PM Transcripts

PRIME MINISTER
STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER, THE HON P J KEATING MP
AUSTRALIA DAY MESSAGE
On Australia Day it is right that we should remember all that
was done by earlier generations to build this country. But
-today I think it is appropriate to also remind ourselves that
this generation of Australians has done as much as any other to
preserve our way of life and make it safe in the years to come.
In the past decade we Australians have risen to meet the
challenges posed by a dramatically changing world, and by our
efforts we have given ourselves security and opportunities we
would not otherwise now have. In doing this we have learned that
we have the capacity to adapt. We have learned that we can
compete with the best.
In the 1990s the chance is there for Australia: we can build for
ourselves a more rewarding and dynamic place in the world, and
particularly in our region, than we have ever had before. In
our great natural _ wealt4, in our collective-skills-, and
knowledge, in our will and strength of purpose, we have all we
need to secure the future.
The challenges remain. With some of our m~ r traigprns
in recession or moving only slowly out of it, the hardship here
will not quickly go away. This is a reality which must be
squarely faced. Equally, we should acknowledge that we are
doing better than most comparable countries, and that there is
good reason to be confident.
In 1993 we will redouble our efforts to accelerate economic
recovery, reduce unemployment and alleviate the stress which
change has brought to Australians in their homes and workplaces.
The great task for we Australians is to continue to confront
necessity and make the changes, while doing all we can to reduce
and share the burden.
Our success depends on our material and human resources, our
natural wealth and our energy and ideas. It also depends on our
faith in Australia and in each other, by how well we care for
each other.
It will be good for us to be guided by these things in 1993,
just as they have guided Australians through other challenging
times. I take this opportunity to wish all Australians a successful,
safe and happy year.
5644 January 1993