Distractions!
Prime Minister Bob Hawke supports Treasurer Paul Keating in the
bringing down of the 1988 Federal Labor Budget.
The excise on beer had been reduced however the wholesale tax was
increased by 20%.
Liberal Opposition Leader John Howard had outlined his 'One
Australia' Policy on Immigration.
Fearing that racial intolerance internally as well would be the
result, three Liberal Party members, Ian MacPhee, Steele Hall and
Phillip Ruddock crossed the floor and voted with the Labor Party
on a Parliamentary Motion to reject a racial basis for Australia's
choice of migrants.
In case anyone is wondering, the "Canberra" under the signature is because Jeff was in
the Canberra 'Lock-up' where journalists are put into secure premises so they can preview the Federal Budget. They remain there until
the Budget Paper is presented to Parliament.
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