E&OE....................
Thank you very much and to you Mr Muto thank you very warmly for your
kind words of welcome. It is a very important part of my visit to
Japan that as parliamentarian I have the opportunity of meeting fellow
parliamentarians from the Japanese Diet.
I have often remarked on my visit that the relationship between Australia
and Japan is a model of how two very different societies can come
together and work to achieve common objectives. One of the objectives
is surely the promotion of the parliamentary system within our two
societies and the strengthening of the links between those who are
elected representatives of our two peoples.
I am honoured that so many of you have turned up this morning and
that it's such a representative range of members both political background,
age and the different constituencies that you represent. It is a very
strong indication to me of the great importance that the elected representatives
of the Japanese people place on the relationship between our two countries.
Although we have a very good and strong relationship it is not one
that should be taken for granted and it's very important particularly
in a global economic environment that both Australia and Japan continue
to work hard at strengthening and improving the relationship. And
that is why I agreed with the former Japanese Prime Minister, Mr Hashimoto,
that we would, as far as possible, meet each other as Prime Ministers
once a year alternating between the two countries. And I think that
is very important and a very powerful symbol of the commitment of
the two societies to each other.
Japan buys more from Australia than any other country and Japan has
been our best customer for many years. We are very conscious of that.
We are keen to preserve the goodwills that exists within Japanese
industry. And the strength of our economy makes Australia an increasingly
attractive country with which to do business.
Our economic growth rate has been between four and five per cent.
Our interest rates and our inflation rate are the lowest they have
been for more than 30 years. Our unemployment rate is also coming
down. Our business investment levels are very high and we have just
completed a major reform of our taxation system to which Mr Muto made
reference in his introductory remarks. All of these things indicate
that Australia is determined to play an even stronger role in the
regional and the world economy.
We respect both Japan's strength as the second largest economy in
the world and also the leadership role that that gives to Japan. It
is important not only to our region but also to the entire world that
the recent signs of strengthening of the Japanese economy continue
because a stronger Japan means a stronger region and a stronger world
economy.
But our relationship is not only defined by economic and trade issues
it is also a very strong people-to- people relationship. At present
tens of thousands of young Australians are being taught the Japanese
language at schools. There is a very strong commitment to the teaching
of your language in our education system and it has rapidly replaced
the teaching of many other foreign languages over recent years. And
through a knowledge of your language young Australians are being given
a knowledge of your ancient and special culture.
And finally there will be a lot happening in Australia over the next
two years. We will host the Olympic Games in Sydney next year and
for all of the following year we will commemorate 100 years of the
establishment of the Commonwealth of Australia through the federation
in 1901 of the then six colonies. And I can assure you that as many
members of the Japanese DIET who wish to do so should come to Australia
particularly at the time of the Olympic Games and I can assure you
of a very warm and affectionate Australian welcome if you choose to
do so. Thank you very much.
[ends]