Palmer 'less volatile than Lange'

Press, 31 August 1989, Page 1

Palmer 'less volatile than Lange'

By

BRENDON BURNS

in Canberra

The Prime Minister, Mr Palmer, is described in Australian briefing notes as a solid and reliable figure, “less volatile than David Lange.” Written by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the notes were provided to members of a Parliamentary committee before its members met their New Zealand equivalent this week.

The two foreign affairs and defence select committees continued their joint meeting in Canberra yesterday. In the Australian committee’s briefing notes, members were told there were differences in the style of Mr Palmer and Mr Lange, but policies were expected to remain the same. The Opposition was said to have been unable to establish itself as a clear alternative Government. Mr Winston Peters was said to be more strongly favoured as an alternative Prime Minister than Mr Bolger. “Public statements by Peters have tended to undermine Bolger’s authority and have led to speculation about a formal challenge to Bolger’s leadership,” the notes said. National’s ranks had been split by public wrangling about economic policy direction. Mr Lange’s resignation could be seen as an attempt to reverse the electoral standing of the Government, the notes said. “The (Labour) party remains divided over economic policy direction and other issues, including the Anzac frigate project.” The Right of the Labour Party was said to be opposed to frigates on the grounds of cost and the Left on ideological grounds. But the Prime Minister, Mr Palmer, is seen to have assisted the project. “By refusing to be rushed into a decision, Mr Palmer has provided the pro-frigate lobby additional time which it has exploited to publicise the economic advantages which would follow from a positive decision.”