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FOR PRESS P. M. No. 51/ 1964
ECONOMIC CONSULTATIONS
Statement by the Acting Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. John McEwen
The Acting Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. John McEwen,
and senior Ministers had discussions this afternoon on the economic
situation with representatives of a group of national organizations.'
After the meeting, Mr. McEwen said that these talks, which were
first instituted in 1962, had again been most useful.
Mr. McEwen said that the Government would continue
to hold such economic consultations at regular intervals.
The various representatives reported a satisfactory
level of activity over the whole economy. They considered there
was no need for further stimulation of the economy, nor was there
need for any drastic restraint. Efforts should be mede to contain
pressures making for increased costs rather than to red. uce demand.
Increased productivity could make a major contribution to price
stability. Some organisations, while accepting the concept of
Restrictive Trade Practices legislation, sought opportunity for
further consultation. Ministers present, in addition to the Acting Prime
Minister, wer-e
The Right Honourable. Harold Holt, Treasurer.
The Honourable W. McMahon, Minister for Labour
and National Service,
Senator the Honourable Shane Paltridge, Minister
for Defence an" d Leader of the Government in
the Senate.
Senator the Honourable Harrie Wade, Minister for
Health and Acting Minister for Primary Industry.
Representatives who attended the meeting were
Mr. L. Atkinson, President, Associated Chambers of
Commerce of Australia.
Mr. R. V. Allison, President, Associated Chambers
of Manufactures of Australia.
Mr. J. P. Heffernan, President, Australian Primary
Producerst Union.
Mr. T. M. Scott, Vice-President, Australian Woolgrowers'
and Graziers' Council.
Mr. A. F. Havard, President, National Farmers' Union.
Mr. L. M. Ridd, Vice-President, Australian Wool and
Meat Producers' Federation.
Mr. H. F. Clarke, Chairman, Australian Bankers'
Association. / 2
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Mr. K. G. Hooker, President, Master Builders'
Federation of Australia.
Mr. N. W. Lawrance, President, Federal Chamber
of Automotive Industries.
Mr. Theo Kelly President, Australian Council
of Retailers.
Mr. McEwen said that Ministers would be having
discussions with representatives of the A. C. T. U. on the morning
of 14th July and would also have separate meetings with the
Manufacturing Industries Advisory Council and the Export
Development Council that afternoon.
CANBERRA, 13th July, 1964.