FOR MEDIA JANUARY 1,'' 1980
NEW YEAR'S DAY MESSAGE
Much has been said in recent times about the ' 70s. A lot of
it has been dominated by an unfounded sense of negativism and
gloom which we must not allow to settle upon Australia
especially as we begin a new decade.
I want to speak to you about some of the positive forces at
work, because I believe Australians are rightly interested in
the prospects that the ' 80s hold.
As we know, the world experienced great problems in the
Our biggest scourge was inflation, fuelling further rises in
costs and prices; further wage demands; and inevitably, further
unemployment. In the last four years, Australians have come to see that when
we contain inflation, business activity increases and employment
prospects are improved. To achieve this, difficult decisions
have been required of the Government. Indeed, all Australians
have been confronted by difficult choices.
But often the most difficult decisions contain the most responsible
solutions; often the most difficult choices have the most rewarding
outcomes. Now I believe, we are in a position where our economic
stability and strength allow us to be justifiably optimistic
for the ' 80s; and together we have earned this feeling of optimism.
Here we are at the gateway of a new decade with our inflation
rate below that of many of our major trading partners. We are
internationally competitive; our costs are down; exports are up;
factory output has increased; business investment is strengthening;
farmers and pastoralists are enjoying better returns for their
production; and while unemployment is still too high, new jobs are
being created. Civilian employment, over the last year, has
started to grow again.
To add to all of this, we have abundant raw materials and energy
resources in a world greatly in need of both. So surely we are
justified in feeling a sense of pride, now that a great programme
of national development is at hand. This will be the basis of
our economic growth in the
But it does not mean that we can be complacent about the future.
We can never escape challenge. It is how we respond to challenge
that decides Australia's future. We must never allow ourselves to
be driven into pessimism and panic; defeatism and gloom. 511Z crecorlw&-y
2
These are corroding factors. If allowed to enter our daily lives,
they can beat the spirit out of the best of us. Let us beat them
by acknowledging that the ' 80s will be rich in opportunity. Success
in taking advantage of these opportunities will depend on us.
In the past, the partnership between all Australians has produced
great progress; significant achievements achievements of Australian
men and women in all walks of life achievements of Australia as a
community and as a nation.
Now, we are all heirs apparent to the 180s. But, we cannot afford
to just stand waiting in the wings. We must strive to get our
act on stage; to go out and further our successes; to do so with
purpose, confidence and conviction.
It is often said that the future of a country depends on the quality
of its youth. This is true. Because it is is true, those of us who
are parents, must accept our responsibilities. As we learnt from
our parents, so the young learn their standards and values from us.
These will remain with them throughout life. No schoolteacher,
however concerned, can replace a parent. No school, however fine,
can replace the home.
It . is at this time of the year that our awareness of the value of
home and family life is increased. It is through the strengthening
of family life, that life itself gains its quality. It provides a
reservoir of compassion and concern enabling us to contribute to
those who need our help.
Such quality, harnessed in every individual, gives this nation its
character. Because of this, we must accept more seriously our
responsibility to encourage young people through the times that lie
ahead. This encouragement will be strengthened by the confidence we
demonstrate in ourselves; and by the confidence we reveal in the
future we shape for ourselves. As we look to this future our
optimism is well justified. Our economic policies hdve won
international acclaim. our natural resources, now being properly
harnessed, have given us a powerful export base.. We have large
reserves of energy. And above all, we are a nation of people
renowned for their enterprise and creativity. This catalogue of
advantages is unique to Australia.
We have a lot to look forward to. So let us be enthusiastic about
building a greater nation. Let us communicate this enthusiasm to
one another. New stories are about to be written into Australia's
history. Let us confirm together our determination to make a
significant contribution to the emerging story of the
Wherever you are today, Tamie and I wish you and your family good
health and a happy New Year at the beginning of this decade of
opportunity. 000---