PM Transcripts

Jj AUSTRALIA
PRIME MINISTER
FOR PRESS 29 NOVEMBER 1978
SECOND DERWENT BRIDGE IN HOBART
The Prime Minister today expressed surprise ar the claims made by
the Premier of Tasmania and Senator Wriedt that the Commonwealth
Government was atteisting to modify its comAitment to the
Second Hobart Bridge.
Mr Fraser said: " I cannot see any foundation whatever for either
Mr Lowe's or Senator Wriedt's suggestion. Twice in the past year
or so I have made unequivocal public statements reaffirming
the commitment of the Commonwealth Government to the construction
of the proposed Second Hobart Bridge. If it is necessary, let
me say again that the Commonwealth Government will provide funds
for the construction of the bridge.
" The Commonwealth and Tasmanian Governments appointed a Joint
Committee of experts to design the proposed bridge and to advise
on a number of related matters. The Commonwealth Government has
paid all the costs incurred by that Committee.
" The Committee has almost completed its work and is in the
final stages of preparing its report to both Governments..
One of the important matters which the Government has asked the
Committee to advise it on is the date construction of the bridge
should begin.
" I do not believe it would be appropriate for the Commonwealth
Government to make unilateral statements on the matters it has
referred to the Co= ittee until after it has received the
Committee's report and discussed the Committee's recommendations
with the Tasmanian Government."