PRIME MINISTER
TRANSCRIPT OF THE PRIME MINISTER, THE HON P. J. KEATING MP
DOORSTOP, PALAIS THEATRE, MELBOURNE, 13 AUGUST 1995
E& OE PROOF COPY
J: Are you happy with the way the pLselection process was resolved?
PM: I think that Theo Theophanous and Jenny Mikakos made a very
important gesture to the-abor.. Pary and to Martin Ferguson. I think
they, in the best traditions of the Paity, made a decision which they
think will be good for Labor and good for the government and I
certainly salute their decision and to endorse Martin Ferguson.
J: Mr Keating, how much pressure did the Federal Executive put on Mr
Thoephanous?
PM: The Executive hasn't met as you know and he had to make a decision
about whether he ran the gauntlet of that process or not. But, for my
part, I made clear my support for Martin Ferguson. He is the leader of
the industrial movement in Australia and it has been somewhat of a
traditional thing that the leader of the labour movement came to the
Federal Parliamentary Labor Party, in his case, when he thought it
would be worthwhile. Bob Hawke did this. Simon Crean did it. Now,
he has that opportunity. We will be stronger for having him.
J: Do you see him as a leader of the Left or as a potential leader of the
Party?
PM: That is for people in the Parliamentary party to decide, but I certainly
see him as a clear addition to the Caucus and, of course, representing
working Australia, the millions of working men and women in this
country. It could only make the Labor Party stronger and more
relevant.
J: And for the people of Batman, what can they expect?
PM: I think a first class, experienced representative who already
understands the process of government and will be taken into the
government and into its processes.
J: Were you surprised by today's decision?
PM: Pleasantly surprised.
ends