10 July 1995
FISCHER: CRUDE, HYPOCRITICAL AND IRRESPONSIBLE
Acting Foreign Minister, Senator Bob McMullan, today demanded that National Party Leader, Tim Fischer, 'put up or shut up' on the issue of Australia's response to French nuclear testing in the Pacific.
Mr Fischer stated today Australia's official representatives at the French National Day ceremonies should 'roast not toast' the President of the French Republic.
The Government has made clear Australia's unequivocal opposition to the resumption of French testing at Mururoa, both directly to the French Government and publicly.
"Australia's response to the French decision has been the strongest of any country in the world," Senator McMullan said.
"The course of abuse proposed by Mr Fischer could only lead to complete rupture in Australian-French relations, while adding nothing of substance to Australia's position.
"If Mr Fischer is actually proposing Australia sever diplomatic ties, he should come right out and say so.
"Of course, he will also need to spell out how this will advance Australia's interests overall, including providing adequate representation and services to the many thousands of Australians who travel to France and its territories each year.
"It is not good enough for a person who aspires to be Deputy Prime Minister of this country to be chanting crude political slogans without regard to their consequences.
"Slogans are no substitute for substance and what we've seen here is that 'Two-Minute Tim' lacks substance and any sense of responsibility.
As Peter Garrett said yesterday, the actions and comments of the Opposition on this issue constitute 'an alarming act of total political hypocrisy'," Senator McMullan said.
Senator McMullan said that the Government will continue to act in a considered, responsible and dignified way to press home to the French Government Australia's unequivocal opposition to France's heavy-handed actions in the Pacific.
"Australia's official representation at the Bastille Day ceremonies will be scaled back to the minimum consistent with the maintenance of diplomatic relations.
"In contrast to previous years, for example, no Ministers will be attending such ceremonies, and attendance by officials will be strictly limited.
"This will leave the French Government in no doubt as to the gravity with which Australia regards the French nuclear testing decision."
Further information: John Flannery, (06) 277 7420, 018 482 887