E&OE.............................................................................................
JOURNALIST:
.....just for a moment just for a comment on the rate cut this
morning, Mr Howard?
PRIME MINISTER:
Well, let me say this is a fantastic day for the Australian economy
and for homebuyers. I mean, we have got booming economic growth,
we've got the lowest interest rates in 30 years and we have
just introduced a tax reform package that is going to build an even
stronger Australian economy. You can't get a better day illustrating
a strong past, a powerful present and an optimistic future. It is
a tremendous day for the Australian economy and it's a reminder
that Australia is the economic strong man of Asia.
JOURNALIST:
And what about today's national accounts figures, five per
cent growth for the year?
PRIME MINISTER:
Well, I have just mentioned that. That indicates just how strong
the Australian economy is. We have defied the Asian economic downturn,
we have dumbfounded the critics and we have illustrated that those
gloom and doom merchants in the Labor Party are just so out of touch
with reality. Thank you.
[ends]