PRIME MINISTER
FOR MEDIA 13 September 1985
Federal Cabinet this week discussed the future of phosphate
mining on Chriptmas Island.
Following the meeting the Prime Minister sent the following
message to the Administrator of Christmas Island:
" In 19u4 the Christmas Island phosphate operation was
restructured in an attempt to restore the commercial
viability of the Phosphate Mining company of Christmas
Island Ltd.
unfortunately, the expectations of the restructuring
programme have not been fulfilled.
The Commonwealth will not support an uneconomic
phosphate operation.
Therefore the Commonwealth had decided that the present
uneconomic phosphate operation will cease before the
end of the 1986.
The cessation of mining operations is to be orderly and
to assist with th is, selective redundancies will apply.
Termination payments will be in accordance with award
conditions at mainland parity rates.
The feasibility of alternative commercial enterprises
on Christmas Island will be looked at immediately.
However, any prospects will not have an influence on
the decision to close the present uneconomic phosphateoperation.
The Government has established a working party, including
union, ACTU, Government and otner community representatives
to consider and report as a matter of urgency on the
future of Christmas Island."
Hawke, Robert
Period of Service: 11/03/1983 - 20/12/1991
Find more information on Hawke, Robert on the:
Release Date:
13/09/1985
Release Type:
Media Release
Transcript ID:
6719
Document:
00006719.pdf
1 Page(s)
Released by:
- Hawke, Robert James Lee
UNKNOWN
6719