Labour leader Alfred Sant yesterday had a meeting at his office at the national Labour centre with John Aquilina, leader of the House in the New South Wales parliament.

Mr Aquilina spoke about the many successes Maltese and Gozitans have made in Australia in trade, real estate, fuel stations and in the professions. He said feasts celebrated in Malta and Gozo are celebrated also by the Maltese and Gozitans in Australia. One band took part in all the celebrations.

Mr Aquilina said the Labour Party in Australia had very good prospects for the coming general election, expected in November. He wished the Labour leader well in Malta’s general election and hoped that at the next visit in Malta, he would meet Dr Sant as Prime Minister, the Labour Party’s information office said.

Mr Aquilina, who emigrated in 1956, has been a member of the New South Wales parliament for the past 26 years, and has served as minister. He was also Speaker for four years, and was made Leader of the House last May.