...In Government we will provide full and satisfying employment. We will restore the authority of the Arbitration Commission to its proper role. Our com- munity cannot continue to be subject to perpetual strikes, which deprive people of goods and services and wage-earners of income merely to satisfy the power instincts of trade union leaders. In present economic conditions it would be madness to adopt a 35 hour week. We will resist it in every way.
We will accept investment from other countries for the benefits we can obtain. The control over its type and direction lies with us. We will set guidelines to achieve Australian management and ensure that Australians have maximum control and ownership of our natural resources and industries.
Australia will not continue to be the only significant nation to reduce exploration for oil and gas at a time of energy crisis.
We will give the States a guaranteed share of income tax revenues so they can carry out their responsibilities fully and properly. We will bring in a new era of co-operative Federalism.
We will limit the growth of the Public Service not to exceed the growth of the workforce. It will not be used as a pacesetter for wage hikes over the whole economy.
We will end Labor's war on the countryman. The well-being of the rural sector greatly influences the success of the rest of the economy. It must be strong.
We will restore the super-phosphate bounty to encour- age productivity and restraint of food prices.
We are strongly committed to the active advance- ment of the rights of women so that their role and contribution is acknowledged and their opportunities are equal. We will take direct action in the Public Service and Department of Labour to eliminate discrimination. The whole community will benefit from this initiative.
...The Liberal and Country parties offer you an Australia built on deep respect for the individual. On his, and her, dignity and freedom. The right to succeed, to accept responsibility, to work harder if they wish and to be rewarded for it. The individualÕs success is the community's success.
We want a big, tolerant, outward looking Australia. We offer you fresh action, new initiatives, ideas and ideals.
We offer you genuine concern for the individual in need.
Opening Speech Federal Election: Sydney, 30 April, 1974
