PM Transcripts

.6A4l
PRIlME MINISTER
FOJR PRESS 9 APRIL 1978
THE MEAT INDUSTRY, DISPUTE
Industrial action by two branches of the Australian Meat
Industry Employees Union in Western Australia and South Austral~ ia
is threatening a major market for Australia's primary producers.
A $ 300 million a year trade has been established. This trade
adds significantly to Australia's export income. it is
important, not only for the producers of the sheep, but for all
Australians. It adds to our income as a nation. It adds to our
capacity to provide employment for many australians.
That market, and that income, is being threatened by two branches
of one union, by people who have taken the law into their own
hands, and are determined that trade shall not continue except on
terms that they choose.
The Government cannot, and will not, accept circumstances in which
a union, or part of a union, can dictate the terms of Australia's
export trade. To do so would be to damage the standard of living
of all Australians.
The cessation of this trade, through picketing which began almost
three weeks ago, is particularly serious for the producers.
They have been through bad seasons with low prices, and they have
been suffering for many years.
This particular trade was a ray of light on the horizon. It has
kept solvent many farmers who otherwise would have gone bankrupt.
This industry must keep access to the live sheep market.
The Government has passed laws to protect our export trade.
It will take whatever actions are necessary to maintain those
laws and the trade they are designed to protect. The Government
supports the legal actions that are now being taken to get the
bans lifted.
Let there be no mistake. The community interest must prevail.
It will prevail. That is the Government's obligation.
That must be the inevitable result. I therefore urge members of the
union concerned to lift the bans and let this trade proceed forthwith.
I am certain that when that happens, the legal actions will cease.
If the bans remain, legal actions mrust and will be pursued and
supported by the Gcvernment.