E&OE...................................................................................................
PRIME MINISTER:
I shall certainly miss Mr Hashimoto. We got on very well. We worked
very hard to make the relationship between our two countries even
better, and I regret very much his departure as Prime Minister of
Japan. And at this crucial time I will naturally be keen to work very
closely with his successor.
JOURNALIST:
What needs to be done in Japan now to keep the momentum going of the
financial restructuring that Mr Hashimoto did?
PRIME MINISTER:
There must continue to be economic reform because Japan's economy
is so important to the world and most particularly to our region and
Mr Hashimoto introduced many significant reforms and I will certainly
miss his company at international meetings and the particular contribution
that he made towards our relationship. He was a good friend of Australia's
and he was a helping figure for Australia in international conferences
and for that reason, and others, I regret very much his departure.
JOURNALIST:
What affect is it going to have on Japan do you think?
PRIME MINISTER:
Well it depends on the strength of his successor. I'm quite certain
that there will continue to be an expectation of continued economic
reform in Japan and the world will look to Mr Hashimoto's successor
to continue that process.
JOURNALIST:
Any impact on Australia?
PRIME MINISTER:
Well, the Japanese economy is very important to Australia. It's
our best market and Japan's economic performance is always important
to us.
JOURNALIST:
Mr Howard, the Tasmanian election looks certain to be called for the
29th of August. Will you be visiting Tasmania?
PRIME MINISTER:
Well, I'll do whatever I'm asked to do but I've been
in very close contact with Mr Rundle and I congratulate him on being
willing to face the people, presenting them with a very clear choice.
He's offering a way forward for Tasmania through getting rid
of the State's debt. I applaud that courage. By contrast the
Labor Party is opposing the removal of debt and therefore is looking
backwards.
Thank you.