FOR PRESS P. M. No. 9/ 1967
MR. HOLT'S FIRST YEAR AS PRIME MINISTER
From press enquiries received today, it seems that some
of you are interested in facts and figures to background a story about Mr.
Holt's first year as Prime Minister ( based on the anniversary of the
swearing-in of the First Holt Ministry on Australia Day last year).
For those preparing an item on this subject, the following
might be of interest
* In his first year of office, Mr, Holt has flown some 125, 000
miles in the course of his duties,
* He has had personal discussions with the leaders of ten countries
( not counting those represented at the Prime Ministers' Conference
in London). The meetings were with the leaders of Thailand, Viet
Nam, Malaysia, Singapore, Korea, the Philippines, New Zealand,
Malta, Britain and the United States.
The year's highlights...........
February, 1966
* Talks with Mr. Denis Healey on future defence East of Suez
Discussions with Vice-President Humphrey and Ambassador Harriman,
primarily on the question of Viet Nam
* Visit by the Prime Minister of Thailand ( Discussions on the threat of
Communist expansionism)
* Introduction of decimal currency
* Review of the state of the economy particularly in regard to
drought relief
* Dawson by-election.
March Parliament
* Decision to send task force to Viet Nam ( including National Servicemen)
Modification of migration laws in respect of Asians.
April Debate on Viet Nam continued.
Kooyong by-election
Visit by Queen Mother
" Prime Minister officially opened meeting of Inter -Parliamentary
Union in Canberra
Visit to Viet Nam, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia
May * Return from South-East Asia
Queensland State elections. / 2
-2-
June Premiers' Conference and Loan Council
Talks with the Prime Minister of New Zealand
Opening of SEATO Council Meeting
Departure for Washington and London.
T eturn from Britain and the U. S.
Talks with industry
Pre-Budget discussions
August Budget Departure for Prime Ministers' Conference
September Prime Ministers' Conference in London
October Visit to Australia by President Johnson
Manila Ccaference
November Election Campaign
Government returned with record majority
December "" Formation of Second Holt Ministry
January, 1967
Visit by Prime Minister Ky of Viet Nam
February Visit to New Zealand ( first by an Australian Prime Minister since
1954)
T. EGGLETON
Press Secretary to the Prime Minister
CANBERRA, January, 1967