12th Parliament · 1st Session
The Senate on the 18th December, 1930, adjourned till a day and an hour to be fixed and to be notified by the President to each honorable senator. The Senate met pursuant to such notification.
The President (Senator the Hon. W. Kingsmill) took the chair at 3 p.m., and read prayers.
page 49
– by leave - I desire to announce to the Senate that certain changes have been effected in the composition of the Ministry, which is now constituted as follows : -
Vice-President of the Executive Council - Senator the Honorable John Barnes.
Minister for Health and Minister for Repatriation - The Honorable John McNeill, M.P.
Assistant Minister for Industry, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Development, and Assistant to the Treasurer - The Honorable Edward James Holloway, M.P.
Assistant Minister for Works and Railways - Senator the Honorable John Braidwood Dooley.
For the information of honorable senators I desire to state that the following arrangements have been made in respect to the representation of the departments in the Senate: -
The Departments of the Prime Minister, Treasurer, Attorney-General, Trade and Customs, and Markets and Transport will be represented by myself, and the Departments of the PostmasterGeneral, Works, Home Affairs, Health, Repatriation, and Defence by the Assistant Minister (Senator Dooley).
page 49
– The right honorable senator is well aware of what is happening in another place, and that it is a matter for the discretion of Ministers to lay any regulations on the table so long as the period allowable under the law is not exceeded. I can assure him, however, that as soon as the no-confidence motion is disposed of in another place the regulations in question will be tabled in the Senate.
– Whilst I am quite aware of what is happening in another place, I should like to know if it is within the knowledge of the Leader of the Government in the Senate that quite a large number of other regulations issued during the recess have already been laid on the table in another place ?
– I am not aware of what has been done in that respect.
Senator Sir GEORGE PEARCE.Then I give notice that at the next sitting I shall move -
That the Senate condemns the action of the Government in taking advantage of the fact that Parliament was not sitting, to promulgate regulations under the Transport Workers Act, having for their object the victimization of loyal workers in the waterside industry. The Senate, having previously disallowed Regulations having a similar effect, regards the action of the Government as a deliberate flouting of the decision of the Senate; and requests the Government to at once lay the amending Regulations upon the table of each House of the Parliament in order that Parliament may have an opportunity of expressing its will in regard to them.
page 50
Assent to the following bills reported: -
Patents Bill.
Port Augusta to Red Hill Railway Bill.
Wheat Advances Bill.
page 50
– by leave - I have to announce with deep regret the death of His Majesty’s eldest sister, Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal, which occurred on the 4th January. I move -
That the following Address to His Majesty the King be agreed to: -
To the King’s Most Excellent Majesty:
We, the President and members of the Senate of the Commonwealth of Australia, in Parliament assembled, have received with heartfelt sorrow the news of the death of Your August Sister, Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal. We are confident that we give expression to the deep sympathy which Your subjects throughout the Commonwealth feel for Your Majesty in the great loss which has befallen you.
Senator Sir GEORGE PEARCE (Western Australia) [3.10]. - I second the motion.
Question resolved in the affirmative, honorable senators standing in their places.
page 50
– by leave - I move -
That the Senate expresses its deep regret at the death of the late Mr. John Edward West, member for East Sydney in the House of Representatives, places on record its appreciation of his meritorious public service, and tenders its profound sympathy to the members of his family in their bereavement.
The late Mr. West was well known to every member of the Federal Parliament. During his long association with this legislature his sterling character and geniality endeared him to all with whom he came in contact. Every member of both Houses had the highest regard for his many estimable qualities, and, indeed, a great love for him. He would do no one an ill turn, on the contrary he was prepared to submit himself to many inconveniences if by doing so he could help his fellows.
Mr. West’s death is a distinct loss to the community; but we must console ourselves with the thought that death is the lot of all, and that our late colleague and friend lived to a fairly ripe old age. He entered the Federal Parliament in 1910, and was a member continuously until his death on the 5th February last, representing the constituency of East Sydney for the whole of that period. From 1920 to 1925 he was a member of the Joint Committee on Public Accounts, and for many years before he entered Parliament was an active and prominent worker in the Labour movement. Mr. West was conscientious and enthusiastic in the discharge of his public duties, and even in his failing years insisted upon taking a full share of the work which devolves on all members during the sittings of Parliament, when he might have reasonably spared himself. I couldcontinue at considerable length in a eulogy of our late colleague, but his splendid record speaks for itself and makes further comment by me unnecessary. I am sure that the motion expresses the feelings of every honorable senator.
Senator Sir GEORGE PEARCE (Western Australia) [3.14]. - I second the motion, and associate myself with the words of the Leader of the Government in the Senate (Senator Barnes). As honorable senators are aware, I was at one time associated with the late Mr. John West in the Labour party of those days. When the conscription issue alienated certain members from that party, the late Mr. West proved himself to be above the uncharitableness of party bitterness. He was big enough to differ with one on party principles without allowing such differences to disturb his personal friendships. His nature was too kindly and generous to permit him to bear rancor. It was because of that commendable trait in his character that “ old John West,” as he was generally called, was loved by members on both sides of the chamber.
I greatly regret the passing of this political stalwart, and, on behalf of honorable senators of the Opposition, join with the Leader of the Senate in all that he has said. The late Mr. West’s relatives have our profound sympathy in losing such a fine man, who was not only a husband and parent in the real sense of the words, but a kindly friend.
The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon. W. Kingsmill) [3.16] .-Before putting the motion, I de’sire to inform the Senate that I deemed it my duty to attend, as the representative of the Senate of the Commonwealth, the funeral of the late honorable gentleman, who had for so many years retained the confidence of the electors of one of the largest constituencies in New South Wales.
Question resolved in the affirmative, honorable senators standing in their places.
page 51
– by leave - I move -
That this Senate expresses its deep regret at the death of the late Honorable Eric Kendall Bowden, a former member of the House of Representatives and Minister of the Crown, places on record its appreciation of his meritorious public service, and tenders its profound sympathy to his widow and family in their bereavement.
Mr. Bowden was very well known in political circles. Although I had nothing like the personal knowledge of him that I had of the late Mr. John West, I am confident that a similar eulogium may be applied to his services to the nation.
The late Mr. Bowden was first elected to the Commonwealth Parliament in 1906, as member for Nepean. He was defeated at the elections of 1910, and elected again in 1919, as member for Parramatta. He was chairman of the select committee on electoral law and procedure, and was also’ a member of the Royal Commission on the Constitution. He held office as a Minister of the Crown, in the capacity of Minister for Defence, from February, 1923, to January, 1925, and was finally defeated at the general elections in 1929. His political life was a long one, and during it he rendered great service to the country. Notwithstanding his one or two defeats at elections, the late Mr. Bowden was always popular enough to be reinstated in the Federal Parliament, proving that he had the qualities of a fighter, and sufficient merit to impress upon the electors that occasionally they are wrong.
Senator Sir GEORGE PEARCE (Western Australia) [3.20]. - I second the motion and associate myself with the remarks of. the Leader of the Senate (Senator Barnes). I, like others now in opposition, had the honour to be a colleague of the late Mr. Bowden in the Administration in which he held office as Minister for Defence, and we all recognized the conscientious manner in which he carried out his duties. He, too, was a man of sterling character and lovable disposition, and made friends on both sides of the House. His death is a loss to the. country. In expressing regret at his passing, and sympathy with his wife and family, I know that I am voicing the general opinion of honorable senators of the Opposition. His was a model home life, and his relatives must miss him sorely.
Question resolved in the affirmative, honorable senators standing in their places.
page 51
– by leave - I move -
That the Senate expresses its deep regret at the death of Dame Nellie Melba, and tenders its profound sympathy to her relatives in their bereavement.
Dame Nellie Melba was known to most people in the civilized world, if not personally, then by repute. She was a most talented Australian, whose voice stirred the soul, and delighted the hearts of the people of many countries. It is regrettable that even at her fairly ripe age one so talented should pass from our midst. Her death will be a severe loss to the musical world.
Senator Sir GEORGE PEARCE (Western Australia) [3.22]. - I second the motion, and associate honorable senators on this side of the chamber with what the Leader of the Government has said regarding the passing of this great and distinguished Australian. Dame Nellie Melba, the Queen of Song, a title so often applied to her, and of which she was in the fullest sense worthy, did much to make the Australian nation known throughout the world. Her death is a loss to Australia, and it is right and fitting, therefore, that the National Parliament should place on record its regret at the passing of so distinguished an Australian.
Question resolved in the affirmative, honorable senators standing in their places.
page 52
– by leave - I move -
That the Senate expresses its profound regret at the destruction of life and property consequent upon the serious earthquake in the Hawkes Bay district of New Zealand on Tuesday, the 3rd February last, and tenders its heartfelt sympathy to the Government of New Zealand, and to the relatives of the victims of the disaster.
Throughout the world the news of the recent calamitous happening in the Hawkes Bay district of New Zealand was received with deep regret. The earthquake was a tragic termination to the lives of many and must have been a fearful experience for those who survived it. News of happenings of this nature travels fast, and soon after the disaster wireless waves conveyed the sad intelligence to the rest of the. world. Throughout Australia, indeed, as in all other countries, it caused a feeling of profound sorrow. This week we have read in our newspapers of a similar tragedy in another part of the world, where also fearful havoc has been done to human life and property. Unfortunately, tragic happenings are generally associated with convulsions of this nature. I feel sure that the Senate will agree to the motion in a spirit of genuine sympathy with the people of a sister dominion in their hour of sorrow.
Senator Sir GEORGE PEARCE (Western Australia) [3.25]. - In seconding the motion, I desire to associate myself, as well as other honorable senators on this side, with this expression of sympathy with the citizens of our sister dominion in the terrible disaster that has befallen them. The New Zealand earthquake was one of those occasions which prove that blood is thicker than water, and that there is something real in the ties of kinship. The thrill of sympathy that passed throughout Australia when news of the tragedy was received was undoubtedly genuine and heartfelt. I feel sure that the people of New Zealand will appreciate the deep sympathy we offer them in the great trouble that has befallen them.
– Before putting the motion, I desire to inform the Senate that immediately after news of the disaster reached Australia, I despatched the following, cablegram to the Prime Minister of New Zealand: -
Behalf senators desire convey deepest sympathy all sufferers recent disastrous earthquake. and that I received the following reply thereto from Mr. Forbes -
Government and people deeply appreciate kind message of sympathy conveyed on behalf of senators.
Question resolved in the affirmative, honorable senators standing in their places.
page 52
– In accordance with the established practice when a motion of want of confidence is moved in another place, I move -
That the Senate at its rising adjourn till Wednesday next at 3 p.m.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
page 52
The following paper was presented: -
Reports and Maps, furnished by the Commissioners appointed for the purpose of redistributing the following States into Electoral Divisions for the election of Members of the House of Representatives, viz. : -
page 53
– I have to report the receipt of the following letter: -
Dear Sir, - I beg to tender my resignation as a member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works.
Yours faithfully,
Motion (by Senator Barnes) - by leave - agreed to -
That Senator Dooley be discharged from attendance as a member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works.
page 53
Motion (by Senator Barnes) proposed -
That the Senate do now adjourn.
Senator Sir GEORGE PEARCE (Western Australia) [3.29]. - I desire to avail myself of this opportunity to congratulate Senator Barnes on having been appointed the Leader of the Government in this chamber, and to say to him that, apart from the usual political fighting that takes place in every Parliament, he will receive from the Opposition the consideration that its members would expect to receive were our positions reversed - a consideration that we on this side endeavoured to give to his predecessor in office, Senator Daly.
I desire also to welcome Senator Dooley as a Minister, and to congratulate him on having so early in life assumed ministerial office. While I cannot wish him success in the way of a long term of office, I trust that he will find his duties congenial. I assure him that he will receive fair play from honorable senators on this side of the chamber.
I cannot refrain from making a few general remarks on the ministerial changes that have taken place. I expected that the Senate would have been informed who is to act as Government Whip in this chamber. Are we still to regard Senator Dunn as Government Whip, seeing that so far there has been no announcement of his resignation? Obviously the Leader of the Opposition should know who is to be the Government Whip in the Senate. From what I have read in the newspapers - I do not say that the reports are correct - it would appear that Senator Dunn will indeed be Government Whip, although not in the usual parliamentary acceptation of the term. If press reports be correct, a little band, which includes the honorable senator and Senator Rae, proposes to give the Government a whip of a character which they will not altogether appreciate. I think we should be enlightened by Senator Barnes as to whether Senator Dunn is to act as a government “ whip “ in the sense I have just indicated, or to retain the position as one who is appointed to look after the Government’s interests. If all we read is correct, I can hardly believe that Senator Dunn will act quite in that way. It seems to me that his view of what is in the interests of the Government is quite different from the viewpoint of the Government itself. I do not like to advise the Government in these matters, but I assume that they, and their supporters who read the newspapers, have learned of the decision of certain party organizations in New South Wales, and are wise enough to take precautions accordingly. The consideration I have raised is important and should not pass without comment, particularly when we see Senator Daly, until recently the Leader of the Government in the Senate, now occupying a seat on the back benches. One would naturally have expected from the Minister some explanation of what happened to Senator Daly.
Senator Sir GEORGE PEARCE.Senator Daly may come forward as the leader of an additional party in this chamber. We have heard of a militant section of which Senators Dunn and Rae are distinguished ornaments.
Senator Sir GEORGE PEARCE.The militant minority of the Labour party, as, I think, they describe themselves. I must confess that I find it puzzling to determine to which section
Senator Daly actually belongs. I can only hope that we shall be enlightened on that point either by the Leader of the Government (Senator Barnes) or by Senator Daly himself. Before the Senate adjourns I should like the Minister to indicate why changes were made in the representation of the Government in the Senate. Surely we are entitled to that information. Generally speaking, when changes are made there is some obvious reason for them. I have not heard any expressions of dissatisfaction concerning the ability displayed by Senator Daly when leading the Government in this chamber. He apparently carried out his duties well. In fact, he received encomiums from honorable senators on this side of the chamber for the capacity he displayed in that office. But without any explanation he was suddenly decapitated ; his place taken by Senator Barnes, and Senator Dooley promoted from the back benches to ministerial office.
Senator Sir GEORGE PEARCE.Yes. The Senate is completely in the dark in regard to these sudden changes. We want to know why the ex-Leader of the Government in the Senate, who carried out the duties of that office with such distinction and ability, has been suddenly removed from it. I do not make any complaint with respect to the change over to Senator Barnes. He has the respect of all of us. We all like him and will help him to the best of our ability. Nor am I opposed to the promotion of Senator Dooley to ministerial rank; but these lightning like changes coming as they did from a sky politically blue, although economically black, has left honorable senators on this side literally gasping with astonishment. Would it not be well to disclose these interesting secrets of the party room to the world at large?
Senator Sir GEORGE PEARCE.We have no secrets. The Labour party, claiming as it does to represent democracy, should take the democracy into its confidence.
Senator Sir GEORGE PEARCE.They manage it very badly. I trust that before we adjourn the Leader of the Government will enlighten us on these matters and let us know why these lightning like changes have taken place. I am particularly anxious to know what is the position of Senator Dunn and Senator Rae. They sit on the Government benches looking as innocent as sucking doves, yet we are led to believe that they have some plan by which, if they are successful, they will in a few months be able to supplant the Ministry which they are supposed to be supporting. We have been led to believe that they are in favour of the so-called Lang plan, and, if that is successful, we shall see Senator Dunn or Senator Rae leading the Senate and Senators Barnes and Dooley relegated to the back benches. These are matters of interest and importance to the community. We have been informed of changes in the Ministry, but no reason for them has been offered. We understand that Senators Dunn and Rae are plotting for another change. If they believe in democracy why do not they confide in the people through their representatives? Why not let the people know? Are they afraid? Surely they have not lost their trust in the democracy of which they speak so frequently.
– I should like to be able to take the Leader of the Opposition (Senator Pearce) into. my confidence as to what transpired at the meeting of the Senate Labour caucus this afternoon, and possibly I should do so if, in return, the right honorable gentleman consented to disclose the secrets of the caucus meeting of the Nationalist party which he attended this morning.
– We were considering the best means to facilitate government business.
– If the right honorable gentleman will place all his cards upon the table, I feel sure that the Leader of the Senate (Senator Barnes) will be prepared to follow suit. As to my position as Government Whip, all I need say is that I was appointed by the Labour party, of which the Leader of the Opposition himself was once a prominent member and, as such, took an active part in its caucus debates.
– Under which king is the honorable senator now serving - Mr. Scullin or Mr. Lang?
-I may be able to inform the right honorable gentleman on that point later. One never knows what may happen. It was apparent to all of us that the Leader of the Opposition was fishing for information this afternoon ; but his bait was not sufficiently attractive. As members of the Australian Labour party, SenatorRae and I are prepared to support that plan - whether it be the Lang or the Scullin plan - which, in our judgment, will best serve the people of Australia. We are proud of the fact that we took an active part in the by-election for East Sydney, and in the appeal then made to the people of Australia through the electors in that division.
– But, who is the Government Whip now?
– I was waiting to hear what the right honorable gentleman had to’ say about the reception accorded to him only a few nights ago in the Paddington Town Hall.
– It was very good,
. - I appreciate very highly the kind remarks concerning myself whichfell from the lips of the Leader of the Opposition. I am glad to know that I stand so well in the estimation of honorable senators opposite. I assure them that I shall follow the example of my predecessor (Senator Daly), and will discharge the duties of my office to the best of my ability. I shall treat members of the Opposition with the fullest measure of courtesy and respect to which they are entitled. The right honorable the Leader of the Opposition appeared to assume that it was necessary for me to say something about the position of the Government Whip. As far as the official knowledge of this chamber goes, the position is not vacant; consequently, there is 110 need for an announcement on the subject. With regard to Senator Daly, no one regrets what took place more than I do, and if it is any comfort to the honorable gentleman I can say that what happened was not the fault of his colleagues in this chamber. Although the Leader of the Opposition made a number of facetious observations concerning recent changes in the Government, and other matters, I really do not think that he did so with the intention of throwing the apple of discord into the gallant little party which I am leading in this chamber. But if that really was his intention, let me say that they are too old in the political game to rise to that bait. I hope that we shall jog along comfortably and that by the time we have finished with our friends opposite we shall have a number of their political heads. I say this in all kindness of heart.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Senate adjourned at 3.47 p.m.
Cite as: Australia, Senate, Debates, 11 March 1931, viewed 22 October 2017, <http://historichansard.net/senate/1931/19310311_senate_12_128/>.