House of Representatives
6 December 1916

6^th Parliament · 1^st Session

PETITIONS
FEDERAL PARLIAMENTARY WAR COMMITTEE
QUESTION
- SOLDIERS’ CLOTHING
QUESTION
- USE OF COAL
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
QUESTION
- TASMANIAN SHIPPING SERVICE
QUESTION
- SALE OF WHEAT AND WOOL
QUESTION
- MORATORIUM
QUESTION
- RECRUITING COMMITTEES
QUESTION
- WOOL CLIP
QUESTION
- SALE OF WHEAT CROP
QUESTION
- FIXATION OF PRICES
QUESTION
- SECRETARY FOR LEADER OF AUSTRALIAN LABOUR PARTY
PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS
QUESTION
- UNEMPLOYMENT
QUESTION
- RETURNED SOLDIERS
QUESTION
- ARBITRATION CASES
QUESTION
- CABLEGRAM WITHHELD
QUESTION
- SLAUGHTER OF FEMALE STOCK
QUESTION
- PROTECTION OF WHEAT STACKS
INDUSTRIAL WORKERS OF THE WORLD NOTICES
QUESTION
- NAVAL ESTABLISHMENTS
QUESTION
- MUNITION WORKERS AND SHIPBUILDERS
QUESTION
- EXPEDITIONARY FORCES
QUESTION
- COMPULSORY MILITARY TRAINING
QUESTION
- MILITARY SERVICE REFERENDUM
QUESTION
- MOTION OF WANT OF CONFIDENCE
QUESTION
- COAL MINES IN NEW SOUTH WALES
QUESTION
- SALE OF RAW SUGAR
PAPERS
SUPPLY
- Interim Financial Statement - Ministerial Policy
- In Committee of Supply:
- Revenue. -
ADJOURNMENT
- Order of Business

Mr. Speaker took the chair at 3 p.m., and read prayers.

page 9431

PETITIONS

Mr. RICHARD POSTER presented a petition from 2,660 farmers of South Australia, praying that the existing Federal wheat scheme should be amended by abolishing the restriction to chartering ships by two firms only, and by providing for the representation of each State on the Board of Management, that an audit and an independent report of the whole workings of the scheme be made, and that the accounts of each season’s1 crop be kept separate.

Petition received and read.

– In consultation with the Prime Minister and the officials of the Navy Department, I have prepared a statement which, by leave, I shall read to the House.

Leave granted:

Mr JENSEN:

– The statement is as follows: -

It is proposed to bring about a complete ‘resumption of all State enterprise at as early a date as is compatible with the safeguarding of every aspect of the situation.

The acute stage was reached approximately about the 23rd November, when ‘the situation became so grave as to necessitate the issue of a Proclamation controlling all fuel and power supplies, however held, to so regulate matters as to maintain the continuance of public utilities, work of national importance, and public necessities, such as food supplies, &c.

As a consequence, the Department had suddenly to cope with thousands of requests claiming permits to obtain fuel and power sopplies for the oarrying. an of all kinds of industries and utilities, and I have endeavoured to minimize public inconvenience as much as possible.

During this period special permits have been granted for power, ‘ fuel, &c., to the extent of more than 700.

Every case has been dealt with on its merits as. to necessity from the public point of view, and at all times keeping in view equality of treatment to those involved, whether employer oremployee.

The following gives a general indication of the services which have been maintained up to the present, in addition to special permits : -

Electric light.

Gas light.

Tramways.

Harbor and other Trusts.

Corporations.

Refrigerating works.

Butchers.

Bakers.

Dairymen.

Butter factories.

Hospitals.

Charitable institutions.

Hotels.

Caterers.

Laundries.

Milk preservers.

Milk foods.

Bacon curers.

Stevedoring.

Flour mills.

Newspapers and important journals.

Printing of urgent work.

Many classes of general work connected with the Defence Department, Navy, and other Government Departments, in addition to the foregoing.

Harvester factories have been kept in full operation to meet the demands for harvester, reaper and binder, twine factories for harvest.

Sugar works.

Munition and explosive manufactures.

Mining and smelting operations in connexion withmetals.

Partial operations have been maintained in the following industries for the purpose of saving loss of produce, &c. : -

Starch and food works.

Jam factories.

Tanneries.

Chemical works.

Breweries.

Maltsters.

Chaff and produce mills.

Flour sack and bag manufacturers.

Glass and bottle works.

Various other industries.

After carefully considering the whole position, and after having ascertained the stocks of fuel held generally and the prospects of anticipated supplies coming forward from the mines now operating, I feel that I am justified in making the following statement as to future operations : -

That necessary requirements for transports and shipping can now be depended upon to bring about a complete resumption of these operations to meet requirements as facilities of loading, &c., admit of.

By a judicious use of coal and coke in stock, and the verbal transfer of same from factories, &c., where these are held in excess of immediate requirements, it is proposed, with the aid of wood and other fuel, to carry out the following programme : -

In addition to maintaining the various operations already indicated in the foregoing to provide for general resumption of industrial and other undertakings in the following order : -

On Monday, 11th December.

Jam manufacturers.

Woollen mills.

Boot factories.

Felt hat factories.

Oatmeal mills and certain foods.

Superphosphates.

Tanneries.

Clothing factories.

On Thursday, 14th December.

All power from electric and gas works for the resumption of work dependent on such power, and general resumption of all undertakings dependent on fuel or power of any kind.

I desire to call particular attention to the fact that this can only be done with any reasonable certainty of success conditioned upon industries closing down for the usual Christmas holidays. It is obvious that this will be necessary on account of the fact that it is anticipated that the mines will be closed down also during this period, and it would be impossible to provide for a maintenance of supplies in January when general resumption is expected to take place, if this arrangement is not carried into effect.

ProposedLoadingArrangementsat Newcastle.

Order, Steamer, Destination,How to beUsed.

Macedon, Melbourne, transports.
Saros, Wallaroo and Port Pirie, smelters and Broken Hill mines.
Period, Melbourne, hulks and gas.
Tavuini, Hobart, hulks and gas company.
Lammeroo, Breaksea for orders, hulks.
Goulbum,Melbourne, hulks.
Koonya, Devonportand Strahan, bunkering.
Era, Adelaide, hulks and S.A. railways.
Wakatipu, Launceston, hulks and gas.
Barwon, Adelaide, bulks and S.A. railways.
Aeon, Wallaroo and Port Pirie, smelters and Broken Hill mines.
Alabama, Melbourne, hulks and country gas.
Wear, Melbourne, Colonial Sugar Refining Company and hulks.
Kooringa, Melbourne, hulks.
Ashbrtdge, Western Australia, hulks.

Mr JENSEN:

– The Department is at its wits’ end to comply with all the requests that are made. I appreciate the position of the women engaged in the clothing trade, and I assure the honorable member that I specially included the clothing factories amongst those which may commence work on Monday next.

page 9433

PERSONAL EXPLANATION

Mr FINLAYSON:
BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND

– I desire to make a personal explanation. Last Thursday I said in the House that the Premier of Queensland had sent a cablegram to the Agent-General of that State in London, advising the Queensland electors there to vote “No.” On Saturday the Argus reported a message from Brisbane to the effect that Mr. Ryan had said that I was under some misapprehension in the matter. It is only fair to Mr. Ryan and myself that I should now state what that honorable gentleman says of the matter.

I quote from the Brisbane Daily Standard of the 2nd instant the following statement by Mr. Ryan: -

Mr.Ryan stated that during the month of October he had been requested by the Anticonscription Campaign Committee to convey a message through the Agent-General in London to Mr. Phillip Snowden, M.P., asking him to put the other side of the case to the soldiers, in view of Mr. Hughes’ manifesto to them urging a “Yes” vote.

The Anti-conscription Committee paid the cost of the cable - £14 all but 6d. - and the message was sent - No. 50. Mr. Ryan subsequently received the following from the AgentGeneral : - “ No telegram No. 50 has been received during the current month.” “As the result of inquiries,” added the Premier, “I am satisfied that the message was never received by the Agent- General, and was probably never despatched from Australia by the authorities.”

page 9433

QUESTION

TASMANIAN SHIPPING SERVICE

Mr ATKINSON:
WILMOT, TASMANIA

– Can the Minister for the Navy say whether any definite arrangement has been arrived at in regard to which boats shall run from the mainland to Tasmania between now and Christmas? There is a great tourist traffic.

Mr JENSEN:
ALP

– It is proposed during the coming week that the Oonah shall be put on service again.

Mr TUDOR:
YARRA, VICTORIA

– Do I understand that boats are going to run for practically pleasure purposes this week, while factories are not to be allowed to have coal for another week ?

Mr JENSEN:

– No; I never made any such statement. I said “ during the coming week.” Factories will be permitted to start on the 11th - or most of them - and the continuance of the Oonah in traffic and trade will be considered later. I may add that the Oonah carries a quantity of produce and very few passengers.

page 9433

QUESTION

SALE OF WHEAT AND WOOL

Mr SAMPSON:
WIMMERA, VICTORIA

– I should like to know from the Prime Minister whether negotiations have been concluded for the purchase of the wheat and wool crop of Australia, and, if so, whether he can give particulars to the House?

Mr HUGHES:
ALP

– I am unable to supply the House with the information. The negotiations are not yet complete, but as soon as they are I shall take the first opportunity to disclose them.

page 9434

QUESTION

MORATORIUM

Mr PIGOTT:
CALARE, NEW SOUTH WALES

– I desire to ask the Prime Minister whether he will extend the moratorium so as to restrain any landlord from taking any steps to recover rent for land leased for wheat farming, by distraint or legal process, until an advance of at least 2s. 6d. on the present season’s wheat crop has been paid, the leaseholder not to be in any way prejudiced as regards his lease by the delay in payment of rent ?

Mr HUGHES:
ALP

– I am rather inclined to think that the existing moratorium covers such cases. If it does not, I shall look into the matter, and see how far an alteration is called for. I understand the position to be practically that, whereas in normal times a farmer is able to put his produce on the market immediately it is harvested, he is now precluded from doing so owing to the existence of the wheat pool. He is, therefore, dependent absolutely on the operations of the wheat pool for a return for his labour, and is unable to pay his rent. Is that the position?

Mr Pigott:

– That is the position.

Mr HUGHES:

– I shall see that in such case the farmer is protected.

page 9434

QUESTION

RECRUITING COMMITTEES

Mr SHARPE:
OXLEY, QUEENSLAND

– Does the Prime Minister not consider that it would be advantageous to have some members of the Cabinets of the different States included on the State Committees rather than the men who now compose them? I refer particularly to Queensland.

Mr HUGHES:
ALP

– I am afraid that the question is a little complicated, and the honorable member had better write it down, so that I may look into it between now and to-morrow.

page 9434

QUESTION

WOOL CLIP

Embargo on Export: Prices.

Mr HAMPSON:
BENDIGO, VICTORIA

– Will the Prime Minister state whether any attempt has been made by the Government to sell scoured wool to the British Government, or is it proposed to sell the whole of the wool unscoured?

Mr HUGHES:
ALP

– I am unable to give any information on that subject. The negotiations between the British Government and the Commonwealth Government are not yet complete.

Mr RILEY:
SOUTH SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES

– In dealing with the wool clip, will the Government take into consideration existing industries, and see that the wool is scoured, and prepared as far as possible in Australia before it is sent overseas ?

Mr HUGHES:

– The sale of the merino and cross-bred wool clip of the Commonwealth to the British Government is a vast transaction, but all interests involved, including those of the manufacturers, scourers, and fellmongers, have been taken into consideration, and safeguarded. It is the intention of the Government to retain from the clip a quantity of wool sufficient for the purposes of the Commonwealth, and also to send overseas as much scoured wool as. possible in order that employment maybe given to our own men.

Mr CORSER:
WIDE BAY, QUEENSLAND

– In view of the shortness of the wool storage in Queensland, will the Prime Minister, under the terms of the embargo, allow wool to be shipped, and dealt with while on the sea, because if this is not permitted, very serious inconvenience will be caused to wool owners, in that State?

Mr HUGHES:

– I am quite aware that considerable inconvenience will, and, according to the honorable member, some loss may arise from the embargo on the shipment of wool, but the Government are not to be held to be directly responsible. The British Government have intimated to us that they are desirous of acquiring the Australian wool clip, and have requested us not to permit export. We have no alternative but to comply with that request; but we have submitted to the British Government as strongly as we could the importanceof their settling the matter at the earliest possible moment, thus relieving us of that inconvenience and loss, if the honorable member will haveit so, that arises from the embargo on export. Beyond this we cannot go. But I anticipate that, in the course of a few hours, at any rate by to-morrow, we shall be able to lift the embargo, and permit shipments to go forward in the usual way.

Mr RODGERS:
WANNON, VICTORIA · LP; NAT from 1917

– The price of the wool clip of Australia is about to be fixed, and it is a fixation of prices on a colossal scale, necessitated by certain circumstances with which we all agree, but I am anxious to know from the Prime Minister if there is any possibility of conflict between the tribunal that he is creating to appraise the value of the wool and the authority vested in the Minister who is handling the matter to fix the price himself, as happened in regard to wheat last year?

Mr HUGHES:

– As I pointed out last week, in reply to a question arising out of the same matter, submitted by the honorable member, the question of appraising the value of the wool clip has been vested in a Committee which was appointed by the conference of persons called to consider the question. The matter of appraising the price of wool is a highly technical one, and only the opinion of experts can be of any service at all. Of course, the Minister, who will probably be myself, may be technically and actually responsible, but what can any Minister who is not an expert know of the value of wool ? Therefore we must rely on somebody. The Committee which has been appointed is one of highly reputable men of great skill. Every regard will be had for the interests of the individual wool owners. I should like to add that the interests of the small man, no matter how small he may be, will be as carefully considered as those of the great pastoral companies. Subject, of course, to the price at which the whole clip is sold, he will get the full value for his wool as distinct from the wool of some one else which is of inferior or superior quality.

page 9435

QUESTION

SALE OF WHEAT CROP

Mr PATTEN:
HUME, NEW SOUTH WALES

– In the event of the British Government purchasing the wheat crop now being harvested, will the farmer be paid in full immediately the purchase arrangements have been completed? If not, will the Prime Minister see that an instalment of at least 2s. 6d. per bushel is paid to the farmers?

Mr HUGHES:
ALP

– It will not be possible for the farmer to be paid in full immediately for wheat that may not be deliveredfor six, ten, or eighteen months from the date of the purchase; but, as I have already stated, the matter of paying the farmer a reasonable advance has been, and is, engaging the serious consideration of the Wheat Board. The Board desires to pay the farmer an instalment of 2s. 6d. per bushel. In order to do that, it will be necessary to borrow £18,000,000; of course the difficulty arises in doing this.

page 9435

QUESTION

FIXATION OF PRICES

Mr RODGERS:
WANNON, VICTORIA · LP; NAT from 1917

– In view of the restraining influence of the Government’s proposals for the taxation of war profits, does the Prime Minister consider it necessary to maintain and develop the price fixation machinery ?

Mr HUGHES:
ALP

– The policy of the Government in regard to war-time profits will be made clear when the Treasurer makes his statement. The other matter to which the honorable member referred must be dealt with separately. I made a short reference to it in my Ministerial statement to the House. Any further matters arising out of it can be dealt with on their merits in the application of the principle I then enunciated.

page 9435

QUESTION

SECRETARY FOR LEADER OF AUSTRALIAN LABOUR PARTY

Mr HIGGS:
CAPRICORNIA, QUEENSLAND

– In view of the reversion to the three-party system in this Parliament, and the fact that the Government allow the Leader of the Liberal party the services of a secretary, will the Prime Minister take into consideration the question of allowing the Leader of the Australian Labour party similar service ?

Mr HUGHES:
ALP

page 9436

INDUSTRIAL WORKERS OF THE WORLD NOTICES

Mr PALMER:
ECHUCA, VICTORIA

– Is the Prime Minister aware that the operations of the Industrial Workers of the World are being extended to country districts in Victoria, and that notices are being posted to this effect -

Wanted : Recruits, male and female, for the I.W.W. Must be determined, unscrupulous, and unafraid of gaol or death. Apply to-day at the nearest I.W.W. recruiting office.

Mr HUGHES:
ALP

– I have not seen this notice before. If the honorable member desires to know whether the Government are going to deal with these people, I can only say that recruits of the type described in this notice would be rather difficult to deal with. The matter is, however, engaging the attentionof the Government, and I shall shortly declare our policy with respect to it.

Mr TUDOR:

– Bearing on the question just put by the honorable member for Echuca, I should like to ask the Prime Minister whether the advertisement - if it is an advertisement - cannot be traced, since it must have been paid for by somebody? Is there a note showing in what newspaper it appeared? If it is merely a small printed circular, does it not bear an imprint? If it does, the Prime Minister can ascertain who issued it, and if it is a punishable offence, these men can be dealt with.

Mr HUGHES:

– There is no imprint on this “ dodger.” The people who publish these things do not bother about imprints or anything else. The honorable member knows that perfectly well. One might just as well look for the name of the Deity on a publication out of Hell as expect to see the name of the printer on such a publication.

page 9437

QUESTION

NAVAL ESTABLISHMENTS

Furlough and Leave of Absence

Mr MAHONY:
DALLEY, NEW SOUTH WALES

asked the Minister for the Navy, upon notice -

Whether the period of service qualifying for leave of absence and furlough to officers and employees in naval establishments (under Statutory Rules 1916, No. 243 - Regulations for the Conduct and Management of Naval Establishments) dates from the commencement of their employment or only from the date of the issue of such Regulations?

Mr JENSEN:
ALP

– The answer to the honorable member’s question is as follows : -

The Regulations operate from the date of issue, namely, 4th October, 1916. As regards leave of absence, when the time for the annual leave has been decided on, all officers and employees who have twelve months’ continuous service will be granted leave with pay (see Regulation 42) ; that is, of course, subject to their behaviour having been good and attendance regular.

As regards furlough, the qualifying period will commence from date of permanent appointment under State or Commonwealth Governments. (See Regulation 44, sub-section 2.)

In cases where there has been no permanent appointment the qualifying period will date from 4th October, 1916.

page 9437

QUESTION

MUNITION WORKERS AND SHIPBUILDERS

Recruits for the United Kingdom.

Mr JOHN THOMSON:
COWPER, NEW SOUTH WALES

asked the Prime Minister, upon notice -

In view of the urgent necessity for munition workers and shipbuilders in the United Kingdom, will the Government provide facilities and make the necessary arrangements for recruiting, as an Australian contribution, say 1,000 men from Cockatoo dockyards, for such purpose, seeing the work these men are at present engaged upon cannot assist in the present war?

Mr HUGHES:
ALP

– The matter will be inquired into, and will receive the consideration of the Government at an early date.

page 9437

QUESTION

EXPEDITIONARY FORCES

Case of Dr. Heupt McLeod - Pay of

Married Men - Arrest of Alleged Deserter - Civilians and Military Titles

Mr PATTEN:

asked the Assistant Minister, representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice-

Whether he will have all the papers in connexion with the request of the War Service Committee of Tumbarumba, New South Wales, to have an open inquiry on oath, held in Tumbarumba, into the alleged statements of Dr. Heupt McLeod laid upon the table of the House ?

Mr LAIRD SMITH:
DENISON, TASMANIA · ALP; NAT from 1917

– The papers will be made available for the perusal of the honorable member at the Defence Department.

Mr CHARLTON:

asked the Assistant Minister, representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice -

Whether the maximum amount of eight (8) shillings per day to married men serving in the A.I.F. has been increased to ten (10) shillings per day ; if so, what are the respective amounts paid as separation allowances and for each child ?

Mr LAIRD SMITH:
DENISON, TASMANIA · ALP; NAT from 1917

– The Minister for Defence has supplied the following reply: -

In regard to members of the Australian Imperial Force enlisted for service abroad, separation allowance may now be drawn up to an amount which, added to the member’s pay, does not exceed 10s. per day. The rates remain the same as previously, viz.,1s. 5d. per day for a wife and 4½d. per day for a child, and the result of the new regulation is that better provision is made for the families of soldiers who have a number of children.

Mr BOYD:
HENTY, VICTORIA

asked the Assistant Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice -

Whether his attention has been called to a letter in the Argus of the 1st inst., from a Mr. Wm. Lane, of Clarence-street, Caulfield, complaining of a visit from two military police at 2.30 a.m. for the purpose of arresting his son as a deserter from the A.I.F., when the said son had been discharged five weeks previously ?
Will he take steps to see that such an action is impossible in future ?

Mr LAIRD SMITH:
DENISON, TASMANIA · ALP; NAT from 1917

– The Minister for Defence has supplied the following reply: -

A Court of Inquiry has been appointed to investigate this case. Domiciliary visits by the police to arrest deserters have been forbidden, and the withdrawal of all warrants in the hands of the civil and military police has been ordered so that they may be revised.

Mr FOWLER:
PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

asked the Assistant Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice -

Is it a fact that many civilians holding positions in the Defence Department have had military titles conferred upon them?
Will the Minister lay on the table of the House a return showing the names and positions of such persons, the military titles they hold, the date of conferring such titles, and the steps, if any, by which they have reached their present military distinctions ?

Mr LAIRD SMITH:
DENISON, TASMANIA · ALP; NAT from 1917

– The Minister for Defence has supplied the following replies : -

Yes. The appointments referred to have been necessitated by the formation of the Australian Army Pay Corps. This course was decided upon as the best means of securing the strengthening of the accountancy staffs of the Department, a matter which had become an urgent necessity in view of the constantly increasing expenditure, and the fact that of the pay staffs approximately 10 per cent. only were permanently employed officers of the Commonwealth or States.

Unfavorable developments in certain military districts rendered it imperative that not only should the Department secure a better control over those men who were employed, but that a better class of employee than those ordinarily available as temporary employees should be attracted into the service. The organization of the Military Pay Offices as a Military Unit is accomplishing these purposes.

Yes.

CIVILIANS WITH MILITARY RANK.

Military rank has been conferred on those shown in the following list, all of whom were at such time employed in the Defence Department Pay Offices in a civilian capacity : -

The above includes- only permanent civilians employed in the Department. A number of temporary employees have been similarly granted military rank in the Pay Corps and Base Records Corps on enlistment.

page 9440

QUESTION

COMPULSORY MILITARY TRAINING

Cost of Camp

Mr PARKER MOLONEY:
INDI, VICTORIA · ALP

asked the Assistant Minister, representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice-

Whether he will inform the House and the country as to the expenditure entailed in maintaining the men called up under Proclamation and remaining in camp between the date of the defeat of the Referendum (28th October) and the withdrawal of the Proclamation?

Mr LAIRD SMITH:
DENISON, TASMANIA · ALP; NAT from 1917

– The Minister for Defence has supplied the following reply: -

The official announcement as to the result of the Referendum was made on 22nd. November, 1916.

The expenditure entailed in maintaining the men called up under Proclamation and remaining in camp between the date mentioned by the honorable member, viz., 28th October, 1916, and 22nd November, 1916 (when Proclamation withdrawn) was -

page 9440

QUESTION

MILITARY SERVICE REFERENDUM

Instructions to Returning Officers

Mr HIGGS:

asked the Minister for Home Affairs, upon notice -

Did the Chief Electoral Officer of the Commonwealth (Mr. Oldham), or any person acting on his behalf, issue instructions to Divisional Returning Officers as follow or to the like effect : - 2. - (1) At the polling at the Referendum under the Military Service Referendum Act 1916, to be held on the 28th day of October, 1916, the presiding officer may put to any male person claiming to vote who, in his opinion, is under thirty-five years of age, the following question, in addition to any or all of the questions prescribed by the Military Service Referendum Act 1916 : - “ Are you a person to whom the Proclamation of 29th September, 1916, calling upon single men under 35 to present themselves for enlistment, applies ?”
1. If the answer of the person claiming to vote is in the affirmative, the presiding officer shall put to him the following question : - “ Have you presented yourself for enlistment accordingly or been exempted?”
2. If the answer to the question specified in the last preceding sub-regulation is in the negative, or if the presiding officer has reason to believe that the person claiming to vote is a person to whom the Proclamation applies, and that he has failed to obey it, the presiding officer, before permitting him to vote, shall mark the ballot-paper with the word “ Proclamation “ or the abbreviation “ Proc.”
Did the Chief Electoral Officer issue the above or similar instructions on Friday, the 27th of October, and, if so, at what hour?
If the Chief Electoral Officer or other person issued the above or similar instructions, under what authority or by whose direction did he issue the same?
Was the Chief Electoral Officer requested by the Prime Minister, or any person acting on his behalf, to countermand the above or similar instructions on Friday, 27th of October, and, if so, at what hour?
Were any voters in any of the polling booths on the 28th of October asked any questions such as those referred to in the above quoted instructions, and were any ballotpapers marked “ Proclamation “ or “ Proc.” ?

Mr BAMFORD:
Minister for Home and Territories · HERBERT, QUEENSLAND · ALP

– The answers to the honorable member’s questions are: - 1 and 2. A direction in the terms set forth was issued by the Chief Electoral Officer to the Commonwealth Electoral Officers for the several States on Friday, 27th October, at about 3.30 p.m., for transmission to their respective Divisional Returning Officers, in anticipation of the issue of a regulation to that effect. The telegrams were actually despatched from the Telegraph Office at a later hour. Inter-State telegrams were not despatched until about 6 p.m.

The direction was given by the Chief Electoral Officer as a result of a notification officially forwarded to him by the AttorneyGeneral’s Department, with an intimation that the regulation had been approved. The Solicitor-General had been informed by the Prime Minister’s Department that the regulation was not to be issued until further instructed. As the time in which to issue instructions to electoral officials was very short, it was necessary to anticipate the actual issue of the regulation. It is not an uncommon practice where it is necessary to reach distant parts of the Commonwealth to issue instructions in anticipation of the issue of regulations.
The Chief Electoral Officer received an official intimation from the Solicitor-General before 10 p.m. on the night of the 27th October that it had been decided not to issue the regulation, and forthwith tookevery practical step, by means of the telegraph and otherwise, to notify the State and the Divisional Electoral Officers accordingly.
It is posible that in a very few cases electors were questioned during the earlier stages of the polling, owing to the inability of a Divisional Returning Officer to get in touch with a Presiding Officer prior to 8 a.nv. on Saturday, 28th October, but for all practical purposes the withdrawal was effective.

Regulations have no legal force unless, and until issued. This regulation was not issued, and never had any legal effect.

page 9441

QUESTION

MOTION OF WANT OF CONFIDENCE

Mr KELLY:
WENTWORTH, NEW SOUTH WALES

asked the honorable member for Yarra -

Whether the motion of no-confidence moved by him on the 29th November was prepared by the executive of his party?

Mr TUDOR:

– The procedure followed on the occasion referred to did not differ in any respect from that followed when a motion of no-confidence in the ReidMcLean Government was moved by the Hon. J. C. Watson, and when a similar motion was moved against the Fusion Government by the Hon. Andrew Fisher. No person outside the members of the Labour party - except the Prime Minister - knew that the amendment was to be moved. A letter was written to the Prime Minister notifying him of the intention to move the amendment, and it was handed to him by the honorable member for Maranoa on the afternoon when the amendment was moved. No one outside the party was consulted or knew the terms of the amendment.

page 9441

QUESTION

COAL MINES IN NEW SOUTH WALES

Dr MALONEY:
MELBOURNE, VICTORIA · ALP; FLP from 1931; ALP from 1936

asked the Prime Minister, upon notice -

If he will obtain from the New South Wales Government and give to the House a statement showing -

The rents paid to the New South Wales Government by Mr. Brown for his coal leases in New South Wales?

The quantity and value of coal raised from his mines for the year 1915?

Mr HUGHES:
ALP

– I have forwarded the honorable member’s questions to the Premier of New South Wales.

page 9441

QUESTION

SALE OF RAW SUGAR

Mr CORSER:

asked the Treasurer, upon notice -

Whether the Treasurer authorized the sale by a sugar mill or mills of raw sugar at £22 per ton?
If so, will the Treasurer take steps to secure to growers also an increased price for their cane?

Mr POYNTON:
Treasurer · GREY, SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

– Authority was given to a mill for the sale of 100 tons of raw sugar direct to storekeepers to tide them over the temporary shortage caused by the coal strike, and the intention was that the mill should sell at £18 per ton, that being the standard price paid to all the mills by the Queensland Government for raw sugar, but, owing to a misunderstanding, the mill charged £22 per ton, which will be rectified.

page 9441

PAPERS

The following papers were presented : -

Inter-State Commission Act - Inter-State Commission - Tariff Investigation - Report on Paper, Paperboards, Manufactures’ of Paper and Wood Pulp.

Ordered to be printed.

The War - Allied Territories in the Occupation of the Enemy - Correspondence respecting the Relief of. - (Paper presented to the British Parliament.)

Commerce (Trade Descriptions) Act - Regulations Amended - Statutory Rules 1916, No. 292.

Public Service Act - Promotion of W. H. Gibson, Postmaster-General’s Department.

page 9441

SUPPLY

Interim Financial Statement - Ministerial Policy

In Committee of Supply:

Mr POYNTON:
Treasurer · Grey · ALP

.- I move -

That there be granted to His Majesty for the service of the year ending 30th June, 1917, a sum not exceeding £3,293,200.

I propose to make a statement on the financial proposals of the Government. On the 27tb September last, just before the adjournment, the former Treasurer, tho Honorable W. G. Higgs, made a statement concerning certain taxation proposed by the late Government : T refer to the war-time profits tax, a Bill for which was introduced on the 17th May last; the proposed increased income tax; the levy on wealth for repatriation purposes; and the entertainments tax.

Since my appointment to the position I hold in the Hughes Government, it has been part of my duties to examine these instruments of taxation. The war-time profits tax, as proposed by the exTreasurer, applied to all businesses - whether continuously carried on or not - of any description carried on in Australia, or owned or carried on in any other place by persons ordinarily resident in Australia. The Bill, as originally drafted, provided that 50 per cent, of the war profits should be taken, but at a later date, the 27th September, the exTreasurer announced that it was proposed, in the second year of the operation of the Act, to take 100 per cent. of such profits. In examining this proposal I have taken into consideration the following factors : -

Its effect on new businesses particularly; and
Its effect on business and industries generally.

In England there is a similar tax in operation, but there the tax was 50 per cent. in the first year, and 60 , per cent. in the second year. I should like to submit that the operation of such a tax in an old and established country, where businesses, generally speaking, are of long standing, is not a reliable guide to us in a new country, where businesses and industries are springing into existence almost daily - a condition which it should be our policy to encourage.

An examination of some 300 balancesheets of companies discloses the fact that old and established businesses are not affected by war-time profits legislation to nearly the same extent as businesses of recent formation. That is chiefly owing to the war-time profits being based on the actual results of what is known as the pre-war standard of profits. In other words, companies or businesses thoroughly established prior to the war, and then showing large percentage profits, will not be nearly so much affected as new companies, or those companies or businesses which, prior to the war, did not exist or showed small percentage profits, and, in some cases, losses.

It is very clear that a very large portion of the revenue that will be derived from this source of taxation will be from businesses recently established, and such businesses as prior to the war showed a small percentage of profits. Unless some alteration is made in the Bill to treat these companies or businesses on a somewhat different basis from that which may be applied to old and established businesses, which in the pre-war period had earned good profits, the result will be inequitable.

In the ex-Treasurer’s financial statement the £1,000,000 estimated to be received from the war-time profits tax in the first year was based on a percentage standard of profits of 6 and 7 per cent., 6 per cent. being allowed in the case of companies, and 7 per cent. in the case of any other business. In the second year the percentage standard was increased to 7 and 8 per cent. respectively.

What Constitute War Profits. The Bill as drafted applied to all mining companies, and while it may be clearly demonstrated that the output of many products of the mines, such as lead, copper, molybdenite, tin, zinc, and other byproducts, has been enhanced very materially as a direct result of the war, it is difficult to find any argument that would justify the inclusion of gold mines amongst the taxable. Gold has not been enhanced in value as a result of the war. As a matter of fact, the war has depreciated the value of the sovereign very materially, if viewed from the stand-point of its purchasing power. The gold-mining industry, instead of deriving a benefit from the war, is being affected in the opposite direction. The prices of all material used in connexion with the industry are far in excess of what they were prior to the war. The Government have, therefore, decided to exempt the profits from the production of gold mines from the imposition of this tax.

Another important phase of this question is what is termed wasting or depreciating assets. It must be apparent that some companies and businesses may grow more valuable as they grow older, whereas there are other companies and businesses which have a limited life, and each year their assets are reduced in accordance with the extent of their output, or the term of their lease. This is clearly recognised in the Income Tax Assessment Act, section 17 of which provides that the capital expended by a person carrying on mining operations in necessary plant and development shall be divided by “ the estimated number of years during which payable mining operations may be expected to continue under normal conditions, and the quotient thus obtained shall, in addition to any other deductions allowed by the Act, be deducted from the income.”

A similar provision will need to be made in the War-time Profits Bill. It is quite apparent that, no matter how careful one may be in his endeavour to guard against injustice, there will undoubtedly be many cases of hardship as the result of the passing of the Act, and to meet that contingency it is proposed to establish a Board of Referees, to which, where the Commissioner is satisfied that hardship may be caused, cases shall be referred for decision.

Allowance should also be made for the deduction of amounts paid in respect of Commonwealth and State income taxes.

In estimating the revenue to be derived from this taxation I have reduced the amount which was originally expected to be received in the first year by £400,000, and in the second year by £1,100,000.

The Government do not propose to take 100 per cent. of the profits on the second year’s operations, and have decided to limit the tax to 50 per cent. on the first year, and 75 per cent. on the second year. If all profits were taken, there would be clearly no incentive for business people to extend their operations. It is further proposed to exempt fruit-growing from the operation of the Act. The loss of revenue from this will be negligible, and the exemption will save those in the industry the trouble of filling in returns.

Levy on Wealth for Repatriation Purposes. In examining this proposed instrument of taxation I have tried to ascertain -

Our actual needs.
The effect of such a levy on our borrowing within the Commonwealth if passed in its present form.
Its effect upon the taxpayer generally.

Under the proposal of the ex-Treasurer the payment of1½ per cent. was spread over a period of three years, and it was estimated to yield £3,333,000 per year, or a total of £10,000,000 for the three years. Before deciding on the term over which these payments may be made, it is well to consider our necessities in this direction. In other words, there is no justifiable reason why we should impose on the wealth owner, even for this laudable object - the repatriation of our Australian soldiers - more than will be necessary to meet our requirements. On inquiries I have made from the Defence authorities, it isconceded that we shall be unable to expend this amount in the time originally contemplated. Assuming the war to finish by this time next year, it would take well into two years before our troops would return to Australia. I therefore propose to extend the period of payment over five years, collecting onefifth of the total amount each year. This will lighten the burden, and, instead of raising £3,333,000 per year as originally proposed, the amount expected to be derived under my proposal will approximate £1,835,000 per year, or £1,498,000 less than Mr. Higgs’ proposal. As the result of inquiries now in progress it may be possible to reduce the amount payable in the earlier years. The levy may be paid in five equal yearly instalments, or the contributor may pay cash, in which latter case he will be entitled to a rebate or discount calculated on the basis of war loan interest for the period covered by the prepayment. Donations of £5 and upwards to the Repatriation Fund will be credited as payment or part payment of wealth levy.

The proposal already made includes war bonds and inscribed stock as being subject to levy. There are some honorable members who believe that no promise or pledge was given that these bonds should be free from all taxation, and on examination of the War Loan Prospectus that contention can be maintained, as therein it is stated that “ all bonds and all transfers of inscribed stock will be free of Commonwealth and State stamp duty, and interest will be free of Commonwealth and State income tax.” Clearly they were not to be free from all taxation, but many of the public appear to have been under the impression that the principal would not be taxed in any way, and the announcement that a levy of½ per cent. per. annum for three years on war bonds, as well as on ordinary wealth, was to be imposed, has unsettled the value of these securities, and in some few instances, so I am advised, investments have gone to other countries because of this proposal. The position of the Commonwealth is a dual one. In addition to our intention to increase taxation, we are also a borrower within our territorial limits, and early next year we shall have to raise about £18,000,000 for war purposes. Later on, if the war continues, we will most certainly have to raise a much larger amount. If we insist upon levying½ per. cent. for three years, we may find ourselves in the position of having to give an increased percentage for ten years on the balance of the loans we require, and the result would be that the increased amount to be paid for new loans would far exceed what would be gained by imposing the levy on war bonds.

My financial advisers tell me that if the proposed levy be maintained on war bonds and inscribed stock it will seriously interfere with the next issue; but if the public be assured that no taxation will be enforced on war loans it is thought we will be able from time to time to raise all the money we require locally for war purposes. We have, therefore, decided to exempt war bonds and inscribed stock from the operation of the wealth levy.

There is another phase of the proposed levy which should receive earnest consideration. That is as to whether some provision should not be made to meet bard cases. Many of those who will have to pay are persons whose income is not great, and there may be others who, while owning considerable property, may yet not have liquid assets to satisfy the levy, and who thus may suffer an injustice if forced to realize on some portion of their property to enable them to pay.

To meet this latter contingency, it is proposed to accept a first mortgage on such properties, and to charge interest on the amount of the mortgage. That would mean, instead of having to find the whole of the cash, they would pay interest on the mortgage, and have the right to pay off at any time they desired within the five years. It has also been decided that a Board of Referees shall be appointed. The personnel of this body will be the same as that appointed to deal with cases of hardship under the war-time profits tax. The taxpayer who considers himself oppressed will thus be given an opportunity to seek relief.

There will be an exemption of £500, but it is not intended to continue this exemption through all gradations.

Amendment in Present Income Tax. It is intended to increase the income tax by 25 per cent., and provision will be made so that the exemption will disappear on incomes of £500 and over. It is further proposed to increase the amount allowed to be deducted from taxable income to £26 for each child under sixteen years of age, and in the case of single persons without dependants the exemption will be reduced to £100. The only alteration in this tax, compared with the proposals of my predecessor, is the abolition of the ex- emption on incomes of £500 and over. The present exemption of £156 on income from personal exertion is allowed in full on all net taxable incomes not exceeding £500. Over that amount it diminishes by £3 for every £10 increase in the net taxable income, until it disappears entirely, when the net taxable income reaches £1,020.

In the case of income from property the exemption is £156 when the net income does not exceed £156. The exemption diminishes by £2 for every £5 by which the net taxable income exceeds £156, until it disappears entirely when the net taxable income reaches £546.

In the case of composite incomes, i.e., a total income derived partly from personal exertion and partly from property, the general exemption of £156 is apportioned between the net taxable income from the two sources, until the income from property reaches £546, and then the diminished deduction, which may still be allowable, is deducted from the income from personal exertion until that reaches £1,020, when it vanishes.

To make the general exemption of £156 vanish in all cases when the total net taxable income from all sources reaches £500, it will be necessary to provide that it shall diminish by £5 for each increase of £11 in the total net taxable income above £156.

In the case of a single person without dependants, the exemption of £100 will diminish by £1 for every £4 in the total net taxable income above £100, so that it also will vanish when the total net income reaches £500.

Entertainments Tax. The Government propose to go on with the entertainments tax, but will not impose tax on tickets of a less value than 6d. The ex-Treasurer estimated to get £1,000,000 in six months of the first year, but on the latest information I can obtain on this subject I have been compelled to reduce this estimate very materially, and do not expect to get more than £700,000 per annum from this source.

Economy. One of the first things done by me on assuming office was to summon the heads of the chief spending Departments, with a view of seeing if the Estimates of this year could be reduced, and at these interviews I impressed on the officers that I was not asking them to do anything which would in any way impair the efficiency of the many public services, but stated that the prosecution of the wax was paramount to all other questions, and that to do this” men, money, and munitions were essential. As a soldier at the front has stated, “ The internal decorations of our house can well wait until we have made the foundations safe from attack from outside.” I am not at all doubtful of the ultimate result of the war, but the hour of peace is not yet at hand. When it is, it will have to be on the terms of our Allies. Anything short of this will leave the whole world in constant dread of a repetition of the dreadful carnage of the past two years. The fact of the war being so far from our shores seems to have dimmed our vision of what our fate would be if by any chance the Allies were defeated. We have passed through a phenomenal decade of prosperity, which is indicated by the following figures : -

There has been no period in our history that has been more prosperous than the past ten years, and this may account for the revel in public expenditure which is still rampant in both the Commonwealth and the State activities. The time has surely arrived when we should call a halt and prepare for the aftermath that is certain to follow this world-wide war. I am pleased to report that my appeal to the officers and my consultations with Ministers were not in vain, but greater economies will yet, I think, be made.

This portion of the Government’s policy is far-reaching, and will embrace not only a close scrutiny of all departmental proposals for’ expenditure, but an early and full consideration in relation to each of the large spending Departments as to whether current expenditure can be re duced without affecting efficiency, and without reducing existing public facilities and conveniences beyond what is fair and reasonable to provide in time of war.

Coming into office when nearly half the year has gone, I find that Departments have already put in hand the several schemes of the year, and it is difficult to at once effect the economies which might have been made before the year’s work began. I have already found it possible, however, to curtail expenditure in some directions, and am continuing my investigations.

I am keeping in view that it is necessary to economize the resources of the Commonwealth in order that the war may be carried on, also that costs are at present so high as to demand the postponement, where possible, of works which, under more favorable circumstances, might be undertaken. As regards the extra costs, it will be useful to quote the following figures, which have been supplied by the Commonwealth Statistician, namely: -

The alterations made by me to date in the Estimates submitted by my predecessor on 27th September are as follow : -

Revenue. -

Expenditure Out of Revenue (not including War Expenditure). -

In the above decreases I have included £637,900 for expenditure on Additions, New Works, and Buildings.

I might, however, have taken credit for a decrease of £730,884, because I found that after Mr. Higgs’ speech of 27th September, 1916, his Estimates were increased at the request of the various Departments to the extent of £92,984.

According to the amended figures supplied by the Defence Department, and allowing for the improvement shown above, the amount which Mr. Higgs expected to borrow for war during the financial year may be reduced by £5,850,000.

Sinking Fund. In the financial statement which the late Treasurer made to the House on 27th September last, provision was made during 1916-17 for contributions to sinking funds on all loans for works purposes in accordance with the existing law, and in addition 2¼ per cent. on all war loans. The amount so provided was £2,747,000.

A sinking fund of 2¼ per cent. per annum accumulated at 4½ per cent. per annum would extinguish the debt in twenty-five years.

If contributions to the sinking fund during 1916-17 are limited to the requirements of the existing law, namely, 10s. per cent. per annum on Commonwealth Inscribed Stock issued for Works, with 5 per cent. per annum in respect of certain rapidly wastingworks, also a 10s. per cent. per annum contribution on war loans raised from the public in Australia, the amount so required would be £423,555, or a saving of £2,323,445 on the amount provided by Mr. Higgs.

A sinking fund of 10s. per cent. per annum accumulated at 4½ per cent. per annum would extinguish the debt in fifty-three years.

If a 1 per cent. contribution to the sinking fund were made on all loans raised by the Commonwealth, excepting the loans raised in London for the States, the amount required would be £1,301,778, or a saving of £1,445,222 on the amount provided by Mr. Higgs.

A sinking fund of 1 per cent. per annum accumulated at 4½ per cent. per annum would extinguish the debt in thirty-nine years.

The question of the proper disposal of Commonwealth Sinking Funds is important.

At present, we have at the credit of Commonwealth Sinking Funds the amount of £388,313. Of this, £158,380 has been invested in Commonwealth Treasurybills, and £140,630 in Commonwealth Inscribed Stock. The balance, £89,303, is held in cash, and is now awaiting investment. Following the usual practice, the investment would probably be made in the War Loan. Thus our Sinking Funds are not held for the redemption of our loans, but have always been used for subscribing to fresh Commonwealth loans, and the money has been expended for the Commonwealth’s current needs. The position created is equivalent to the direct expenditure of that money on Commonwealth present requirements.

It is right that taxation should be arranged so that, in addition to an amount sufficient to meet ordinary expenditure, there shall be raised an amount to be taken in reduction of loans. Assuming that the returns from taxation can be kept up to about the same level, it is clear that at the end of the war there will be a margin above current needs which can then be paid into a sinking fund. During the war, however, it does not seem wise that the amount raised by taxation in excess of ordinary requirements should be paid into a sinking fund. As the law stands, such sinking fund could be used for the purchase of new Commonwealth securities, and be expended on works or other services. Assuming that such investment were prohibited by law, it seems that the sinking funds could be used only in one of two ways, namely: -

To repurchase Commonwealth securities in the market and to cancel them, or
To place the funds in the hands of the Treasurer or trustees with directions to invest them in short-dated securities other than those of the Commonwealth, so that the money will be available at the dates of maturity of Commonwealth loan.

As regards the first course, it may be said that no advantage would be gained at present. Indeed, we might pay in the re-purchase a price higher than the subscription price, especially when we consider that certain commissions have to be paid on the raising of loans.

As regards the second course, it must be pointed out that it is not possible to place funds beyond control of the Parliament of the day. Even if the Constitution were altered, it could be again altered. Particularly during the present crisis does it seem unwise to create a large sinking fund, because, should the war last much longer, every resource of the Commonwealth will be used for existing requirements, and it is not likely that sinking funds would be left intact.

I suggest the wisest course is to arrange taxation so that, above other requirements to be met out of taxation, there shall be raised an amount equal to 1 per cent. of the whole amountof war indebtedness. The additional amount of 1 per cent. would be used to meet war expenditure, and thus the raising of so much of war loans would be avoided.

The effect of such a course would be practically the same as if the 1 per cent, were placed at the credit of the sinking fund and used immediately for the re-purchase of Commonwealth War Loan securities. The proposed method will be an effective way of insuring that the extra taxation shall go to the relief of War Loans, and arrangements will be made so that, immediately on the cessation of war, the amount of 1 per cent, on all loans shall be paid into the credit of a sinking fund, and definitely ear-marked for the sole purpose of paying off the loans.

Questions are frequently asked as to the number of years required to pay off a debt by means of a sinking fund, and the following particulars may be found useful by honorable members. It is assumed that the sinking fund will earn interest at the rate of 4^ per cent, per annum.

Treasurer’s Advance. In the first Supply Bill of the current financial year there was granted as advance to the Treasurer the sum of £600,000, and in the second Supply Bill the sum of £1,100,000, or £1,700,000 in all.

On taking charge at the Treasury I found that the Treasurer had authorized for expenditure since 1st July last the whole amount of his advance, namely, £1,700,000. Now it seems to me that a change is required. That was a very large sum of money for the Parliament to grant to the Administration.

It must be remembered that there is really no restriction upon the Treasurer as to the purposes on which he can expend the moneys granted from his advance. The amount is voted in a lump sum, which is described in the Supply Bill merely as “ Advance to the Treasurer.”

I am not criticising any particular Minister in bringing this matter under the notice of Parliament. All my predecessors have been intrusted with large sums, hut there has been a tendency to increase the amount intrusted, and I think the time has come when Parliament should reconsider the position. It can scarcely be contended that the practice which has sprung up tends towards economy. It is necessary, in my opinion, that, as far as possible, Parliament should indicate the purposes for which it grants public funds.

It is not contended that some amount of advance should not be given, because all Governments find that, in spite of most carefully estimating the proposed expenditure, circumstances arise which could not have been foreseen, but the amount given to the Treasurer for purposes to be decided upon by himself should be kept as low as possible.

No amount has been included in the present Supply Bill for Treasurer’s advance. The Bill includes provision for works which, during last financial year, were paid for out of Loan Funds. These works include construction of Kalgoorlie to Port Augusta railway, railway in the Northern Territory, placing telephone wires underground, erection of Commonwealth Offices in London, machinery at Cockatoo Island, and purchase of postal lands and lands in the Federal Capital Territory. For some years prior to 1st July last, it was the practice to provide for these works by loans from the Notes Fund. The notes in circulation having now reached the large amount of £46,000,000, it is not thought wise to make any further issue for works purposes. Also it seems inadvisable, while the necessity for raising such heavy loans for war purposes exists, that any attempt should be made to raise a loan from the public for works.

It seems a necessity, therefore, that works shall be provided for out of current revenue. The money for these works should be provided for in the Supply Bill. I have included not only provision to carry us on during the next three months, but have included also the amounts paid out of revenue since 1st July last, and charged to Treasurer’s advance. This seems necessary, because the whole amount required for the eight months of the financial year should be brought for appropriation by Parliament.

The following table shows the amounts included in the Supply Bill for works paid for in previous year from Loan Fund:-

When the Supply Bill has been passed, the expenditure on these works will be cleared from Treasurer’s Advance and charged finally to the votes in Supply. This will leave the Treasurer with a balance in Treasurer’s Advance, which will be available to meet the unforeseen re quirements of the Government, and thus it has become unnecessary to ask for any amount of Treasurer’s Advance at present.

Australian Notes Fund. The following particulars relating to the note issue may be found useful : -

Large Treasury Balances. Another matter to which I desire to draw the attention of the Committee is the very large accumulation of Treasury balances which are not earning interest. On 31st October last there was in the Commonwealth Bank in Australia at the credit of current account a total of £20,275,570; there was on fixed deposit in the Commonwealth Bank, bearing interest at 2 per cent. per annum, £2,000,000; current account in English, Scottish, and Australian Bank, Darwin, £1,186; total, £22,276,756. In addition, there was in London, on the same date, £4,155,095; a grand total of £26,431,851.

Included in the foregoing are moneys borrowed for war purposes, amounting to £20,468,771.

The amount of £4,155,095 in London was nearly all lent to the market at current rates of interest.

I am looking into the matter in anendeavour either to obtain interest on larger portions of these funds, or to provide that moneys lent to the Commonwealth shall be paid into the Treasury at dates more nearly corresponding with the dates on which moneys have to be expended.

Supply Bills. For this financial year Parliament has already passed two Supply Bills for ordinary services, and two for new works. The third Bills now submitted are to cover expenditure for three months, and will provide for the needs of the Commonwealth up to 28th February. 1917.

First ordinary Supply Bill, without Treasurer’s Advance and refunds of revenue, £2,082,388; second ordinary Supply Bill, without Treasurer’s Advance and refunds of revenue, £3,823,580 ; third ordinary Supply Bill, without refunds of revenue (no Treasurer’s Advance), £3,143,290.

– The exercise of those powers by Commonwealth and States was not foreseen by the framers of the Constitution ?

Sir JOHN FORREST:

– We knew that they could be exercised, but we did not think for a moment that such a suicidal policy would enter the minds of a Commonwealth Government. As a matter of fact, for a long time it did not. If we are a practical, common-sense people we ought to deal with this matter.

– But we had very little power. On the other hand, the Labour party have been in office with a large majority, and we might as well have had no Parliament at all as a Parliament controlled by their Caucus. I repeat that they have defied attack. They have been absolutely irresponsible, and have had no regard for our protests. There is on these Estimates a proposed vote of £500,000 in respect of certain sugar transactions. The little I know of the matter leads me to say that this expenditure is due to* bad administration on the part of State and Commonwealth Governments. Some one has blundered, and the people, in consequence, have to pay £500,000. But no one seems to care. And this is what we call parliamentary control of finance!

– The object of that amendment was to place Liberal members behind the Government, as they oughtto be.

Mr Joseph Cook:

– And incidentally to knock the financial proposals sky-high.

The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN.Order !

Mr TUDOR:

A similar provision will need to be made in the War Time Profits Bill.

Such as exists in the Income Tax Assessment Act.

It is quite apparent that no matter how careful one may be in his endeavour to guard against injustice, there will undoubtedly be many cases of hardship as the result of the passing of the Act, andtomeet that contingency it is proposed to establish a Board of Referees, to which, where the Commissioner is satisfied that hardships may be caused, cases shall be referred for decision. This portion of the financial statement deals with the mining industry. Will the board consist of men connected with the mining industry, or will it be composed of public servants ? I was dealing with that point when the honorable member for Parramatta, by way of interjection, stated that if the present Government were like the late Government, they would fill the positions with members of their own party, or, to use the elegant phrase of the honorable member for Wakefield, with “ men of their own kidney.”

Mr Joseph Cook:

– Yes, as they did in connexion with the price-fixing arrangement in the various States.

Mr TUDOR:

– The right honorable gentleman refers to the price-fixing Commissioners appointed in each State. If he desires to alter that arrangement, he has only to send a wireless through his

If Supply is granted for three months, it is not likely that we shall be called together again before March. I am not prepared to vote for more than two months’ Supply.

Mr Poynton:

– That would not give the representatives of Western Australia an opportunity to return to their homes.

Mr TUDOR:

– Yes, it would. When the Tariff was under discussion in the first session, we resumed our sittings early in February, I think, after a vacation of less than two months. I understand from the electoral officials that, to enable honorable senators to be sworn in on 1st July, an election must take place not later than May, so that it is time that we heard from the Government on the subject.

Mr RODGERS:
WANNON, VICTORIA · LP; NAT from 1917

– Why anticipate any alteration of the law?

Mr TUDOR:

Mr Sampson:

– Does the honorable member say that the present generation should pay the whole cost of the war ?

Mr CHARLTON:

– In a time of national stress, when we take the platform and say to every fit man that it is his duty to go to the front, we have also a duty to see that the loan indebtedness thai is being heaped up for the purpose of prosecuting the war should not be handed on to him when he comes back.

One can be patriotic in other ways than by going to the front, and it will be patriotism to find the money for the prosecution of the war. Something will have to be done to find the necessary money. If the war should continue for a couple of years the Allies will find great difficulty in financing it. There are very few honorable members who wish to see any compromise in regard to the war. We all wish to thrash the enemy at least, and to make reasonable terms so fax as the Allies are concerned, but we are not making provision for doing so. It is my duty as a public man to point out how necessary it is to make this provision. In my opinion the taxation proposals do not go far enough. We should have one tax only, and that an income tax. A wealth tax will inflict many -hardships. There are many widows with two or three houses valued at, say, £1,500 who are receiving from them just sufficient income to keep themselves and their families. To take awealth tax from them is to take from them something which they do not possess. The Treasurer has endeavoured to meet their case by providing that they can defer the payment of the levy, and pay interest on the money; but that is really in the nature of a mortgage on their property. Many of them have had a hard fight in the past to get clear of mortgages, and they will not be anxious to renew them in this way. I see clearly that the wealth tax will have an effect quite different from what was expected of it. Therefore I Urge that there should be one tax only.

Mr Patten:

– What provision would the honorable member make to meet the case of those who pay State income tax ?

Mr CHARLTON:

– When we are at war the States should endeavour to live Without taxing incomes. Income taxation should be a field for the Commonwealth during the war. I do not hold with so much State taxation. Immediately the war broke out, the State of New South Wales, without justification, increased its income taxation.

The proposed recruiting scheme is a step in the right direction. Something should be done to popularize recruiting as much as possible. As one who opposed conscription, believing that the voluntary system should be continued, I consider that we should endeavour to do the best we can with it, and I am prepared to use my best efforts towards making a success of any recruiting scheme. I have received a letter from the Director of Recruiting, in which the following passage occurred : -

The Federal member will invite the cooperation of the State members within his division, of the local governing bodies and their organizations. The Military Registrar appointed under the recent Proclamation in each Federal division will be the District Recruiting Officer. He will be supplied with such clerical assistance as may be necessary, and, under the direction of the State Committee, will make all arrangements for meetings, recruiting arrangements, medical examinations, and the forwarding of recruits.

I want to know what the district committees will, have to do. Power is to be given to recruiting officers to employ all labour, conduct all meetings, and’ appoint speakers. All that the Federal member has to do is to call the representative bodies in his electorate together, lay the scheme before them, and set the organization in motion. The Director of Recruiting will regulate all meetings. This is a weak spot in the scheme, and if it is intended to continue on those lines there are very few honorable members but will soon be coming into conflict with the Director of Recruiting, however much they are inclined to render assistance. The last recruiting campaign failed largely because men were appointed to address meetings who were not suitable. They were offensive, and insulted the people. By allowing the military authorities to send along speakers there will be a repetition of this. If I take any part in the scheme I shall make it clear that each man who goes out shall be courteous to all, and shall not be offensive, but shall state the position fairly. If he does so, he will be doing his duty. In .New South Wales and in Victoria I have heard men engaged in recruiting work making statements of which they should have been ashamed. That method does not secure recruits, and it does not help the cause.

Mr PARKER MOLONEY:
INDI, VICTORIA · ALP

– It kills it.

Mr CHARLTON:

Mr FENTON:

– I want Australia to have a Constitution like those of South Africa and Canada, where the National

– There would be proper representation under the system that I suggest. I would give a larger measure of local government than is at present enjoyed. Does the honorable member support the Queensland Government in its action in preventing the export of stock from the State, or that of the

– The condition of the country cannot be gauged entirely in that way. Certain persons would patronize amusements even though the heavens were falling.

– I know that the price of copper is exorbitantly high - higher than ever known before - and those who have to manufacture munitions should not be fleeced, but should be protected by the Government. It might, perhaps, be permissible to allow the price to go to £70 or £80, but double that is too much. When the right honorable member for Swan suggests that ordinary mining propositions ought to be brought under the same rules as gold-mining, he talks in a manner which would indicate that he has not carefully considered the question. Only a few months ago the British Government were dealing with a, German firm which was robbing the British people of hundreds of thousands of pounds on this line alone.

The honorable member for Yarra touched on a very important question when he asked what the Government intended to do in regard to the ‘elections for the Senate in the coming year. There is no doubt that we ought to have a concrete proposal in this regard. The Sydney Sunday Times, in a piece of news published on Sunday, and dated from Melbourne, gives some information in which the honorable member for Parramatta, and those who support him, ought to be much interested. The piece of news is as follows -

Whatever the future may hold for the diminutive Ministerial party in the Federal Parliament and its diminutive Leader, no chances are to be taken. Even now arrangements are well in hand for the electioneering campaign, which before long will have to be started, and, in order to reduce the chances to a minimum, the arrangements include an understanding under which the present Ministerial party and the Liberal party will not come into conflict.

Most of the arrangements are in the hands of Mr. W. A. Watt, M.H.R., who throughout the referendum campaign was in close touch with the Prime Minister. Negotiations so far mean that where a member of the Ministerial -party is contesting a particular electorate, the Liberal party will not put up a candidate against him, and the same arrangements will apply to candidates of the Liberal party. . . . It would be almost impossible for Mr. Hughes to return from an election with a party sufficiently strong to enable him to do anything except on the present basis of support from the Liberal party, and he is not likely to go to the country suggesting that the people should support either his own or the Liberal party, in order that he might get in again.

Both he and the members of the Liberal party are showing their wisdom by getting their arrangements well in hand before the Labour party has a chance of splitting the alliance which seems to be working so well at present. Whether the present session of Parliament will continue beyond Christmas is not known. Even the Prime Minister does not know. Talking of such a possibility this morning, he said he would be very much obliged if any one could enlighten him on the point. “ If you ask Mr. Tudor and his party,” he added, “ perhaps you might get to know. Anyhow, I hope it’s going to end before the festive season.”

Mr Palmer:

– Who is the author of that rubbish?

Mr FENTON:

– I am quoting from a Ministerial paper, which is usually very well informed; and the report lends some colour to a speech of the honorable member for Henty during the campaign. Here I may say that the honorable member for Henty seems to be always in the counsels ofthe honorable member for Balaclava. I remember once, when these two gentlemen were members of the State Parliament of Victoria, meeting them at some country show, and the honorable member for Henty introduced the honorable member for Balaclava as the leader of “our party.” To this introduction, however, the honorable member for Balaclava demurred, and asked to be allowed to say that if he were a leader of a party, it was a party of’ two. However that may be, the honorable member for Henty, speaking at Mordialloc, said -

If by any accident the referendum was negatived, then a National Government would be formed, and the necessary men supplied under the War Precautions Act.

Mr FENTON:

– No; but if the farmers can make profits out of the direct marketing of their produce, they can be in a better position to pay taxation than if they allow other men to pocket their profits.

Mr Sampson:

– Co-operation is good, but taxation is quite another matter.

Mr FENTON:

– Taxation will often drive men into co-operative action for their own protection and in order to be. better able to raise the money to pay the taxation.

Another matter to which I wish to refer is the encouragement of Australian industries. I do not say that this is a matter which ought to have been referred to by the Treasurer, but I think the Prime Minister ought to have made reference to it in his Ministerial statement a few days ago. I have been expecting action by the Prime Minister in regard to this matter, for, although some of his colleagues are different from those who sat in his Cabinet a few weeks ago, he is still Prime Minister of Australia, he is still a gentleman of unbounded energy, and a person who can do much for the people of this country. I realize that he is an exceptionally busy man, and I believe that many of his recent mistakes are due to his having taken too much upon his own shoulders. I say, however, that it is his duty to carry out. the promise made to Parliament over eighteen months ago, and by Mr. Fisher, when Prime Minister. In October, 1914, I asked the then Prime Minister what the Government intended to do to encourage, not only industries already established in Australia, but also the establishment of new industries. With the exception of the creation of a bureau of science, little or nothing has been done in that direction up to date. The honorable member for Parramatta and other honorable members argue that we should devote the whole of our energies to the conduct of the war, and only when it is over turn our attention to domestic affairs. The day is coming when many of those men who went to the war will be returning, and when this part of the world will be put to a greater test in the finding of employment than it is undergoing at the present time. It behoves every far-seeing Government to make some provision for that time. It does not appear as if we may expect the cessation of hostilities in the near future. Nevertheless, this great war may end suddenly, and if we make no effort now at organization in Australia, we shall be, when the war is over, one of the most backward portions of the British Empire. In Canada they are organizing, not only for the equipment and despatch of troops to the front, but also for the establishment of new industries and the revival of old ones. In Australia we are doing practically nothing. It is stated by historians that, great though the losses were, the Civil War did more than anything else to establish American industries, of course in conjunction with a protective Tariff. I shall quote figures, comparing the years 1860 and 1870, and it must be remembered that for nearly half of the period covered by those dates the American Civil War was in progress.

From these figures it will be seen that in ten years American industry more than doubled, although that was a very stressful period indeed in American history. I propose to quote, also, from a pamphlet entitled Business After the War, which is a reprint of an address delivered by George E. Roberts, assistant to the president of the National City Rank of. New York-

The critical period will be at the end of the war, when the armies are dissolved and millions of men must find their places in civil life, and while there is still bewilderment and uncertainty as to what the state of industry and trade will be. The problem will be to integrate the industries, not only at borne, but throughout the world, and get them on a mutuallysupporting basis, for every man who has work will be able to buy the products of others.

That is the opinion of one of America’s bankers looking at the war from the American stand-point. I have read other American opinions. The discussion has been as to whether Great Britain would be the leading financial country after the war, and they have given the verdict that she will continue to occupy the proud position that she held prior to the war. We all hope that she will, but in order to show that at the very centre of our’ Empire, where there is now organization of food, &c, steps are being taken not only to conduct the present war, but also to prepare for what will take place after

Mr. Wenton. the war, I shall quote from a speech delivered on 15th August by Mr. Montagu, who was associated with the Ministry of Munitions. Mr. Montagu gives this word picture of the condition of affairs in Great Britain -

Old-fashioned machinery and slip-shod methods are disappearing rapidly under the stress of war, and whatever there may have been of contempt for science in this country, it does not exist now. There is a new spirit in every department of industry, which, I feel certain, is not destined to disappear when we are at liberty to divert it from its present supreme purpose of beating the Central Powers. When that is done, can we not apply to peaceful uses the form of organization represented by the Ministry of Munitions? I am not thinking so much of the great buildings which constitute new centres of industry, planned with the utmost ingenuity so as to economize effort, filled with machines of incredible efficiency and exactitude. I wish rather to, emphasize the extent to which all concerned - and each section is vital to our objects - are co-operating to obtain the best results from the material in our hands. We. have the leaders of all the essential industries now working for us or co-operating with us in the Ministry. The great unions render us constant assistance in the discussion and solution of difficulties, whether with our officers or within their own body. On technical questions of the most varied character we have the advantage of the best expert advice in the country.

We have in being, now that British industry is organized for war, the general staff of British industry. I am sure that we should sacrifice much if we did not avail ourselves of that staff to consider bow far all this moral and material energy can be turned to peaceful account.

Not only is Mr. Montagu pleased to know that British industry has been organized and placed on a sounder footing than ever for the manufacture of munitions of war, but also he is able to show that immediately the war is over the labour and machinery employed in the manufacture of munitions of war will be diverted to other channels, and Great Britain will be in a position to manufacture the articles needed in industries conducted during the time’ of peace. A perusal of the British House of Commons debates or British periodicals will show that in Great Britain, where the task of carrying on the war is so heavy, and where they are doing all they possibly can to keep faith with the demands made by an immense war, there is an organization of scientists, chemists, engineers, workers, and employers concentrating its efforts not only on the manufacture of munitions, but also on the building up of future industry. Where thousands to-day are employed on the manufacture of munitions of war, they will at once be in a position when the war is over to conduct those industries so essential to the welfare of a country in times of peace. Sir W. Essex speaking in the House of Commons said -

I think the products of this Armageddon are going to be real and substantial. I know the price we shall pay for it will be enormous; but we shall not begrudge it, or a tithe, or a hundredth of it, but a great by-product will be that our mechanical industry and our chemical industry, and all the industries which are touched - and hardly an industry is not touched more or less intimately - will have been revivified, modernized, and invigorated to an incredible degree, and that must of necessity react on the whole industrial work of our Empire, and will not only maintain, but enormously enhance, all the advantages which, as a, manufacturing nation, we have hitherto enjoyed.

Our Ministers may say that their hands are full at the present time, but I see no reason why we in Australia should not make more use of the brains of our country. Of what use is it to have certain materials practically lying idle? The other day a young inventor was introduced to one of our Ministers, who was pleased to inspect the model of a submarine submitted, and was so taken with it that, after consultation with his officers, he found it worth while to give that young man a trial in the Commonwealth workshops. I believe that in a few days the young man will probably be placed in the dockyard at Cockatoo Island and given the opportunity to prosecute his work with the best tools available, and the best machinery and advice at his disposal. The Minister has taken the right step. Our young men should be encouraged more. Many a young Australian inventor has been turned down. Some time prior to the war two young engineers who had in collaboration worked on two ideas for a number of years, submitted their proposals to a number of engineering firms in Australia, but were turned down. They proceeded to Great Britain, and interviewed some of the big engineering firms there, but were also turned down. They then said to themselves, “ If our own kinsmen will turn us down, let us go to Germany.” They did so, and submitted their designs to engineering firms there. The German firms seized the opportunity, and gave the young men every facility to complete their invention, and get their machines going, and they were a great success. This happened prior to the war. I asked a friend of these young fellows how they were getting on at the present time, and he said that so far as he knew they had been interned. This is only one case in which Australian ideas have been turned down by our own people, and the inventors have had to seek in foreign countries the opportunity to complete their ideas. If I had my way, I would give every young man whose invention is shown ‘ by a preliminary investigation likely to be of use to the community the opportunity of going into some firm or Government establishment where he could carry out all his experiments and complete his invention. Over and over again, inventions have revolutionized industry. We should do all we can to get the brains of Australian chemists, engineers, and others to work together to do something for Australia, so that at the close of the war we may be ready to take our place in competition with other parts of the world. Otherwise, we shall be all behind. Canada has organization of industrial matters side by side with its organization for the carrying on of the war. It is the same in Great Britain, and if Australia is to be in a proper position after the war, we must do something. I regret that the Prime Minister is not prosecuting with greater energy the ideas on which he started eighteen months ago. All that has been done is the appointment of a number of university professors and a few others supposed to be captains of industry. They have met from time to time, but no results have been achieved.

We are told that there are some difficulties with regard to proceeding with the consideration of the Tariff. We have nothing but a mongrel Tariff now. It is of little or no good. Every year millions of pounds’ worth of goods are flowing into Australia, a large portion of which could be made by our own workmen. One of the increases shown in the Treasurer’s Estimates over those of his predecessor is £250,000 in Customs duties, showing that even in war time, when there is supposed to be very little money in circulation, and when there is supposed to be lack of employment, our imports are mounting up. If they are to continue, it will mean that

– They are practically to let. There was some talk of the establishment of an arsenal in Australia many months ago, but I do not know that a single peg has yet been put in. In connexion with that arsenal, it was proposed that steel works should be established. Such works are sadly needed in Australia. Some honorable members may imagine that the steel works established in Newcastle by the Broken Hill

Company are suficient to meet the requirements of the Commonwealth. I would tell them, ho’wever, that, in respect of steel rails and a few other materials, those works are already unable to supply the orders that are being sent in. Unless Australia is to lag far behind all progressive countries in the matter of industry, she will have to establish, not merely one steel works, but, in all probability, halfadozen. Cement and steel will continue to play a very important part in all construction work, and when the war is over, it will be impossible for some years to obtain various “classes of steel from the outside world. In that case, where will Australia be unless she is capable of supplying her own requirements in this respect? I hope that the Assistant Minister, who knows how essential it is that we should have in Australia an arsenal and a steel works in conjunction with it, will use his influence with the Cabinet in order that such an enterprise may at once be entered upon,- It is essential to the defence of this country, as well as to the multifarious works that we have to carry out.

I have now to bring before honorable members an interesting piece of information from Joseph Palmer and Sons’ Monthly Share List, compiled to 21st November, 1916 -

It is to be deplored that so influential a body as the Council of the Sydney Chamber of Commerce should have recommended a forced loan to the Federal Government aB? a method of raising money.

I did not know, until I read this report, that such a recommendation had been made -

It would be hardly possible to imagine a more dangerous, and, if acted on, more mischievous financial proposal. Such a method of confiscation is all the more perilous from the very fact that, bearing interest, II conveys a false appearance of equity. The consequences to be feared are so disastrous that it would be unwise at the present critical time to discuss them, but no experienced student of the science of political economy could contemplate such a measure without alarm.

I am surprised that such an influential body should have suggested it -

Far too much fuss is being made about the proposed so-called wealth tax. Its exceptional character is recognised by its being for a limited period only, and for a special purpose. With this safeguard, and being so moderate in amount - £5 per year for three years on each £1,000 of property of all descriptions owned by the citizen, less an exemption of £500 - there is no cause to be distressed.

The Treasurer ought to take advice from this quarter. These are the views of financial men.

Mr Poynton:

– I have seen the report.

Mr FENTON:

– The Treasurer’s proposals do not show that he has adopted the advice given by these men, who go on to say-

There are worse forms of taxation than a wealth tax. Income tax, for instance, which is really a tax on conscience, being evaded by lots of people who ought to pay, and which takes no account of the manner in which income is disposed of, whether in a person’s sole self-indulgence or in a manner beneficial to the whole community.

– It is a saving to a section of the community, but it is not a saving so far as the Commonwealth finances are concerned. It .would appear from the statement that the Government wish to take credit for a saving in comparison with the proposal submitted by the late Treasurer. I dispute their right to do that.

– I propose to continue my remarks to-morrow.

Progress reported.

page 9484

ADJOURNMENT

Order of Business

Mr. HUGHES (West Sydney- Prime

Minister and Attorney-General) [10.46]. - I move -

Thatthe House do now adjourn.

It is proposed to continue the debate on the Supply Bills to-morrow, but it will be most convenient if the general policy of the Government can be discussed along with the financial policy.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

House adjourned at 10.47 p.m.

Cite as: Australia, House of Representatives, Debates, 6 December 1916, viewed 22 October 2017, <http://historichansard.net/hofreps/1916/19161206_reps_6_80/>.

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House of Representatives 6 December 1916

PETITIONS

FEDERAL PARLIAMENTARY WAR COMMITTEE

Mr WATT:BALACLAVA, VICTORIA

Mr HUGHES:Attorney-General · WEST SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

QUESTION

SOLDIERS’ CLOTHING

Mr WATKINS:NEWCASTLE, NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP; FLP from 1931

Mr LAIRD SMITH:DENISON, TASMANIA · ALP; NAT from 1917

QUESTION

USE OF COAL

Mr RICHARD FOSTER:WAKEFIELD, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Mr JENSEN:Minister for the Navy · BASS, TASMANIA · ALP

Mr JENSEN:

Mr Fenton:

Mr JENSEN:ALP

Mr Fenton:

Mr JENSEN:

Mr CHARLTON:HUNTER, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr JENSEN:

Mr MATHEWS:MELBOURNE PORTS, VICTORIA

Mr JENSEN:

Mr FENTON:

Mr JENSEN:

PERSONAL EXPLANATION

Mr FINLAYSON:BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND

QUESTION

TASMANIAN SHIPPING SERVICE

Mr ATKINSON:WILMOT, TASMANIA

Mr JENSEN:ALP

Mr TUDOR:YARRA, VICTORIA

Mr JENSEN:

QUESTION

SALE OF WHEAT AND WOOL

Mr SAMPSON:WIMMERA, VICTORIA

Mr HUGHES:ALP

QUESTION

MORATORIUM

Mr PIGOTT:CALARE, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr HUGHES:ALP

Mr Pigott:

Mr HUGHES:

QUESTION

RECRUITING COMMITTEES

Mr SHARPE:OXLEY, QUEENSLAND

Mr HUGHES:ALP

QUESTION

WOOL CLIP

Mr HAMPSON:BENDIGO, VICTORIA

Mr HUGHES:ALP

Mr RILEY:SOUTH SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr HUGHES:

Mr CORSER:WIDE BAY, QUEENSLAND

Mr HUGHES:

Mr RODGERS:WANNON, VICTORIA · LP; NAT from 1917

Mr HUGHES:

QUESTION

SALE OF WHEAT CROP

Mr PATTEN:HUME, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr HUGHES:ALP

QUESTION

FIXATION OF PRICES

Mr RODGERS:WANNON, VICTORIA · LP; NAT from 1917

Mr HUGHES:ALP

QUESTION

SECRETARY FOR LEADER OF AUSTRALIAN LABOUR PARTY

Mr HIGGS:CAPRICORNIA, QUEENSLAND

Mr HUGHES:ALP

PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS

Mr RICHARD FOSTER:

Mr HUGHES:ALP

QUESTION

UNEMPLOYMENT

Dr MALONEY:MELBOURNE, VICTORIA · ALP; FLP from 1931; ALP from 1936

Mr HUGHES:ALP

QUESTION

RETURNED SOLDIERS

Mr ORCHARD:NEPEAN, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr WEBSTER:Postmaster-General · MACQUARIE, NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

QUESTION

House of Representatives
6 December 1916

Mr WATT:
BALACLAVA, VICTORIA

Mr HUGHES:
Attorney-General · WEST SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

Mr WATKINS:
NEWCASTLE, NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP; FLP from 1931

Mr LAIRD SMITH:
DENISON, TASMANIA · ALP; NAT from 1917

Mr RICHARD FOSTER:
WAKEFIELD, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Mr JENSEN:
Minister for the Navy · BASS, TASMANIA · ALP

Mr JENSEN:
ALP

Mr CHARLTON:
HUNTER, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr MATHEWS:
MELBOURNE PORTS, VICTORIA

Mr FINLAYSON:
BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND

Mr ATKINSON:
WILMOT, TASMANIA

Mr JENSEN:
ALP

Mr TUDOR:
YARRA, VICTORIA

Mr SAMPSON:
WIMMERA, VICTORIA

Mr HUGHES:
ALP

Mr PIGOTT:
CALARE, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr HUGHES:
ALP

Mr SHARPE:
OXLEY, QUEENSLAND

Mr HUGHES:
ALP

Mr HAMPSON:
BENDIGO, VICTORIA

Mr HUGHES:
ALP

Mr RILEY:
SOUTH SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr CORSER:
WIDE BAY, QUEENSLAND

Mr RODGERS:
WANNON, VICTORIA · LP; NAT from 1917

Mr PATTEN:
HUME, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr HUGHES:
ALP

Mr RODGERS:
WANNON, VICTORIA · LP; NAT from 1917

Mr HUGHES:
ALP

Mr HIGGS:
CAPRICORNIA, QUEENSLAND

Mr HUGHES:
ALP

Mr HUGHES:
ALP

Dr MALONEY:
MELBOURNE, VICTORIA · ALP; FLP from 1931; ALP from 1936

Mr HUGHES:
ALP

Mr ORCHARD:
NEPEAN, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr WEBSTER:
Postmaster-General · MACQUARIE, NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

Mr WEBSTER:
ALP

Mr WEBSTER:
ALP

Mr ARCHIBALD:
Minister for Trade and Customs · HINDMARSH, SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Mr LIVINGSTON:
BARKER, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Mr HUGHES:
ALP

Mr PALMER:
ECHUCA, VICTORIA

Mr HUGHES:
ALP

Mr MAHONY:
DALLEY, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr JENSEN:
ALP

Mr JOHN THOMSON:
COWPER, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr HUGHES:
ALP

Mr LAIRD SMITH:
DENISON, TASMANIA · ALP; NAT from 1917

Mr LAIRD SMITH:
DENISON, TASMANIA · ALP; NAT from 1917

Mr BOYD:
HENTY, VICTORIA

Mr LAIRD SMITH:
DENISON, TASMANIA · ALP; NAT from 1917

Mr FOWLER:
PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Mr LAIRD SMITH:
DENISON, TASMANIA · ALP; NAT from 1917

Mr PARKER MOLONEY:
INDI, VICTORIA · ALP

Mr LAIRD SMITH:
DENISON, TASMANIA · ALP; NAT from 1917

Mr BAMFORD:
Minister for Home and Territories · HERBERT, QUEENSLAND · ALP

Mr KELLY:
WENTWORTH, NEW SOUTH WALES

Dr MALONEY:
MELBOURNE, VICTORIA · ALP; FLP from 1931; ALP from 1936

Mr HUGHES:
ALP

Mr POYNTON:
Treasurer · GREY, SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Mr POYNTON:
Treasurer · Grey · ALP

Mr POYNTON:
ALP

Sir JOHN FORREST:
Swan