PRIME MINISTER
TRANSCRIPT OF THE PRIME MINISTER, THE HON P. J. KEATING, MP
DEPARTURE DOORSTOP, RAAF BASE FAIRBAIRN,
SUNDAY 20 JUNE 1993
E& OE PROOF COPY
J: Prime Minister, Tim Fischer says you are going to split the nation over
Mabo. Is that a real threat?
PM: Look, a little bit of restraint on Mr Fischers part would go a long way.
That Is, he Is supposed to be a national leader not somebody rousing a
National Party conference. Last Friday I wrote to the Premiers and the
letter contaIns a number of gestures which encourages the development
of a co-operative arrangement between the Commonwealth and the
States. Some Premiers have seen that and others have not or have not
wanted to, but that is the import of it and I am quite sure as
Commonwealth officials speak to State officials while I'm away, when I
return, I think, I will be able to open up a dialogue with some of the
Premiers.
J: What Is on the top of your agenda on this trip Mr Keating?
PM: For Korea and China, Korea Is a large trading partner of Australia
basically economic issues. China is now attracting substantial
Investment from Australia, it Is about the third or fourth largest economy
In the world and it is growing rapidly. So, largely ecoomIc Issues, trade
Issues, questions such as APEC and general foreign policy and political
issues.
J: How Important Is trade between China and Australia?
PM: It Is -important now, but It will become more Important. It Is already
growing quite rapidy and the Chinese economy Is, as I say, about the
third or fourth largest In the world and growing at 7 or 8 per cent a yewr.
4w It Is very important to Australia In trade terms and also In Investment
terms. r
N' 2
J: Will you be raising the Issue of human rights with Premier U! Peng?
PM: I will take the opportunity of expressing Australia's views about such
matters, we always have and I will be again.
J: Can human rights get In the way of trade issues though If there Is a
problem there?
PM: China Is a major country and a major country has to be dealt with on a
breadth of issues and that is what I will be doing.
J: You are not doing any sightseeing at all by looking at the itinerary..
PM: Well, It Is three days in each place and it is pretty full of official
engagements. I hope to make the best of It, cover as much ground as I
can In the time I have got available which is a week. But again, for~ two
countries it Is enough.
ends