PM Transcripts

PRIME MINISTER INTERVIEWED AT FAIRBAIRN ON DEPARTURE FOR NEW ZEA-AND
THURSDAY 20 MARCH 1980
Question Prime Minister what do you hope to achieve in New Zealand?
Prime Minister
over a long period New. Zealand and Australia have worked to
achieve closer economic relationships trading in particular
through the NAFTA Agreement. Now I think there is a consensus
on both sides but the NAFTA arrangement has probably gone about
as far as it can. It seems to have run its course and if there
is to be some closer retlationship between New Zealand and
Australia a different approach might be required. All-of this
really began when Mr. Talboys came down to Nareen quite some
time ago. But since then ministers have met, officials have
met to try to establish a basis for closer developing economic
and trading relationships. Now Mr. Muldoon and myself will be
reviewing the work that has been undertaken up to this point.
We hope we can agree on directions for further work. There will
be no hard decisions taken tomorrow. But we do hope that we
can agree on the directions for further work that will enable
the general New Zealand/ Australian relationship to be enhanced
and to come closer over the next years.
Question Prime Minister do you intend talking to Mr. Muldoon about the
Olympics question?
Prime Minister
The discussions are on the trans Tasman relationship but when we
meet we will talk about a great range of issues no doubt they
will come up.
Question I can see why it's important for a country like New Zealand to
have close relations with us. But what's in it for Australia?
Prime Minister
I think it is important for Australia to have the closest possible
relationships with New Zealand. The total market for Australian
goods is significantly larger with the New Zealand added to our
own. Over the years the close working partnership between
Australia and New Zealand has been very much to the advantage of
both countries, not just for the smaller country, New Zealand.
Question Prime Minister if I may come back on the Olympics the Swimming
Union, the Athletics Union in the last two days have gone against
your wishes. Does it concern you that there is a trend that way?
Prime Minister
Oh and the House of Commons overwhelmingly went our way.
Thank you very much. 000---