TRANSCRIPT OF THE PRIME MINISTER, THE HON P J KEATING MP
DOORSTOP, MELBOURNE
4 MARCH 1992
E OE PROOF COPY
J: this morning, do you take any heart from the fact
that the majority of Australians polled would seem to
support the concept of a republic?
PM: Well, I think it is a reflection of a growing sense of
independence in Australia, and that independence is
again shown here today. This is a very important
milestone, this plant, in Australia's industrial
history, its development, indeed its independence.
This is a first state of the art, world ranking plant
which will be developed under the Government's car
plans. If you like, part of the renewal of Australian
manufacturing in the 1990s and beyond. A plant that
will service in the 21st century. It is part of the
reason why Australians can make it. We can trade
successfully and of course, into the area of the world
we live in, the Asia-Pacific, where all the growth is.
And it is that, I think, independence and capacity of
independence with Australians are feeling. And you are
seeing that reflected in polls.
J: On another issue, would you like to see an early
election here in Victoria?
PM: Not for me, that's a matter for Premier Kirner.
J: Do you know if members of the ALP are pressuring Mrs
Kirner to go early?
PM: Look, I don't know, I don't know.
J: What advice would you have for her?
PM: Look, I've got no advice for Mrs Kirner, she can look
after herself in these respects. But I am pleased to
see her here today. I am pleased that the Victorian 1
Government has so supported this project as it has. I
mean thiLs is a real thing. I mean often newspapers are
talking about things that don't matter. This does
matter. This is part'of Melbourne's future into the
next century. That's what this thing stands for today.
This is about, the great change outward to become a
sophisticated industrial society and a great vote of
confidence by a world ranking company, the Toyota Motor
Company, in this country, in Australia, in Australian
workers and in the Australian nation, in our
competitiveness.
J: Mr KeatLng, how do you rate your chance in the Wills?
PM: Well, I think the Liberal Party has got a 15 or
point lead, that ought to be shoe-in for them, but we
will be fighting them all the way.
J: When can those electors expect to go to the polls?
PM: Well, that's got to be decided by the Speaker, amongst
other things.
ENDS
I