FED: Howard welcomes Kennett s declaration

AAP General News (Australia)
04-14-1999
FED: Howard welcomes Kennett s declaration

CANBERRA, April 14 AAP - Prime Minister John Howard today welcomed Victorian Premier Jeff
Kennett's suggestion to replace the constitutional preamble with a declaration.

"The prime minister welcomed the premier's contribution as part of the consultation process
being undertaken with the premiers, chief ministers and the Australian community," his
spokeswoman told AAP.

Mr Howard received Mr Kennett's draft declaration of the people of Australia today as one
of the submissions the prime minister will take until April 30.

Mr Kennett told state parliament the declaration was timeless and appropriate for its time,
given that Australia was likely to enter the next millennium as a republic.

It also met the guidelines agreed at last year's constitutional convention in Canberra.

AAP rmg/sc/was

KEYWORD: PREAMBLE HOWARD

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