Beazley Speaks At National Press Club As Campaign Begins Wind Down
November 7, 2001
With only three days to go until the Federal election, the Opposition Leader, Kim Beazley, addressed the National Press Club in Canberra today. Click here to listen to the audio of his appearance.
During questioning, Beazley reiterated his support for a tough stance on asylum-seekers.
The Opposition Leader reiterated his campaign themes about education, health and jobs, constantly making the point that the coalition government is out of touch, governs for the wealthy and ignores the plight of ordinary families.
Beazley repeated his pledge that he was a prime minister for the long-term, saying that Australia doesn't need a "part-term" leader. He spoke again of his knowledge Nation plans and proposals to provide more money for hospitals and aged care, as well as rolling back the GST on some "essential" items, restructuring school funding, and developing a more long-lasting solution to the asylum-seekers issue.
Responding to journalists' questions, Beazley refused to comment on the extent to which the ALP's stance on refugees was costing it support in western Sydney electorates. Instead, he stuck resolutely to his message, as he has done throughout the campaign.
An interjection from a member of the audience when Beazley was responding to a question about the fate of an asylum-seeker seemed to symbolise the heat and focus that this issue has generated over the past couple of months.
John Howard will address the Press Club tomorrow.
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