FOR MEDIA 11 MARCH 1991
Australia is again proud to join other Commonwealth
countries in celebrating Commonwealth Day 1991. The
variety of the Commonwealth's achievements reflects the
rich diversity, of its members as well as their common
commitment to creating a fair, peaceful and sustainably
productive world for all.
The Commonweal. th's achievements in southern Africa
deserve specia-l mention this year, as we see reforms
taking place in South Africa. The Commonwealth can take
pride in the role it has played. It has been at the
forefront of international calls to end apartheid, and
played a catal. ytic role in the decision of the
international community to impose measures on South
Africa. The Commonweal~ th has recently decided on ways to give
practical encouragement to the reform process in South
Africa. At this encouraging stage, we look forward with
hope to the maintenance of the momentum of reform in
South Africa.
Through the Commonwealth, Australia is pursuing its
global commitmrent to the environment. Many Commonwealth
member nations are environmentally fragile, and some are
particularly susceptible to climate change. Australia's
response to provide training on the effects of climate
change for Commonwealth member nations has been well
received. The first phase of the program has been
successfully completed, and confirms that it will provide
real and practical benefits for the people of the
Commonwealth. Since the last Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting
in 1989, the Commonwealth has been engaged in a rigourous
review of its roles and functions. The priorities
identified during the review will be considered at the
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting at Harare in
October. This process will ensure that the Commonwealth
continues to meet the needs of its members, as it has
done over the past forty years. I am confident that the
Commonwealth will be able to face the challenges of the
1990s and beyond.