PM Transcripts

FOR. MEDIA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7 1979
PREMIERS' CONFERENCE DISCUSSION
ON AUSTRALIA/ JAPAN RELATION~ S
The Premiers' Conference today discussed Australian relations
with Japan in the context of the great and growing importance
of Japan to Australia and the extensive involvement of Japan
in the economies of the Australian States.
The meeting recalled that the Ad H1oc Working Group on
Australia/ Japan Relations ( the Myer Committee), which reported
to the Commonwealth Government in September 1977, had emphasised
the positive contribution which Australia's federal structure
can make in enhancing the relationship with japan. The Report
noted the-desirability of seeking to achieve a suitable
co-ordination of broad national aims with specific State
expertise. In announcing the Commonwealth Government' s acceptance of this
Report on 30 May 1978, the Prime Minister undertook to. meet
Premiers to clarify areas of responsibility and explore
better means of improving co-ordination.
In discussions today, the Premiers' Conference agreed that
there was a clear and growing need for consultations between
the Commonwealth and the States on the various aspects of the
relationship. To meet this need, it was agreed that there
should be consultations at least annually on relations with
Japan.
These consultations would focus on the broad political and
economic relationship, and would in no way cut across existing
Commonwealth/ State consultative machinery.
The Premiers' Conference concluded that these agreed measures
demonstrated a shared concern to see relations with Australia's
largest trading partner maintained and strengthened.