These are difficult and uncertain times. The Australian economy faces the pressures being generated by global economic turmoil. We told you what would happen if you removed us from power.
But this is not a time for recriminations. This is a time for leadership that will keep Australia on a steady course. And even though we have no meaningful power beyond the capacity to be obstinate in the Senate (until and unless Steve Fielding decides to stop being even more obstinate), we will provide that leadership.
Recently, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Treasurer Wayne Swan provided a Government guarantee on all bank deposits for the next three years. While this has prevented panic in the banking sector, it has created a series of consequences that the Government did not adequately anticipate. Australians are attempting to adjust the allocation of their money to mitigate risk, which is impacting on business sectors that are not covered by the guarantee.
In the days to come, confidence and assurance in one’s investments will be crucial to the vitality of Australian society. We do not believe that the Government has done enough to give Australians the necessary attitude to forge onward in the days ahead.
Consequently, we call on the Government to issue an immediate and unconditional guarantee of all Melbourne Cup bets and sweeps entries. We cannot allow the nation to stop, as this would disrupt the race that stops the nation.
That is all.
