PRIME MINISTER
FOR PRESS 17 DECEMBER 1978
ELECTORATE TALK
I would like to talk to you tonight about the National Wage Case
decision bought down by the Arbitration Commission last Tuesday.
The Commission has decided to grant in full the wage increase
of 4 percent sought by the trade unions at the hearings.
This decision to award the 4 percent flow-on is the worst
possible Christmas present that could be made this year to the
unemployed. How long is it going to take before trade union
leaders and the Arbitration Commission come to understand that

PRESS OFFICE TRANSCRIPT 15 DECEMBER 1978
Interview with Laurie Power on Side Steps of
Parliament House
Question
Mr. Fraser, the last year has been a fairly tough one,
economically and for employment. What are the prospects
for the coming year?
Prime Minister
The prospects for activity, economic activity, I believe
are much better indeed because the benefits flowing
through from lower inflation, more stable cost base,
is really starting to have an impact. I've been
given indications on a subjective way, not statistical

, AUSTRAL1A
FOR PRESS 14 DECEMBER 1978
NATIONAL WAGE CASE INQUIRY
The Prime Minister is writing to Premiers to seek their urgent
cooperation in the exmination of ways and means of achieving
consistency between the wage fixation processes and economic
objectives. He said that he believed that the State Governments would
see this objective was essential in order to enable the economic
problems confronting the Australian community to be resolved
effectively. Resolution of these problems was critical for

FOR PRESS 13 DECEMBER, 1978
LUNCHEON FOR PRESIDENT BONGO
On behalf of the Australian Government and people, I extend
to you, your Excellency, a very warm welcome to Australia.
In the past, visiting leaders from African nations have
by and large come from Commonwealth countries and we
are delighted that you have-chosen to come to Australia
on a private visit.
We welcome this opportunity to meet with a leader of
one of the French speaking countries of Africa, but our
pleasure in receiving you in Australia as our guest runs
deeper than that.

4AUSTRALIA
PRIME MINISTER
FOR PRESS 13 DECEMBER 1978
The Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, announced today the appointment
of Permanent Heads of the Department of Finance, Industrial
Relations and Employment and Youth Affairs.
Mr Ian Castles has been appointed Secretary, Department of
Finance, to replace Mvr R. W. Cole, recently appointed Chairman
of the Public Service Board. Mr Castles was formerly Under
Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Mr M. B. Keogh has been appointed Secretary, Department of

JjAUSTRALIA
FOR PRESS 10 DECEMBER, 1978
ELECTORATE TALK
This Parliamentary year has been notable in many respects.
First, it has been characterised by an Opposition preoccupied
with personalities. They have failed to make realistic
attempts to present and argue alternate policies as
an Opposition should. In this they are led by a man who
talks gloom at every possible opportunity, both inside and
outside the Parliament.
Australians expect the Opposition in the Federal Parliament
to present reasoned argument on important national issues

7
PRIME MINISTER
FOR PRESS 9 DECEMBER, 1978
MRS. GOLDA MEIR
Mrs. Golda Meir was one of the outstanding women of
the world.
She dedicated her life to the service of her country and to
the long search for a secure future for the state of Israel.
From the time of her arrival in the British mandated territory
of Palestine, the main aim of her lifewas the creation and
later the consolidation of Israel.
As Minister for Labor, for Foreign Affairs and finally as
Prime Minister, she served her country with dedication and

EMBARGO: MIDNIGHT, 9 DECEMBER, 1978
4AUSTRALIA , g
PRIME MINISTER
FOR PRESS 9 DECEMBER, 1978
ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNIVERSAL
DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
Today, 10 December, marks the 30th Anniversary of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is appropriate
to affirm that Australia remains committed to the promotion
and protection of fundamental human standards. The
anniversary comes at a time when there is a growing
international recognition of the importance of human rights.
It is essential that Australia be seen as a firm upholder

F78/ 256
PRIME MINISTER
FOR PRESS8 DECEMBER 1978
VISIT BY PRESIDENT OF GABON
The Prime Minister announced today that President Omar Bongo
of Gabon would make a private visit to Austraia on Tuesday 12
and Wednesday 13 December.
He will be accompanied by Madame Bongo and senior Ministers
and officials.
The President will visit Sydney and Canberra.
Mr Fraser said that during the course of the visit President Bongo
would undertake some official engagements.
President Bongo will pay courtesy calls on the Governor-General

PRESS OFFICE TRANSCRIPT 8 DECEMBER 1978
Interview with Warren Beeby, Malcolm Colless and
Russell Schneider of the Australian.
Question This is your Third Anniversary... . will be your Third
Anniversary, what do you think have been the major
achievements over the last few years?
Prime Minister
I think I'd put the major achievements in two areas:
one economic, because without the economy coming right
all other ambitions and hopes for Australia will fail.
You've got to have a strong economy to pay for