I am pleased to announce today that Canberra is to be the Federal
Government's selection as the host city for the Commonwealth
Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2001.
It is appropriate that such a meeting be held in the national capital
at the centenary of our Federation.
Canberra is a capital city of which all Australians can be proud.
CHOGM will give Australia the chance to showcase its capital to leaders
from around the world.
The Federal Government's agreement is subject to being fully
satisfied that suitable accommodation and conference facilities are
available. We are working with the ACT Government on these matters
and are confident that these requirements can be met.
The meeting would represent significant opportunities for Canberra
businesses, particularly the hospitality and recreational sector.
This is especially the case as CHOGM will follow the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
The Federal Government looks forward to working with the ACT Government
in bringing this ambitious project to fruition.
19 February 1998