PM Transcripts

FOR PRESS: P. M. No. 12/ 1964+
ECON OMIC CONSUILTATITONS
Statement by the Prime erTh 1-1 Hon. Q3. i-r Robert Menzies
This afternoon the Prime Minister and a committee
of Ministers held a general discussion of the econom'ic situation
with representatives of national organisations. The Prime
Minister, Sir Robert Menzies, said that this had been a further
meeting in the series held over the past two years under a
practice which the Government intended to continue.
Today's meeting had been arranged by the Government
to give Ministers an opportunity early in the year to obtain the
up-to-date views of those concerned with the day-to-day workings
of commerce and industry. Ministers had found the talks most
useful and informative. Representatives who attended the meeting were:
Mr. R. V. Allison, President, Associated Chambeisof
Manufactures of Australia
Mr. L. Atkinson, President, Associated Chambers of
Commerce of Australia
Mr. Theo Kelly, President, Australian Council of Retailers
Mr. R. J. Abercrombie, Chairman, Australian Bankers' Association
Mr. A. F. Havard, President, National Farmers' Union
Mr, JP, Heffernan, President, Australian Primary Producers' Union
Mr. T. L. Bull, President, Australian Woolgrowerst and
Graziers' Council
Mr. L. Heaslip, President, Australian Wool and Meat
Producers' Federation
Mr. WeDe Ferguson, President, Federal Chamber of Automotive
Industries
Mr, KG, Hooker, President, Master Builders' Federation of
Australia.
The Australian Council of Trade Unions was also
invited to the meeting, but because of its other commitments,
arrangements have been made for the Council to talk with Ministers
on Thursday, 27th February.
Tomorrow afternoon tho committee of Ministers will
have further discussions on the economic situation, first with
the representatives of the Manufacturing Industries Advisory
Council and then with representatives of the Export Development
Council. CANBERRA 18th February, 1964+.