P. M. No. 13/1962
Joint Statement by the Prime Minister ( Mr. Menzies) Deputy
Prime Minister ( Mx Mce) an Prelier ( Mr, Nicklin)
The Prime Minister and Mr. John McEwen this afternoon had a most valuable discussion with the Premier and the members of his Cabinet.
As the Commonwealth Government, like the State Government of Queensland, is made up of both Liberal Party and Country Party Ministers, the discussions represented what might
be fairly described as a " family" political conference. Various
matters which have been under discussion in the past were
clarified by the exchanges, to a genuine mutual satisf~ action.
The Prime Minister made it clear that the
Commonwealth Government, being determined to make an early and
substantial reduction in unemployment was not proposing to
delay action until the meeting of Parliament. On the 3-ontrary,
it would announce some urgent decisions at the earliest possRble
moment after the cnclusion of its industry consultations next
week. Long range measures are already under examination but
this is not to prejudice or postpone short-term measures.
Queensland Ministers put several views of great
importance. One was that 1960, though it was a boom year for
most of Australia, was not one in Queensland; and that
Queensland had in consequence been more affected than other
States by the impact of the anti-inflationary measures taken by
the Commonwealth. One of the results of this, they said, was
that at present unemployment is much more serious in Queensland
than in any other State. Ways and means of making a quick
impact upon unemployment, particularly in the centres most
affected, were discussed and several constructive pr-oposals
were made by Queensland Ministers. These will be conveyed to
CommonwealtL-h Ministers by the Prime Minister and Mr. McEwjen and
will be examined. In addition to what have been referred to as " shortterm"
measures, action was taken to look at the longer term
development of the industrial potential of Queensland,
partiai larly in relation to the providing of employment and the
earning of export income. It was agreed that both the need and
the opportunity exist, but that Parther detailed talks are
needed before ultimate conclusions can be arrived at.
The Prime Minister said that he would facilitate early visits or conferences by the Treasurer ( Mr. Hoolt), the Minister for National Development ( Senator Spooner) and the Minister for Shipping and Transport ( Mr. Opperman), In addition of course Queensland Commonwealth Ministers, Messrs Davidson, Adermann and Swartz will be available for frequent consultations.
" We all thought our discussions were invaluable", said Mr. Menzies and Mr. Nicklin after the meeting,.~! believe that
we have established a splendid basis for co-operation in the
interests not only of Queensland as a political unit but of the great actual and potential Australian resources which lie within the boundaries of this State. It is unreasonable to suppose
that every suggestion made hereafter can be accepted by one side or the other, but we are quite satisfied that we ! iave taken steps to eliminate misunderstandings arnd to enable each of us to help
the other in our cormcon tasks. The immediate task is to restore confidence, whicth is tthe vital, condition of renewed prosperity".
BRISBANE
26th January, 1962,