Senate
15 October 1909

3^rd Parliament · 4^th Session

AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIES PRESERVATION BILL
- Second Reading
PAPERS
ADJOURNMENT

The President took the chair at 10.30 a.m., and read prayers.

page 4593

AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIES PRESERVATION BILL

Senator GIVENS:
QUEENSLAND

– I beg to ask the Vice-President of the Executive’ Council whether his attention has been directed to or he has seen, a paragraph in the press to the effect that Senators Chataway, Sayers, and St. Ledger have informed the Brisbane Chamber of Commerce that in their opinion the Australian Industries Preservation Bill is inimical to the best interests oi the people of Queensland ; and, if so, whether, in view of that strong expression of opinion from their supporters, the Government will withdraw it?

Senator MILLEN:
Vice-President of the Executive Council · NEW SOUTH WALES · Free Trade

– I have seen the paragraph, and’ as the gentlemen named were supporters of the Bill I assume that it is incorrect.

Senator Givens:

– They say one thing here and another thing to the Brisbane Chamber of Commerce.

Senator St Ledger:

– No, some persons allege that we say that. The honorable senator does not see the difference.

PERSONAL EXPLANATION.

Senator PEARCE:
WESTERN AUSTRALIA

– When I was discussing the second reading of the Inter-State Commission Bill on Wednesday last, I mentioned that we had received information through the press that the Tasmanian Government had been challenged with a noconfidence motion. Senator Mulcahy contradicted my statement, saying that no such information had appeared, but in today’s issue of the Age I find this telegram from Hobart -

In the House of Assembly to-day Mr. Ewing moved bis vote of want of confidence against the Government, on the ground that the House did not agree with its taxation proposals.

Shortly after midnight a vote was taken which resulted in the defeat of the Ministry by. 18 to 11.

Senator Mulcahy:

– May I explain that I got my information from the gentleman who afterwards - moved the no-confidence motion ?

HIGH. COMMISSIONER BILL.

Bill read a third time.

REFERENDUM (CONSTITUTION ALTERATION) BILL.

Bill read a third time.

PRINTING COMMITTEE.

Motion (by Senator Henderson) pro posed -

That the report from the Printing Committee, presented to the Senate on the 14th October, bc adopted.

Senator WALKER (New South Wales; [10.39].- I had intended to propose an amendment, but as Senator Henderson has assured me that the information I want can be obtained elsewhere I shall not do so.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

BUREAU OF AGRICULTURE BILL.

Second Reading

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

– In referenceto this Bill, which has made its appearance in a rather mysterious manner, I notice from the business-paper of another place and from the Parliamentary Debates that it has been discussed there. The Leader of the Senate is so capable of giving information, and generally so ready to do so, that I did think it was fair to ask him, when he was moving the second reading, how it was that the Bill had been- before another place for some time, and without any explanation had reached the Senate. I desired to obtain the information from the chief source. Why did not my’ honorable friend tell me?

Senator Millen:

– I misunderstood the honorable senator’s interjection yesterday.

As its business-paper was a little congested the Bill was withdrawn from the other House in order to furnish more work for the Senate.

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

– I am very glad to get that information, because it has sometimes been suggested that the party which sits behind, me on this occasion has blocked business by adopting “stone-walling” tactics. My honorable’ friend has frequently indulged in that statement, if not here, in Sydney, and I wanted to get this information in order to put myself right. I should now like him to tell me who asked for the Bill. The Bill may have been conceived in a good spirit. I recognise that the Postmaster-General has had something to do with its initiation - he delivered a notable speech upon it either at Ballarat or Bendigo, in which he committed the Government to its introduction.

Senator Chataway:

– Mr. . Fisher also mentioned it at Gympie.

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

– That circumstance does not bind me in any way. I am prepared to discuss the Bill upon its merits, regardless of anything which Senator Gray may interject, or which Mr. Fisher may have told the people at Gympie.

Senator Gray:

– I was merely going to ask the honorable senator who authorized Mr. Fisher to bring the matter forward.

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

– Certainly I did not, nor did the party to which I belong. I wish now to show that the States do not require the establishment of a Federal Department, of Agriculture, according to the opinions which they have expressed. On the other hand, I desire to point out what has already been done by agriculturists throughout Australia, and to emphasize the progress that has been, and is being, made without any effort on the part of the Commonwealth. But, perhaps, it would be well if I first showed by quotations from various sources what the Bill proposes. The first quotation which I shall make is from the report of a Conference of Ministers of Agriculture, and reads -

The Federal . Government have introduced into the House of Representatives a measure which is entitled The Bureau of Agriculture Bill, the second reading of which was moved by the Minister for External Affairs, Mr. Groom, on 3rd August. The substance of the proposed law is contained in clauses 3 and 4, which read as follows : -

The Bureau of Agriculture may, subject to the regulations and to the directions of the Minister, be charged with any of the following functions : -

The acquisition and diffusion among the people of the Commonwealth of information connected with agriculture, dairying, horticulture, viticulture, live stock, and forestry :

The collection, propagation, and distribution of new and valuable seeds and plants :

The carrying out of experiments and investigations :

The investigation of pests or diseases ‘affecting plants or live stock, and the means for preventing their spread or effecting their eradication :

The publication of reports of the experiments of experimental farms :

The publication of reports and bulletins dealing with any matter of importance in regard to production in Australia : and

Such other functions as are prescribed.

An arrangement may be made with the Government of any State in respect of all or any of the following matters : -

The carrying out of experiments and investigations :

The supply and distribution’ of information :

The exchange and distribution of seeds and plants : and

Any matters conducing to the development in Australia of the agricultural, pastoral, dairying, horticu’tural, and viticultural industries, and forestry.

If I believed for a moment that there was any matter in this connexion to which the States are not attending, I should support the Bill with all the force of which I am capable. But I take up the same position as did the Conference of Ministers of Agriculture, which was held in Melbourne in August last, and which resolved -

That in the opinion of this Conference the establishment of a Federal Bureau of Agriculture is at the present time unnecessary, and that such establishment would inevitably result in duplicating the work of the State Departments.

As I have already mentioned, the PostmasterGeneral dealt with the proposal to establish a Federal Bureau of Agriculture, either at Ballarat or at Bendigo, and I should like to believe that he did so without any idea of making this Bill a placard for the next general election. I extract the following telegram from one of our newspapers -

Melbourne, 26th September.

The Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society passed a resolution on Saturday expressing disapproval of Sir John Quick’s suggestion that a Federal Department of Agriculture be created. The opinion was expressed that the Federal

Parliament did not appear to be a very progressive body, judging by its record of work during the past few weeks.

Senator McColl:

– Thanks to the Labour party.

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

– The honorable senator’s interjection prompts me to -say that political bitterness is being exhibited by him on every hand. The Vice-President of the Executive Council admitted, only a. few minutes ago, that this Bill was withdrawn from the other Chamber, and introduced here in order to provide the Senate with work.

Senator McColl:

– Because of obstruction in another place.

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

– How can it be reasonably urged that the Labour members are obstructionists in any shape or form? The next quotation which I propose to make reads -

Yesterday the Chamber of Agriculture sought to draw from the Royal Agricultural Society an expression of opinion as to whether the creation of such a Department was to be desired or not.

The opinions expressed by the half-dozen speakers who addressed themselves to the question were varied and inconclusive. Mr. S. T. Staughton characterized the proposal as “ another of these Socialistic schemes “ -

If it be a Socialistic scheme Senator McColl can scarcely support it. “ simply designed to create more Government billets at the expense of the farmer.”

It is cruel for any man to talk in that fashion, seeing that whatever has been done has been prompted by consideration for the farmer. If the necessary provision had not already been made by the States, undoubtedly the passing of this Bill would be in the interests of the farmer. But I cannot help recalling the circumstance that within a few months we shall have to face a general election, and nt that time the “poor cocky,” a class to which I belong, is much sought after. He is patted on the back, and told, “ Poor cocky, you are badly treated.” But it is most unfair on the part of Mr. Staughton to suggest that the Bill is “another of these Socialistic schemes,” seeing that the . Government has decisively declared in favour of anti- Socialism. Such a statement comes with ill grace from an avowed friend of honorable senators opposite. The Bill has been introduced into this Chamber because honorable senators have practically little else to engage their attention and to provide them with sometning to play with.

Senator Pulsford:

– Is the honorable senator playing with it?

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

– I am not. But unless the measure is intended to provide . us with something to toy with, I I think that Senator Millen must realize that it has very little chance of being passed into law this session in view of its condemnation by such a high authority. I intended briefly to sketch the progress which has been made by the farming industry during my own lifetime. When I was a boy in Scotland I read a book which was written by the late Rev. C. H. Spurgeon, and one passage of which particularly arrested my attention. It read -

He that by the plow would thrive,

Must either hold the plow or drive.

Senator Millen:

– But men do not hold plows nowadays.

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

– That is what I am about to tell my honorable friend. At the time of which I speak,- I used to drive, and a man used to hold the single furrow plough.

Senator Millen:

– Now the honorable senator rides on. a comfortable seat which is attached to the plough.

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

– I am coming to that. At that time the farmers would not have wheels upon their ploughs. They were conservative, and the reason underlying their refusal to countenance the use of wheels was that their greatgrandfathers did not use them. But since coming to South Australia, I have been surprised to see men working two- furrow ploughs. Then the three-furrow ploughs were introduced, and to-day as many as eleven furrows are worked, and, instead of a boy acting as driver, the person in charge of the plough sits on a comfortable seat and drives eight horses, or possibly more.

Senator Millen:

– That seat is not very comfortable when the plough happens to strike a stump.

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

– Provision has been made to minimise even that inconvenience. I repeat that to-day ploughs ‘ ranging from three to eleven furrows are in use. In South Australia stumps were troublesome. To get over that difficulty man’s ingenuity devised stump-jumping ploughs. Instead of the mallee roots having to be grubbed out of the ground they were cut off level, and the stump-jumping plough was set to work. Once more, it was discovered that instead of it being necessary to cut down the mallee, great rollers dragged by engines could be used which would sweep down any bushes of moderate size. Scarifiers have been improved in a similar manner. When I was a young man we had to walk over the clods and scatter seed by hand.

Senator Stewart:

– Could the honorable senator sow with both hands?

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

– I could not, but I have seen men who could. I have sown on horseback so as to save my legs, because I always regarded sowing as about the hardest work done on a farm. But human ingenuity invented a seed-sower. I have sown 50’ acres in a day with the machine. To-day we have machines that not only sow the seed, but deposit with it phosphates or other manures which the soil may require. All these improvements have been made since I became a farmer in South Australia. In Scotland we used to reap the crop with the sickle. I remember when the sickle was used in South Australia. Indeed, I read in a book published in Adelaide a little while ago that at one time, when there was a regiment of soldiers quartered in South Australia, their services were requisitioned to help to gather in the crops. Hay was cut with a scythe and gathered with drag rakes - clods and all. Later horse-rakes were introduced. Now we have every conceivable convenience for the handling of hay. By means of binders the crop is bound up into sheaves clean and convenient for handling; and the time and money saved in regard to stacking alone is very great. The advances made in reference to the reaping of grain have been enormous. The Ridley reaper was invented years ago. It marked a great improvement. The late Mr. James Martin, of Gawler, and others as worthy to be named as he, did much to . effect improvements, with the result that crops can now be gathered in at less than half the expense formerly incurred. Winnowing the wheat in the fields used to be a very big contract. The turning of the winnowing machine was a very trying job. A man with the strengthof Senator Givens was needed for the work. Sometimes, when my men were not very willing, I have had to buckle to and do the work myself. But now we have handy little motors for driving the machine, with the result that there is a great saving of labour and a wonderful increase of convenience. The introduction of damp weather threshers also led to the saving of a great deal of time. But to-day we have the stripper harvester, with which one man with plenty of horses can, not only reap, but bag a great deal of wheat in a single day. My reason for mentioning these improvements is that I desire to give all credit to individualism. The suggestions made by farmers themselves have brought about many of the inventions. I recollect another of C. H. Spurgeon’s sayings. In his John Ploughman’s talk he said -

God bless our wives,

They fill our hives

With little bees and honey;

They soothe life’s shocks,

They mend our socks,

But don’t they spend the money?

I think I have sufficiently shown the great advances which have been made in agriculture. Every advance has made the farmer’s life easier. . I give all credit to individualism.

Senator Findley:

– Is this an individualistic Bill, or is it Socialistic?

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

– I call it Socialistic, but I am telling the Senate what the farmers have done for themselves.

Senator Findley:

– The farmers have derived more assistance from the State than any other members of the community.

Senator Gray:

– After the honorable member’s speech, the Government will expect his vote for the Bill.

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

– If I speak against the Bill the honorable senator will not find me voting in favour of it. I should really like to know whether the diplomatic leader of the Senate really cares about the measure. I fear that it has been brought in merely as a plaything. I have shown what the farmers and manufacturers have done. It is going but a step further to show what the State of South Australia, is doing by means of its Bureau of Agriculture. I hope that the Senate will excuse me if I read a few extracts dealing with this question. I have here the report of the South Australian. Department of Agriculture and Intelligence for the year 1907-8, the latest available. One of the means adopted by the South Australian Government to encourage agriculture is that of subsidizing agricultural shows. On this subject the report says -

As in previous years, the Department staged exhibits at the September and March shows. That got together for the March show was - so far as the cereals and phosphate rock were concerned - a duplicate of what was forwarded to the Franco-British Exhibition. A very fine collection of apples and pears grown in the Mylor Typical Orchard was also staged at this show by Dr. Holtze, of the Botanic Gardens.

Opportunity was taken this year to show these exhibits in country districts, and the cereal portion of the March exhibits was shown at Mount

Barker and Mount Pleasant. These provincial exhibits were very successful, as shown by the number of people who visited the collection and made inquiries in reference to the various exhibits, lt would be a distinct gain if this work were further extended, so that the educational value of such exhibits should be taken more advantage 61.

My reason for reading that is to show that what is being done is educational.

A feature of the work at the last March show with which the Department was associated was the judging of wheats on more scientific lines.

Senator Millen referred yesterday to scientific investigation, and said that it would be necessary for us to import men to conduct such investigations.

Senator Millen:

– I did not say anything about importing men.

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

– The honorable senator seemed to be of the opinion that there is a dearth of scientific men in the Commonwealth.

Senator Millen:

– No, I think there is a dearth of opportunities for them to work.

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

– Then I have misunderstood the honorable senator -

Samples of the various wheat exhibits were forwarded to the Department some time previous to the above, and passed through a milling test.

Honorable senators will understand by that that different varieties of wheat were examined and tested in order to discover which would produce the best quality of flour. I have before me in this report a list of about fifty agricultural societies in South Australia that are subsidized by the State.

Senator Dobson:

– What is the total subsidy paid in that way?

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

– I have not added up the amounts, but the total runs to thousands of pounds annually.

Senator Dobson:

– What is the cost of upkeep for the whole Department?

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

– The total cost is ,£85,000 a year.

Senator Millen:

– The information I have is that the annual cost of the Department itself is under ,£20,000 a year; but it is probable that the sum the honorable senator has mentioned is made up by the subsidies to which he has referred.

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

– I am speaking in a general way, and I have the information that South Australia spends in connexion with the work of the Agricultural Department ,£85,000 a year. The agricultural, horticultural and ‘ viticultural interests are all considered, and, as I have said, some fifty societies are subsidized. I find the statement is made that ,£256 were spent in prizes for exhibits of dairy produce, flowers, fruit, pigs, poultry, vegetables, jams and preserves, and wine. I come now to deal with experimental work, and I quote the following : -

In the early days of the State, much of the experimental work was carried on in connexion with the Agricultural Bureau; but, generally speaking, the experiments were confined mainly to the growing of seeds introduced at various times into the State through the agency of the Central Agricultural Bureau.

In the past the State has had to look to the Agricultural College at Roseworthy for guidance in matters pertaining to agricultural affairs ; but obviously practices of that institution, evolved after years of experiment, could not be taken as a safe guide for districts with utterly different conditions of climate and soil. In 1904 the Agricultural Department was re-organized, and special prominence was given to experimental work. An effort was made to establish in each important agricultural centre a series of experiments. These plots have in . the past been carried on more for demonstration purpo’ses than on purely scientific lines, but considerably more attention will have to be paid in the immediate future to the scientific aspect of experimental work.

No doubt honorable senators are aware that there is an agricultural college established at Roseworthy, in South Australia. There is there also an experimental farm of 1,500 acres. The college and. farming operations are in the hands of competent and able men. The students are taught not only theoretical but practical agriculture. I may tell honorable’ senators that on one occasion I had the honour to be invited by Dr. Cockburn, who is well known in South Australia, and was Minister of Agriculture at the time, to act as an examiner and judge of the practical work carried on on the farm. We watched the boys catch their horses, and noticed how they handled them, harnessed them, yoked up their ploughs, and put up their poles to do the work on the farm. The students are employed throughout the year on similar work. I do not know how many attend, but the .number must be large. As the farm is an experimental one, established for educational purposes, farmers are once or twice each year invited ro go there. They may have to pay a few shillings for a ride in the train, but that is all. At the Roseworthy station they are met and taken in ‘buses to the farm. They are invited to see how the farm is worked a little before harvest time, in order that they may judge the results of the labours of those attending the College, and see what the Government are en- deavouring to do for the agricultural education of the people.

Senator Dobson:

– The establishment of a Federal Agricultural Bureau would not prevent the Government of South Australia continuing this work.

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

– I shall deal with that argument later. I quote again from the report of the Department in South Australia -

The work now under the control of the Department may be briefly summarized as follows : -

Manurial tests to determine which manures can be most profitably used.

Variety tests in cereals to discover which variety is best suited to local conditions.

The growing of fodder crops and grasses, and the determination of the most economical utilization of the same.

Rotation of crops.

Grazing experiments.

Growing of large quantities of seed true to name.

Hybridization of wheats and the production of new improved varieties.

Testing the value of new lands about to be allotted in various districts.

Reclamation of swamp land.

Utilization of fern land.

Is there not a great deal of useful work included in that list? Although I have referred to Roseworthy College and the work done there, I may say that experimental farms are now being established in many other parts of the State, for instance, at Carricton, Hammond, and parts of the State where the rainfall does not exceed 10 or 1 2 inches per annum. It is clear that different methods must be adopted in such districts from those which are successful at Belalie and Jamestown, where there is a rainfall. of from 18 to 19 inches per annum. I ask honorable senators whether it would not be reasonable to look for better results from the operations of those who have personal knowledge of local conditions and variations of climate and rainfall than we could expect from operations conducted from one centre. I presume that the proposed Bureau would involve a great deal of expense.

Senator Millen:

– It is not proposed to disturb any of that work.

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

– The Federal Department would be useless unless it were thoroughly staffed with a branch in each State, which, of course, would involve the Commonwealth in the expenditure of many thousands of pounds annually, and would not reduce the State expenditure at all. That is the position. I am glad to see that Senator McColl is present, because he is entitled to a great deal of considera tion for having devoted so much time and trouble to the question of dry farming in America, and bringing seeds therefrom to the Commonwealth. His action shows that he has some energy, and is deeply interested in agriculture. I do not propose to discuss the question of dry farming to any extent, because I am sure that he has given far more consideration to it than I have ever done.

Senator McGregor:

– He has never tried drv, or other kind of farming.

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

– In the precincts of this chamber the honorable senator showed me various kinds of seeds which he procured in America, and I can imagine the great trouble to which he must have put himself in order to obtain them. I would not for a moment try to take any credit from the honorable senator for the good work which he did in that respect in the interest of the Commonwealth. For three years, these kinds of wheat have been tried in South Australia : - Marshall’s No. 3, Yandilla King, Federation, Carmichael’s Eclipse, Comeback, Gluyas, Petatz Surprise, and Gallant. A table is supplied showing the average yield of each kind of wheat during that period. It has just flashed across my mind that in South Australia in 1867 - the year in which the Duke of Edinburgh arrived in Australia - we had some magnificent crops, being as high as the fence, and equal to 20 bushels, or over, per acre. But the red rust came, and they were not worth reaping. I refer to Alma Plains.

Senator Walker:

– Were they not worth reaping for straw?

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

– No; the crops were only fit to be burned. The State was also troubled with smut in the crops, that is, little balls of soot instead of wheat. It entailed a loss in every respect, being a filthy thing to have in the wheat. South Australia had to grapple with these difficulties, and I suppose with others. I do not wish to claim any particular credit for the State, because, although it is doing much, other States are doing equally as much, and, in some cases, even more, to ‘assist the agricultural industry. These questions were discussed at conferences by practical men, and with the selection of the right kinds of wheat - that is, wheat less likely to be affected by rust - and the application of a solution to kill the fungus of smut, those troubles have practically disappeared. It will be seen that the education of the farming community has never been overlooked. That question has been brought before the country by leading agriculturists, it has been dealt with by scientific men, and the people are deriving benefit from their efforts. From a book which has recently been published in Adelaide, let me give a little information on the question of how the State helps the producers -

The Government seeks to be philosopher, guide, and friend to the man on the land. Even after the homeseeker has secured his block and the equipment for working it, he is not left entirely to his own resources. The Government comes to his aid and assists him in securing the best results from his holding and in finding markets. No phase of soil cultivation escapes attention. There .are experts on agriculture, viticulture, horticulture, dairying, poultry, wool, veterinary science, fertilizers, and so on.

With regard to poultry, the Government experts give practical lessons. They go to various parts of the State, and put certain kinds of poultry through an operation. The farmers are taught how to conduct the operation, and in that way to produce better birds for exportation. That work is done all over the State. The quotation continues -

These officers are attached to the Department of Agriculture, and may be consulted without fee. Lectures are delivered by them at country centres all the year round, and in addition they conduct courses at the School of Mines and at the Roseworthy Agricultural College. The Department of Agriculture is available to present and prospective settlers who may desire advice and instruction in agricultural matters - such as soil manipulation, the growing of various crops, the preparation of produce for market, the marketing of produce, the feeding and treatment of stock, &c. There is no excuse for ignorance. A monthly Journal of Agriculture is published at a small cost, and bulletins on special subjects are issued at frequent intervals. Several S’tate farms have been established in addition to numerous experimental plots for the guidance of . settlers.’ Attached to the Agricultural College is a farm of about 1,500 acres. Here cereal-growing, stock-rearing, dairying, wine-making, and other pursuits are practised. At Parafield, comparatively close to the city, 80 acres are devoted to the testing of wheat varieties, and to the improvement of wheats by cross-breeding and selection. In the dry areas, with an average rainfall of about 10 inches annually, two experimental blocks have been established. A small area of reclaimed swamp land is cultivated at Murray Bridge by the Agricultural Department in order to demonstrate to occupiers of similar land the best crops to grow and methods of cultivation, and at Kangaroo Island test farms have been started.

I think it will be evident to every honorable senator that the Agricultural Department of South Australia has left undone practically very little. Referring to’ Roseworthy College, the writer says -

The Director .of Agriculture is responsible for research work, scientific investigation, wheat hy- bridization, and dry farming, and other experiments at various stations throughout the State.

The Agricultural Department, North Terrace, Adelaide, furnishes information on all matters connected with agriculture.

The Conservator of Forests has charge of tree conservation and the rearing and distribution to the public of forest trees.

Trees are grown by the thousand, and any one desiring young trees to plant may get them free on making an application.

The Dairy Expert gives instruction in dairying, and delivers lectures on the subject at the Agricultural College and throughout the country. He will control the Government Dairy Farm about to be established at Turretfield, near Gawler, where students will be taken. The Government Butter Factory is also under his charge.

The Manager of the Produce Department takes charge of all descriptions of produce at the Produce Dep6t, Port Adelaide, stores same, and, if desired, forwards to London for sale. He has charge also of the lamb-buying and freezing operations.

The Horticultural Instructor and Chief Inspector of Fruit gives instructions on all horticultural questions, including planting, pruning, budding, and grafting. He also has under his care the inspecting of plants and fruits imported, for the prevention of introduction of fruit and plant diseases.

The Poultry Expert advises with respect to rearing, housing, and feeding poultry, and marketing of eggs.

I cannot see that there is anything which has been overlooked by the State. If we establish a Federal Bureau of Agriculture I know that we shall do so in opposition to the wishes of the States. The Ministers of Agriculture of the various States in conference have condemned the proposal. Resolutions have been passed at public meetings in opposition to it upon the ground that such a step would tend to the overlapping of State and Federal functions. I wish now to invite the attention of honorable senators to the following extract from the Budget speech of the Premier of South Australia in reference to trade and commerce -

The prosperity ‘of our primary industries during the last few years is reflected in the expansion of our trade. During the last three years the totals of our imports and exports have been : -1906, £21,635,435- £56 18s. nd. per head mean population; 1907, £26,018,637 - £67 9s. 3d. per head ; 1908, £25,010,004 - £62 16s. 6d. per head. The value of our own products and manufactures exported for the last three years exceeded imports consumed by £2,230,907 in 1906, £i.778,533 in ‘9°7> and £2,547,064 in 1908. The total value of the exports of our own products and manufactures for the last three years were : - 1906, £7,439,841 - £19 ns. 8d. per head mean population; 1907, £8,802,038 - £22 16s. $d. per head; 1908, £8,551,351- £21 gs. 7d. per head. The principal products exported were : - Bread- stuffs, wools, wine, copper, frozen meat, skins and hides, salt, fruits (dried and fresh), butter, eggs, and wattle bark.

Honorable senators must recognise in the light of these facts that in South Australia the agricultural industry is booming. In speaking ot the produce department, the Premier of that State said -

The past year was again a record one, the quantity of produce treated and the profit made on the working of the Department both being in excess of the previous year. The removal of the slaughter yards from Dry Creek to Port Adelaide was completed, thus bringing all the various branches together, and the increased accommodation enabling from 4,000 to 8,000 carcases per day to be treated was proved to be a necessity during the rush of the season. The Department is now completely equipped to cope with the large quantities of lambs, mutton, fruit, butter, cheese, eggs, poultry, honey, &c, that may be forwarded for shipment, and excellent facilities are offered for storing produce to be placed on the local market.

Here is another quotation from, the same authority, to which I hope the VicePresident of the Executive Council will pay some attention -

A plant for canning purposes has now been completed, and will meet a long-felt want in the disposal of sheep which were not suitable for export purposes. The works are now the most modern, up-to-date, and largest of the kind in Australia, and although the cost of these additions has been large, the benefit that they will be to the whole State is inestimable, and especially to the producer, as it enables him to not only cold-store whilst prices are low, and to be able to place his produce on the market in splendid condition when an improvement in prices takes place, but to have his produce of any kind treated, and, if necessary, sold on any of the world’s markets.

At one time it was suspected that private enterprise in South Australia was not treating the poor farmer fairly.

Senator Givens:

– I wish to help them. The work that is proceeding throughout the world in connexion with new plant breeding is reducing agriculture almost to an exact science. Experts are constantly experimenting with different pollens, which they cross. I know a man in this State who is endeavouring tq obtain a new cereal by crossing wheat and maize, just as Burbank crossed the potato and tomato, and produced a new plant which he called the pomato. Is all this great work to proceed elsewhere, and is Australia to take no hand in promoting the development of its foundation industries? Then there is the scientific research work, to which the Vice-President of the Executive Council referred at some length. The preservation and standardizing of our products are questions which are well worthy of our attention. The cheese which is sent from Canada to England is almost identical in quality and character, so that it commands almost a uniform value. We require to standardize our productions so that our customers may know exactly what they are getting. The questions of vegetable diseases and pests, and of labour-saving appliances should also be investigated. In almost every country labour-saving appliances are being invented, and I am happy to think that in this connexion Australia is doing its share. We have mechanics who are putting into the field some cf the finest agricultural implements to be found in the world. In Canada, the cost of taking off crops amounts to 8 cents per bushel, whilst in the Commonwealth it ranges from is. 6d. to 2s. per acre, so that it cannot be urged that we are behind the times in that respect. But it is desirable that we should let the world know exactly what we are doing. At Home the people generally know of Australia - they do not recognise the States. We want to maintain the reputation of Australian goods, and we cannot do that in the absence of Federal control by a Department of Agriculture. Of course, we do not desire to overreach the States in any way. There is a sufficiently large field available to permit of all working in it. We wish the Federal Department of Agriculture to preside over the work that is being done by the States, and to co-operate with State agencies in supplying our producers with the most up-to-date knowledge. Such a Department could advise the States of the information which it has obtained from other countries, and, in turn, could accept ad- vice from the States. Properly controlled, a Federal Bureau of Agriculture such as is sketched in this Bill will be a new agency and power in connexion with agriculture in Australia. Of course, a great deal will depend upon the individual who is placed in charge of it. Indeed, that consideration alone will determine whether or not it is to be successful. The Government ought to select for its head a man with the widest possible experience. There are plenty of Australians who would be able to fill it if they had had the necessary experience elsewhere. I know of one man who .could fill the office, but even he would be better equipped if he first visited other countries, and then brought back with him the knowledge which he had acquired there. I have seen too many cf these Departments with mere faddists - mere clerks - at their head.. We cannot expect a Federal Bureau of Agriculture to be successful unless we have as its principal a practical man who thoroughly understands his business. What are other countries doing in this connexion? In Canada the matter of the Federal control of agriculture was first brought prominently forward in 1887. “ About that time an Act was passed under which experimental stations were established under the Dominion Government. The Canadian States have colleges and other institutions of their own in. which they are doing good work; but the experimental stations are under Federal control. Experimental farms -were established in Canada in 1885, and to-day the expenditure upon them amounts to ^181,000 per annum. The result of the work that has been taken in hand by the Federal Government there has been that in eight years, by adopting improved methods of cultivation, by thorough tilling of the soil, and by seed selection and improvement, the yield of oats has been increased by 23J bushels per acre, that of barley by 12 bushels per acre, and that of wheat by 4f bushels per acre. These results have been brought about by the work of the Federal Government. In addition, Canada has a. standing Committee of Parliament - a Commission whose business it is to exercise supervision over agriculture throughout the Dominion, and .to make recommendations to the various State institutions and to the Government for the good of the industry. The work of this Committee has been wonderfully successful. Why should not a similar Committee be appointed here?

The Canadian States, I may mention also, have their own colleges. I suppose one of the finest of these is that at Guelph, in Ontario. A few months aso I had the pleasure of spending more than half a day there, and I must say that it is a wonderful place. President Creelman told me that when these colleges were first established they were of very little use. They imparted information to the students attending them, but they were unable to lay hold of the great body of farmers. The latter would not attend them. Thereupon the colleges resorted to the expedient of broadcasting bulletins free of cost, and sending men among the fanners, and thus they have caused the institution at Guelph to be recognised as one of the finest, if not the finest, institution of the kind in the world. The United States has accomplished far more for agriculture than has any other country. As far back as 1794 Washington spoke very strongly of the necessity which existed for the people of those States doing all that they possibly could to encourage agriculture. He said -

It will be some time, I fear, before an Agricultural Society, with Congressional aids, will be established in this country ; we must walk, as other countries have done, before we can run. Smaller societies must prepare the way for greater, but with the lights before us, I hope we shall not be so slow in maturation as other nations have been.

Then in December, 1796, in the very last message which he transmitted to Congress in order to show how strongly were his views in regard to agriculture,, and the necessity for its development, Washington said -

In proportion as nations advance in population, the cultivation of the soil becomes more and more an’ object of public patronage. Institutions grow up supported by the public purse. . . . Among the means which have been employed to this end none hav*e been attended with greater success than the establishment of boards, composed of public characters charged with collecting and diffusing information, and enabled by premiums and small pecuniary aid to encourage and assist a spirit of discovery and improvement. This species of establishment contribute doubly to the increase of improvements, by stimulating to enterprise and experiment, and by drawing to a common centre the results everywhere of individual skill and observation, and spreading them thence over the whole nation.

At that time it was intended to introduce a Bill for the purpose of assisting these Boards, but it was found that the opposition to it was too strong. and consequently the idea was abandoned.

Senator McCOLL:

– When the adjournment took place, I was referring to the fact that Washington, in his last message to Congress, alluded to the desirableness of establishing means for improving agricultural methods in the “United States. He himself would have opened a National Bureau of Agriculture, but felt that he could not carry the proposition. He therefore left that last message to Congress before resigning his duties. Five great steps have been taken ‘in this matter in the United States. The first step was taken in 1839, when Henry Ellsworth, of Connecticut, secured an appropriation with reference to plants and seeds, which were distributed throughout the country. That was a beginning. The second important step was taken in 1855, when an appropriation was made for the purposes of entomological work. Insect pests were very troublesome in the United States at that time, and Congress made a liberal appropriation for the purpose of investigating and eradicating them. The third step was the establishment of the present Bureau of Agriculture in 1862. I interjected yesterday, when Senator Dobson was speaking, that the Bureau had been established seventy years. I should have said that it was established seventy years after the commencement of Federation. Washington’s idea was promulgated in 1797, but was not carried out. When the Bureau was established there were in the United States 30,000,000 people. Congress passed an Act for the establishment of an Agricultural Department for the purpose of investigating and developing the soil resources of the United States, and analysing soils, grains, fruits, manures, &c. That was really the commencement of the great institution which America has to-day, and of which she is so proud. The fourth step was also taken in 1862, when, under the Morrill Act, grants of land were made in every State of the Union for the purpose of agricultural and industrial colleges. At these institutions, not merely was agriculture taught, but also various handicrafts, although agriculture was the primary subject dealt with. Under that wise Act every State now in the Union has a magnificent agricultural college, in addition to the experimental farms to which I shall refer later on. The fifth step was taken in 1887, when, under the Hatch Act, £r44.000 per year was voted in perpetuity for experimental stations for original research, agricultural education, the testing of soils, seeds, and methods in all branches of husbandry. The wonderful advantages that these three institutions - the central departments, the colleges, and the experimental stations - have conferred upon the United States cannot possibly be measured. Not only is instruction given in farming, but if any farmer has any difficulty with diseases, alkaline soils, or pests, he is able to go to the experimental station and secure advice from the best experts. Moreover, they will visit his farm and he will get all the necessary advice to enable him to get on to the right track. I had the pleasure of visiting the Agricultural Department at Washington twice. To go through that institution is almost an education in itself. One has to see to realize the important work that is being done. I should like to point out here that the United States Government gives no bonuses for agricultural production. Congress is willing to spend millions on education, but not a dollar will it give by way of bonus. That seems to me to be a very sound policy indeed. The growth of the Department in all its branches of knowledge and business has been very extensive. Its scope now embraces animal industry, biological work, plant ‘ industry, life processes, physiology, pathology, intelligence and statistics, foreign markets, a weather bureau, an experimental stations branch, and irrigation investigation-. The Department is thoroughly in touch with all State local bodies. The work of the weather bureau in itself is very wonderful. Senator Lynch tabled a motion last night with reference to this subject, and I was sorry that he did not accept the offer of the Government that they would look into the matter. He made a mistake in forcing the motion, to a division. I spent halfaday in the United States Weather Bureau, and am thoroughly of opinion that ever year this branch saves, in respect of both property and human life, ten or twenty times as much as it costs, to the people of the United States. I trust that our own authorities ‘ will be able to push on their work in this direction as soon as it is possible to do so. In regard to all these matters we require a central authority. In America the Department of Agriculture takes control. It conflicts with no State or local body whatever. It is in touch with all of them, and co-operates with them for the good of the people. The Department shows a readiness to help all round. The appropriation made by Congress in the

United States last year amounted to £2,692, 153. That is an enormous sum. Of course, the United States is a rich country, although last year there was a deficit of £2,000,000. - The Government can afford to do this work, and provision is made for it with a lavish hand. Of the 30,000,000 people employed in the United States in various occupations, no fewer than 10,381,765 are employed in agriculture. So that over one-third of the working section of the population are . so engaged. The number includes 9,404,429 males and 979,336 females. Those figures are taken from the latest census returns, dated 1900, but the numbers must have been very largely increased since then. The salaries paid to the officials of the Bureau of Agriculture are not large. The highest salary is that of Mr. Hays, who, however, is paid only $5,000 a year. The other salaries vary. The librarian receives $2,000. The work is not really expensive, having regard to the enormous services that are performed. America, of course, has enormous areas to occupy and cultivate, and she has had., for many years past, a huge accession of population year by year. The Department of Agriculture is enabling the people to push things ahead. Without the Department agricultural development could not have taken place as it has done. We have not such an enormous yearly accession of population, but, at the same time, we want to be ready for developments, and ought to make preparation for settling people when they come to us. Senator Turley this morning observed that in the United States there was a great rush of people from the land to the cities. But, as a matter of fact, the great rush in America to-day is to the western States - those States west of the 93rd meridian, which thirty years ago were marked in many places as “desert.” People went there once or. twice in great rushes, but were beaten back because no provision had been made for them. No experimental work had been done, to enable them to learn how to cope with the difficulties, and to manage the soil in the best way. But the United States Government was wise,, and set to work to establish experimental stations. In Wyoming and Colorado, for instance, there is an elaborate organization for taking people in hand, settling them on the soil, and showing them what to do, and how to do it.

Senator Pearce:

– Still, Senator Turley’s statement was quite correct, that there is a rush of people to the cities in the eastern part of the United States.

Senator McCOLL:

– That may be true with regard to the eastern States, but I paid more particular attention to the west, because the conditions there are analogous to our own. Before I. came away from the United States on my last visit, I wrote to the authorities in Wyoming, Colorado, and Kansas to obtain the latest information. I did not know that I should have to speak to-day on this question, and have not all the answers with me. But the Kansas letter came by the last mail, and I shall quote it to the Senate to show what has taken place. The letter is from the Department of the Interior, General Land Office. The homesteads referred to in it are not, of course, large tracts of land, but consist of areas of only 160 acres each. The letter is as follows-

Dear Sir,

At the request of Honorable W. R. Stubbs, Governor of the State of Kansas, I take pleasure in giving you herewith the area of public lands homesteaded in said State during the fiscal years ended 30th June, 1906, 1907, and 1908 : -

The area shown in the column headed “ Original “ is that entered by original application, after which, as you are probably aware, the entryman is required to reside thereon for a period of five years before final entry can be made. The area shown in the column headed “Final” is the area entered after the entryman has lived on the land for a period of five years. The area shown in the column headed “ Commuted “ is the area entered by the entryman paying cash for the land after residing thereon for a period of fourteen months.

The areas shown in the columns headed “ Final “ ‘ and “ Commuted “ are therefore necessarily part of the area originally entered in previous years.

Very respectfully, yours,

V. Proudfit,

Senator Millen:

– The honorable senator will not deny it, though.

Senator DE LARGIE:

Senator Colonel Neild:

– An impracticable one.

Senator DE LARGIE:

– No, he is eminently practical. If he is removed from the State milch cow for ever so short a period he cries loudly until he gets back. The question of dealing with the unemployed which I have mentioned would, if seriously taken up by the Government, do more credit to them than anything that they have yet proposed. I know of nothing that would add so much to the prosperity of the country than the education of those who would, if they had the opportunity, go upon the land. If we have money to spare let us establish State farms, and let every man who desires to learn farming have an opportunity of so doing. By that means we shall undoubtedly add to the population and prosperity of Australia. But the present Bill holds out no hope in that direction. Unless the Government can show that they intend to take up some new line of activity that the States do not at present follow, the measure can be of no advantage to the country.

Debate (on motion by Senator Chataway) adjourned.

page 4619

PAPERS

Senator MILLEN laid upon the table the following papers -

Lands Acquisition Act 1906 -

Ararat, Victoria : Defence Purposes. - Notification of the Acquisition of Land.

Raymond Terrace, New South Wales : Defence Purposes. - Notification of the Acquisition of Land.

Beeac, Victoria : Post Office. - Notification of the Acquisition of Land for Site.

Electoral Acts 1902-1505. - Copy of Report and Map, furnished by Mr. Fraser, Commissioner appointed for the purpose of distributing the State of Western Australia into Commonwealth Electoral Divisions.

page 4619

ADJOURNMENT

Conciliation and Arbitration Court : Fees Claimed by Employes Representatives.

Motion (by Senator Millen) proposed -

That the Senate do now adjourn.

Senator WALKER:
New South Wales

– When Senator Henderson moved the adoption of the Printing Committee’s report this morning, I found that the report did not include a recommendation to print a paper regarding the proceedings before the Arbitration Court in reference to the agricultural implement makers. 1 shall therefore take advantage of this motion to read a document which I think honorable senators will desire to have the opportunity of perusing. It is in the form of a letter addressed to the ex-Prime Minister, Mr. Fisher, covering a claim for the fees and expenses of. the representatives of the employes of the Sawmill, Timber Yard, and General Woodworkers’ Association. The letter is as follows : -

Federated Saw Mill Timber Yard and General Woodworkers Employes Association of Australia.

Carlton, 24th September, 1909.

Fisher, M.H.R., Leader Labour Party,

Dear Comrade,

Russell informs” me that he is sending you on the account of his Society, re the Excise Case; I will enclose mine. It will be a little more moderate than his. I had no legal advice, but conducted the case on behalf of the following myself : - Woodworkers, Carpenters, Engine-driver’s, Painters, Pattern Makers, Coachbuilders, and others, for 27 days, and done, I consider, for the men every bit as good as the legal gentlemen, only a greater strain on me, and I consider I should be paid for it whilst I had to arrange my own work when engaged on it. If you are successful in getting the Government to pay, which I consider they should, it was no fault of ours the Act was declared unconstitutional, therefore, the Government should pay. Thanking you in anticipation.

I am, yours fraternally,

A. Sutch.

Senator Millen:

– To whom was the letter addressed?

Senator WALKER:

– It was addressed to the ex-Prime Minister. The following is the account -referred to -

To A/C.

Expenses of the following societies represented before the New Protection Court by Mr. J. Sutch, Saw Mill Employes, Carpenters, Enginedrivers, Painters; Pattern Makers, Wheelwrights and others : -

Senator DE LARGIE:

– My reason for objecting to lawyers being employed at this work is not merely in order to cut prices. I hold that Mr. Sutch as the secretary of the Woodworkers’ Union having a knowledge of the industry is more competent to represent the men engaged in the industry than any lawyer would be.

Senator Dobson:

– The honorable senator does not approve of the employment of lawyers, but he desires that the men should get lawyers’ fees.

Senator DE LARGIE:
WESTERN AUSTRALIA · ALP; NAT from 1917

Senator Sayers:

– Not if the union cared ‘to employ him.

Senator STEWART:

– If he had been a member of the legal profession he wouldprobably have charged fifty guineas a day. Senator Sayers says there would be no objection if the union paid his fees. But the union claims that the Commonwealth should pay them. They go further, and claim that they have saved money to the Commonwealth by employing this man to represent it; instead of hiring some expensive and inefficient lawyer.

Senator PULSFORD:
New South Wales

– The correspondence put before us to-day has been instructive, but it has been still more instructive to hear from the lips of Senators de Largie and Stewart that the charges referred to are justifiable. That is all I wish to say.

Question- resolved in the affirmative.

Senate adjourned at 3.51 p.m.

Cite as: Australia, Senate, Debates, 15 October 1909, viewed 22 October 2017, <http://historichansard.net/senate/1909/19091015_senate_3_52/>.

View PDF View XML View in Voyant

Senate15 October 1909

AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIES PRESERVATION BILL

Senator GIVENS:QUEENSLAND

Senator MILLEN:Vice-President of the Executive Council · NEW SOUTH WALES · Free Trade

Senator Givens:

Senator St Ledger:

Senator PEARCE:WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Senator Mulcahy:

Second Reading

Senator W RUSSELL:SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator St Ledger:

Senator W RUSSELL:SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator St Ledger:

Senator W RUSSELL:SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator de Largie:

The PRESIDENT:

Senator St Ledger:

Senator W RUSSELL:SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator Millen:

Senator W RUSSELL:SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator Chataway:

Senator W RUSSELL:SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator Gray:

Senator W RUSSELL:SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator McColl:

Senator W RUSSELL:SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator McColl:

Senator W RUSSELL:SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator Pulsford:

Senator W RUSSELL:SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator Millen:

Senator W RUSSELL:SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator Millen:

Senator W RUSSELL:SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator Millen:

Senator W RUSSELL:SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator Stewart:

Senator W RUSSELL:SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator Findley:

Senator W RUSSELL:SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator Findley:

Senator Gray:

Senator W RUSSELL:SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator Millen:

Senator W RUSSELL:SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator Millen:

Senator W RUSSELL:SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator Dobson:

Senator W RUSSELL:SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator Dobson:

Senator W RUSSELL:SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator Millen:

Senator W RUSSELL:SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator Dobson:

Senator W RUSSELL:SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator Millen:

Senator W RUSSELL:SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator McGregor:

Senator W RUSSELL:SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator Walker:

Senator W RUSSELL:SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator Givens:

Senator W RUSSELL:SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator St Ledger:

Senator W RUSSELL:SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator Gray:

Senator Chataway:

Senator W RUSSELL:SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator McCOLL:Victoria

Senator Sir Josiah Symon:

Senator McCOLL:

Senator Sir Josiah Symon:

Senator McCOLL:

Senator Gray:

Senator McCOLL:

Senator Pearce:

Senator McCOLL:

Senator Pearce:

Senator McCOLL:

Senator Pulsford:

Senate
15 October 1909

Senator GIVENS:
QUEENSLAND

Senator MILLEN:
Vice-President of the Executive Council · NEW SOUTH WALES · Free Trade

Senator PEARCE:
WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator McCOLL:
Victoria

Senator HENDERSON:
Western Australia

Senator SAYERS:
QUEENSLAND · ANTI-SOC

Senator W RUSSELL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

Senator DE LARGIE:
Western Australia