AUSI HAI. I A PRESS STATEMENT NO. 339
26 September 1974
RELEASE OF INDUSTRIES ASSISTANCE COMMISSION REPORT
The Prime Minister, Mr Whitlam, today released
the Industries Assistance Commission report on Wood and
Metal Working Machinery, Etc.
Mr Whitlam said that the Government's decision on
the report will be announced at the earliest practicable
date.
CANBERRA. A. C. T.

tA U S THA A,,
PRIME MINISTER Press Statement No. 337
September 1974
PRIME MINISTER'S VISIT TO THE COOK ISLANDS
The Prime Minister, Mr. Whitlam, announced
in Canberra today that he would be visiting the
Cook Islands and participating briefly in the
South Pacific Conference, which is being held there
from 25 September to 7 October 1974. He will be
in Rarotonga from 26-27 September, en route to the
United States to begin his North American visit.
The Australian delegation to the South Pacific

AUSFRA. IA
PRIME MINISTER Press Statement No. 336
September 1974
PRIME MINISTER'S VISIT TO FIJI AND NORFOLK ISLAND
The Prime Minister, Mr. Whitlam, announced
in Canberra today that he would be payi. ng official visits
to Fiji and Norfolk Island on his way home from his
North American visit.
Mr. Whitlam said he had been delighted to
accept an invitation from the Prime Minister of Fiji,
Ratu Sir Kamesese Mara, to attend the celebrations of
the Centenary of Fiji's Cession to the British Crown.

PRESS STATEMENT
Statement by the Prime Minister
The Hon. E. G. Whitlam, Q. C. M. P.
Change in the Exchange Rate
of the Australian Dollar
The Australian dollar will be devalued by
12 per cent as from 6.00 the Prime Minister
announced today. The initial rate against the US dollar
will be $ A1 $ US1.3090.
The fixed link to the US dollar will be
discontinued. In future the exchange rate for the
Australian dollar will be determined by changes in an
average of foreign currency values weighted in accordance

or I PRESS STATEMENT NO. 334'
September 1974
DEVALUATION STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER
This is the most important single economic decision
we have taken this year. Its main effect its basic purposeis
to mnake it easier to sell our goods overseas.
This means bigger markets abroad for our farm products
and minerals and manufactured goods.
It will make it easier for our exporters to compete
in overseas markets; it will make it easier for local
manufacturers to compete with imported goods.
I believe this decision will give an immediate boost

PRIME MINISTER'S PRESS CONFERENCE
PARLIAMENT HOUSE, CANBERRA
TUESDAY, 24 SEPTEMBER 1974
. PRIME MINISTER: Have you any questions?
QUESTION: You have made some grave charges against some of your
colleagues of peddling lies. Do you propose to ask for or seek
their resignation from the Cabinet? If not, do you propose to
continue to lead a ministerial team among which are some
ministers against whom you have made such grave charges?
PRIME MINISTER: I have not made grave charges; I haven't made the

AAUSTHALIAL
PRIME MINISTER PRESS STATEMENT NO. 333
23 September 1974
REFERENCE TO I. A. C. ON ROLLING STOCK PRODUCING INDUSTRY
The Prime Minister announced today that he had
forwarded a reference to the Industries Assistance
Commission on the rolling stock producing industry.
Mr. Whitlam said that the reference formed part of
the Commission's Tariff Review program which was commenced
by the Tariff Board in 1971.
The Commission had been asked to report within the
next 18 months on the assistance, if any, needed by the

EMBARGO : 4.00 PN
SPEECH BY THE PRIME MINISTER, MR E. G. WHITLAM, M. P.,
AT THE A. L. P. REGIONAL COUNCIL TOWNSVILLE
SATURDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER, 1974
I take this opportunity here in his home city and
among the people he represents of congratulating Percy Tucker
as Leader of the Labor Party in Queensland. I have orked with
him for many years as a colleague and known him even longer as
a friend. The Labor Party in Queensland has a fine leader, a
respected leader, a leader who will carry it to victory in this

STATEMENT FOR WERRIWA PRESS: AU) S 1! AlI A_
PRIME MINISTER
1974 BUDGET LIVERPOOL RAIL PROJECTS
The Australian Government will providca two-thirds
of the $ 21.5 million cost of constructing a new double
track railway between East Hills and Glenfield. This
will duplicate the existing Riverwood-East Hills section,
and when completed, the new rail link will -provide greatly
improved services to Sydney for travellers from the
rapidly developing areas south of Liverpool.
" This is an example of the greatly increased

STATEMENT FOR THE WERRIWA PRESS:
1 AUS RAIIA1
PRIME MINISTER
1974 BUDGET LIVERPOOL HOSPITAL
Campbelltown and Liverpool Hospitals should benefit
from the 1974 Budget allocation of $ 28 million for public
hospital facilities in the States.
The Prime Minister and Member for llerriwa,
Mr. Gough Whitlam said today that the Australian
Government had decided to go ahead with a five year program
of capital assistance for the provision, expansion and modernisation
of public hospital facilities.