Howard in Hollywood - it's a gas
By Peter Mitchell
June 3, 2004
IN a brief meeting in California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's office, Australian Prime Minister John Howard offered the Terminator a quick lesson in Australian politics and, more importantly, made progress on a multi-billion dollar gas deal.
The two men also exchanged gifts. Howard handed Schwarzenegger a pair of RM Williams boots, while the governor gave the Australian leader a toy bear.
"A very, very heavy bear," Howard told reporters after the meeting in downtown Los Angeles. "I don't know if they have been made heavier since he has become governor or not."
Schwarzenegger did not speak to the media, although he posed for photos with the prime minister for less than a minute.
The meeting, lasting a little more than 30 minutes, was held behind closed doors.
The main topic of discussion was Australian resources giant BHP Billiton's proposal to supply energy-starved California with liquefied natural gas (LNG), and the Australian prime minister described the talks as "very positive".
BHP Billiton is proposing to ship LNG from Australia to California, a venture expected to generate $A15 billion in exports for Australia if approved."
http://dailytelegraph.news.com.au/story.jsp?sectionid=1258&storyid=1422467(Unfortunately Malibu council has voted overwhelmingly to nix any Australia plans to build a gas pipeline off the coast..he may have to give that bear back !)