Comments by P.M.

Press, 7 March 1983, Page 6

Comments by P.M.

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He doubted whether the change would have any implications for the Closer Economic Relations agreement, the final signing of which was postponed because of the election. The only effect the result would have on New Zealand would be in 18 months, when New Zealand’s General Election was due, Mr Muldoon said.

“By then, the experience of what a Labour Government can do in Australia will make some of the pre-elec-tion promises in New. Zealand seem less credible,” Mr Muldoon said.

i A delighted Mr Lange said j Mr Hawke’s win would be a “great boost to the Labour movement in New Zealand.” There should be a lesson for the New Zealand Government in the way the Australian electorate had rejected the anti-union “arsenal of conversative hacks.” He said Mr Hawke had won because of his appeal to an electorate .tired of “grubby” tactics. • ? j The change would benefit’ Tasman relationships ; bq*J cause Fraser and Mr’* Muldoon: Mad. been “at logger- - heads,” Mr Lange said. It would be'“pretty exciting, ultimately”.when there were Labour governments in ■both Australia and New Zealand because they would have common interests in diplomacy in places such as Asia and the Pacific and on other issues,-.; including nuclear disarmament.

The election'result would make a lot of difference’to the National Government, he said, helping to keep it “constantly on the defensive in the months, .to come.” Mr Lange said that the Hawke win was extremely satisfying for Australia because so many states were now in sympathy with the Federal Government.

“They will be able to do something,” he said.