Abstracts » Business, international

Driven to distraction: foreign-policy missteps dim Evans's political lustre

Article Abstract:

Australian foreign minister Gareth Evans still seems to harbor ambitions for the prime ministership despite recent and unprecedented criticism of several foreign policy missteps. These include an originally welcoming stance to the new Indonesian ambassador to Canberra, lack of ire over French resumption of nuclear tests in the South Pacific and a sharp reaction to media reports that the govt had let the US bug the new Chinese embassy in Canberra. Prime Minister Paul Keating has since indicated that he has chosen the finance minister as his political heir.

Evans, Gareth

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A sweeter pill: Liberal leader takes sting out of reform

Article Abstract:

Australian opposition leader John Hewson has modified his election agenda to protect the Liberal-National Party coalition's interests in the 1993 elections. He removed a proposed Goods and Services Tax (GST) on food and child care fees, and promised A$3 billion worth of public works spending for the economy. He also offered A$2 billion to businessmen through revised depreciation and investment allowances, and suggested cuts in ministerial salaries by 10%. Hewson's popularity jumped nine points in opinion polls after his announcements.

Hewson John

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Waroff words; Keating fights to catch up after calling polls

Article Abstract:

Australia's campaign for Mar 2 federal elections started with mud-slinging as underdog Paul Keating, the incumbent, attacked his opponent's credibility among Asian leaders. The opposition Liberal-National Party coalition replied strongly, and is waging a defensive campaign that saw it rise in the first two weeks from a six-point to a ten-point lead. Keating is used to coming from behind, but Australia's foreign debt and unemployment have risen sharply in the 13 years of Labor Party rule, further handicapping him.

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