House of Representatives
22 November 1929

12th Parliament · 1st Session



Mr. Speaker (Hon. Norman Makin) took the chair at 11 a.m., and read prayers.

page 183

QUESTION

COAL MINING CONFERENCE

Representation of Federated Engine- drivers.

Mr LATHAM:
KOOYONG, VICTORIA

– It has been announced in the press that the Federated Engine Drivers Association does not propose to send representatives to the conference on coal mining matters that is to be held in Canberra to-morrow. Will the

Prime Minister use all his influence to induce that association to bc represented ut that conference?

Mr SCULLIN:
YARRA, VICTORIA · ALP; FLP from 1931; ALP from 1936

– I have invited representatives of the coal-mine owners and of The combined unions to attend the conference, and I have read in the press that it is not the intention of the Federated Engine Drivers Association to be represented there; but I have not received an official notification to that effect. I have also noticed, however, that it has been stated that the Federated Engine Drivers are prepared to give every support to the Commonwealth Government in its efforts to end the dispute which now exists. That decision is very satisfactory.

page 184

QUESTION

TASMANIAN COMMUNICATIONS

Mr CULLEY:
DENISON, TASMANIA

– Will the Prime Minister state what steps are being taken to give effect to the promise that was made to establish communication between Tasmania and the mainland by a line of Commonwealth steamers?

Mr SCULLIN:
Minister for External Affairs · YARRA, VICTORIA · ALP

– Steps are being taken to gather the necessary information regarding the type of- boat that would be most suitable for that service, the capital cost of such a vessel, the service needed, and the cost of providing it.

Mr GUY:
BASS, TASMANIA · ALP; UAP from 1931

–Will the Prime Minister notify the Tasmanian Government and other parties concerned that information of this character is being sought?

Mr SCULLIN:

– The Government will be glad to obtain suggestions from all sources from which it can get useful information.

page 184

QUESTION

TARIFF SCHEDULE

Mr R GREEN:
RICHMOND, NEW SOUTH WALES · CP

– Will the Minister for Trade and Customs follow the customary practice of making available to honorable members a printed memorandum setting out the duties that were in operation prior to the change in the tariff that was made in August last, together with the duties that we.re imposed by the validating bill that was passed at thu end of last Parliament?

Mr FENTON:
Minister for Trade and Customs · MARIBYRNONG, VICTORIA · ALP

– In my brief introductory speech last night I intimated that practically all the information for which the honorable member now asks would be available when the schedule which I then tabled came up for discussion in committee. I understand that, in reply to a question asked of him on the adjournment last night, the Prime Minister made a similar promise.

Mr J FRANCIS:
MORETON, QUEENSLAND

– Will the Minister for Trade and Customs be good enough to lay on the table of the House the reports of the Tariff Board concerning all the matters dealt with by the tariff schedule which he tabled last night?

Mr FENTON:

– All the information that is essential for the proper consideration of the tariff schedule will be made available to honorable members.

Mr FRANCIS:
MORETON, QUEENSLAND

– When ?

Mr FENTON:

– I promise that a considerable volume of that information will be available next week. Honorable members can rest assured that I shall be only too pleased to enlighten them to the full extent of my powers, with the object of enabling ‘them to give’ adequate consideration to that valuable schedule.

page 184

QUESTION

REPRESENTATION OF FRANKLIN

Seating Accommodation koh Gov juin ment Members.

Mr CUSACK:
EDEN-MONARO, NEW SOUTH WALES

– Is it a fact, Mr. Speaker, that you have issued a writ for the election of a member’ to fill the vacancy that now exists in the Division of Franklin? If so, in view of the likelihood of the ranks of Government members being further strengthened, and the fact that their accommodation in the chamber is already overcrowded, will you, sir, take steps to have three seats transferred from the Opposition Bide to this side of the House?

Mr SPEAKER:

– I have already intimated to the House that I have caused a writ t’o be issued for the election of a member to represent the Division of Franklin, I can assure the honorable member that I shall make whatever provision may be necessary for the comfort and convenience of honorable members.

page 185

ISSUE OF COMMONWEALTH TREASURY BILLS

Mr YATES:
ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

– Yesterday I asked the Treasurer a question with the object of ascertaining whether the total amount sought to be borrowed by the Commonwealth was £10,000,000 or £15,000,000. The honorable gentleman replied that treasury bills were being issued in London with a currency of about seven months, to tide over a period of temporary stringency on the London market pending the raising of a further loan in Great Britain. That was not in any sense a reply to my question, but merely implied that there was to be further borrowing. I again ask the Treasurer whether it is a fact that the £5,000,000 which the Government is raising in Great Britain by the issue of short-dated treasury-bills is in addition to the £10,000,000 that is being raised in Australia?

Mr THEODORE:
Treasurer · DALLEY, NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

– The action of the Government does not, in the sense implied by the honorable member, indicate increased borrowing. A loan of £10,000,000 has been placed upon the Australian market. The £5,000,000 to be raised by the issue of treasury-bills on the London market will be used to the full extent in reducing current overdrafts in London.

Mr Yates:

– It is borrowing.

Mr THEODORE:

– So, too, is the increasing of an overdraft a borrowing. I do not wish the honorable member to be under any misapprehension. The Government has decided to issue treasurybills, but the whole of the net proceeds will be used to reduce overdrafts existing in London.

page 185

QUESTION

FUTURE OF TARIFF BOARD

Mr GREGORY:
SWAN, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

– The Tariff Board Act enacts that the Minister shall refer to the Board, for inquiry and report, certain matters, including “ the necessity for new, increased, or reduced duties,” also that he “ shall not take any action in respect of any of those matters until he has received the report of the Board.” Has the Minister for Trade and Customs received reports from the Tariff Board respecting the numerous increases in duties that are proposed by the Tariff Schedule which he tabled last night? If he has not, can his action be taken to indicate that he proposes to abolish the Board and repeal the act?

Mr FENTON:
ALP

– I can assure the honorablemember for Swan that the Tariff Schedule has been introduced in accordance with the act. The abolition of the Tariff Board or the amendment or repeal of the Tariff Board Act has not, so far, been considered by the Government.

page 185

QUESTION

PEACE IN INDUSTRY CONFERENCE

Mr WATKINS:
NEWCASTLE, NEW SOUTH WALES

– When the Prime Minister is dealing with the appointment of delegates to the Peace in Industry Conference will he consider the advisability of giving representation to the trade union movement in Newcastle, through its Trades Hall Council?

Mr SCULLIN:
ALP

– The subject of representation at the Conference will be given full consideration, and we shall endeavour, to ensure that the delegates appointed will be truly representative of the employers on the one side and the trade unions on the other.

page 185

QUESTION

FERTILIZERS

Tariff Board Report

Mr BELL:
DARWIN, TASMANIA

– Yesterday the Minister for Trade and Customs informed the honorable member for Swan that the report of the Tariff Board upon the supplies and price of fertilizers had not yet been received. Is it possible for him to expedite the presentation of that report so that it may be available to honorable members at an early date?

Mr FENTON:
ALP

– I shall endeavour to comply with the request of the honorable member. The Tariff Board is a law unto itself, and unfortunately it has recently been engaged in considering what might be termed extraneous matters, and has thus been precluded from considering many other important matters that otherwise would have been investigated with greater expedition.

page 186

QUESTION

DIVISIONAL RETURNING OFFICERS

Extra Remuneration

Mr E RILEY:
SOUTH SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

– Will the Treasurer consider favorably the advisability of compensating Divisional Returning Officers for the additional work they were called upon to do during the recent election campaign?

Mr THEODORE:
ALP

– I am not quite sure that the matter is one for my consideration, but I can promise the honorable member that it will be considered.

page 186

QUESTION

FINANCIAL AGREEMENT WITH THE STATES

Mr PARKHILL:
WARRINGAH, NEW SOUTH WALES

– In view of the fact that payments are still being made to the States under the Financial Agreement, and that the Budget makes no reference to any proposal to alter that system, can it be assumed that it is not intended to revert to the system of per capita payments, as the Prime Minister indicated in his policy speech would be done if the Labour party were returned to power?

Mr SCULLIN:
ALP

– The policy speech to which the honorable member refers was that delivered by me in 1928, and in it I promised that if a Labour Government were returned to power we would restore the per capita payments to the States. Since then, however, Parliament has authorized the making of an agreement on this matter between the Commonwealth and the States. This agreement has been duly signed and ratified, and can only be altered by the unanimous consent of the parties. The financial relations between the Commonwealth and the States, and the agreement entered into between them will, when opportunity arises, be further discussed between representatives of the State and of the Commonwealth Governments.

page 186

QUESTION

UNEMPLOYMENT IN NORTH AUSTRALIA

Mr NELSON:
NORTHERN TERRITORY, NORTHERN TERRITORY

– In view of the fact that unemployment in the Territories administered by the Commonwealth is the direct concern of the Federal Government, will the Minister for Home Affairs state what provision the Government is making to relieve the unparalleled distress among the unemployed in North Australia at the present time?

Mr BLAKELEY:
DARLING, NEW SOUTH WALES

– Unemployment and the maintenance of the unemployed in the various territories of the Commonwealth has received the very careful consideration of this Government since it has been in office. It has not been possible to start relief work in the Northern Territory owing to the prevailing financial stringency, but I have given instructions that no one shall go hungry, and that any unemployed resident of the Northern Territory who desires to come south shall have his fare paid.

Mr NELSON:

– Seeing that extensive unemployment exists in all the States in Australia will the Minister for Home Affairs reconsider his decision to deport the unemployed from North Australia, and so avoid placing them on the already congested labour markets of the Southern States? Instead of providing fares and freights for the Burns Philp Shipping Company by bringing these men away from North Australia, will he divert the money into reproductive channels there and so find employment for the men concerned ?

Mr BLAKELEY:

– No person will be “deported” from Port Darwin. Those who leave will do so voluntarily. The amount that will be spent in fares to bring these unemployed persons south will be only £21 each, and the total sum involved will be so small that it could not be applied to the setting out of any reproductive works, as suggested by the honorable member.

page 186

QUESTION

RADIO BROADCASTING PROGRAMMES

Mr THOMPSON:
NEW ENGLAND, NEW SOUTH WALES

– Is the PostmasterGeneral aware that the controllers of the National Broadcasting System are dissatisfied with their share of the revenue received from the licensing fees paid by listeners-in, and make that an excuse for the poorness of the broadcast programmes now being offered to the public? Has the Minister been in communication with, the controllers on this matter, and if not will he” get into touch with them in an endeavour to have broadcasting programmes improved ?

Mr LYONS:
Minister for Works and Railways · WILMOT, TASMANIA · ALP

– The subject of programmes and broadcasting control is under review at the present time. If dissatisfaction exists on either hand, or if programmes are not as good as they ought to be, the responsibility is not ours, it is the result of action taken by our predecessors in office.

Mr LATHAM:

– Is it not a fact that one of the conditions of the agreement with the broadcasting company is that programmes must be provided to the satisfaction of the Postmaster-General?

Mr LYONS:

– That is so, but the question raised by the honorable member for New England (Mr. Thompson) was whether I knew that the. controllers of broadcasting were dissatisfied with the existing allocation of revenue, and were advancing that as a reason for the poorness of broadcast programmes.

page 187

QUESTION

SALE OF SANATOGEN

Mr LACEY:
GREY, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

– Is the Minister for Health aware that an invalid food known as Sanatogen is prohibited by regulation from being sold in general stores in South Australia and is obtainable only in chemists’ shops? If he discovers that to be a fact will he have this preparation made available for sale in general stores, so that people living in country districts may not be inconvenienced in obtaining it?

Mr ANSTEY:
Minister for Health · BOURKE, VICTORIA · ALP

– Naturally I am fully aware of the position in regard to this matter, or I should not be occupying my present position. I can assure the honorable member that I. shall give the subject my earnest consideration.

page 187

QUESTION

UNEMPLOYMENT

Payment of FARES

Mr GULLETT:
HENTY, VICTORIA

– In view of the statement made by the Minister for Home Affairs that the Government is prepared to pay the fares of unemployed persons in the Northern Territory who wish to come South, will he inform the House whether the Government will extend this concession to other unemployed in any other part of Australia who may wish to travel in search of work? If not, why not ?

Mr BLAKELEY:

– The circumstances surrounding the problem of unemployment in the Northern Territory are peculiar to that area, and are the direct result of the action of the previous Government, which put a works policy into operation and then failed to carry it out. After inducing hundreds of unfortunate men to travel to the north, they suddenly closed down the works; hence the want and distress of a great many families in Darwin, and the obligation upon this Government to afford them some relief. As to whether the principle of free fares for unemployed is to be adopted throughout the whole of Australia, the answer i9 “ No.”

page 187

TREASURY-BILLS IN LONDON

Mr YATES:

– In regard to the seven months’ treasury-bills for £5,000,000 which are being negotiated in London, will the Treasurer inform the House whether Australia is borrowing to pay her debts, and is it not a fact that goods have already been received in respect- of the overdrafts which these bills are being issued to reduce? Are there standing against Australia other overdrafts which will have to be met in a like manner?

Mr THEODORE:
ALP

– There are certain overdrafts in London which tend to increase as further drafts are made on banks by the respective governments responsible. The drafts are made for payments in London, chiefly in regard to interest falling due, and for goods bought on Government account. The overdrafts tend to increase in proportion to the need for funds in London, and to the extent that “we are unable to transmit money to England. This issue of treasury-bills is to provide for Australia’s immediate requirements pending the raising of a loan.

page 187

QUESTION

CONTROL OF AERODROMES

Mr THOMPSON:

– Can the Minister for Defence inform the House whether the Defence Department has any control over landing grounds used for civil aviation purposes in Australia? If the Department has no such control, will the

Minister communicate with the proper State authorities with a view to ensuring that the grounds are properly looked after and kept free from such obstacles as straying stock? By way of explanation, let me remind honorable members that as recently as last Saturday the Minister for Home Affairs (Mr. Blakeley), when making an aerial trip to Roma in a New South Wales Airways’ machine, very nearly met with a serious accident because of straying stock on the landing ground at Tamworth.

Air. A. GREEN. - I shall have enquiries instituted in respect of the matter raised by the honorable member, and the information will be supplied later.

page 188

BOUNTY ON SEED COTTON

Mr BERNARD CORSER:
WIDE BAY, QUEENSLAND

– Will the Minister for Trade and Customs (Mr. Fenton) inform the House whether any provision is being made by the Government to increase the bounty on seed cotton, and whether a bounty will be granted on percentage yarn.

Mr FENTON:
ALP

– It is not possible to divulge beforehand anything of the Government’s decisions in regard to tariff alterations. I may say, however, in regard to cotton bounties generally, that not only has provision been made in the present Tariff Schedule for granting assistance, but a very close investigation has been instituted with a view to putting the cotton industry on a thoroughly sound basis in all its branches.

page 188

QUESTION

COSTUME OF MR. SPEAKER

Mr R GREEN:
RICHMOND, NEW SOUTH WALES · CP

– While you occupy that chair, Mr. Speaker, whether for a long or short period, is it your intention to wear a wig and gown, and if not, why not?

Mr SPEAKER:

– I was not aware that my presence in this chair in my ordinary dress gave displeasure to any honorable member. I do not think that by taking advantage of those adornments of office to which the honorable member has referred, I should ‘be enabled to discharge witu any greater authority the duties I am called upon to perform, and I have no intention, at present, of attiring myself in the manner suggested.

page 188

BUDGET PAPERS AND ESTIMATES

Mr LATHAM:

– Honorable members will agree that the Opposition has not shown any disposition to obstruct the business of the House, but I desire to point out that last night the budget was introduced without any budget papers or Estimates being supplied to honorable members. Will the Prime Minister (Mr. Scullin) direct that those necessary papers shall be placed in the hands of honorable members as soon as possible, as it is quite impossible to proceed with the discussion without them.

Mr SCULLIN:
ALP

– I understand that the papers are now ready, and honorable members may obtain copies of them.

page 188

QUESTION

TARIFF BOARD INQUIRIES

Mr GULLETT:

– Will the Minister for Trade and Customs have prepared and laid upon the table at an early date a list of all subjects that have been reported upon by the Tariff Board, together with the terms of reference in each case and the date upon which the report was made?

Mr FENTON:
ALP

– The request of the honorable member will be complied with as far as practicable.

page 188

QUESTION

PENSION OF MR. KELL

Mr E RILEY:
SOUTH SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

– In the last session of the previous Parliament I drew attention to the pension being paid to Mr. Kell, ex-Governor of the Commonwealth Bank. Will the Attorney-General make inquiries to see whether the payment of that pension of £1,000 per annum is legal?

Mr BRENNAN:
Attorney-General · BATMAN, VICTORIA · ALP

– I also referred to this subject in the last Parliament. I shall be glad to give consideration to the matter, and shall reply to the question at a later date.

page 188

QUESTION

COASTAL PROVISIONS OF NAVIGATION ACT

Mr GREGORY:

– Has the Minister for Trade and Customs yet received the report of the Tariff Board relative to the coastal provisions of the Navigation Act?

If so willhe make it available to honorable members ? If it has not yet been received, will he make it available as soon as it comes to hand?

Mr FENTON:
ALP

– I am expecting to receive the report almost immediately. I understand that the Board has practically completed its investigation and is putting the finishing touches to its report. As soon as possible after I have had an opportunity of perusing the report, I shall make it available to honorable members.

page 189

QUESTION

DISARMAMENT CONFERENCE

Mr COLEMAN:
REID, NEW SOUTH WALES

– Is it the intention of the Government to be represented at the Disarmament Conference to be held in January next?

Mr SCULLIN:
ALP

– Yes; and I have already notified the British Governmentto that effect. The Government has not yet decided who will represent Australia at the Conference.

page 189

QUESTION

WORK ON THE WATERFRONT

Mr BAYLEY:
OXLEY, QUEENSLAND

– Has the AttorneyGeneral yet received any reports dealing with work on the waterfront in the various ports of Australia where operations are being carried out under the provisions of t he Transport Workers Act? If so, will he lay them on the table of the House?

Mr BRENNAN:
ALP

– I have received a considerable amount of documentary and verbal information on this subject from various ports, and in association with the Assistant Minister for Industry have given some attention to it. I do not know that the documents are suitable to be laid upon the table of the House. They are in the nature of information for the consideration of the Government. We are acquiring all possible information on this subject, and hope to formulate a policy regarding the terms and. conditions of work on the waterfront which will result in pacification.

page 189

QUESTION

P ARLIAMENTARY CHRISTMAS VACATION

Mr THOMPSON:

– As some honor- able members may desire to make arrangements for excursions during the coming holidays will the Prime Minister announce at an early date when Parliament will adjourn for the Christmas vacation?

Mr SCULLIN:
ALP

– I shall probably make a statement on the subject next week.

page 189

PAPER

The following paper was presented: -

Soviet Socialist Republics - Protocol relative toprocedure for settlement of questions outstanding between His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom and the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

page 189

QUESTION

GRANT TO TASMANIA

Mr CULLEY:

asked the Prime Minister, upon notice -

Whether he will make an announcement indicating what action the Government contemplates in connexion with the re-opening of Tasmania’s claim for a special financial grant, and what will be the method of re-investigation?

Mr SCULLIN:
ALP

– In the budget speech delivered by the Treasurer last evening, the intentions of the Government in regard to special financial assistance to Tasmania were announced. The Government proposes to make a special grant of £250,000 a year to Tasmania for five years. The re-investigation of Tasmania’s claim for a special grant will be the subject of a reference to the Joint Committee of Public Accounts.

page 189

QUESTION

POSTAL DEPARTMENT

Economy Committees - Rented Buildings - Dismissals of Temporary Employees

Mr WEST:
EAST SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES

asked the PostmasterGeneral, upon notice -

  1. Is it a fact that a number of what are known as economy committees have for some time been in operation in the PostmasterGeneral’s Department ?
  2. Is it a fact that in some cases the members of the economy committees are junior officers, who report on officers senior to themselves?
  3. If so, what are the functions of these committees, and what amounts have been paid to them since their inception, in salaries, travelling expenses, and living allowances?
Mr LYONS:
ALP

– Inquiries are being made, and a reply will be furnished to the honorable member as soon as possible.

Mr WEST:

asked the PostmasterGeneral, upon notice -

  1. Is it a fact that his department, owing to the extension of business, is compelled to occupy rented premises in Sydney?
  2. If so, would the amount of the rent paid greatly exceed the interest and the liquidation of the cost of erecting a suitable building on ground already owned by the Commonwealth?
  3. Will he urge the Government, in the interests of economy and efficiency, to provide accommodation for the conduct of business on its own premises?
Mr LYONS:

– Inquiries are being made, and a reply will be furnished to the honorable member as soon as possible.

Mr THOMPSON:

asked the PostmasterGeneral, upon notice -

In view of his recent published statement that he had cancelled dismissal notices to temporary employees of the Post Office until such time as he could investigate their position, has he been able to come to a decision regarding the future of these employees, and, if so, whether he can indicate to tlie House what his decision is?

Mr LYONS:

– A reply will be furnished to the honorable member’s question next week.

” COMMONWEALTH SUPERANNUATION FUND.

Mr GARDNER:
ROBERTSON, NEW SOUTH WALES

asked the Treasurer, upon notice -

  1. What is the actuarial position in regard to the Commonwealth Public Service superannuation fund relatively as to funds in hand and liabilities involved?
  2. Will he inquire into the position regarding the high rate of contributions on the part of officers who were over 30 years of age on tlie date the fund came into operation?
  3. Does the financial position of the fund warrant an increase in the value of a unit of pension from 10s. to 15s. at the same rate of contribution ?
  4. Would it be possible to make the contributions of the older officers on a basis of 30 years of age?
Mr THEODORE:
ALP

– The answers to the honorable member’s questions are as follow : -

  1. The latest valuation disclosed that on the 30th June, 1927, there was a small surplus of funds in hand over liabilities involved.
  2. There appears to be no need for inquiry, because the actuaries point out that, having regard to age, the rates of contribution are not high, being sufficient to meet only half the pension payable on retirement.
  3. The valuation report disclosed that the financial position of the fund does not warrant an increase in the value of the unit of pension without increasing contributions.
  4. The funds are not sufficient to enable all officers over the age of 30 years to contribute on the basis of rates applicable to age 30.

page 190

QUESTION

SYDNEY-NEWCASTLE TELEPHONE SERVICE

Mr WATKINS:
through Mr. West

asked the Postmaster-General, upon notice -

  1. How far has the work of placing the telephone lines below ground between Sydney and Newcastle progressed ?
  2. When is it expected that the work will be completed?
Mr LYONS:
ALP

– Inquiries are being made, and a reply will be furnished to the honorable member as soon as possible.

page 190

QUESTION

WOOD TAINT IN BUTTER

Mr MACKAY:
LILLEY, QUEENSLAND

asked the Minister for Markets and Transport, upon notice -

Whether the inquiry into the complaints of wood taint in butter arriving on the Loudon market has been concluded; if so, will he state what action is being taken in the matter?

Mr PARKER MOLONEY:
HUME, NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

– The inquiry has not yet been completed.

page 190

QUESTION

DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA

Mr R GREEN:
RICHMOND, NEW SOUTH WALES · CP

asked the Prime Minister, upon notice -

Will he make a statement to the House concerning tlie progress of the negotiations foi resumption of diplomatic relations between the British Government and the Government of Russia ?

Mr SCULLIN:
ALP

– The discussions between the British and Soviet Governments relative to the resumption of relations between the British Empire and the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics were concluded on 3rd October last, when a protocol laying down the conditions of such resumption of relations was signed by the representatives of both Governments. I now lay a copy of this protocol on the table of the House for the information of honorable members. Paragraph 7 of the protocol refers to propaganda, and states that the Governments concerned will reciprocally confirm the pledge contained in Article 16 of the Anglo-Russian Treaty signed on 8th August, 1924. This article is as follows : -

The contracting parties solemnly affirm their desire and intention to live in peace and amity with each other, scrupulously to respect the undoubted right of a State to order its own life within its own jurisdiction in its own way, to refrain and to restrain all persons and organizations under their direct or indirect control. including organizations in receipt of any financial assistance from them, from any act overt or covert liable in any way whatsoever to endanger the tranquility or prosperity of any part of the territory of the British Empire, or the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, or intended to embitter the relations of the British Empire or the Union with their neighbours or any other countries.

The Commonwealth Government agreed to the foregoing pledge concerning propaganda being given so far as they are concerned.

page 191

QUESTION

ROAD APPROACHES TO CANBERRA

Mr CUSACK:

asked the Minister for Works and Railways, upon notice -

Will he take into consideration the fact that the highways immediately leading to Canberra are considerably worn in giving service thereto, and give consideration to a proposal to assist in restoring these roads to a condition commensurate with the dignity and grandeur of the Federal Capital?

Mr LYONS:
ALP

– The improvement of the roads of access to the Federal Territory has been the subject of negotiation during the last two years between the Federal and the State authorities as a result of which definite programmes in respect of the following roads have been adopted: - (1) Goulburn to Canberra; (2) Yass to Canberra; (3) Canberra to Jervis Bay, via Braid wood; (4) Canberra, via Cooma, Nimmitabel, Bombala to the Victorian border. In regard to the road, Goulburn to Canberra, a definite scheme of improvement of that section between Collector and Canberra is now in active progress. The Commonwealth Government made available in respect of that section between Collector and the Federal Territory boundary a sum of £200,000, in addition to which the State Government is providing £100,000. A sum of £50,000 has been made available by the Commonwealth Government for the construction of the section in continuation of this road within the Federal Territory. This section of the road is also in active progress. Attention is being given to the other roads referred to above by the State Government, either under the Federal Aid Roads Agreement or from purely State funds. The State Government has also made available to the local authorities coniderable sums of money for such maintenance of existing roads as is considered necessary to keep them in trafficable condition, pending consideration of the question of their reconstruction.

page 191

QUESTION

CUSTOMS DUTIES

Application of Tariff - Uniform Duties

Mr D CAMERON:
BRISBANE. QLD · NAT

asked the Minister for Trade and Customs, upon notice -

With reference to the resolution passed by the Associated Chambers of Commerce of Australia in conference at Hobart on 27th February, 1927, reading as follows: - “That it be a recommendation to the Commonwealth Government that the Customs Act be amended to provide that as soon as an oversea vessel has reported to the Customs at its first port of call in the Commonwealth, the rate of duty leviable on that shall be the legal rate for the whole of that vessel’s cargo if entered for home consumption, and that the Customs Act be amended accordingly “, and to the question of the honorable memberfor Brisbane of 27th April, 1928, directed to the late Minister for Trade and Customs, is the Minister in a position to state whether any finality has been reached ?

Mr FENTON:
ALP

– This matter will be considered as early as possible.

page 191

QUESTION

GOVERNOR-GENERAL

Cost of Establishments - Allowances

Mr LACEY:

asked the Prime Minister, upon notice -

  1. What is the amount of the allowance paid yearly to the Governor-General?
  2. What was the cost of the GovernorGeneral’s residence at Canberra?
  3. Are there also residences for the GovernorGeneral at Sydney and Melbourne?
  4. If so, what has been the cost of same, and what is the cost per year of the upkeep of each of those residences?
  5. Does the Governor-General always have a special coach for himself and staff when travelling?
  6. How much per year for the past three years has been paid to the Governments of New South Wales and Victoria for the conveyance of the Governor-General?
  7. Is there any law to prevent an Australian citizen being appointed to the office of GovernorGeneral?
Mr SCULLIN:
ALP

– The information is being obtained.

page 192

QUESTION

FOOD POISONING

Use of Aluminium Vessels

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

asked the Minister for Health, upon notice - la view of the many cases of group poisoning where people become desperately ill as the result of banquets, public dinners, picnics, &c, will he request the Health Departments of the various States to make inquiries into all such happenings as to whether the foods consumed were cooked or prepared in aluminium vessels?

Mr ANSTEY:
ALP

– Quite recently all recorded cases of group food poisoning which had occurred within recent years were reviewed in collaboration with the State Departments of Health. While evidence of definitely positive or negative nature was somewhat limited, it can bc said that there was nothing to suggest the association of aluminium vessels with the food poisoning. It is not known actually whether aluminium vessels were ‘used in the preparation or cooking.

page 192

QUESTION

BUTTER IMPORTS

Mr J FRANCIS:

asked the Minister for Trade and Customs, upon notice -

  1. What quantity of butter was imported’ into Australia in -(a) 1926-27, (6) 1927-28, and (c) 1928-29?
  2. From what countries were such importations made, and how much came from each?
Mr FENTON:
ALP

– The answers to the honorable member’s questions are as follow : -

page 192

QUESTION

COMMONWEALTH HOUSING SCHEME

Mr MACKAY:

asked the Treasurer, upon notice -

Whether the present State Government of Queeusland has yet notified the Commonwealth Government of its intention to take advantage of the provision of the Commonwealth housing scheme ?

Mr THEODORE:
ALP

– On the 20th September last, the Premier of Queensland advised the then Prime Minister that the Queensland Government was taking the necessary action to amend the Queensland law so as to enable the State Housing Corporation to be prescribed as an authority to which advances might be made under the Commonwealth Housing Act.

page 192

QUESTION

ALLEGED DEPARTMENTAL ESPIONAGE

Mr LATHAM:

asked the AttorneyGeneral, upon notice -

  1. Has the Attorney-General taken any and what steps to investigate the reflection on the officers of his department contained in the statements published in a section of the press that a dossier relating to the private affairs of Labour members of Parliament has been prepared in his department?
  2. Is there any evidence that any such dossier exists, or ever has existed in the department ?
  3. Is so, what is the evidence?
Mr BRENNAN:
ALP

– The answers to the honorable member’s questions are as follow : -

  1. I have made inquiries as to the espionage complained of. The officers of my department disclaim any knowledge of the matter, and their disclaimer is accepted unreservedly. 2 and 3. There is no evidence that such dossier exists in this department.

page 193

ORDER OF BUSINESS

Motion (by Mr. Scullin)-by leave - agreed to -

That unless otherwise ordered Government business shall, on each day of sitting, have precedence of all other business, except on that Thursday on which, under the provisions of Standing Order No. 241, the question is put “ ThatMr. Speaker do now leave the Chair.” On such Thursday general business shall have precedence of Government business until 9 o’clock p.m.

page 193

PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE

Motion (by Mr. Scullin) - by leave - agreed to -

That, in accordance with the provisions of the Committee of Public Accounts Act 1913- 1920, the following members be appointed members of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts: - Mr. Chifley, Mr. Coleman, Mr. J. Francis, Mr. Gardner, Mr.R. Green, Mr. Guy and Mr. Yates.

page 193

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

Motion (by Mr. Scullin) - by leave - agreed to -

That, in accordance with the provisions of the Commonwealth Public Works Committee Act 1913-1921, the following members be appointed members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works: - Mr. M. Cameron, Mr. Curtin, Mr. Gregory, Mr. Holloway, Mr. Lacey and Mr. Long.

page 193

SESSIONAL COMMITTEES

Motions (by Mr. Scullin) - by leave - agreed to -

That Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister, the Chairman of Committees, the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Bayley, Dr. Earle Page, Mr. Theodore and Mr. Watkins be members of the Standing Orders Committee; three to form a quorum.

That Mr. Speaker, the Chairman of Committees, Mr. Bell, Mr. Culley, Mr. Cunningham, Mr. Gabb, Mr. Hunter, Mr. Mackay and Mr. E. C.Riley be members of the House Committee; three to form a quorum.

That Mr. Chifley, Mr. Bernard Corser, Mr. Gibbons, Mr. Holloway, Mr. Keane, Mr. Nairn, Mr.Rowe, Mr. Tully and Mr. White be members of the Printing Committee; three to form a quorum, with power to confer with a similar committee of the Senate.

That Mr. Speaker, Mr. Crouch, Mr. Jones, Dr. Maloney, Mr. Martens, Mr. McTiernan, Mr. Morgan, Mr. Archdale Parkhill, Mr. Thompson and Mr. West be members of the Library Committee; three to form a quorum.

page 193

ARBITRATION (PUBLIC SERVICE) BILL (No. 2) 1929

Motion (by Mr. Brennan) agreed to -

That he have leave to bring in a bill for an act to amend the Arbitration (Public Service) Act 1920-1928.

Bill brought up, and read a first time.

Mr BRENNAN:
AttorneyGeneral · Batman · ALP

by leave - I move -

That the bill be now read a second time.

I am indebted to the House for enabling me to move the second reading of this measure, which is in the nature of a temporary machinery bill for the purpose of continuing arbitration in the Public Service under exceptional circumstances, until the Government has had an opportunity to formulate its policy, possibly as to arbitration generally, and at all events, as to arbitration in the Public Service. It will be remembered that in the last Parliament a bill was introduced in another place for the purpose of radically altering, if not revolutionising, the practice of arbitration in the service as it had been administered over a number of years. I have good reason to believe that the proposals in that bill by no means commended themselves to the Public Service as a whole, and I venture to express the opinion that the result of the recent election, which was fought mainly, though not solely, on the issue of arbitration, goes to show that the policy of the late Government in this matter was not more popular with the general public than with the members of the Public Service themselves.

The Arbitration Public Service Act of 1920 provided for the appointment of a Public Service Arbitrator for a period of seven years, and following on the passing of that act an appointment was made as arbitrator of Mr. Atlee Hunt, a gentleman who, over a long period of years, has rendered valuable service to the community. He was appointed in February, 1921, and it was provided that his appointment should take effect from the date of his commencing duties. As that appointment expired in 1928, the Government of the day thought fit to introduce a measure that enabled him to be re-appointed for a period that would expire on his attaining the age of 65 years. Mr. Hunt attained that age on the 7th November of the present year, but by reason, no doubt, of the fact that the policy of the late Government was entirely different from that of the present administration, no provision was made for the appointment of a successor upon the termination of his period of office. Mr. Hunt having already attained the age of 65 years, and this Government not yet having had reasonable opportunity » I think it will be generally conceded, to obtain all the necessary information and guidance from proper sources as to new legislation, it is imperative now to make provision for the carrying on of the office until a decision has been reached by the Government, and later by the House, on the general subject of Public Service arbitration. In the meantime, in order that the Public Service may not be without an arbitrator, and that the court may continue to operate, it is proposed to extend Mr. Hunt’s term of office for a brief period, namely, until the 30th September, 1930. I do not know how far Mr. Hunt, in the meantime, may think fit to enter upon the consideration of fresh cases, but I am. a ware that that gentleman has before him at present certain matters in respect of which a final decision has not yet been given, and that, naturally, a little time is required to conclude those cases that have been heard before him, and in a general way to terminate the work of the office so far as he personally is concerned. This extension will allow the present arbitrator to complete the investigations upon which he is engaged, and enable the Government to take action either to make a re-appointment on similar lines or to institute a new scheme of arbitration. The Government, as honorable members are well aware, is committed to a policy of arbitration, both in regard to the Public Service and generally. The bill will effect no vital changes, and in the meantime the Government will have full opportunity to adumbrate its new policy, and, if possible, will present it early in the forthcoming year. It is highly improbable that Mr. Atlee Hunt will, during his extended term, take up any new cases.

Debate (on motion by Mr. Latham) adjourned.

page 194

AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES : PAPER

Mr A GREEN:
Minister for Defence · KALGOORLIE, WESTERN AUSTRALIA · ALP; FLP from 1931; ALP from 1936

– I lay on the table of the House the report for the InspectorGeneral of the Australian Military Forces (by Lieut.-General Sir H. G. Chauvel, G.C.M.G., K.C.B. (Chief of the General Staff), Part I., 31st May, 1929, and I move -

That the report be printed.

Mr LATHAM:
Kooyong

.-] do not desire to interpose any obstacle to the motion, but I ask you, Mr. Speaker, whether this is the proper time at which to lay a paper on the table and to move that it be printed? “We have already proceeded with the discussion of the orders of the day, and, as honorable members expect that business will be taken in the order in which it appears on the business paper, I ask you, sir. whether papers should be laid on the table at this stage?

Mr SPEAKER (Hon Norman Makin:
HINDMARSH, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

– It is competent for Ministers to lay papers on the table at any stage of the business of the House. Generally it might, perhaps, be more convenient if all papers were laid on the table at one time, early in the day’s proceedings; but there is nothing in the Standing Orders to prevent a Minister from laying papers on the table at any time while the House is sitting, and other business is not before it.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

page 194

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

Message received from the Senate, intimating that Senator Dooley, Senator Reid and Senator Sampson had been appointed members of the Public Works Committee.

page 194

PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE

Message received from the Senate intimating that Senator J. B. Hayes, Senator, Hoare and Senator O’Halloran had been appointed members of the Public Accounts Committee.

page 195

TARIFF SCHEDULE (No. 3) 1929

In Committee of Ways and Means:

Mr FENTON:
Minister for Trade and Customs · Maribymong · ALP

– In consequence of a slight error in the Tariff Schedule laid upon the table of the House last night I move -

That the Schedule to the *Excise Tariff* 1921-1928 be further amended as hereunder get out, and on and after the twenty-second day of November, One thousand nine hundred and twenty-niue, at nine o'clock in the forenoon, reckoned according to standard ° time in the Territory for the Seat of Government, Duties of Excise be collected in pursuance of the Excise Tariff as so amended. Under this amending schedule the excise on spirits will be the same as it was under the schedule tabled in August last, provided that the spirits are taken from customs control in bottles. {: .speaker-KZO} ##### Mr Latham: -- What items are affected? {: #subdebate-46-0-s1 .speaker-KEV} ##### Mr FENTON:
MARIBYRNONG, VICTORIA · ALP; UAP from 1931 -- There is an alteration in respect of some spirit items. These are being brought into conformity with those set out in the schedule of August last. A full explanation will be given by me when the tariff is under discussion by honorable members. I understand that the schedule which was tabled yesterday was not published in this morning's issue of the newspapers of some of the States. The committee will remember that when I rose to lay the schedule upon the table of the House it was as late as 10.10 p.m., which made it practically impossible, in one State at least, to release the schedule in time for press publication this morning. On the sudden cessation of the Address-in-Reply debate, the Treasurer **(Mr. Theodore)** delivered his budget, and it was after that that I rose to lay the schedule upon the table of the House. I regret the incident, but it was unavoidable. {: .speaker-C7E} ##### Dr Earle Page: -- Will the Minister explain the exact difference between this and last night's schedules? {: .speaker-KEV} ##### Mr FENTON: -- There is a reduction of practically ls. involved on some items. {: #subdebate-46-0-s2 .speaker-C7E} ##### Dr EARLE PAGE:
Cowper -- I should like the Minister to give honorable members some further information on this subject. I must confess that the explanation that he has given is not clear to me at all, and I wish to know the nature of the alteration that is taking place. As it will be necessary for outside, business people to know the extent of the alterations, I think that it would be wise for the Minister to make the position absolutely clear. {: #subdebate-46-0-s3 .speaker-KEV} ##### Mr FENTON:
Minister for Trade and Customs · Maribyrnong · ALP .- If the honorable member will compare this schedule with that laid on the table last night, he will find that there is a reduction of ls. in the excise duties on certain spirit items. Take for instance blended brandy. Under the schedule introduced last night the rates were 30s. and 35s. Under this schedule the rates are 29s. and 34s. This alteration is necessary to bring the tariff into conformity with that tabled last August. {: .speaker-KZO} ##### Mr Latham: -- It affects all spirit items. {: .speaker-KEV} ##### Mr FENTON: -- Yes. {: #subdebate-46-0-s4 .speaker-KFA} ##### Mr R GREEN:
RICHMOND, NEW SOUTH WALES · CP .- I notice that the alteration contained in the schedule is to date from 9 o'clock this morning. It, therefore, has a retrospective effect, and I wish to know whether that is not in contravention to our customs legislation. This amended schedule has been laid upon the table of the House several hours after the schedule introduced yesterday commenced to operate. There has been no discussion on the items affected, and row for some obscure reason the Minister is laying on the table an amending schedule which has a retrospective effect. {: #subdebate-46-0-s5 .speaker-KEV} ##### Mr FENTON:
Minister for Trade and Customs · Maribyrnong · ALP -- I can assure the honorable member that if, under the items affected, any additional duties have been collected during the three hours between 9 a.m. and 12 noon to-day, they will be refunded. I intend to make a full explanation of the items at a later date, when honorable members will have ample information before them. I have nothing to hide. I consider that I have done my duty this morning in correcting at the earliest moment a mistake in the Tariff Schedule. Progess reported. {: .page-start } page 197 {:#debate-47} ### SOUTH AUSTRALIA GRANT BILL Message recommending appropriation reported. *In committee:* (Consideration of Governor-General's message). Motion (by **Mr. Theodore)** agreed to. That it is expedient that an appropriation of revenue be made for the purposes of a bill for an act to grant and apply out of the Consolidated Revenue fund, a sum for the purposes of financial assistance to the State of South Australia. Resolution reported; and - *by leave -* adopted. *Ordered -* >That **Mr. Theodore** and **Mr. Brennan** do prepare and bring in a bill to carry out the - foregoing resolution. Bill brought up by **Mr. Theodore,** and read a first time. {:#subdebate-47-0} #### Second Reading {: #subdebate-47-0-s0 .speaker-KVS} ##### Mr THEODORE:
Treasurer · Dalley · ALP -- *by leave* - I move - >That the bill now be read a second time. The application of South Australia to the Commonwealth for financial assistance on account of the special disabilities under which it claims to be labouring as a consequence of federation, was under the consideration of the previous Government, and for the first time a grant to that State is now proposed. The State Government applied for an annual grant of £750,000, because of the adverse condition of its finances during the last two or three years. An examination of the finances of the State during the last five years gives this result : - The estimate for the current financial year does not take into account the proposed Commonwealth grant. These recurring and increasing deficits reveal an alarming situation. The last Government appointed a royal commission to report on the financial disabilities, if any, which affected South Australia as a result of federation, and to recommend what steps should be taken by the Commonwealth or the State to remedy the existing state of affairs. The disabilities of the State were alleged to extend over a wide range, and to include the adverse operation of the Customs Tariff and certain Commonwealth laws, the Murray River Waters Agreement, and other factors. The royal commission reported, *inter alia,* that - it is apparent that the present unsatisfactory financial position has gradually evolved over a series of years, and that the serious deficits in the last two years are due chiefly to losses on the railways, and on works of a developmental character. Whether that statement fully explains the causes of the recurring deficits in South Australia or not, the fact remains that heavy losses have been sustained on the operation of the railways. In the first thirteen years of federation the railways earned surpluses, but in those affluent years no provision was made for depreciation. In recent years the railways have sustained heavy losses, and for the two years 1926-27 and 1927-28 these losses totalled £2,070,000. In the last five years £11,000,000 has been spent on the rehabilitation of the system, and in consequence, the annual interest charges increased by £526,000. The principal increases in loan expenditure during the last nine years have been- railways, £12,262,000; developmental, £11,497,000; loans and securities, £12,946,000. The royal commission questioned the wisdom of the huge developmental expenditure which in the last nine years exceeded by £2,000,000 the developmental expenditure during the whole previous history of the State. Special mention was made of the cost of soldier land settlement. This subject has since been dealt with in the report of **Mr. Justice** Pike and is being treated by the Government separately in the manner indicated in my Budget Speech. South Australia's public debt has increased 116 per cent, during the last nine years, rising from £91 0s. 3d. per head of population in 1919 to £159 12s. 5d. in 1928. The average increase in all States during the same period was 82 per cent. The greater portion of that increase in South Australia occurred while a Nationalist government was in office. {: .speaker-KOC} ##### Mr Hawker: -- But the highest rate of loan expenditure per annum was during the regime of a Labour Government. {: .speaker-KVS} ##### Mr THEODORE: -- The fact remains that the greatest aggregate expenditure in any two years was during the regime of a Nationalist government. The heavy expenditure that was incurred by the Gunn Government was the result of commitments entered into by previous Nationalist governments, especially upon the rehabilitation of the railways. Perhaps it is unwise to introduce State party politics into the consideration of this matter. We have to decide whether the proposed grant to South Australia is warranted having regard to the interests of the Commonwealth as a whole. Undoubtedly, that State has suffered some disabilities as a result of federation, and if the financial assistance proposed to be rendered by the Commonwealth is justified, this Parliament should give it at once, and allow the South Australian people to settle their own domestic political differences. I merely mentioned certain facts regarding loan expenditure in order to throw additional light on the financial position of the State. Public debt charges, such as interest and sinking fund, are equivalent to 37 per cent, of the expenditure from consolidated revenue, a larger percentage than in most of the other States. During the last fourteen years the public debt charges have increased by 242 per cent., while other charges against consolidated revenue have increased by approximately 120 per cent. The royal commission recommended a special grant of £500,000 per annum for two years and a modification of the conditions of the Federal Aid Roads contribution in favour of South Australia. It also recommended that its finding should be reviewed in the light of- {: type="a" start="a"} 0. any reduction of loan indebtedness in respect of soldier land settlement, as a result of the report of **Mr. Justice** Pike. 1. any variation of the Murray River Waters Scheme; and 2. any concession in connexion with the Federal Aid Roads Agreement. The royal commission stated that an exact calculation of the monetary disabilities under which South Australia was suffering was impracticable, but it expressed the opinion that South Australia was worthy of sympathetic treatment such us had been extended to Western Australia and Tasmania. The last Commonwealth Government, after considering the report of the royal commission, proposed to make a grant of £1,000,000 to be spread over three years instead of two years as recommended by the commission. In the first year there was to be an unconditional cash payment of £300,000, and South Australia was to transfer to the Commonwealth the control of the Red Hill to Salisbury railway. According to the last Treasurer, the State would thus be relieved of an annual liability in respect of interest and sinking fund amounting to £60,000. The Government of South Australia objected to the condition governing that £60,000, and the present Commonwealth Government having carefully reviewed the position, considers that insistence upon that condition would be unwise. An amount of £360,000 has been made available as a grant in this year's Estimates, and in each of the next two years an amount of £320,000 will be made available, the total sum given thus being £1,000,000, spread over a period of three years. From some remarks that were made by the Premier of South Australia I understand that his government objected to the conditions that were attached to £60,000 of the amount that the previous Commonwealth Government proposed to make available, and would have resisted those conditions strenuously had they been persisted with. {: .speaker-JOG} ##### Mr Bayley: -- Did the South Australian Government make any counter proposal ? {: .speaker-KVS} ##### Mr THEODORE: -- Not so far as I am aware. According to the knowledge that I have of the matter, their protest was against the proposal of the late Government with respect to the Salisbury to Port Augusta railway. {: .speaker-KZO} ##### Mr Latham: -- And they desired to have the total grant made available within a period of two years. {: .speaker-KVS} ##### Mr THEODORE: -- They desired that the recommendation of the commission should be carried out fully; that was, for the grant of £1,000,000, the payments to be spread over a period of two years. {: .speaker-C7E} ##### Dr Earle Page: -- Have they departed from their request in that respect? {: .speaker-KVS} ##### Mr THEODORE: -- They have renewed their representations to the Commonwealth. I saw the Premier of South Australia in Melbourne a couple of weeks ago, and he asked what our intentions were. I gave him an indication of what action we might take, and, so far as I know, he was content with our proposal. {: .speaker-JVZ} ##### Mr CAMERON:
BARKER, SOUTH AUSTRALIA · LP; NAT from 1925; UAP from 1931 -- He budgeted in anticipation. {: .speaker-KVS} ##### Mr THEODORE: -- He budgeted in the hope that he would get £500,000 this year. {: .speaker-JUR} ##### Mr McTiernan: -- How does the rate of taxation in South Australia compare with that of the other States? {: .speaker-KVS} ##### Mr THEODORE: -- I have not the figures that would enable me to make a comparison, but it can be said that the. rate of direct taxation in South Australia is as high as that in any State. When considering whether the grant provided for by the bill is as generous as that recommended by the royal commission, it must be borne in mind that the royal commission made reference to other benefits that South Australia might obtain in connexion with the reduction of its loan indebtedness with respect to soldier land settlement, possible re-adjustments in connexion with the River Murray Waters scheme, and a concession under the Federal Aid Roads agreement. **Mr. Justice** Pike has made certain recommendations, and South Australia will gain a proportionate advantage with the other States of the Commonwealth under that proposal. At the present timeI do not know of any proposed variation of the River Murray Waters agreement, so that I am unable to say whether South Australia is likely to derive any advantage in that direction. {: .speaker-C7E} ##### Dr Earle Page: -- According to the budget statement, an additional £25,000 is being provided in connexion with the River Murray Waters scheme. Was that the result of consultation with the States ? {: .speaker-KVS} ##### Mr THEODORE: -- We have made provision for an additional £25,000 to meet a possible contingency. An application was made by, I think, the constructing authority - the commission - for £100,000 in addition to the amount provided on the loan programme. I consulted the Loan Council and advised the members of the contracting States that the Commonwealth Government was prepared to bear its share of the additional £100,000 if the provision of that sum were approved, but proposed that the amount should be saved in some other direction so that the total loan programme for the year would not be exceeded. Therefore the amount of £25,000 has been placed upon the loan estimates for this year. Whether it will be needed or not depends upon whether the other contracting parties make similar provision. That has not yet been arranged, but it is the subject of correspondence at the present time. This is not an appropriate time to discuss the Federal Aid Roads agreement; but I believe that it will come up for review shortly. The Prime Minister **(Mr. Scullin)** may call a conference of the Commonwealth and State authorities to discuss the reconstruction of that agreement and the making of, perhaps, more adequate provision. If the matter is discussed, the result may he to benefit South Australia still further, in common with the other States. The commission recommended that the grant should be reviewed in the light of the three factors previously mentioned. Under the recommendations of **Mr. Justice** Pike, South Australia's soldier settlement debt would be decreased by an amount of £804,988, and its yearly interest bill by an amount of over £40,000. It must be borne in mind that that assistance is in addition to the total grant of £1,000,000. {: .speaker-C7E} ##### Dr Earle Page: -- That will be a permanent gain? {: .speaker-KVS} ##### Mr THEODORE: -- Yes. {: .speaker-KXQ} ##### Mr Parkhill: -- Is the deficit in South Australia the only justification for the grant ? {: .speaker-KVS} ##### Mr THEODORE: -- No. The deficit merely illustrates the difficulties under which South Australia has been labouring because of federation. Debate (on motion by **Mr. Paterson)** adjourned. *Sitting suspended from 12.38 to 2.15 p.m.* {: .page-start } page 200 {:#debate-48} ### GRAFTON TO SOUTH BRISBANE RAILWAY BILL Message recommending appropriation reported. *In committee* (Consideration of Governor-General's message) : Motion (by **Mr. Theodore)** agreed to- >That it is expedient that an appropriation of moneys bc made for the purposes of a bill for an act to amend the Grafton to South Brisbane Railway Act 1924-1920. Resolution reported; and - *by leave -* adopted. *Ordered -* >That **Mr. Theodore** and **Mr. Scullin** do prepare and bring in a bill to carry out the foregoing resolution. Bill brought up by **Mr. Theodore,** and read a first time. {:#subdebate-48-0} #### Second Reading {: #subdebate-48-0-s0 .speaker-KVS} ##### Mr THEODORE:
Treasurer · Dalley · ALP -- *by leave* - I move - >That the bill be now read a second time. This bill is one of minor importance, the purpose of it being to obtain authority to exceed the limit of expenditure on the work of constructing the Grafton to South Brisbane railway line beyond that contemplated in the 1926 act, which authorized the expenditure of £4,000,000. 1 presume that it will not be necessary for me to give an historical review of this undertaking. The work was undertaken, as a result of the recommendations of the royal commission which inquired into proposals for the unification of the railway gauges throughout Australia. An agreement was entered into by the Commonwealth Government with those of New South Wales and Queensland for the construction of this railway. The work is under the control of a railway council, consisting of the Commissioner of Railways for the Commonwealth as chairman, and the Chief Railways Commissioners of Queensland and New South Wales. A portion of the work was done by day labour, and the balance is being done by contractors, who are the Railways Commissioners for Queensland and New South Wales. The Chief Commissioner in New South Wales is the contractor for that section from Kyogle to the Queensland border, while die Queensland Railways Commissioner is contractor for the section from the horder to South Brisbane. Under the terms of the contract provision is made for the payment of greater than the stipulated amount to the contractors in the event of certain conditions arising which would make for increased costs. It is set out in a memorandum submitted to me by the railway council that the additional amount asked for, and the expenditure which this bill proposes to authorize, is £350,000, bringing the total authorization up to £4,350,000. A summary of the principal causes of increase, and the amount of the increases, is as follows: - The difference between the sum of £433,300 excess expenditure, and the £350,000 additional money asked for in this bill will be saved by economies effected in carrying out the work. {: .speaker-KFA} ##### Mr R GREEN:
RICHMOND, NEW SOUTH WALES · CP -- Will the Treasurer - explain how the additional amounts required are arrived at? {: .speaker-KVS} ##### Mr THEODORE: -- The improvements in industrial conditions are responsible for an increase of £164,000. Although it is not stated in the memorandum, I take it that in every case higher rates of pay have been brought about as a result of the making of new awards or the variation of old ones. Under the conditions of contract with the Governments of New South Wales and Queensland, provision was made for an adjustment for or against the contractor in the event, during the currency of the contract, of an increase or decrease in wages or a decrease or increase in hours of work as fixed by an award of the Arbitration Court or other industrial tribunal approved by the council. When the estimate of £4,000,000 was prepared, a sum was included to meet improved industrial conditions, but it was thought that, generally, these conditions had reached the peak, and if there was any change during the currency of the contract it would be in .a downward direction. Instead of that, however, wages are still increasing, and industrial conditions are being improved. On the New South Wales contract section alone it was estimated by the railway council that no less than £88,000 extra would have to be paid under the arrangement referred to, but it is now found that this figure will be largely exceeded, and a sum considerably beyond £122,000 will be expended on this account. Also, there was a large number of land resumptions in both States, but especially in Queensland, near South Brisbane, and it must be obvious that it was practically impossible accurately to estimate what the cost of those resumptions would be. {: .speaker-KFA} ##### Mr R GREEN:
RICHMOND, NEW SOUTH WALES · CP -- The land-holders above Kyogle did not get a very great share of the money paid for resumptions. {: .speaker-KVS} ##### Mr THEODORE: -- I presume that they were treated justly. {: .speaker-KFA} ##### Mr R GREEN:
RICHMOND, NEW SOUTH WALES · CP -- They did not get a fair deal. {: .speaker-KVS} ##### Mr THEODORE: -- The railway council dealt with that aspect of the matter, and I am sure, would treat them fairly. The resumptions were effected under the State, act dealing with the resumption of land for public purposes. The cost of surveys can only be estimated approximately. In this case there was considerable difficulty in locating the route of the railway, and the expenditure was considerably beyond that provided in the estimates. As regards the sum of £190,900 for additional quantities to those provided in the schedule of quantities in the contract specification, the conditions of contract provide for payment on a quantity basis according to measurement at the rate shown in the schedule of quantities and the prices of the tender, and the total amount of the contract increased or decreased according to the actual measurements of the earthworks, brick foundations, &c, required to be undertaken- The railway passes through mountainous and broken country where there is a very heavy rainfall, and on account of landslides, considerable quantities of earth works had to be undertaken beyond the estimated amount on which tenders were called. Additional bridges had to be provided on account of landslides, &c, and excavations for foundations of bridges, concrete works, &c, proved to be more expensive than the estimate provided for. It was also necessary to provide for watering stations, trucking facilities, &c, beyond those provided for on the estimates. The works on the contract section in Queensland are just about completed, but it will be some months before the works in New South Wales are in readiness, the delay on that section being due primarily to the difficulty in getting through a very long tunnel at the border. This work took longer than was expected, despite the fact that work was proceeding simultaneously at both ends. The bridge over the Clarence river will not be completed, I believe, for some time yet. {: .speaker-KMZ} ##### Mr Martens: -- There will be a lot of work to be done even after that. {: .speaker-KVS} ##### Mr THEODORE: -- I believe that trains will be able to run over the line even before the bridge is finished, arrangements being made to convey vehicles across the river by means of punts. Of course, even after the trains are running, much work will still remain to be done in the way of ballasting, &c. The secretary of the railway council states that present indications are that the work will be finished within the estimate of £4,350,000, although, as the contract is on the quantity basis, according to measurements, &c, and as under the contract agreements, the council is liable to pay for increased rates of wages and other improved industrial conditions, there is a likelihood that the sum now asked for may be exceeded ; but should there be an excess the amount will not be large. {: .speaker-JWT} ##### Mr J Francis: -- Can the Treasurer inform the House what portion of the additional appropriation is to go to Queensland, and what portion to New South Wales? {: .speaker-KVS} ##### Mr THEODORE: -- I cannot give that information offhand, but the proportion* are set out in the agreement which provides that the apportionment shall be in accordance with the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Unified Railway Gauges. The State quotas were settled on that basis, but because some of the States which would have been contracting parties under the scheme were not willing to come in on the first stage of the work, the Commonwealth Government agreed to bear that portion of the expense which normally would fall upon Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales. {: .speaker-JWT} ##### Mr J Francis: -- What proportion of this amount will be credited to Queensland, and what proportion to New South Wales? {: .speaker-KVS} ##### Mr THEODORE: -- I cannot give the honorable member much information on that point. I understand that the work in Queensland is almost completed to the New South Wales border, so that probably only a small proportion of the money will go to Queensland. {: .speaker-JWT} ##### Mr J Francis: -- I should like to know how Queensland is to be reimbursed for the loss she has incurred under the contract. Will any of this money be applied to that purpose? {: .speaker-KVS} ##### Mr THEODORE: -- I am not even aware that Queensland has made a loss under the contract. {: .speaker-JWT} ##### Mr J Francis: -- I assure the Treasurer that that is so. {: .speaker-KVS} ##### Mr THEODORE: -- The Commissioner for Railways in Queensland is a contractor on the basis to which I have already referred, but how he has fared I cannot at the moment say. Debate (on motion by **Dr. Earle** Page) adjourned. {: .page-start } page 203 {:#debate-49} ### QUESTION {:#subdebate-49-0} #### ESTIMATES (No. 2) 1929-30 Additions, New Works, Buildings, etc. In Committee of Supply: Parliament *Proposed vote* - £3,274. {: #subdebate-49-0-s0 .speaker-KVS} ##### Mr THEODORE:
Treasurer · Dalley · ALP -- On the first item in these Estimates, which provides £3,274 for alterations and additions to the ventilation and cooling plant of Parliament House, it may meet the convenience of honorable members if I say that the figures now before them have been altered in only one particular from those submitted by the Treasurer of the previous Government. That alteration is in the proposed vote for the Department of Trade and Customs. I am informed that a building for shelter is required on the waterfront atFremantle. For some reason, probably through inadvertence, no amount wasprovided for this urgent work in the Estimates prepared by the previous Treasurer. There has not been much time to revise the Estimates carefully, as honorable members will realize. I understand that the previous Speaker and the President of the Senate strongly recommended that alterations and additions to the ventilation and cooling plant of this House should be put in hand without delay. {: #subdebate-49-0-s1 .speaker-KZO} ##### Mr LATHAM:
Kooyong .- All honorable members are aware that in some respects the accommodation in Parliament House is inadequate. I have found in the short time that I have occupied the position of Leader of the Opposition, that insufficient accommodation is available to enable certain officers to do their work properly. As the Prime Minister will realize, he having recently been Leader of the Opposition, the room set apart for my use is also used by the secretary to the Leader of the Opposition, who operates a typewriter in it. I feel sure that I shall have the sympathy of the Prime Minister in asking that provision be made for separate accommodation for the Secretary to the Leader of the Opposition in a conveniently situated room. It will be appreciated that this is hardly a personal matter. It frequently happens that honorable members desire to consult the Leader or Deputy Leader of the Opposition on important matters, and they should be able to do so in proper circumstances. I would be very grateful if the Government, probably after the matter has been considered by the House Committee, would make some improvement of the present arrangement. Difficulty has also occurred in providing accommodation for the Country party. This building was not suitably planned to meet the needs of the existing political situation, but I trust that it may be possible to make more convenient arrangements. {: #subdebate-49-0-s2 .speaker-F4Q} ##### Mr SCULLIN:
Prime Minister · Yarra · ALP -- I have every sympathy with the Leader of the Opposition on this matter. I frequently had to work in the room which he now occupies while my secretary was operating a typewriter in it. I suggest to the honorable gentleman that he should make some representations on the matter to the Speaker. If anything can be done without incurring great expense, the Governwill be prepared to do it. But we must bear in mind that this is not the time to incur large expenditure on this building. The position of the Country party has been difficult, because this building was constructed, apparently, on the assumption that the Country party would always be a Ministerial party, and its rooms were grouped with the rooms on the Ministerial side. It is mutually agreed that in the present circumstances this is undesirable. The Country party has now found accommodation on the Senate side. The building was designed so that as much accommodation was provided on the Senate side as on the House of Representatives side, although the Senate has only half the number of members of this House. One result of this is that certain Ministers, who are members of the House of Representatives, have had to accept accommodation on the Senate side because there were no rooms for them on this side. I am afraid that we cannot consider making any expensive structural alterations to the building, but it is probable that further consideration of the situation by the House Committee may make it possible to improve existing conditions. {: #subdebate-49-0-s3 .speaker-C7E} ##### Dr EARLE PAGE:
Cowper -- I thank the Leader of the Government, the Speaker, and the President of the Senate for their courtesy and assistance in making suitable arrangements for the accommodation of the Country party. I am glad to say that during this week satisfactory provision has been made for us. This building was designed without full consideration of the possible needs of the situation. It would be wise to appoint a sub-committee of the House to make an investigation with a view to putting the available space to the best possible use in the light of an experience of its use. It was interesting to me to hear the Treasurer remark that only one small alteration had been made in the Estimates for additions, new works, buildings, &c. Yesterday, when delivering his budget speech, the honorable gentleman suggested that in other respects some very great alterations had been made in the Estimates submitted by the previous Government. He referred to certain increases that have taken place in the actual expenditure compared with the Estimates for last year; but he did not make any reference to decreases that sometimes occur. If the honorable gentleman had examined the position for the last three years he would have ascertained that while every year there had been certain increases, there had also been considerable decreases. The expenditure last year on additions, new works and buildings, was £47,000 less than the Estimates, and in the previous year there was a decrease of £91,000. The Treasurer's statement would have been fairer had he set the increases and decreases side by side. I do not intend on this occasion to enlarge on this aspect of the subject; I shall deal with it more fully at the appropriate time. {: .speaker-KVS} ##### Mr Theodore: -- I had no information placed before me to show that there had been any decreases. {: .speaker-C7E} ##### Dr EARLE PAGE: -- I suggest that the Treasurer might go into the matter. {: .speaker-KVS} ##### Mr Theodore: -- When the Estimates were being revised I asked for information as to both increases and decreases. {: .speaker-C7E} ##### Dr EARLE PAGE: -- It is regrettable that the decreases were not indicated. In 1928-29 actual expenditure in various items showed an increase over the Estimates of £315,000, but there were decreases in other items of £133,800, which made a net increase of only £181,000 in a total expenditure of £78,000,000, or a variation of less than¼ per cent. It would appear, therefore, that the statement made by the Treasurer yesterday that the previous Government had grossly miscalculated the definite commitments of the departments, was not justified. I venture to suggest that the Estimates of last year, in their approximation to the actual expenditure, challenge comparison with those brought forward in any parliament in which the English tongue is spoken. In the previous year there was a decrease in the actual expenditure, compared with the Estimates, in respect of additions, new works, buildings, &c, of £91,000. In the ordinary votes of the department in 1928-29, £38,000 less was spent than was anticipated. In 1927- 28 the difference between the actual and the estimated expenditure was less than¾ per cent. In 1928-29, the difference between the actual and estimated expenditure was less than¼ per cent. In 1923-24, in his last budget as Treasurer of Queensland, the honorable member for Dalley underestimated his expenditure to the extent of £358,000 in a budget of £13,000,000, which was an increase of about 2¾ per cent., as compared with the ¼ per cent, miscalculation of which I have been accused. If I am to be charged with having grossly misjudged the financial position because of an increase in expenditure of¼ per cent, or even¾ per cent., what language should be used to describe the miscalculation of the present Treasurer in 1923-24 to the extent of 2¾ per cent.? I suggest that, as the budget statement of the Commonwealth is sent practically all over the world,such incomplete and partisan remarks as it contains are likely to have an injurious effect upon the credit of this country. If honorable members wish to cast aspersions upon one another let it be done in debate. Damaging statements to Australia of the nature to which I have taken exception should not be incorporated in an official and widely circulated document such as the budget speech. I have received a great deal of criticism in the past from men who have had no experience as treasurers, and I have always expected such criticism; but I have found that men with treasury experience are usually most careful in attacking other treasurers, because they realize their difficulties in varying seasons in closely estimating public expenditure. I now ask whether any saving in connexion with the vote under consideration is anticipated because in previous years this has always taken place. Proposed vote agreed to. Department of Home Affairs *Proposed vote-* £33,000. {: #subdebate-49-0-s4 .speaker-L1T} ##### Mr YATES:
Adelaide -- I took exception last year to the authorization of the proposed expenditure on the War Memorial at Canberra, and at the same time I claimed that no man in Australia had a higher appreciation than I had of the services of the men in whose honour the memorial was to be erected. I questioned, however, the wisdom of the expenditure of public money in placing a memorial at the foot of Mount Ainslie in honour of those who made the great sacrifice in the late war. This memorial is intended to be a reminder to the present generation and to posterity of the splendid heroism of the fallen, and of the way in. which Australia discharged its responsibilities as part of the British Empire. It is also proposed to use the building for the accommodation of war relics. In my opinion it should be erected in a place where at least a considerable number of the people of the nation could see it. It will be not only a tragedy, but a reflection on our intelligence to erect the memorial at Canberra. {: .speaker-KZA} ##### Mr West: -- What has upset the honorable member? {: .speaker-L1T} ##### Mr YATES: -- I am not upset, nor am I leg-roped. I have been accused of a desire to prevent the carrying out of this undertaking, which will provide employ ment for workless men. If anybody will submit a practical scheme for the purpose of relieving unemployment I shall give it my wholehearted support. I walked across to Ainslie and inspected the site of the memorial before I made my last attack regarding it; but I was not told the truth. All that I found was an outline of the foundations of the building; the trial holes had been filled in. Yet £30,000 odd was supposed to have been spent in providing employment there. That was back in August. Can anybody tell me how many men have been employed on that work up to date? I desire to see the people employed, and I do not wish to be informed that we have to borrow money to enable work to be provided for them. This country was never more wealthy, the people have neverworked harder, and never has machinery for mass production been more up to date than at the present time. Yet never has Australia been in such an unfortunate position as she finds herself in to-day.I fail to see that the proposals outlined in the Governor-General's Speech will find a job for one man. {: .speaker-JVZ} ##### Mr CAMERON:
BARKER, SOUTH AUSTRALIA · LP; NAT from 1925; UAP from 1931 -- The party opposite told us at the election that it was going to provide work. {: .speaker-L1T} ##### Mr YATES: -- Yes, and the unemployed should now he given work. If this obligation is not discharged by the Government, I cannot go back to my constituents and face those whom I promised that work would be found for them. Honorable members opposite smile ; but if I gave them practical suggestions as to how this promise could be honored, they would probably inform me that I was an idiot. If the Government is prepared to formulate a practical scheme, so that the working people who are now unemployed may enjoy a decent Christmas, I shall say nomore. But I cannot accept the Governor-General's Speech as giving promise of the slightest relief to those who have returned the Ministry to power. Although two months or more have elapsed since a large sum of money was placed on the Estimates for the specific purpose of erecting a war memorial, how much work has been done there? Who has fallen down on the job? Who is going slow? I should be informed in no uncertain terms that so much cement and gravel has been ordered. No shipping strike is in progress, and I am not aware that the coal position affects the work. I cannot anticipate what the reply will be; but it must be more truthful than that received by me from the late Minister for Home Affairs, if I am to be satisfied. I appreciate the difficulty of Ministers through their being new to their offices; but now that the Labour party has got into power [ expect results. It should be prepared to do essential work, and face the consequences. Even if it made a mistake, the end would justify the means. For the men in my electorate who are living on the banks of the Torrens, in structures no better than aborigines' wurlies, [ cannot see one ray of hope in the Governor-General's Speech. How much has been spent since August last of the money voted for the purpose of erecting r.he soldiers' memorial? {: #subdebate-49-0-s5 .speaker-JWT} ##### Mr J FRANCIS:
Moreton .- Like the honorable member for Adelaide **(Mr. Yates),** I am surprised to find that uo effort has been made by the Government to carry out its election promises. From every platform we heard the cry that there would be work and more work for all if a Labour Government were given power, and no one would be unemployed, yet the present Ministry has made no attempt to do any more than was done by the previous government. No provision is made for any new works except for a sum of £250 for a shelter shed at Fremantle. Ministers cannot advance the excuse that works cannot be carried out until they have been referred to the Public Works Committee, because a considerable number of works have been approved by the committee; but no provision has yet been made by the Government to provide work for the unemployed by proceeding with these works. Some time ago, the Works Committee recommended the erection of Commonwealth offices in Brisbane, where unemployment is rife, and if that work were put in hand the position there would be considerably relieved by the provision of work for the unemployed before Christmas. I understand that the erection of Commonwealth offices in Sydney has been approved by the Public Works Committee, and yet this Govern ment has done nothing to put the work in hand. Recently a number of automatic telephone exchanges in and around Sydney and Melbourne were approved by that committee, and if this Government were sincere in its desire to provide work for the unemployed, it certainly should have gone ahead with those proposals. Unfortunately, it refuses to give relief to the unemployed, and excuses itself by saying that the Estimates that it is submitting to this Parliament are the Estimates of the late Government with the exception of one item relating to a building in Fremantle, which was accidentally omitted from the Estimates by the late Treasurer. The small sum of £250 is provided for that work. The members of the Labour party told the people from every platform that if they were returned to power work would be found for the unemployed. I ask honorable' members behind the Government how is it possible for the workless of Australia to subsist on promises? The Government stands condemned for its lack of action. So far it has been an " all-talkie " government. So far members of the Ministry have done nothing but talk, and the talk they have indulged in has been in a destructive vein. First of all they talked about destroying our defence system. Now they are talking about abolishing the Development and Migration Commission, which the previous Government established in its effort to develop this country and to find work for the unemployed by creating new development works with money borrowed at a very low rate of interest. Even the Migration Agreement, which enables us to obtain cheap money from Great Britain for developmental purposes, is likely to be interfered with. I join with the honorable member for Adelaide **(Mr. Yates)** in saying that the Government, even in the first days of its administration, has fallen down on its job. I had hoped that, with the advent of the Labour Government with its election, promises, works such as the repair and prevision of post offices, would be carried out in my electorate, so as to give employment to the workless there, but the Estimates disclose no proposals of that character. {: #subdebate-49-0-s6 .speaker-JVT} ##### Mr NELSON:
Northern Territory -- The honorable member who has just resumed his seat would like us to believe that he is a great champion of the workers of Australia. For seven successive years his party held the reins of office, and during that period the worker's lot became worse and worse, until to-day the worker is in a more deplorable position than ever before in the history of Australia. It is true that I am not satisfied with the present position; but I quite realize that if the members of the Opposition had had a heart for the industrialists of this country our finances would not be in the awful mess that they are in to-day. The inactivity of the late Government is responsible for the unemployment that exists in the community, but that is no justification for this Government's adopting a similar attitude. Now that the Labour party is in power, as the honorable. member for Adelaide **(Mr. Yates)** has said, it is up to us to show by our actions that our promises to the electors were sincere. I am concerned about the north of Australia, and the people who are starving there. Whatever this Government or any other government may say about the responsibility of the States, the Commonwealth cannot shirk its responsibilities in North Australia. I have had little time to glance through the Estimates; but I find that an item of £200 is set down for the development of the mining industry in an area three times the size of New South Wales. In addition, a sura of £43 is provided for the sustenance of children of destitute persons. That is surely an insult to the intelligence of our people. We find that a sum of £133,414 is being paid to the big mcn who administer this country, but not one penny is being spent on reproductive works. At a later stage I shall have an opportunity to join with Other honorable members in insisting on a revision of the Estimates, so tha't Australia may be better developed. {: #subdebate-49-0-s7 .speaker-JOS} ##### Mr BELL:
Darwin .- When the item of the War Memorial was before this chain bar las t session and previously, I, like the honorable member for Adelaide **(Mr. Yates),** protested against this expenditure. I now repeat my protest, because there is a greater reason to-day for objecting to that expense than there was before. My objection is that money for this work cannot be raised spontaneously among the people and loan money has to be made available for it. Imagine any government borrowing money to provide a memorial to Australia's fallen heroes ! Such a proposal is distasteful to me. The money would be better spent on reproductive works. 1 understand that the sum already expended on this project is £30,000. I have looked at the site, and I venture to say that 1 could get twenty good workmen from my electorate to do in a mouth all the work that has been done there to date. In reply to a question last session, the late Minister for Home Affairs informed the House that the expenditure on the War Memorial up to that time was £16,000; yet the amount shown in the Estimate* then was £30,000. I should like to know which is the correct figure. The excuse given for the abandonment of compulsory training is that a saving of £150,000 will be thereby effected, but what will be the use of a handsome war memorial erected in honour of those who fell at the last war if this country is to be at the mercy of invaders in a few years' timet In such circumstances it is nothing short of folly to continue the expenditure of money on the erection of a war memorial at the present time. The Treasurer **(Mr.. Theodore)** seems to have considered nearly every item of the Estimates submitted by the late Treasurer, but I wonder whether he has investigated "this particular item. If not, I ask him to postpone it until he has done so. {: #subdebate-49-0-s8 .speaker-KYV} ##### Mr E RILEY:
When the proposal to construct a war memorial was before the last Parliament, the honorable member for Darwin (Mr. Bell · SOUTH SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP protested against the expenditure of money on that project. He has a right to his views, but let me point out to him that this morning the Prime Minister read out a number of proposed works already approved by the Public Works Committee, which the Government intended to put in hand. The honorable member for Moreton **(Mr. J. Francis)** criticized the Government for its inaction; but let me inform him that the late Government, during its administration, indulged in an orgy of expenditure. [, like the honorable member for Adelaide **(Mr. Yates),** will insist on public works being carried out so as to relieve unemployment, but we cannot blame the Government for these Estimates. Mr.R. Green. - These are the Estimates for the next twelve months. {: .speaker-KYV} ##### Mr E RILEY:
SOUTH SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP -- These Estimates were prepared by the late Government, and the present Government has had little or no time to revise them. Before criticizing its actions we should give it an opportunity of preparing a list of developmental works to be carried out for the relief of the unemployed. There has been much talk about money being scarce in Australia, but money does not disappear. This country is wealthy enough to find work for every inhabitant who is w illing to work.We have expended about £8,000,000 in the Federal Capital Territory, which has an area of 900 square miles.Now we are told by honorable members opposite that money is not available for works in the Territory. That is an absurd statement. Why should not the banks supply the needs of the Government ? {: .speaker-KZ6} ##### Mr Lacey: -- Would the honorable member say that Canberra is an asset ? {: .speaker-KYV} ##### Mr E RILEY:
SOUTH SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP -- Yes. Last year nearly £500,000 was collected in rates and rents from the Territory. I hope that developmental works will shortly be put in hand so as to give more employment to our people. {: #subdebate-49-0-s9 .speaker-KFS} ##### Mr GULLETT:
Henty -- I cannot allow this opportunity to pass without extending my congratulations to the Government for the extraordinary manifestation of party discipline that we have seen to-day. Naturally, as a member of the late Government which was responsible for these Estimates, I am flattered that the new Government should have adopted them almost to the last shilling. Were the late Government in charge of these Estimates to-day not a member now on that side of the chamber would have failed to charge us with indifference and callousness towards the unemployed of this country. We cut these Estimates to the bone, and rightly so. In view of all the Labour party's promises of work to the workless of this country, upon which the swing of the election largely depended, it is to me a remarkable spectacle, this afternoon, to see every supporter of the Government quietly accepting these close-cut Estimates. It is a remarkable proof of the discipline which prevails upon the Government side. During the last two or three years the last Government was attacked again and again for its alleged lack of sympathy with the workers. Yet the new Government has adopted almost *en bloc* the Estimates prepared by its predecessors, and the only additional relief proposed is the offer of the Minister for Home Affairs to pay the fares of the unemployed in the Northern Territory to the south where, apparently, they will be dumped amongst the numerous unemployed already here. I ask the Minister for Home Affairs to let the committee know what work has been done to date in. connexion with the national war memorial. Unlike the honorable member for Darwin **(Mr. Bell),** I am an enthusiastic supporter of that project. I am glad that the Government has allowed to remain on the Estimates the amount provided for it by the last Treasurer, and I offer to Ministers my support in any steps they may take towards the completion of the memorial. {: #subdebate-49-0-s10 .speaker-KZ6} ##### Mr LACEY:
Grey .- We have passed beyond the stage when we can profitably discuss the desirability of establishing a national war memorial in Canberra; the Government is committed to that project. It has been debated in this chamber many times, and was the subject of a favourable report by the Public Works Committee. Therefore, it ill becomes honorable members who are now in opposition to criticize a proposal which emanated from the Government of which they were supporters. {: .speaker-C7E} ##### Dr Earle Page: -- I thought some of our members at least were supporting the project. {: .speaker-KZ6} ##### Mr LACEY: -- Others are criticizing it in a cheap, party spirit. It is true that the honorable member for Darwin **(Mr. Bell)** opposed the proposal in the last Parliament, but he knew that the. Government had sufficient numbers to carry the item if it were taken to a division. I am surprised at the nascent concern of the members of the Opposition for the unemployed. Only a couple of months ago we, who were then in opposition, were repeatedly urging the last Ministry ro do something to relieve the unemployed. {: .speaker-KFS} ##### Mr Gullett: -- "Why not urge that now? {: .speaker-KZ6} ##### Mr LACEY: -- We are urging it every day. {: .speaker-KFS} ##### Mr Gullett: -- Why not make some provision on the Estimates? {: .speaker-KZ6} ##### Mr LACEY: -- The Government has not had an opportunity to do so, but it has done an extraordinary amount of work during the few weeks that Ministers have been in. office. At all times I shall be prepared to criticize the Government if I see any evidence that it is going slow. But so fa.r Ministers have been working overtime in an endeavour to find means of relieving the unemployed. The Estimates now before the committee, which were prepared by the former Treasurer, show that £30,113 has been already spent on the war memorial. I was a member of the Works Committee that inquired into the project, and having recently re-visited the site, I make bold to say that nothing like that amount has been spent there. Therefore, I ask the Minister for Home Affairs to explain to the committee why the Estimates of the late Treasurer show that £30,113 has been already expended. The Government has not had time, in the brief period for which it has been in office, to inquire into all the projects that would help to absorb the unemployed, but one of its first duties will be to look for works of a reproductive character so that some at least of the vast army of unemployed may be provided with work. If Ministers can, during the next twelve months, minimize the existing evil of unemployment they will have done something to earn the thanks of the community; if they prove lax in this regard they will deserve the same condemnation as was. passed upon their predecessors who brought about the existing state of affairs. I make that statement frankly, because we on this side of the House were elected to do something for the relief of the unemployed. {: #subdebate-49-0-s11 .speaker-KVU} ##### Mr THOMPSON:
New England -- In the last Parliament I supported the proposal to construct a national war memorial, and I do so again now because it will have a sentimental value that cannot be assessed in terms of money. I understand that the memorial is to cost ultimately about £250,000, of which only about £30,000 has been expended. But, in view of the statements made by honorable members opposite, the Government should call a halt pending an investigation of the expenditure to date. I have not inspected the site; but the statements made by honorable members who have done so suggest that something in the nature of a scandal has occurred. Foi the last fifteen years this federal city has been a sink for the people's money, and there is very little to show for the £12,000,000 already spent in and. about Canberra. For that amount of money we could buy at least half a dozen cities of the size of Canberra. I estimate that, fully one-third of the money expended here has been wasted, and in no captious spirit I urge the Government to suspend expenditure in Canberra, to investigate closely the causes of previous waste, and to devise some system by which the taxpayers may get at least 17s. of value for every £1 that is spent. The work so far done in connexion with the war memorial is typical of the crass stupidity shown by the authorities who have been engaged in the construction of the Federal Capital. According to the statements of ministerial supporters, practically nothing has been done for the money already spent on the war memorial. {: .speaker-KFS} ##### Mr Gullett: -- As a member of the War Memorial Board, I give the honorable member an assurance that £30,000 has not been' spent on the site. {: .speaker-KVU} ##### Mr THOMPSON: -- This is an extraordinary instance of the ineptitude of the administration of the Federal Capital. Although the National Parliament has been sitting in Canberra for the last two and a half years, honorable members do not know what amount has been expended on the war memorial. The former Minister for Trade and Customs says that £30,000 has not been expended : other honorable members say that it has been expended, but that there is nothing to show for it. The Government would be justified in not proceeding further with the scheme until Parliament knows whether the money so far voted has been expended, 'what work has been done for the amount, and also whether it is worth while in the interest of the nation to incur further cost. The Government' would be doing a national service if it made a thorough inquiry into this latest instance of the mismanagement and muddle that has characterized works in Canberra ever since the first foundation stone was laid in this wilderness. In regard to unemployment, I join issue with my colleagues of the Opposition. They are unreasonable in expecting the Government, which has been in office for only one month, to do something that has never been done by any other government in the world's history. In twelve months of office the Labour Government in Great Britain has not solved the problem of unemployment; indeed, the number of unemployed has increased owing to causes over which the Government has no control. And I shall not be surprised if the Commonwealth Government discovers before it has been in office for a year that unemployment has increased in Australia also. If that does happen, Ministers will not necessarily be blameworthy, because no government can overcome, in a night, the consequences of generations of excessive borrowing. Unemployment, and all the other troubles from which Australia is suffering, have been caused primarily by the excessive borrowing in which different governments have indulged for decade after decade. It is because borrowing must cease that the Government to-day is unable to put in hand on a sufficiently large scale public works for the absorption of the unemployed. I hope it will not be contended in this Parliament that it is the duty of the Commonwealth to absorb all the unemployed; that would be impossible. During the seven years that I supported the late Government it was always argued that the absorption of the unemployed was primarily a State and not a Commonwealth function, and that the Commonwealth's inability to encroach upon the spheres of the States prevented it from putting in hand large public work3. There are some honorable members on both sides whose outlook is not purely national. They talk as though the expenditure of a paltry £30,000 on a National War Memorial would solve the problem of unemployment. Such a contention is utterly illogical and absurd. The late Government found it necessary to restrict considerably the expenditure upon works such as the River Murray Waters scheme and the North-South Railway, and the present Government will be faced with a similar necessity. Therefore, the only avenue which remains open is Canberra, and for years that has been' a sink for the people's money. It is the desire of all members that no further money shall be spent in Canberra unless full value is obtained for the expenditure incurred. This question should provide; an absolute test of the business ability of the Government. Matters in connexion with the National War Memorial have obviously been completely muddled. The Minister should say that there shall be no further expenditure upon it until there is definite information as to what has been done with the money that has already been expended and a decision has been come to as to whether it is worth while to persist with the proposal. {: #subdebate-49-0-s12 .speaker-009FQ} ##### Mr CURTIN:
Fremantle .- 1 support the plea that the further consideration of this item should be deferred until every aspect of it has been reconsidered. I do not agree with the contention that because it has appeared previously on the Estimates this Government and this Parliament are necessarily bound to complete the work. It might be better to lose the £16,000 which, according to a Minister in the last administration, has so far been expended, than to proceed with a proposal that will cost a very great, deal of money and will not make any keener the remembrance of the nation of the sacrifices that were made on its behalf. I cannot see any close connexion between this item and the general question of unemployment, and I marvel at. the hardihood of the former Minister for Trade and Customs **(Mr. Gullett),** who would impeach the present Government for not having coped in some dramatic way with the grievous position that exists throughout the Commonwealth. The economic marasmus by which this country is afflicted is largely due to the ill nurture and undernourishment from which for seven years its industries have suffered, and for which the previous Government was to a very large extent responsible. The momentum of that economic policy persists; and it cannot be arrested by some dramatic action by the Minister for Home Affairs **(Mr. Blakeley)** in connexion with the construction of a war memorial, or diminished to any extent by increasing the expenditure of any department. Honorable members opposite who suggest that it is practicable for the administration to ease greatly the difficulties of those who are now out of work, ignore two important factors; first, that the previous administration left the Treasury empty; and, secondly, that the financing of the first five months of the present financial year prevented this administration from propounding a policy for the whole year, and compelled it to bridge the gap between the date of the election and the end of the financial year according to the general principles of Estimates that a previous Treasurer had already submitted to Parliament. I agree with those members on this side who would be prepared to disregard for the most part the Estimates formulated by the previous Government. So heartily was I opposed to the. policy of that Government that I should be happy to remove from the Estimates every vestige of that policy. But the wheel of Australian depression is still revolving, and the best that can be done at present is to put a brake upon it. I understand that, although Ministers are now being attacked because they are not increasing the number of employees who are engaged in activities promoted by the Government, they have suspended certain notices of dismissal which were issued by Ministers in the last administration. It appears to be characteristic of honorable members opposite to say one thing and to do another. When in power they threatened that there would be a considerable reduction in the volume of employment given by the Commonwealth to the people of Australia; yet they now attack their successors on the ground that the number of employees in the services of the Commonwealth has not been enormously increased ! There is an obvious contradiction between their attitude then and now, and I feel confident that that will be obvious to the people, and that they will not be misled by speeches such as those of the honorable member for Henty **(Mr. Gullett)** and the honorable member for Moreton **(Mr. J. Francis).** The recuperation of Australian industry, which would provide the remedy for unemployment will take sometime. It will not be an easy matter for industry to recover from the sickness that was brought upon it and developed by **"Dr. Bruce"** and **"Dr. Gullett,"** because not only is industry still suffering from the general condition of illhealth that characterises industries in other countries, but the extraordinary prescriptions, which my honorable friends opposite compounded for relief, only added to the. misfortune of those most intimately concerned. Still the obligation upon this Government is not in any way lessened, because of the extraordinarily grave situation which it has inherited. I feel confident that we shall have light on the subject when an opportunity has been given for that complete investigation which the honorable member for New England- **(Mr. Thompson)** regards as essential concerning the expenditure ' on the war memorial. A similar examination of the expenditure of several other departments is also required. This item suggests that £30,000 was expended last year, whereas a former minister assures us that the expenditure was only £16,000. A discrepancy of nearly 50 per cent, between the amount stated, and the actual expenditure is so extraordinary that it makes one wonder to what extent reliance can be placed upon the Estimates generally prepared by the former Treasurer. {: .speaker-L1T} ##### Mr Yates: -- Even that statement of expenditure is not true. {: .speaker-009FQ} ##### Mr CURTIN: -- If it is not accurate, how can Parliament ascertain definitely what is the financial position of the Commonwealth ? {: .speaker-KZO} ##### Mr Latham: -- If the honorable member will study the budget papers presented by the late Treasurer, he will find, at page 87, information showing exactly what was done with £20,000. {: .speaker-009FQ} ##### Mr CURTIN: -- I have before me the Estimates of receipts and expenditure for the year ended 30th June, 1930, prepared by the late Treasurer **(Dr. Earle Page),** and I am speaking upon the item as set out in that document. {: .speaker-KZO} ##### Mr Latham: -- But if the honorable member will turn to page 87 of the budget papers he will find that £20,000 was taken out of revenue and paid into a trust fund. {: .speaker-JOS} ##### Mr Bell: -- That makes the matter still more confusing. {: .speaker-009FQ} ##### Mr CURTIN: -- Of course it does. If, 83 the Leader of the Opposition states, £20,000 of the vote of £50,000 has been hypothecated to a trust fund where is the proposal for the utilization of that amount; and when is that item to be drawn upon? It is difficult to ascertain what is the actual position. Are we to understand that £30,000 is. to be appropriated from this year's revenue for the purpose of the. war memorial, while at the same time there is an unexpended balance of £20,000 previously voted, and that this may also be drawn upon this year? {: .speaker-KVU} ##### Mr Thompson: -- The Minister should clear up the matter. {: .speaker-009FQ} ##### Mr CURTIN: -- We ought to have more information about the proposed vote. If the work on the site represents an expenditure of £20,000, and if we are asked now to vote another £30,000 this year, with the possibility that the total expenditure may be £50,000, including the unexpended balance of £20,000 from last year's vote, it appears to me that control of the public purse by this committee has become extremely difficult. I object to the manner in which the item has been presented. It is impossible for honorable members to understand the transaction, and I protest against the perplexities with which we are confronted when we are endeavouring to unravel the financial administration of the Commonwealth. This, I suggest, is a matter of the first importance to the people. If, because of the manner in which the finances are presented, honorable members are unable to ascertain what is being done with the revenues of the Commonwealth, how can there be an effective check by this Parliament on the administration? I hope that iti view of what has been said, the Minister will withdraw the item for the present, unless he is in a position to make a statement clearly setting out the position with regard to expenditure on the memorial. We should not pass the item until the situation has been explained. {: #subdebate-49-0-s13 .speaker-JPV} ##### Mr BLAKELEY:
Minister for Home Affairs · Darling -- It is somewhat amusing to hear honorable members opposite entreating the Government to do something for the unemployed. This Government has been in office just one month and the Treasurer, in his financial statement, has informed- the people of the position of the finances when we took over control. The Nationalist administration was in office for thirteen years, and honorable members opposite expect this Government to clear up, in one month, all the financial and other difficulties that were bequeathed to us. Without being unduly optimistic, I am confident that, as the result" of Labour government, the people of the Commonwealth will be more prosperous in six months than they have been in the thirteen years of Nationalist administration. {: .speaker-KZO} ##### Mr Latham: -- Why not say fourteen days instead of six months? {: .speaker-JPV} ##### Mr BLAKELEY: -- The Leader of the Opposition and his party had thirteen years of office and they left the affairs of this country in a scandalous condition. We cannot be expected immediately to straighten out the difficulties. Any government taken from the electorates could have administered the affairs of the Commonwealth infinitely better than our friends on the Opposition benches did during their long term in office. Throughout Australia there are monuments to their incompetence and wanton wastefulness. It will take time to clear up these matters, but this Government is determined to do so, and to give some hope to the unfortunate persons who are unemployed in Australia. With regard to the subject before the Chair, the Australian War Memorial at Canberra is estimated to cost £270,000. Accessory services estimated to cost £99,000 increase the cost to £369,000, while further accessory services chargeable to commission amount to £43,000, making a grand total cost of £412,000. A sum of £20,000 has been put into a trust fund for expenditure on the war memorial. This sum is still usable, but is definitely allocated for the purposes of the war memorial. An amount of £5,000 has been advanced to the Federal Capital Commission, an architectural competition involved an expendi- ture of £2,582, while architects' fees amounted to £2,401. Miscellaneous expenditure added a further £130, making a total of £30,113. {: .speaker-KVU} ##### Mr Thompson: -Will the Minister make it clear whether the whole of this £30,000 has been already spent on construction work? {: .speaker-JPV} ##### Mr BLAKELEY: -- No. Of the amount of £30,000 on the Estimates £20,000 has been placed to the credit of the war memorial fund. £10,000 has been spent on other items, but so far not one sod has been turned in connexion with the actual construction of the war memorial. {: .speaker-KVU} ##### Mr Thompson: -- Therefore, the expenditure to date is £10,000. {: .speaker-JPV} ##### Mr BLAKELEY: -- That does not cover the whole of the expenditure because the commission, while it has been advanced only £5,000, has spent considerably more than that amount. The extra expenditure is in respect of roads, water and sewerage reticulation, . &c, which, while necessary for the construction of the war memorial, cannot properly be deemed part of the war memorial expenditure. The money spent out of commission funds upon engineering services in association with the war memorial site is made up as follows: - {: .speaker-L1T} ##### Mr Yates: -- It was stated in reply to a question by me that £19,000 had been spent on the war memorial, but half that was spent in developmental works for the city. {: .speaker-JPV} ##### Mr BLAKELEY: -- The money was spentin the course of city development, but the works serve the war memorial site. I cannot understand why any attempt should have been made to hide the fact. The figures were available, and should have been given in their proper order. {: .speaker-KZO} ##### Mr Latham: -- They were given in their proper order. {: .speaker-JPV} ##### Mr BLAKELEY: -- The honorable member to whom the answer was given says not. The financial position of Australia has been outlined by the Treasurer, and honorable members can appre ciate from that statement that the position is particularly bad. The Government is confronted with the question whether it can go on with the construction of the National War Memorial at the present time, and has come to the conclusion that it is impossible to find the necessary money to proceed immediately with the work. Therefore, expenditure on this work will have to be postponed for the time being. Progress reported. {: .page-start } page 213 {:#debate-50} ### MIGRATION AGREEMENT: PAPER {: #debate-50-s0 .speaker-F4Q} ##### Mr SCULLIN:
Prime Minister · Yarra · ALP , - Yesterday the right honorable member for Cowper **(Dr. Earle Page)** asked me whether I would make available a communication between the Commonwealth Government and the Government of Great Britain on the subject of migration. I now lay the document on the table of the House. {: .page-start } page 213 {:#debate-51} ### ADJOURNMENT Agreement with Soviet Republics - Government Business - Departmental News Bulletins. Motion (by **Mr. Scullin)** proposed - That the House do now adjourn. {: #debate-51-s0 .speaker-KFA} ##### Mr R GREEN:
RICHMOND, NEW SOUTH WALES · CP .- Will the Prime Minister inform the House whether the protocol of the agreement between the Soviet Republics of Russia and the British Government is to be printed, or whether it is merely to lie on the table of the House until the Printing Committee determines what is to be done with it? In view of the great importance of this matter to every honorable member of the House, I am anxious to know what the intentions of the Prime Minister are regarding it. {: #debate-51-s1 .speaker-KZO} ##### Mr LATHAM:
Kooyong -- I hope that the Prime Minister will be able to give honorable members some information this afternoon regarding the business which it is proposed to take on Tuesday next. {: #debate-51-s2 .speaker-KVU} ##### Mr THOMPSON:
New England -- I desire to bring under the notice of the Minister for Markets and Transport a news bulletin that has been circulated among honorable members this afternoon. It is a type-written documentof a kind which has frequently been sent round to honorable members, and now that, the Government is seeking for means of effecting economies, will he institute inquiries as to the circulation and usefulness of such publications with a view to determining whether the issue of them might not properly be discontinued? In my opinion the only valuable form of publicity for marketing purposes is printed matter disseminated among those engaged in the industry concerned. The class of publicity represented by this document is, in my opinion, practically valueless. The subjects embraced in this document include the statement that the Canadian Government provides seedcleaning plants and news about silage temperatures, peanut production, America's farm relief measures, liver-rot diseases in sheep, Australia's export of sandalwood, killing whales by electricity, and Great Britain's wine exports. Perhaps the Minister can give the House some information on the matter. {: #debate-51-s3 .speaker-KXQ} ##### Mr ARCHDALE PARKHILL:
Warringah -- Does the Prime Minister **(Mr. Scullin)** propose at a later date to afford the House an opportunity to discuss the relations between the British Empire and Russia? {: #debate-51-s4 .speaker-L4X} ##### Mr PARKER MOLONEY:
HUME, NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP -- Bulletins such as that referred to by the honorable member for New England **(Mr. Thompson)** have been circulated for some years past. {: .speaker-KHG} ##### Mr Hill: -- They are very useful. {: .speaker-L4X} ##### Mr PARKER MOLONEY:
HUME, NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP -- They have been of value particularly to primary producers. I agree with the honorable member that this bulletin contains some information that is not likely to be of much use to Australian producers; but, on the other hand, there is a good deal in it that has proved beneficial to them. During the short time I have been in office I have made an effort to increase its usefulness. I understand that it is despatched to honorable members, and also to the principal newspaper proprietors of Australia, who have intimated from time to time that its contents are of value to sections of their readers. {: .speaker-KVU} ##### Mr Thompson: -Will the Minister make available the names of newspapers that are using it? {: .speaker-L4X} ##### Mr PARKER MOLONEY:
HUME, NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP -- As we have been informed that it is of value to a large section of the community, there does not appear to be any reason why its circulation should be stopped, particularly as we are attempting to improve it. {: #debate-51-s5 .speaker-F4Q} ##### Mr SCULLIN:
Prime Minister · Yarra · ALP -- The protocol referred to by the honorable member for Richmond **(Mr. R. Green)** was laid upon the table for the information of honorable members, and will be printed if the Printing Committee should so decide. {: .speaker-KFA} ##### Mr R GREEN:
RICHMOND, NEW SOUTH WALES · CP -- Will the Prime Minister move that the document be printed ? {: .speaker-F4Q} ##### Mr SCULLIN: -- I cannot do so at this stage. Unless the Government is satisfied that it is essential to print such documents, it is our intention to avoid unnecessary expenditure in that direction. For the information of the Leader of the Opposition **(Mr. Latham),** I may state that on Tuesday we propose to proceed with the discussion on the South Australian Grant Bill, the bill relating to Kyogle to South Brisbane railway, the additions, new works and buildings estimates, and also to introduce the Tap manian Grant Bill. Question resolved in the affirmative. House adjourned at 4.5 p.m.

Cite as: Australia, House of Representatives, Debates, 22 November 1929, viewed 22 October 2017, <http://historichansard.net/hofreps/1929/19291122_reps_12_122/>.