DROUGHT DESTROYS 'DREAMS, HOPES AND LIVES'

8 April 1998

The Governor-General, Sir William Deane, said today he hoped the 1998 Royal Easter Show would help city people appreciate what tough times so many were Australians are facing at present on the land and in the country towns.

Speaking at the official opening of this first Sydney show to be held at the new Showground at Homebush Bay, Sir William said: "In parts of New South Wales the drought is the worst in my lifetime. It is destroying dreams, hopes and lives."

"There is the continuing cycle of falling commodity prices. And, more and more, important business and service industries are closing their doors in rural centres."

"People are being forced to leave the bush in search of work. Those who remain increasingly face the prospect of prolonged periods of unemployment, especially youth unemployment, which is undermining family life and stability both in town and on the farms."

"I hope the Show will help to reassure the thousands of rural Australians who are facing such difficulties that they have the sympathy and the support of fellow Australians everywhere."

Sir William paid tribute to the new state-of-the-art Homebush Bay Showground. He said the Show, like Sydney itself, is a vibrant one that is ever-changing to keep up with the times. Last night he and Lady Deane attended the world premiere of "1914", a wonderful new work by the Australian Ballet, at the Sydney Opera House.

The Governor-General also acknowledged the NSW Mounted Police Escort and the many members of the Police Force who worked to ensure the Show is a safe place.

"There has, in recent times, been publicity about alleged misconduct on the part of some members of our Police Forces," Sir William said. "Everyone is agreed that police misbehaviour must be eradicated whenever it occurs. On the other hand, is absolutely essential to the safety and well-being of our community that police morale is safeguarded, and that the worth and dedication - and courage - of the ordinary, decent members of our Police Forces, upon whom we all rely, is publicly recognised and acknowledged."

"We all owe those ordinary, decent men and women of the NSW Police Force a great debt. They deserve our admiration and support. They certainly have Helen's and mine."