Fed: Beazley says ALP finishes 1999 strongly

AAP General News (Australia)
12-07-1999
Fed: Beazley says ALP finishes 1999 strongly

Opposition Leader KIM BEAZLEY says Labor's finishing 1999 strongly in the polls and
is poised to win the next federal election on the GST.

Mr BEAZLEY used the last meeting of Labor MPs and senators of the year to focus his
troops on the GST and Labor's policy development ahead the next election.

He says the first year after an election is always difficult, but Labor ended the year
well with the ALP ahead in two polls and level-pegging in a third.

Mr BEAZLEY says Labor's standing in the electorate was remarkable given the strong
economy, the focus on Australia's commitments to East Timor and the diversions of the
nation's sporting success.

The GST, which comes into force in July next year, is starting to bite and he says
the ALP will surf to victory on the back of a GST campaign.

And Mr BEAZLEY's also criticised the Australian Democrats over their deals with the government.

He says Democrats Leader MEG LEES was rewarded with an invitation to join the prime
minister in London for centenary of federation celebrations.

But Mr BEAZLEY says he has no interest in Mr HOWARD's invitation to visit London.

AAP RTV jg/mfh/as/jn

KEYWORD: BEAZLEY (CANBERRA)

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