Fed: Howard still optimistic on sale of Telstra

AAP General News (Australia)
04-10-2000
Fed: Howard still optimistic on sale of Telstra

Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD says he remains optimistic that the government can sell
off Telstra, despite a Queensland National Party revolt against the move.

The National Party's Queensland central council yesterday ordered its federal MPs to
oppose any further sell-off.

Mr HOWARD has told ABC television while he understands concerns about Telstra service
levels, the situation won't improve unless the carrier is fully privatised.

Mr HOWARD says he still holds out hope the government can sell off the remaining half of Telstra.

Mr HOWARD has also defended Telstra inquiry member and former National Party MP Ray
Braithwaite's attendance at the weekend's Queensland party conference.

Mr HOWARD says Mr BRAITHWAITE did not involve himself in the debate on the issue of
whether or not Telstra should be privatised.

AAP RTV daw/wz

KEYWORD: TELSTRA HOWARD (CANBERRA)

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