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ay have a lower priority than others.

And having been

involved in a number of priority decisions I can assure

you that, at times, it is a heart-breaking business. It is

portant for social workers, for those of us here today

to appreciate the constraints under which all governments

aust work. Let me assure you that the Hong Kong Govern ent

shares with you the goal of a better society wherein all

can share the fruits of prosperity: if there is any difference

at all, it lies as I have suggested in the pace at which one

should proceed and the need for fairness between all sectors

of the community. The social work profession has boundless

enthusiasm for change that would transform society.

enthusiasm is necessary and praiseworthy. But it must take

into consideration the wider perspective of the community's

needs as a whole and the knowledge that resources are finite

and that there must be priorities in implementation.

Such

I imagine that one of the areas which will attract

attention during the Symposium will be the position of the

social worker and the style of activity that he or she may

feel necessary to bring the attention of authority to a

particular issue. Of course, ideally it should not be

necessary to have to do this

it is necessary and desirable.

to learn your views on this

—

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but I accept that at times

I shall be interested later

what is the most effective

way of achieving your objective

issue to notice: is it lawful?

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of bringing a particular

does it impinge on the

rights of others? I have heard it said by some that some