I1' F ORMATION AlJJ STATE RELATIONS DIVISION
EMBARGOED: 8.00 p. m. U S T H A L A
FOR PRESS NOVEMBER 11, 1976
The following letter was sent today to the Tasmanian Premier,
Mr Neilson, by the Prime Minister along with the attached terms
of reference regarding the structure of industry and employment
in Tasmania.
My dear Premier,
I am attaching the terms of reference which I propose for the
inquiry the Commonwealth proposes to hold into the structure
of industry and the employment situation in Tasmania.
I hope these are acceptable to you and will receive the full
support of departments and other instrumentalities, who will
be required to supply information.
As you know the Commonwealth proposes that the inquiry should
be held by a single person. When I have your reactions to the
terms of reference, I would be glad to discuss with you the
person who will be appoint-ed Afor this purpose.
Because of the great public -interest in this matter, I propose.
to release this letter and the terms of reference.
Yours sincerely,
( Malcolm Fraser) TERMS OF REFERENCE
The study is to enquire into and report upon the : btructure of
industry and its relation to the long-term employment situation
in Tasmania, in itself and in relation to the structure of
industry and employment in Australia as a whole, in the light,
in particular, of the following. / 2 I
The inherent advantages and disabilities of Tasmanian industry)
including, Mi separation from the Australian mainland and
its consequences;
( ii) the availability and stage of development of
natural resources, including water, land,
minerals, power resources, ports and harbours,
and tourist attractions;
( iii) relative wage levels and non-wage employment costs
workers' compensation), including the effects
of relevant State legislation thereon;
the internal transport system.
In reporting hereon ( and elsewhere, where relevant), the study
shall have due regard to the Report of the Commission of Enquiry
into Transport to and from Tasmania and other relevant studies.
Existing forms of assistance to, and charges levied upon,
industry by the. Commonwealth and State Government, and their
instrumentalities, including
Mi direct and indirect financial assistance
freight subsidies and the like, non-recovery of
costs of Government services);
( ii) non-financial assistance;
( iii) tariffs, and the relative incidence thereof in
Tasmania ( having regard to past and pending TAC
Reports on particular relevant industries);
( iv) royalties, taxes and other charges levied upon
industry;
and the effects of these on Tasmanian industry.
General level of financial assistance to Tasmania in comparison
with that available to other States and the capacity of Tasmania
to support its own activities including local government and give
assistance to industry.
Any other factors, that may, on enquiry, appear relevant,
including industrial disruption and restrictive practices, and
any special consequences thereof for the Tasmanian economy.