South Wales government
view that the original timetable for governmental
consideration of these issues on Monday 8 October being agreed
upon by the four Ministers should be adhered to.
I understand that requests have been made by the Director of
the New South Wales Cabinet Office, Mr Sturgess, to senior
officers of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet
indicating Mr Greiner's wish that consideration of the matter
should be deferred to accord with the original timetable.
In the absence of the Premier, and as the senior New South
Wales Minister involved in these negotiations, I write to
confirm that there is not, at this time, a formal New South
Wales submis~ iion to be considered by your government and the
New South Wa. Les government has a view that these issues can
only be resolved satisfactorily if all four Ministers can
agree on the above submission and both governments have
simultaneous consideration of it.
I would therefore request deferring the Federal Government's
consideration of this issue until 8 October 1990.
Your sincerely,
TIM MOORE
MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT
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