MELBOURNE (Standard&Poor's) Sept. 12, 2001-- Standard&Poor's advises that the Australian capital markets continued to operate today without suffering any major liquidity difficulties in the debt market, despite the disruptions caused by the terrorist attacks in the U.S. on Tuesday. Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand, Chris Dalton, said Standard&Poor's is currently unaware of any rated Australian domiciled entities or debt issues experiencing material payment difficulties as a result of any capital and money market disruptions. "Clearing, payments and settlements systems are functioning, albeit with some delays," Mr. Dalton said. "Additional confidence is afforded by the Reserve Bank of Australia, which is on standby to provide liquidity support to financial institutions, if required. "On
