Senate
2 April 1946

17th Parliament · 3rd Session



The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon. Gordon Brown) took the chair at 3 p.m., and read prayers.

page 828

QUESTION

TASMANIAN SHIPPING SERVICES

Senator LAMP:
TASMANIA

– Is the Minister for Supply and Shipping aware that building construction in Victoria has been hampered by a serious shortage of cement and timber, and that supplies of those materials are available in large quantities in Tasmania? Can he arrange to have the present shipping facilities supplemented by making available sonic of the surplus Army landing craft of a typo suitable for this purpose? .

Senator ASHLEY:
Minister for Supply and Shipping · NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

– The shortage of shipping is general throughout Australia ; in Tact, we have had great difficulty in removing perishable goods from Tasmania to the mainland. The honorable senator’s suggestion regarding the possibility of using Army landing craft in order to supplement present shipping facilities will hu examined, but I do not think that that would be a practicable means of providing transport, between Tasmania and the mainland.

On the loth March, Senator Herbert Hays asked mp a question regarding the return of the Taroona to the Tasmanian shipping service. I have had inquiries made into this matter and can now advise the honorable senator that this vessel, after several years on Army Service, requires extensive refitting. The work is proceeding with all possible despatch; but it is expected that, even under the most favorable conditions, at least three months will be required to complete the work, and that the ship will not be able to be recommissioned before early in June.

page 828

QUESTION

TELEPHONE SERVICES

Senator O’FLAHERTY:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA

– Has the Postmaster-General any information to give to me about telephone services in South Australia ? I have referred to this subject on several occasions.

Senator CAMERON:
Postmaster-General · VICTORIA · ALP

– On the motion for tho adjournment of the Senate on the 14th Marek, Senator 0’Flaherty referred to the telephone service in South Australia and also to the trunk line service between Adelaide and the other States. As I have explained on previous occasions, the telephone service throughout the Commonwealth has’ been ad’versely affected, due to conditions arising from the war, and in order to overcome the difficulties now being experienced it is necessary to install “a considerable quantity of automatic equipment, erect new buildings and lay large, quantities of underground cables. The shortage of equipment is being overcome. Substantial quantities have been secured recently and regular deliveries of supplies which have been on order for a long period are expected to he maintained in the future. The main obstacle to securing a market! improvement in the situation is the necessity for the erection of new buildings to accomodated the additional equipment, the great majority of the existing exchange buildings being already occupied to full capacity. An early solution to the problem is also prevented by the shortage cf skilled manpower and the time which will bc: needed to train men in the special classes of work involved. The plans which have been made to meet the position in the Adelaide metropolitan area include the provision of two new large automatic exchanges in the city and six new automatic exchanges in the suburbs. The Commonwealthwide programme also includes the provision of many new automatic oxchanges in country districts in South Australia.

Concerning the trunk-line service between Adelaide and the other States, it is anticipated that the number of telephone channels between Adelaide and Melbourne will be increased from twelve, to 22 within the next two or three weeks, and two Perth- Adelaide circuits will be extended to Melbourne at the same time, making a total of four between those centres. On the Sydney-Melbourne . route the number of trunk lines has been increased from ,21 to 43 Since the war ended, and an additional eleven channel; should be available before the end of

April. Between’ Sydney and Brisbane the number of circuits will be augmented from thirteen to 21 within the next two months, whilst, in about four months, an increase from seven to twelve, will take place in the .channels available between the mainland and Tasmania. On the Canberra-Sydney route the number of circuits will be increased from eleven to fourteen towards the end of July, whilst the matter of further augmenting the facilities on this route as well as that between Canberra and Melbourne is now under review bv the Department.

page 829

QUESTION

HOUSING

Senator BRAND:
VICTORIA

– I ask the Minister representing the Minister for Works and Housing whether there Ls any truth in the press statement that between 1930 and 1939, 98/703 homes, apart from factories and. shops, were built in Melbourne by private enterprise. If this satisfactory figure is correct, will the Government, seek the aid of private enterprise in overcoming the present very serious shortage of homes?

Senator COLLINGS:
Vice-President of the Executive Council · QUEENSLAND · ALP

– The Government is now arranging with private enterprise to do as much as possible towards building the homes- that are required.

Senator BRAND:
VICTORIA · UAP; LP from 1944

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Works and Housing, upon notice -

  1. Is it a. fact that recently a meeting of builders, electricians, plumbers, tilers, painters, timber and hardware merchants was held in Moi bonnie and an association termed “ Builders and Allied Trades Association “ formed to combat the strong suspicion that the Federal Government intends to nationalize the building of homes, particularly the villa type?
  2. Ave there any grounds for this suspicion amongst small _ home builders and allied trades ?
Senator COLLINGS:

– The Minister for Works and Housing has supplied the following answers : -

  1. I am not aware of such a statement.
  2. No.

page 829

QUESTION

AUDITOR-GENERAL’S REPORT

Senator LECKIE:
VICTORIA

– Will the Minister for Supply and Shipping make available to honorable senators copies of the Auditor-General’s report before the end of the present sittings?

The PRESIDENT:

– I lay on the table the following paper : -

Audit Act - Finance - Treasurer’s Statement of Receipts and Expenditure for year 1944-45, accompanied by the Report of the Auditor-General.

Later:

Senator LECKIE:

– The Minister has not yet answered my question regarding the availability of the Audi te rGeneral’s report.

Senator ASHLEY:
ALP

– A motion that the report be’ printed “was moved in the House of Representatives last week. Copies will be made available to honorable senators as soon as possible. .

page 829

QUESTION

AURORA AUSTRALIS

Senator GIBSON:
VICTORIA

– Can the PostmasterGeneral say what effect the recent Aurora Australis had on wireless and cable communications, and what delays in transmission occurred ?

Senator CAMERON:
ALP

– I am not aware that the Aurora Australis had any effect on such communications, but I shall make inquiries and let the honorable senator have a reply.

page 829

QUESTION

GALVANIZED IRON

Senator HERBERT HAYS:
TASMANIA

– In view of the acute shortage of galvanized iron for roofing purposes, can the Minister for Supply and Shipping say when supplies of this material will be made available for homes now under construction?

Senator ASHLEY:
ALP

– I am not in a position to indicate the prospects in regard to supplies of galvanized iron in the near , future. Many building materials besides galvanized iron are in short supply. I shall have inquiries made and let the honorable senator have an answer later.

page 829

QUESTION

DIVORCE LAWS

Senator TANGNEY:
WESTERN AUSTRALIA

– Is the Minister representing the Attorney-General aware that women in Australia who are married to American servicemen are being divorced by their husbands in the United States of America without any prior notification being given to them, thereby preventing them from taking any action to protect themselves? Can the

Minister say whether divorces granted in such circumstances are valid in Australia?

Senator ASHLEY:
ALP

– I have seen some press references to the matter referred to hy the honorable senator. I shall bring the question to the notice of the AttorneyGeneral.

page 830

RUSSELL TELEPHONE EXCHANGE AND POSTAL BUILDING, MELBOURNE

Report of Public WORKS Committee.

Senator LAMP:

– I present the report, together with minutes of evidence, of the Public Works Committee on the following subject: -

Automatic Exchange and Postal Building, Russell-street, Melbourne, and the establishment of the Russell Automatic Telephone Exchange.

page 830

QUESTION

COAL-MINING INDUSTRY

Mechanization

Senator LECKIE:

– Has the Minister for Supply and Shipping yet been able to overcome the objection of the coal-miners to the mechanization of the mines? If so, does he believe that mechanization would result in more coal being made available to the public?

Senator ASHLEY:
ALP

– I cannot say that I have been able to overcome the objection of the miners’ federation to the mechanization of the coal-mines, but I do say that mechanization would solve our present problem of short supply.

page 830

DEATH OF THE HONORABLE SIR DAVID JOHN GORDON

The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon Gordon Brown:
QUEENSLAND

– I desire to inform the Senate that I have received from Mr. D. P. Gordon a letter of thanks and appreciation for the resolution of sympathy passed by the Senate on the occasion of the death of the Honorable Sir David John Gordon.

page 830

DEATH OF THE HONORABLE SIR ROBERT WALLACE BEST, K.C.M.G

Senator ASHLEY:
. Minister for Supply and Shipping · New South Wales · ALP

– It is with regret that I announce to the Senate the death in Melbourne on the 27th March of a member of the first

Commonwealth Parliament, the Honorable Sir Robert Wallace Best, K.C.M.G. Before entering Federal politics he had been a member of the Legislative Assembly of Victoria from 1SS9 to 1901. Between 1S94 and 1899 he was President of the Board of Land and Works, Commissioner of Crown Lands and Survey, and Commissioner of Trade and Customs. He was also Chairman of the Royal Commission on Constitutional Reform in 1S94. He was elected to the Senate at the general elections in 1901 and again in i903, and was Chairman of Committees from 1903 to 1903. From February, 1907,. to November, 190S, he was Vice-President of the Executive Council and Leader of the Senate. A knighthood was conferred on him in 1908. The deceased gentleman was Minister for Trade and Customs from June, 1909, to April, 1910. In August, 1910, he was elected to the House of Representatives for the Division of Kooyong, and represented that division till 1922. I move -

That the Senate expresses its deep regret at the death of the Honorable Sir Robert Wallace Best, K.C.M.G… a former Senator, Member of the House of Representatives and Com mon wealth Minister, places on record its’ appreciation of his long and meritorious public service, and tenders ite sincere sympathy to the members of his family in their bereavement.

Senator McLEAY:
Leader of the Opposition · South Australia.

– On behalf of the Opposition I second the motion. I join with the Acting Leader of the Senate (Senator Ashley) in extending our sympathy to the relatives of one who had such a distinguished career in the public life of Australia.

Senator GIBSON:
Victoria

– I remember the late Sir Robert Best in the House of Representatives in 1918. He had a distinguished career and reached the peak of his profession as a lawyer. Although he died in his ninety-first year, he was until the last a man of energy and vigour. As the Acting Leader of the Senate (Senator Ashley) has said, he had a meritorious record of public service. He was a force in polities as well as in public life, and he accomplished much fer his country. Men of his talents are sadly missed ; but the time comes when we all must go, and I believe that in passing Sir Robert Best would have said, as Cecil Rhodes said, “ So much to do and so little done”. On behalf of the members of the Australian Country party in this chamber I join with other honorable senators in offering to his family and relatives our sincerest sympathy.

Senator LECKIE:
Victoria

– I cannot let this opportunity pass without paying my tribute to a very old friend. Probably I knew the late Sir Robert Best longer than most people. I have a keen recollection of the fir.;t time I met him. He was then member of the Victorian Parliament for the Division of Fitzroy, and was also president of the Fitzroy Football Club. In my first year of league football, I had the pleasure of shaking hands with him and of receiving some worthwhile advice from him. I am afraid that, at that time, I regarded his office as president of the Fitzroy Football Club as of considerably more importance than hi? membership of Parliament, or even of the Ministry. Our friendship lasted from that time until his death. He was courageous and kindly, and in every way was a pattern for anybody who wished to devote his life to his country. He took his good fortunes with a. .smile and his ill fortunes - he had many of them - with a wave of the hand, a.= much as to say, “that is a ball that will not bowl me again “. His courage remained with him to the end. Within the last few months, I have seen him walking not in the manner of a decrepit old nian, hut briskly and energetically. One day lie told me about a game of golf he had played a week or two previously. His mind was as keen as ever, and he was taking the same spirited interest in public affairs and in the Australian people. He departed, this life a man of honour. In paying this tribute to bis memory and in extending my sincere sympathy to his family I shall conclude by saying, he was- a man indeed.

Question resolved in the affirmative, honorable senators standing in their places.

page 831

NATIONAL FITNESS COUNCIL

Senator FRASER:
WESTERN AUSTRALIA · ALP

– The National Fitness Act provides for an annual report to be submitted to Parliament by the Commonwealth Council for National Fitness. Owing to difficulties associated with transport, and other matters beyond the control of departmental organization, annual meetings of the Commonwealth Council for National Fitness have not been possible. Reports have been incorporated in the bi-annual reports following meetings of the council held in the years 1941, 1943 and 1945. I lay on the table the following paper : -

National Fitness Act - Report of Eighth Session of Com mon wealth Council for National Fitness, containing- summary of activities of National Fitness Movement for years 1943-45.

page 831

QUESTION

INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANIZATION

Report of Australian Delegation to Twenty-seventh Session.

Senator FRASER:
WESTERN AUSTRALIA · ALP

by leave - I propose to report to the Senate on my resent mission abroad on behalf of the Government and, in particular, to lay before the Senate the report of the Australian delegates to the conference of the International Labour Organization, held at Paris in October and November last. On the 5th July,. 1.945, Cabinet appointed me as chief Government delegate and Mr. Leslie Haylen, M.P., as second Government delegate to the International Labour Organization Conference. Mr. George Lawson, M.P., acted as substitute delegate and adviser. The employers’ and workers’ delegates were Mr. O. D. A. Oberg and Mr. A. E. Monk, respectively.

I departed from Australia on the 25th August, and travelled to the United Kingdom via the United States of America. I returned to Australia on the 28th December. During four months abroad it was my duty to undertake several commissions on behalf of the Government. While in the United Kingdom I had talks with the Minister foi- National Insurance, Mr. -Tames Griffiths, on the question of reciprocal social service benefits for Empire citizens. Settlement of this question was a prerequisite for development of Australian plans for migration to this country from the United Kingdom. The details of the agreement reached with the United- Kingdom for a free passage scheme for ex-service men and women were recently announced. The agreement provides for an extension of substantial social service benefits to British’ persons settling under this scheme. While abroad [ was offered opportunities of studying social service legislation and of discussing matters of common interest with administrators in the United Kingdom and the United States of America. In those countries I found a keen interest in Australia’s positive programmes for widening the spread, and . improving the standards, of social security and health benefits. I should like to pay a. tribute to the standard of efficiency attained by Australian legations and consular services overseas and to the help they afforded the delegation. They fulfil adequately the expanding functions which result from this country’s increasing part in world affairs.

It is not necessary for me to speak at length concerning the International Labour Organization Conference, as the report which I am about to table is a comprehensive one. The report which I propose to move be printed should incorporate, not only the views of -the Australian delegation, but also a full record of the resolutions of the conference on each of the items of the agenda. This procedure will ensure that a comprehensive record of the achievements of last year’s meeting of the organization will be readily available in Australia. It is the Government’s desire to cultivate an active public interest in the work of the International Labour Organization. The scope of its work - improved labour standards, social security and human welfare - is the concern of every individual and every group in the community. The breadth of its interests is ‘reflected in the system of representation of members. The Internationa] Labour Organization is not an inter-governmental organization alone. It is unique among international institutions in that it directly represents employers and workers as well as governments, and’ all three have a voice and a vote in the conferences of the organization. Before the war the International Labour Organization survived the spread tff fascism and of ideologies hostile to all it stands for. Under great difficulties it carried on during the war as, I believe, ihe sole remaining international organiza- tion of free peoples, in which faith in the ultimate destruction of fascism, and the uplifting of oppressed peoples, was kept alive. During those war years the foundations were laid for a post-war programme of work in spheres such as social security, medical care, social policy im dependent territories, employment organization and the protection of children and! young workers. At the Paris conference’1 the International Labour Organization showed itself to be a vigorous and realistic body, capable of making a solid’, contribution to world collaboration im social matters. This record of strength! is largely explained, in my view, by thedevoted participation in the International Labour Organization of representatives of workers - the predominant element in every community and thepeople whom the International Labour. Organization aims to serve above all.. The workers group in successive conferences has vigilantly preserved the rights, of workers to be represented by freely chosen spokesmen and to protect the organization as a whole from the infiltration of fascist elements. It was a. moving experience to work with representatives of countries only just freed! from Nazi terror and subjection - men: who because of their convictions had! suffered in concentration camps. They” spoke with understanding of the democratic freedoms which are the foundations of the International Labour Organization. There was an example at the Parisconference of the careful regard forgenuine representation. There theworkers’ delegates challenged the bona fides of Argentinian workers’ delegatesThe challenge was supported unanimously by governments, employer’s and workers, and the persons purporting to be freely chosen representatives of Argentinian workers were denied admission to the? conference.

The International Labour Organization is at present conducting a comprehensive, review of its constitution so as toadapt the organization to the newstructure of international organizations established since the conference of the’ United Nations held at San Francisco.. It is not expected that these changes ‘ will be far reaching. But certain improvements in machinery can be effected^ and action has to be taken to establish the organization as a self-contained unit now that the League of Nations has ceased to function. A draft convention to give effect to some of these constitutional changes has been submitted to member governments, and is now being considered by the Australian Government. At the Paris conference the Australian Government was elected to the governing body. Our representation on the executive will permit a more active role of the work of the organization. The Government is anxious to establish close relationship between the International Labour Organization and the United Nations, by agreement between the two organizations. In its own specialized sphere the International Labour Organization should take its place as one of the group of international agencies which, working together will promote the social and economic purposes agreed by signatories to the United Nations Charter. One development of special interest, from the point of view of Australian policy in the Pacific, is the decision to hold Asiatic regional conferences in the near future and the proposal for a South-West Pacific Regional Conference and liaison officers to be discussed by the Australian Govern ment and the Acting Director of the International Labour Office. These developments will correct a present tendency towards preoccupation with the problem of Europe, while the special problems of the huge . populations in other parts of the world are often given inadequate attention. Treatment of international problems on a regional, basis has provendisdvantages. It is the belief of the Government that effective action to promote improvement in such matters as conditions of employment in backward areas will in some cases follow more quickly if problems are discussed regionally, in close contact with the areas concerned, and with closer understanding of the political and social environment.

I lay on the table the following paper : -

International Labour Organization - Twentyseventh Session, held at Paris, OctoberNovember, 1945 - Reports of Australian Delegates, together with Recommendations adopted - and move -

That the paper be printed.

Debate (on motion by Senator McLeay) adjourned.

page 833

ARMED FORCES

Dischargesin WesternAustraliaVocational at Training - Australian Instructional Corps - Awards and Medals.

Senator COLLETT:
WESTERN AUSTRALIA

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Post-war Reconstruction,uponnotice -

In respect of the State of Western Australia -

What is the number of men and women of the services demobilized since the 15th August, 1945?

Of that number how many have applied for full orpart-time vocational training or post-graduate training ?

How many (a) have been considered, (b) have been accepted, (c) are actually undergoing training?

What is the number of (a) men, and (b) women in receipt of a re-employment allowance ?

Senator ASHLEY:
ALP

– The Minister for Post-war Reconstruction has supplied the following answers : -

  1. Discharges in the State of Western Australia from the 1st October to the 16th March- Males, 27,314; females, 2,179; total, 29,493. No separate State figures are readily available for the period the l5th August, to the 30th September, 1945.
  2. Training details as requested by you are available for Western Australia only up to and including the 22nd February.1946. They are -

    1. Number of applications received for full-time vocational (technical) training onlv - Males, 3,579 : females 301; total, 3,880.
    2. Number of applications received for full-time training all types (professional vocational and rural) - Males. 4,278; females, 410; total 4,688.
    3. Number of applications received for part-time vocational training - Males, 5,195: females, 760; total. 5,955.
    4. Number of applications received for part-time training all types (including vocational) - Males, 5,451; females, 768;total, 6,219.
    5. Number of applications received for past graduate training is not known as figures have not been recorded separately. 3. (o.) Number of applications which have, been considered in respect pf No. 2 (a.) above - Hu les, 1,448: females, 10, total, 1,554. In respect of So. 2 (6) above - Males, 1,933; females, IS2-, total, 2,115. In respect of No. 2 (c) above - Males, 5.195: females. 700; total, 5,955. In respect of 2 (d) above - Males, 5,352; females, 704: total, 0,1 Hi. (b)Number of applications which have been accepted (selected for training) - In respect of No 2 (n.) above - Males, 946; females, 77; total, 1,023. In respect of No. 2 (!>) above - Mules. 1,307; females. 135; total, 1.502. In respect of No. 2 (c) above - Males, 4,670; females, 043; total, 5,319. In respect of No. 2 (d) above - Males, 4,S20; females, 040; total 5,400.
    6. Number actually undergoing training - In respect of No. 2 («) above - Males, 324: females. 40; total. 370. In respect of No. 2 (6) above - Males. 500: females, 90; total, 590. In respect of No. 2 (e) above - Males, 1,417: females. 107; total, 1,584. In respect of No. 2 (d) above - Males, 1,478: females, 107; total, 1.045.
  3. Number being paid re-employment allowance in Western Australia as a’.t 23rd February. 1940, was 920 (of which only two were women ) .
Senator BRAND:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Post-war reconstruction, upon notice -

  1. How many applications have been received for full-time rehabilitation training of ex-service men and women?
  2. How many were accepted for such training?
  3. What is the number of applicants who are already undergoing this training?
  4. How many applications were rejected?
  5. How many applications are under consideration ?
Senator ASHLEY:

– The Minister for Post-war Reconstruction has supplied the following answers : -

The latest complete figures for all types of full-time training, i.e. professional, vocational and rural are those of the 28th February, 1946. The answers to the honorable senator’s questions based on the figures as at that date are as follows: -

Number of applications received for fulltime training - Males, 39.832; females, 4,018; total. 43,850.

Number accepted for such training - Males, 14,341; females, 1,318; total, 15,059.

Number of accepted applicants actually undergoing training - Males. 6,803; females, 783; total, 7,586.

Number of applications rejected - Males, 2,081; females, 129; total, 2,81.0.

Number of applications under consideration - Males, 19,945; females, 2,271; total, 22,216.

Senator COLLETT:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for the Army, upon notice -

  1. What are. the numbers of warrant and non-commissioned officers at present composingthe Australian Instructional Corps?
  2. What are the plans for the future of this corps and the disposal of surplus personnel, if any?
Senator FRASER:
WESTERN AUSTRALIA · ALP

– The Minister for the Array has supplied the following answers : -

  1. Warrant officers, 780; non-commissioned officers, nil.
  2. The future of the Australian Instructional Corps is at the present time under consideration in conjunction with other matters affecting the composition of the Australian Military Forces in the post-war period.
Senator BRAND:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for the Army, upon notice -

Will the Minister inform the Senate of the result of representations made to the British Government that Australian units which took part in the Syrian campaign be eligible for the Africa Star instead of merely the General Service 1939-45 Medal?

Senator FRASER:
WESTERN AUSTRALIA · ALP

-The Minister for the Army has supplied the following answer : -

No representations were made to the United Kingdom Government that Australian units which took part in the Syrian campaign should be eligible for the Africa Star instead of the 1939-45 Star or any war medal. It was proposed, however, that service in the Syrian campaign should be indicated by an emblem on the “ribbon of the 1939-45 Star. This was not agreed to by the United Kingdom Government as corresponding recognition of many other campaigns in which Empire forces had been engaged would have been involved. Because of “the general difficulties associated with such distinctive recognition the proposal nas withdrawn.

page 834

QUESTION

WAR- SERVICE HOMES

Senator SAMPSON:
TASMANIA

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Works and Housing, upon notice -

  1. How many applications for war service homes have been received by the War Service Homes Commission in Tasmania since the 1st July. 1944?
  2. How many of these applications have been approved?
  3. What is the number of homes completed and occupied since the above (late?
  4. How many war widows of World War II. have participated in the benefits of the scheme?
  5. What deposit is required - (a) under the rent purchase system; (b) by way of mortgage?
  6. What is the term of repayment and rate of interest charged?
Senator COLLINGS:
ALP

– The Minister for Works and Housing has supplied the following answers: -

The figures given in respect ofNos. 1to 4 represent the period the 1st July, 1944, to the 28th February, 1946.

Six hundred and six.

Forty-five.

Twelve. (a) Built, 2; (b) purchased,6; (c) mortgages discharged, 4.

Nineteen applications have been received from widows of members of the1939 forces; of these two have been approved, one withdrawn and sixteen are held pending attention. 5. (a) not more than 5 per centum of the totalcost of the land and dwelling-house. (b) Not less than 10 per centum of the total value of the property in respect of which the advance is approved.

Not exceeding 50 years in the case of a. widow or widowed mother of an Australian soldier or 45 years in other cases. Interest at therate of £3¾ per centum per annum.

Senator COOPER:
QUEENSLAND

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Works and Housing, upon notice -

  1. How many applications have been received for the building of war service homes in Queensland from the 1st July, 1944, to the 30th June, 1945, and from the 1st July, 1945, to the present date?
  2. How many applications in each period have been granted?
  3. How many houses in each period - (a) have been completed; (b) are in course of construction; (c) have not been commenced?
  4. How many applications have been received for building war service homes, and how many have been approved in the following cities and towns:- Brisbane, Ipswich, Toowoomba, Warwick. Gympie, Maryborough, Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Mackay, Bo wen, Townsville, Cairns, Atherton, Innisfail?

SenatorCOLLINGS.- The Minister for Works and Housing has supplied the following answers : -

  1. Building applications received - 1st July, 1944 to 30th June, 1945, 310; 1st July, 1945 to 28th February, 1946; 711.
  2. Building applications approved - 1st July, 1944 to 30th June, 1945, 20; 1st July, 1945 to 28th February, 1946, 89. 3.(a) Homes completed - 1st July, 1944 to 30th June, 1945, 7; 1st July, 1945 to 28th February, 1946, 14. (b) Homes under construction - at 30th June, 1945,11; at 28th February, 1946, 24. (c) Homes not commenced -at 30th June, 1945, 2; at 28th February, 1946, 64.
  3. 1st July, 1944 to 28th February, 1946-

page 835

QUESTION

RE-ESTABLISHMENT

Hand Tools: Allocation of Surplus Stocks to ex-Servicemen - Reemployment Allowances: Payments at Kalg oorlie - TrainingFacilities - University Studies : German Nationals - Land Settlement.

Senator COOPER:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Post-war Reconstruction, upon notice -

  1. Is it a fact that large stocks of Royal Australian Air Force and Army hand tools havebeen declared surplus at various depots throughout Australia?
  2. Is it a fact that many employers make it a condition of employment that the prospective employee has to find his own kit of tools ; if so, will the Minister consider allowing ex-servicemen the opportunity of purchasing kits of tools through some central depot in each capital city, say, on production of their discharge papers?
Senator ASHLEY:
ALP

– The Minister for Post-war Reconstruction has supplied the following answer: -

  1. The Re-establishment and Employment Act provides for financial assistance to those discharged personnel whose employment necessitates the possession of a kit of tools. The Repatriation Commission may grant a free gift of tools to the value of £10 and, where necessary, a further £40 worth of tools as an interest-free loan, for which the applicant is required to execute a hire-purchase agreement.
  2. With regard to new tools which have been declared surplus to service requirements, the Commonwealth Disposals Commission, before offering the equipment for general sale, submits details to the technical training authority under the Commonwealth reconstruction training scheme and to the Repatriation Commission, who may purchase items for the use of government training centres and for the supply nf demands from returning servicemen and reconstruction trainees. The Repatriation Commission purchases for resale to ex-service personnel tools which are in short supply in the civilian markets and which are required by ex-service personnel for their reestablishment in civilian life.

In the matter of the disposal of surplus used tools, the services have been advised to forward these to Army salvage depots, ‘where they are offered for sale to ex-service personnel before being disposed of to the public generally.

Senator COLLETT:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Post-war Reconstruction, upon notice - 1. («) Is it a fact that at Kalgoorlie no re-em ployment allowance has been paid to exservice mcn and women since the loth February, 1940; (6) if so, what is the cause of the delay and what action will be taken to obviate a recurrence of any such delay? 2. («.) Is it a fact that at Kalgoorlie there are approximately 200, ex-servicemen and 300 civilians unemployed; (6) if so, and in view of the importance of the gold-mining industry and the .alleged shortage of labour therein and in its allied activities, what is the Minister’s view of the position?

  1. What is the number of aliens employed in the mines on the Kalgoorlie gold-fields?
Senator ASHLEY:

– The Minister for Post-war Reconstruction has supplied the following answers: - 1. (o) No; (6) some delay was caused in the payment of re-employment allowances on account of change in the method of payment. Prior to the loth February all reemployment allowances in Kalgoorlie were handled by the local repatriation committee and paid in cash. Since the loth February the allowances are paid by cheque under the same arrangements as apply elsewhere in the Commonwealth. The cheques are drawn by the Commonwealth Sub-Treasury after authorization by the Repatriation Department following receipt of applications by the local National Service officer. It is not thought that there will be any cause for complaint in thu future. 2. (a) No; (b) on the 14th March there wis re 104 unemployed ex-servicemen and 70 civilians. The gold-mining industry is taking some time to re-establish itself due to a number of reasons, e.g., shortage of firewood, shortage of plant and stores. In addition, the reinstatement process is somewhat delaying the engagement of casual labour, and the return of persons with reinstatement rights is causing some others to be retrenched. The bulk of the persons who are unemployed were not previously employed in the gold-mining industry in Kalgoorlie, and had gone there with the object of obtaining employment.

  1. No information is available as to the number of aliens employed in the -mines in Kalgoorlie.
Senator BRAND:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Post-war Reconstruction, upon notice-

  1. Is it a fact that thousands of discharged servicemen are cooling their heels waiting for training in a trade or for the granting of rural or business loans ?
  2. If so, is not this unsatisfactory situation due to government controls under the National Security Regulations?
  3. Is it a fact that in some occupations the controls are keeping servicemen out of employment? If so, will the Minister urge the Government: (a) to remove the controls; and (!>j to reduce taxation down to somewhere near pre-war level?’
Senator ASHLEY:

– The Minister for Post-war Reconstruction has supplied the following answers : -

  1. Trade training consists usually of six months in a technical school during which period living allowance is paid. This is followed by subsidized employment at full award rates with an employer. Trainees may remain in technical schools longer than six months but obviously all trainees cannot be trained at one time. Training in technical schools is to be spread over a period of two years. The position is made quite clear to members of the forces when they apply. In regard to rural and business loans, inspection of premises, leases, &c, and consideration of availability of goods and security are usually necessary. Subject to the time required in this connexion there is no delay in dealing with loans. 2 and 3. Government controls under the National Security Regulations do not delay the re-establishment of ex-service personnel. The Government is removing all controls as rapidly as possible. As a matter of fact strong representations have been made to the Government to retain controls because they could be used to assist in the re-establishment of discharged members of the forces. The Government’s provisions for re-establishment are adequate for the purposes and it is not proposed to retain controls any longer than is necessary in the national interests.
Senator BRAND:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Post-war Reconstruction, upon notice -

  1. Is it a fact that a number of German nationals were granted their discharge from the 8th Employment Battalion and allowed to take up studies at the Melbourne University to the detriment of servicemen well up on the -list for discharge on the points system and anxiously waiting to commence studies at the university?
  2. If so, why?
Senator ASHLEY:

– The Minister for Post-war Reconstruction has supplied the following answer: -

Some employment companies in the Army were enlisted from volunteer aliens who had taken refuge in Australia and legal doubt lias been expressed as to whether these men can be classified as enemy aliens as defined by the Re-establishment and Employment Act. They are men who left central European countries in the years prior to the war and sought, and were granted, asylum in British countries. These stateless aliens, who are either applying for) or have been granted, naturalization papers, served in the Australian forces to the best of their ability within the limits prescribed for their service - that is,’ they were permitted to serve only on the mainland. We were anxious to take advantage of their services during the war, and the Government has. decided that these stateless men, provided they apply .for naturalization, shall be eligible for reconstruction benefits on the same basis as other servicemen. These men have not been granted an accelerated release ‘to take places in universities that should be reserved for Australians. Every man in the Australian forces who was eligible to enter second-year university classes was given the right to apply for accelerated release, and some twenty-odd of the hundreds of stateless aliens were .eligible. To date, ‘837 members of th(e forces, including 21 stateless aliens, have been released for second or subsequent year study at Australian universities, lt is quite wrong to say that any of these men has taken a place that should have been given to an Australian, as no applicant who was eligible has been refused his discharge.

Senator COOPER:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Post-war Reconstruction, upon notice -

  1. Has the Government yet appointed any persons to approve of the land to he purchased by State- governments for the settlement of ex-servicemen ?
  2. If so, have they approved of any purchases -of land.
Senator ASHLEY:

– The Minister f’or Post-war Reconstruction has supplied the following answers : -

  1. Approval is given on behalf of the Common wealth by the Minister for Post-war Reconstruction on the recommendation of the Director of War Service Land Settlement? 2’. By the 12th March I had approved as suitable for settlement the following acreages: -

In addition, a number of men has been and more will be assisted to establish or reestablish themselves on the land, by means of loans for agricultural purposes, made available under the Commonwealth Re-establishment and Employment Act 1945.

page 837

QUESTION

RIFLE CLUBS

Senator COLLETT:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for the Army,. upon notice -

  1. What is the view of the Government in respect of the proposed resuscitation of rifleclubs in Australia?
  2. What acknowledgment pr return will bemade to persons who were members of rifle clubs and who, at the outbreak of war, surrendered rifles, aperture sights, revolvers, fieldglasses and telescopes for the use of theservices ?
  3. ls it a fact that the several articles mentioned in No. 2 above are being offered totraders for retail in the various States?
Senator FRASER:
WESTERN AUSTRALIA · ALP

– The Minister forthe Army has .supplied the following: answers : -

  1. The question of the future use of rifleclubs is at present under consideration by the recently reconstituted Military Board. On. receipt of the observations of the MilitaryBoard, a decision in regard to the future of the rifle club movement will be made.
  2. Most rifles and aperture sights surrendered by rifle club members at the outbreak of war were impressed and paid for. Applications for the return of rifles, &c, takenover from members of rifle clubs have beeen fully considered, but having regard to the conditions under which they were taken over and the difficulty of locating individual rifles- and parts for return, the return of such articles tothe original owners cannot be agreed to as a general policy.
  3. I have no knowledge of this alleged fact.
Senator BRAND:

asked the Ministerrepresenting the Minister for the Army,. upon, notice -

  1. Will the Minister give any indication when the future policy of Australian rifleclubs will be announced?
  2. Is it a fact that, of the 36,428 efficient members in 1,018 clubs, 8,007 served overseas, in the recent war and 24,100 served in theAustralian Military Forces and the Volunteer Defence Corps?
  3. Is it a fact that Australia, will be thconly dominion not represented at the National Rifle Association’s Empire meeting at Bisley ii> July next, the first since 1939 ?
  4. Has any communication been received from New Zealand relative to the resumptionin 1947-or 1948 of the bi-annual, competition between Australia (the holders) and New Zealand for the Gordon Highlanders Trophy under service conditions? “Senator FRASER. - The Minister forthe Army has supplied the followinga answers : -
  5. The question of the future use of rifleclubs is at present under consideration by the recently reconstituted Military Board. Our receipt of the observations of the Military Board a decision in regard to the future of the rifle club movement will be made.
  6. Statistical returns compiled by State Rifle Associations, the facts of which have not been officially verified, indicate that of the 36,478 rifle club members in 1940, representing 1,018 clubs, approximately 20 per cent.of them served overseas in the recent war, and that approximately a further 60 per cent. performed home service duties in the Australian Military Forces and the Volunteer Defence Corps.
  7. It is not known if Australia will be the only dominion not represented at the National Rifle Association’s Empire meeting at Bisley inJuly next. In reply to a recent invitation, the National Rifle Association of Great Britain has been advised that, as Australian rifle clubs arc still in recess, it was unlikely that Australia would be officially represented at Bisley this year.
  8. No.
Senator McLEAY:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for the Army, upon notice -

  1. In view of their recognized value from a defence training point of view, will the Minister undertake to present to the Senate at an early date a statement of the Government’s intentions in relation to defence rifle clubs in Australia? 2.Will the Minister also indicate to the Semite what course the Federal Government intends to take in relation to the return of approximately £20,000 worth of rifle club property at present held by the Government? 3.Is the Minister able to give any indication as to the earliest date upon which it can be anticipated that the rifle clubs will be able to resume their normal activities?

SenatorFRASER - The Minister for the Army has supplied the following answers : -

  1. The question of the future use of rifle clubs is at present under consideration by the recently reconstituted Military Board. On receipt of the observations of the Military Board, a decision in regard to the future of the rifle club movement will be made.
  2. Action in this regard will be considered in the light of the decision regarding future policy for rifle clubs.
  3. The answer to this question is covered bythereply to question 1. The decision mentioned therein will not be delayed longer than necessary.

page 838

WINE INDUSTRY

SenatorCOLLETT asked the Minister representing the Acting Minister for Trade and Customs, upon notice -

Upon what amount of wine made in Western Australia was excise paid during the year 1944-45?

What amount of wine was consumed in Western Australia during the year 1939-40?

What is the quota of wine allowed in that State for consumption during the current year ?

Is it proposed to at once remove all restrictions on the consumption of wine; if not, why not?

Senator COLLINGS:
ALP

– The Acting Minister for Trade and Customs has supplied the following answers: -

  1. There is no excise duty on wine, but excise duty is payable on fortifying spirit used in the production of fortified wine. Excise duty was paid during 1944-45 in respect of 178,679 gallons of fortified wine produced in Western Australia. A further 194,997 gallons of unfortified wine was produced in the State during that year.
  2. It is impossible to state the exact quantity of wine consumed during 1939-40, but from figures available it is estimated to have been approximately 331,000 gallonsof local lyproduced wine and 366,000 gallons from the eastern States. These figures include both fortified and unfortified wines.
  3. 310,000 gallons of locally-produced wine and 385,000 gallons from eastern States.
  4. The control exercised by the Commonwealth Government under the Control Of Liquor Order was terminated on the 25th March, 1946.

page 838

QUESTION

IMMIGRATION

Senator COLLETT:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Immigration, upon notice -

  1. In connexion with any migration agreement arranged with Great Britain, is it intended to give a priority passage to the fiances of servicemen now returned to Australia?
  2. Will any such agreement also provide that all benefits provided by Australian social legislation shall be immediately available to British migrants?
  3. Under such an agreement will ex-service men and women of Great Britain and the Dominions be entitled to the privileges conferred by the Re-establishment and Employment Act?
Senator COLLINGS:
ALP

– The Minister for Immigration has supplied the. following answer : -

The matters raised in the question will be dealt with in a statement which the Minister forImmigration proposes to have tabled in each House at an early date dealing with the free and assisted passage agreements made between the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth Governments, and also with the report submitted by the Immigration Advisory Committee.

page 839

QUESTION

WIVES OF EX-SERVICEMEN

Transport to Australia

Senator BRAND:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Repatriation, upon notice -

  1. Will the Minister inform the Senate what progress has been made in the transport of hundreds of wives and children of servicemen from Britain?
  2. Will the payment of the separation allowance recently approved be made retrospective in order to cover the period between the date of servicemen’s discharge in Australia and the date of approval of the separation allowance?
Senator CAMERON:
ALP

– The Minister for Repatriation has supplied the following answers : -

  1. The following is indicative of the position as at 28th February, 1946: -

Number of applications - Wives, 3,407; children,829.

Lapsed - Wives, 32; children, 11.

Arrived - Wives, 909; children, 257.

Still overseas - Wives, 2,466; children, 561.

  1. No.

page 839

QUESTION

PUBLIC SERVICE

Status of ex-Servicemen - Appointments.

Senator BRAND:

asked the Minister representing the Prime Minister, upon notice -

Will the Prime Minister consider the question of restoration of section 84 (9) (c) of the Commonwealth Public Service Act. which provided for the granting of permanent status to temporary returned soldier public servants who had been favorably reported upon after two years efficient service?

Senator ASHLEY:
ALP

– The Prime Minister has supplied the following answer: -

The Government does not propose at present to restore this section of the Commonwealth Public Service Act. The order of preference for appointment given by former section 84 (9) (c) did not always operate in the best interests of the Public Service and did not always operate fairly as between exservicemen. Men secured priority in permanent appointment merely by the fortuitous circumstance of having been available for temporary employment. Capable and highly efficient returned soldiers who had not sought temporary employment but wished to secure permanent appointment in the Commonwealth Public Service were debarred because of the preference given to those who happened to have been available earlier for temporary engagement.

Senator COOPER:

asked the Minister representing the Prime Minister, upon notice -

  1. What is the number of returned soldiers appointed to the Commonwealth Public Service during the years 1939-40, 1940-41, 1941-42, 1 942-43, 1943-44, 1944-45 and during the period 1st July, 1945, to 3lst December, 1945?
  2. What is the number of returned soldiers employed in a temporary capacity in Commonwealth Public Service Departments during the years 1939-40, 1940-41, 1941-42, 1942-43, 1943-44, 1944-45, and during the period 1st July, 1945, to 31st December, 1945?
  3. What is the number of males, other than returned soldiers appointed to theCommonwealth Public Service during the years 1939-40, 1940- 41, 1941-42, 1942-43, 1943-44, 1944-45 and during the period 1st July, 1945,to 31st December, 1945?
  4. What is the number of males other than returned soldiers employed in a temporary capacity in Commonwealth Public Service Departments during the years 1939-40, 1940-41, 1941- 42?
  5. What is the anticipated number of appointments to the Commonwealth Public Service of returned soldiers in 1945-46 and 1946-47?
  6. What is the anticipated number of appointments to the Commonwealth Public Service of males, other than returned soldiers in 1945-46 and 1946-47?
  7. What is the number of returned soldiers employed in a temporary capacity whose services have been dispensed with during the period 1st July, 1945, to 31st December, 1945?
  8. What is the number of males, other than returned soldiers, employed in a temporary capacity whose services have been dispensed with during the period 1st July, 1945, to 31st December, 1945?
Senator ASHLEY:

– The Prime Minister states that action is being taken to obtain the information requested by the honorable senator. As, however, it wll be necessary to circularize all Commonwealth departments, the figures will not be immediately available.

page 839

QUESTION

TOBACCO

Senator McLEAY:

asked the Minister representing the Acting Minister for Trade and Customs, upon notice -

  1. . In view of the recent statement that the Government had decided to withdraw control over tobacco rationing and place the responsibility for the continuation of smokers’ requisites on traders generally, will the Acting Minister give an assurance to the Senate that ample supplies of tobacco,&c, are now available?
  2. If not, will he make a statement on the position ?
Senator COLLINGS:
ALP

– The Acting Minister for Trade and Customs has supplied the following answers : - 1and 2. There are ample stocks of tobacco leaf to supply the needs of Australia in manufactured tobacco, cigars and cigarettes. Manufacturers have stated for many months past that insufficient female labour has been available to enable them to convert this leaf into the quantity of manufactured products required to satisfy the demands by smokers. As man-power controls have been lifted, the tobacco factories are now free to employ types of labour which were not previously open to them. It is, therefore, thought that manufacturers will now be able to make arrangements to produce all the manufactured tobacco, cigars and cigarettes required by the people of Australia.

page 840

STATES GRANTS (TAX REIMBURSEMENT) BILL 1946

Bill received from the House of Representatives.

Standing and Sessional Orders suspended.

Bill (on motion by Senator Ashley) read a first time.

Second Reading

Senator ASHLEY:
Minister for Supply and Shipping · New South Wales · ALP

– I move -

That the bill be now read a second time.

The purpose of this bill is to provide for increased reimbursement grants to the States in respect of income tax and entertainments tax under the Commonwealth Government’s plan for the continuation of uniform taxation. Before explaining its provisions, I shall outline briefly the historical background against which it should be considered.

It will be recalled that in 1942 the Commonwealth Government established uniform income taxation for the period of the war and one full financial year thereafter. Later in that year, the Commonwealth legislation was unsuccessfully challenged in the High Court of Australia by four of the State governments. The High Court found that, quite apart from the defence power, the Commonwealth could enforce priority in the collection of its taxation, and make grants to States on the condition that they vacated the field of taxation on, for ex ample, incomes. Following this litigation, the Commonwealth, in agreement with the States concerned, established a uniform entertainments tax on a similar basis later in 1942.

After considering the views expressed by the State. Premiers, both before and during the conference of Commonwealth and State Ministers held last January, the Commonwealth Government has decided that uniform income taxation shall be continued permanently. Uniform income taxation has many advantages. For example, prior to 1942 the many separate and widely differing State and Commonwealth taxation laws caused the individual taxpayer much confusion complexity, and, in some instances, inequity. There weretwenty-six different laws imposing taxes on incomes. These laws involved different income tax returns, different rates, different methods of determining taxable income, and different concessional allowances. On the other hand, under uniform taxation there is only one income-taxing authority and conditions are uniform for taxpayers in all States of the. Commonwealth. A taxpayer with the same income and the same family responsibilities pays the same tax no matter in which State he resides. An effective pay-as-you-earn system of collection of income tax is also practicable. From the point of view of the taxpayer, the abandonment of uniform taxation is unthinkable. Furthermore, prior touniform taxation, the Commonwealth’s taxation policy was hampered by the difficulty of imposing uniform Commonwealth rates of income tax on top of widely differing rates of State taxation. If uniform taxation were abandoned, this difficulty would again be encountered, because the Commonwealth’s financial commitments arising from the war and from new peace-time responsibilities require income tax rates much higher than those in force before the war.

Because of its financial commitments, the Commonwealth must also remain in the field of entertainments taxation. At the same time, the Government recognizes that the reimbursement grants fixed in 1942 will not be adequate to the States’ responsibilities in peace-time, and increases in the reimbursement payments are therefore proposed. At the conference of Commonwealth and State Ministers last January, ‘the Premiers of the States opposed in principle the establishment of uniform taxation on a permanent basis. Nevertheless, they agreed to discuss the basis of reimbursement to be adopted should the Commonwealth proceed with its legislation and, after lengthy and detailed discussions between the Premiers and the Prime Minister and between Commonwealth and State officials, unanimous agreement on this aspect was finally reached. This bill embodies the terms of that agreement.

Under the existing legislation, separate tax reimbursement grants are paid to each State concerned in respect of income tax and entertainments tax, respectively. It is now proposed to combine these payments, so that as from the 1st July, 1946, the reimbursement in respect of both income tax and entertainments tax will be covered by the one grant. For this reason, and also because of the substantial amendments involved in the new method of calculating the grants, the Government considers it preferable to repeal the States Grants (Income Tax Reimbursement) Act 1942 and the States Grants (Entertainments Tax Reimbursement) Act 1942 and to submit an entirely new bill.

As at present, the payment of the reimbursement grant in any year to any State will be subject to the condition that the State has not imposed in that year a tax upon incomes. Although the Commonwealth will continue to impose a tax on entertainments, the payment of the grant to any State will not be conditional on that State refraining from imposing a tax on entertainments. This is because, unlike the uniform income tax arrangements, the present scheme of uniform entertainments taxation was originally established under an agreement with the States concerned that it should not continue for more than twelve months after the war. Any State is therefore free to re-enter the field of entertainments taxation without prejudicing its right to a tax reimbursement grant.

I turn now to the aggregate grant to be paid by the Commonwealth, and its distribution between the States. The present grants are fixed at the average collections of income tax and entertainments tax by the States in the years 1939-40 and 1940-41. The existing legislation also provides that a State may seek an increase of its reimbursement grant if that grant is insufficient to meet its revenue requirements in any year. Under the latter provision, an additional amount of £553,000 was paid to South Australia in respect of 1944-45 but, in general, the grants have proved sufficient for the war-time requirements of the States. The Commonwealth Government recognizes, however, that the basis of present tax reimbursement grants is unsatisfactory for inclusion in a permanent scheme of uniform taxation. First, some immediate increase of the grants is necessary to cover a prospective deterioration of State finances due, not only to the gradual disappearance of war-time opportunities for economy and of the indirect assistance to State revenues arising out of Commonwealth war expenditures, but also to the increased level of wages and prices and to the increasing responsibilities of the States in the field of social services. Secondly, some automatic provision for subsequent variations of the grants, not involving special applications each year, is desirable to cover variations of inescapable State commitments due to increasing population and to movements in the levels of prices and wages. Thirdly, some variation in the present distribution of the total grant between the States has become necessary. The existing distribution is based on the tax collections of the several States in 1939-40 and 1940-41, and its continuance would prevent certain States from bringing their social and other services into line with those prevailing in other States-. Accordingly, the Government proposes that the aggregate grant shall be £40,000,000 -in each of the years 1946-47 and 1947-48. That is an increase of £5,745,000 on the present total, but after taking account of the increased needs of the States to which I have already referred, and of the reduction of the special grants under section 96 of the Constitution which may be expected to follow the increase of more than £2,000,000 in the . reimbursement grants to South Australia, “Western Australia, and Tasmania, I am convinced that the increase is not excessive. The increase for each State is as follows : -

In 194S-49 and subsequent years the aggregate grant will be £40,000,000, increased in proportion to the increase of population, and will then be further increased by half the percentage increase, if any, of average wages foi1 each person employed over the level in 1946-47. The reason for the population adjustment is self-evident. The adjustment for movements in the “ wage “ index brings into account the variations of State commitments which follow variations of the level of wages and prices. Commonwealth and State statistical officers have advised that the “wage” index is the best currently available index for this purpose. The adjustment is, however, limited to half the percentage increase of this index, because some State expenditures do not vary with levels of prices and. wages. It will be noted that the provisions relating to the variation of the aggregate grant are framed so as to ensure that the States will receive £40,000,000 in each of the first two years of the scheme and at least £40,000,000, increased in proportion to population, in subsequent years.

The bill provides that in 1946-47 and 1947-48 the distribution of the aggregate grant between the States will be as set out in the First Schedule. The Premiers agreed to this distribution as approximating to their relative financial needs in those years. Thereafter, the intention is to progress by stages to a position where the aggregate grant is distributed between the States in proportion to their respective populations after adjustments to take into account relative sparseness of population and numbers of school children. Those adjustments arc made because of the greater costs of administration and social services in sparsely populated areas and because of the high cost of education for school children. The distribution will not be made solely on the basis of adjusted ‘ population until 1957-58. In the intervening years a gradually diminishing part of the aggregate grant will be distributed in the proportions in which the aggregate grant of £40,000,000 is distributed in ‘1946-47 and 1947-4S, and a gradually increasing part in proportion to the adjusted populations of the States. Thus, in 1948-49 90 per cent, of the aggregate grant will be distributed in accordance with the 1946-47 proportions, and, in 1949-50, SO per cent., with a similar reduction of ten in each of the succeeding years. Further explanations of the provisions in the bill relating to the calculation of the aggregate grant and of its distribution amongst the States are given in an explanatory memorandum which has been circulated for the information of honorable senators. As at present, the grants to each State will be reduced by the amount of any arrears of income tax which are collected by or on behalf of the State during any year. If the States should ever decide to forgo the ‘Commonwealth grants, and to reimpose their own taxes on incomes, an amount -equal to these arrears, less any refunds of taxation made by the Commonwealth on behalf of the States, will be paid to the States. This provision continues the arrangements under the. existing legislation, except that interest will not accrue after the end of this financial year.

As I have already mentioned, under section 6 of the States Grants (Income Tax Reimbursement) Act 1942, a State may seek additional financial assistance in any year if the tax reimbursement grants’ are insufficient to meet the State’s revenue requirements in that year. “With fixed grants, this provided a. necessary element of flexibility. The basis of reimbursement grants now proposed should prove sufficiently flexible to meet the future revenue requirements of the States, and, accordingly, the Government, does not propose to continue the provision. 1 should add that if, in special circumstances, any State does require further financial assistance from the Commonwealth, application may be made by that. State for a special grant under section 96 of the Constitution. It is understood that South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania are making application under section 6 of the existing act for additional financial assistance in respect of the present financial year. Accordingly, in order that the Commonwealth Grants Commission may, if necessary, make recommendations on such applications after the 30th June, 1946, and to enable any payments that may be necessary in respect of 1945-46 to be made after that date, sections 6 and 7 of the present act will be preserved temporarily for this purpose.

The basis of tax reimbursement grants set out in the bill should not require amendment for many years. Nevertheless, at the conference of Commonwealth and State Ministers, it was agreed that, in the interests both of the Commonwealth and the States, it was desirable to set out the circumstances in which a review of the basis of tax reimbursement grants could be sought. The understanding between the Premiers and the Prime Minister is that a review of the method of determining the aggregate grant and its distribution may be sought at any time after the expiration of seven years from the 1st July, 1946, by either the Commonwealth Government or a State government. If, however, there is a major change in Commonwealth-State relations having an effect on State finances caused, for example, by - (a) a substantial alteration of the powers or functions of the Commonwealth or of any State or States, or (b) the assumption of tnajor new responsibilities by the States, either the Commonwealth or a State government may seek a review of the basis of reimbursement before the expiration of the period of seven years. As this understanding has not been incorporated in a formal agreement between the Commonwealth and the States, clause 10 of the bill does not purport to prevent, as indeed it would not be possible to do, future Commonwealth Parliaments from a mending the legislation. This Government will, however, abide by the understanding reached with the Premiers. I commend the bill to honorable senators.

Debate (on motion by Senator

Leckie) adjourned.

page 843

COMMONWEALTH PUBLIC SERVICE BILL 1946

Bill received from the House of Representatives.

Standing and Sessional Orders suspended.

Bill (on motion by Senator Ashley) read a first time.

Second Reading

Senator ASHLEY:
Minister for Supply and Shipping · New South Wales · ALP

– I move-

T hat the bill be now read a second time.

It is proposed by this bill that the Commonwealth Public Service Act be amended to enable the appointment to the Commonwealth Public Service of officers of the income tax departments of the States. This proposal forms part of the programme under which the Government’s decision to establish uniform income taxation on a permanent basis as from the 1st July, 1946, is to be given effect. The staff concerned is at present on transfer to the Commonwealth Public Service under the provisions of the Income Tax (War-time Arrangements) Act. Under that act, however, the transfer is of a temporary nature, as it was designed to cover only the war-time period. If the Commonwealth is now to be the sole income tax collecting authority the Government believes that the staff concerned should be given the opportunity to transfer to the Commonwealth Public Service permanently.

This bill, therefore, sets out the manner in which the transfer of staff will be made, and the conditions under which the staffs will be employed by the Commonwealth. Each employee will be asked whether he desires to accept employment in the Commonwealth Public Service. A permanent officer of a State Public Service will be eligible for appointment as a permanent officer of the Commonwealth Public Service. A temporary employee of a State will be offered temporary employment with the Commonwealth. As well as those employees who are at the present time employed in income tax offices, the provisions of this bill cover any State income tax officer who is now a member of the forces, and any State income tax officer who is at the present time employed on other duties. The bill also covers the small staff which has been loaned to the Commonwealth in some States for duties connected with the collection of entertainments tax.

An officer who is a member of theforces, or who is absent from the income tax department because of his employment on other duties, will be offered employment with the Commonwealth under conditions which would have applied to him if he had remained on duty in the income tax department. Broadly, the bill seeks to appoint or to employ each member of the staff with remuneration not lower than he received in the service of a State. The right to recreation leave accrued to a State employee at the time of his transfer to the Commonwealth Public Service will be preserved, and continuous service by such an officer with a -State and the Commonwealth will be reckoned as service with the Commonwealth for the purposes of the Commonwealth Public Service Act.

The bill states that the provisions of any law providing for preference in employment to ex-servicemen shall not apply in relation to appointments which are made under the provisions of the bill. This is proposed because of the difference between appointments to be made under the provisions of this bill and appointments made to the Commonwealth Public Service in the normal way. The appointment of officers under this bill will be, in effect, a transfer en bloc of State officers to the Commonwealth.

Debate (on motion by Senator Leckie) adjourned.

page 844

SUPERANNUATION BILL 1946

Bill received from the House of Representatives.

Standing and Sessional Orders suspended.

Bill (on motion by Senator Ashley) read a first time.

Second Reading

Senator ASHLEY:
New South WalesMinister for Supply and Shipping · ALP

.- I move- ‘

That the bill be now read a second time.

The purpose of this bill is to extend to State taxation officers who are being taken over by the Commonwealth, similar conditions in regard to superannuation as were granted last year to State officers appointed to the Commonwealth Public Service in connexion with the Commonwealth Employment Service. A State officer has the option of electing to pay to the Commonwealth Superannuation Board the refund of contributions received by him from -a State fund and to continue to contribute to the Commonwealth fund at the same rate as he contributed to a State fund for such pension benefits under the Commonwealth act as the Commonwealth Actuary certifies are equivalent to his State rights.

If the State officer decides to retain his refund of contributions from a State fund he will come under the Commonwealth act as a new contributor at rate for age next birthday as at the date of appointment, and will be subject to medical examination. Where a State officer has gratuity rights instead of superannuation rights, the gratuity rights will be preserved to him under the Commonwealth Public Service Act. He may, if he so desires, convert such rights into a pesion under the Superannuation Act. The amendment will also protect the superannuation rights of other State officers who may, from time to time, be appointed to the Commonwealth Public Service, with the exception of any officer whose appointment is the result of competitive examination for admission to the Commonwealth Public Service. Opportunity is also being taken to amend the provisions of the act relating to payments from the Provident Account, by restricting the minimum payment of six months’ salary to cases of retirement on invalidity, retrenchment or death in the Service. The restriction will apply only to persons who become contributors to the Provident Account after the commencement of this act.

Debate (on motion by Senator Leckie) adjourned.

page 844

INCOME TAX (WAR-TIME ARRANGEMENTS) BILL 1946

Bill received from the House of Representatives.

Standing and Sessional Orders suspended.

Bill (on motion by Senator Ashley) read a first time.

Second Reading

Senator ASHLEY:
New South WalesMinister for Supply and Shipping · ALP

.- I move-

That the bill be now read a second time.

The purpose of this bill is to repeal certain sections of the Income Tax (Wartime Arrangements) Act which was passed in 1942 and formed part of the legislation then enacted to authorize the uniform taxation arrangements adopted at that time.

Under the uniform taxation arrangements the State income tax organizations were taken over by the Commonwealth for the duration of the war. The Income Tax (War-time Arrangements) Act authorized the transfer of those organizations by providing for the States income tax staffs, office accommodation, furniture, equipment and records, to be temporarily transferred to the Commonwealth. The act also authorized the suspensionof the agreements between the States and the Commonwealth under which the States had collected Commonwealth income tax.

In a bill to amend the Commonwealth Public Service Act, which is already before the Senate, provision is being made to appoint officers of the States income tax staffs to the Commonwealth. The officers will be appointed either temporarily or permanently according to their status in State services, and their appointment will terminate their temporary transfer under the Income Tax (War-time Arrangements) Act. Consequently, the sections of that act relating to the transfer of the staffs and to the conditions of their employment will no longer be necessary and their repeal is sought by this bill. It is proposed that the officers concerned shallbe appointed to the Commonwealth Public Service as from the 1st July, 1946, and the repeal of the sections will take effect on that date. If a State officer does not desire appointment to the Commonwealth service, the bill preserves to him his right to reinstatement in a State service. It also preserves the Commonwealth’s liability to pay to the States its proportion of amounts contributed by the States to superannuation funds in respect of those officers.

Negotiations are at present in progress between the Commonwealth and the States for the purchase or the continued use by the Commonwealth of the office accommodation, furniture and equipment transferred to the Commonwealth under the Income Tax (War-time Arrangements) Act. The sections of the act which relate to those matters are, therefore, not being repealed at this stage.

Action has been taken to terminate, on the 31st August, 1946, the agreements under which, prior to 1942, the States collected income tax on behalf of the Commonwealth, and negotiations for an earlier termination of the agreementsare proceeding. Pending the outcome of those negotiations, it is not proposed to repeal the section of the act relating to the suspension of the agreements.

Debate (on motion by Senator Leckie) adjourned.

page 845

ENTERTAINMENTS TAX ASSESSMENT BILL 1946

Bill received from the House of Representatives.

Standing and Sessional Orders suspended.

Bill (on motion by Senator Ashley) read a first time.

Second Reading

Senator ASHLEY:
Minister for Supply and Shipping · New South Wales · ALP

– I move-

That the bill be now read a second time.

The purpose of this bill is to remove the time limit that has been placed on the operation of the Entertainments Tax Assessment Act. The period of operation of the act is limited by section 29, which provides for the act to continue in operationuntil the end of the first financial year after the termination of the war. The bill proposes to repeal section 29 and thus give indefinite operation to the act.

Before the measure was passed in 1942. all of the States except Queensland had been imposing an entertainments tax. The Governments of the States concerned agreed to vacate the field in order that the Commonwealth might impose and collect one uniform entertainments tax throughout Australia.

The States received grants from Commonwealth revenue to compensate them for the loss of entertainments tax revenue. The arrangements agreeed upon by the Commonwealth and the States were, in fact, based on those which had been enacted for uniform income taxation. For that reason the expiry date adopted in the Entertainments Tax Assessment Act was the same as that adopted in the uniform income tax legislation. The arrangements made for the Commonwealth to be the sole authority imposing entertainments tax are now being terminated. In view of its present financial responsibilities, the Government proposes to continue in the entertainments tax field, and in the States Grants (Tax Reimbursement) Bill and the Enter.taimnents Tax Bil] has made provision for payments to be made to the States in respect of both income tax and entertainments tax. I commend the bill to honorable senators.

Debate (on motion by Senator Leckie) adjourned.

page 846

ENTERTAINMENTS TAX BILL 1946

Bill received from the House of Representatives.

Standing .and Sessional Orders suspended.

Bill (on motion by Senator Ashley) read a first time.

Second Reading

Senator ASHLEY:
Minister for Supply and Shipping · New South Wales · ALP

,- I move-

That the bill be now read a second time.

The purpose of this hill is to repeal section 6 of the Entertainments Tax Act 1942-1944, which limited the operation of the act to the end of the first financial year after the termination of the war.

It has already been explained to honorable senators that the Commonwealth entered the entertainments tax field under an arrangement made with the States

Hr-hereby the Commonwealth became the sole authority imposing an entertainments tax. As the arrangement was based on the. uniform income taxation legislation it covered only the period to the end. of the first financial year after the termination of the war. In view of the Government’s decision to continue in the entertainments tax field, this bill seeks to amend the Entertainments Tax Act so that .it shall not be limited in point of time. The amendment therefore proposes the repeal of section 6 of. the act. As explained in the course of my introduction of another bill forming part of the scheme of uniform taxation^ the States will continue to receive a grant from Commonwealth revenue to reimburse them for their entertainments tax revenues. Each State will, however, be able to enter the field of entertainments taxation without suffering any reduction of the grant which it is entitled to receive under the States Grants (Tax Reimbursement) Act and the entertainments tax legislation. I commend the bill to the Senate.

Debate (on-motion by Senator Leckie) adjourned.

page 846

INCOME TAX ASSESSMENT BILL 1946

Bill received from the House of Representatives.

Standing and Sessional Orders suspended.

Bill (on motion by Senator Ashley) read a first time.

Second Reading

Senator ASHLEY:
New South WalesMinister for Supply and Shipping · ALP

– I move -

That the bill be now read a second time.

The principal amendments to the Income Tax Assessment Act proposed in this bill follow upon the adoption by the Government of recommendations made by its representatives who attended a conference which was held with representatives of the Associated Chambers of Manufactures. That organization had submitted to the Government various proposals for amendment of the income tax law designed to encourage and facilitate industry in its transition from war to peace-time production. The Government gave careful consideration to all of these proposals and decided to adopt those recommended to it and which are now implemented in the bill before the Senate. In doing so the Government considers that it is making a practical contribution towards the establishment, reconstruction, and expansion of industry in the post-wa»” period.

The proposals which have been adopted are, in the order in which they appear in the bill - (1) The allowance of an additional depreciation deduction in respect of amenities provided by employers for employees. (2) The allowance of a special depreciation deduction in respect of plant and machinery acquired during the post-war period. (S) The provision of additional allowances for expenditure on scientific research; and (4) the allowance of a credit of income tax in respect of certain losses and expenses incurred in reconverting businesses from war production, to peace-time production.

Provision is made in clauses 7 and S of the bill for the allowance of depreciation on certain amenities provided by ‘employers for the use of their employees, in respect of some fixtures and fittings for which depreciation deduction is not allowed under the present law, normal races of depreciation will be allowed. Other amenities for employees will be subject to depreciation allowances at the rate of 33^ per cent.

The amendment proposed by clause 9 is to assist in the establishment and expansion of businesses in the immediate post-war period. The Government proposes to provide a special initial depreciation deduction of 20 per cent, of the cost of plant and machinery acquired during the period from 1st July, 1945, to 30th June, 1950. The concession will benefit all taxpayers engaged in business; including primary producers, except where the taxpayer elects not to have the special deduction allowed in his assessment. The deduction will be allowed in the year of acquisition or installation, and will be additional to the ordinary depreciation otherwise allowable in that year. Ordinary depreciation will, however, be calculated on cost less this special allowance. The amendment follows the general lines of similar provisions in the United Kingdom, New Zealand and South African acts, where the special deduction ranges f rom 10 per cent, to 20 per cent, of cost.

In clause 11, provision is made for a special allowance in respect of amounts expended on scientific research for business purposes. It is the Government’s aim to encourage the development of the nation’s resources and the allowance of an income tax deduction is a practical form of encouragement to Australian industry to take fuller advantage of the opportunities which modern scientific discoveries offer. It is, therefore, proposed that certain research expenditure of a capital nature will be allowed as a deduction. Payments to approved research institutes will also be deductible provided the research is related to the business of the taxpayer. In addition, within certain necessary limits, expenditure incurred on buildings for research purposes will be allowed over three years and depreciation will be allowable in respect of plant used for research purposes at the rate of 33-J per cent.

Clauses 12 and 17 of the bill provide for concessions in respect of gifts made by companies and individuals to approved research institutions.

Clause 19 of the bill makes provision for a concession in the form of a tax credit designed to assist in the reestablishment of industry in the post-war period. It will apply to businesses which were converted to purposes primarily and principally connected with the prosecution of the war, and which are now being reconverted to meet the altered demands of peace. Under the law, business expenditure which is allowable as a deduction is deductible from the assessable income of the year in which the expenditure is incurred. Allowable expenditure which is incurred in reconverting a business from war production to civil production is accordingly deductible from post-war income. The Government acknowledges that where a business has engaged in production primarily and principally connected with the prosecution of the war, the cost of re-converting that business to civil production should fairly be charged against war-time income. By this method, the deduction would, in effect, be allowed at the war-time rates of tax instead of at peace-time rates. The proposed amendment will apply to expenditure incurred before the 1st July, 1947, in reconverting plant and machinery. It will also apply to losses sustained before that. date, as a result of the disposal or scrapping of plant which has greatly diminished in value and which has been subjected to excessive wear and tear because of its use for war production purposes. The concession takes the form of a credit of tax in post-war assessments, and will be equal to the reduction of income tax which the taxpayer would obtain if, instead of deducting the specified expenditure and losses from the income of the year in which they were incurred, they were deducted from the income of the year ended on the 30th June, 1945.

Another concession designed to assist and encourage the development of Australian industry will grant income tax relief to visiting industrial experts, consultants, technicians and others from overseas. It is hoped that this concession will assist Australian industry to obtain the best possible advice from overseas in the task of developing manufacturing, mercantile, or mining businesses or businesses of primary production.

With the cessation of hostilities, the income tax concessions hitherto granted to members of the Defence Forces necessarily arise for review. The concessions which have been granted to members of the Defence Forces are, in part, a recognition of the physical dangers faced and sacrifices made by members of the fighting units who went outside Australia on active service. Under the present law, all members of the forces are entitled to exemption in respect of pay and allowances earned out of Australia, and those members who served outside Australia for a specified period are, in addition, entitled to retrospective exemption of pay and allowances earned in Australia for periods of up to two years prior to their departure. Members of the Defence Forces who qualify for the retrospective exemption are also entitled to exemption of pay and allowances earned in Australia during the three months following their return from overseas service. Dependants’ allowances and deferred pay are also exempt. Now that the warhas ended, the Government considers that there is little justification for the continuance of the retrospective and prospective exemption of pay and allowances earned in Australia in the case of members who now go abroad for service, nor for providing exemption in respect of pay and allowances at peace-time rates. The bill, accordingly, proposes that, in future: (a) Exemption shall apply only to pay and allowances, whether earned in or out of Australia, which are at the special war-time rates; (b) exemption of the pay and allowances earned in Australia shall apply to members of the Occupation and Interim Force who volunteered for service with that force on or before the date of the announcement of the Government’s decision to modify the taxation concessions provided for members of the forces, i.e. the 13th February, 1946; but shall not apply to members who volunteer to serve with that force after that date; (c) exemption shall cease on and after the 1st July, 1947; (d) the exemption in respect of deferred pay shall be limited in the same manner ; (e) the special diminishing deduction of £250 allowed to members of the Defence Forces in Australia and certain civilian personnel attached to the forces as well as to merchant seamen will continue to apply up to the 30th June, 1947. The Government desires to emphasize that the new provision will not deprive members of the forces of any concessions for which they have already qualified under the present law. Dependants’ allowances paid by the Government will continue to be exempt as hitherto.

Clauses 5 and 21 propose certain benefits for ex-servicemen. By clause 5, exemption will be granted to exservicemen in respect of certain allowances paid to them while they are awaiting re-employment. By clause 21, ex-servicemen who are vocational trainees, will be brought within the scope of the tax instalment provisions. Another effect of the amendment proposed by this clause will be that trainees in receipt of living-away-from-home allowances will be placed, in respect of these allowances, in the same position as to taxation as employees who receive a similar allowance, in that they will receive a deduction of the amount by which the allowance exceeds 15s. a week. Clause 20 relates to the priority of the Commonwealth over the States in the matter of payment of income tax. This amendment is part of the Government’s uniform income tax plan.

Apart from those clauses which deal with purely technical matters, or amendments, consequent on alterations which have already been discussed, the remaining clauses of the bill make provision for the exemption of unemployment and sickness benefits and premiums paid in respect of Crown leases used for residential purposes only. Another amendment relates to the collection of income tax on bearer debenture interest in certain cases. The technical aspects of the proposed amendments are more fully explained in the printed explanatory memorandum which honorable senators have already had the opportunity of perusing. The explanations contained in that memorandum will, if necessary, be supplemented by further explanations during the committee stages of the bill.

Debate (on motion by Senator McLeay) adjourned. .

page 849

WAR-TIME (COMPANY) TAX ASSESSMENT BILL 1946

Bill received from the House of

Re presentatives.

Standing and Sessional Orders suspended.

Bill (on motion by Senator Ashley) read a first time.

Second Reading

Senator ASHLEY:
Minister forSupply and Shipping · New South Wales · ALP

– I move -

That the bill be now read a second time.

This bill is complementary to the Income Tax Assessment Bill. Honorable senators will remember that that bill contains provisions for the allowance of a credit of income tax in respect of certain reconversion expenditure incurred by a taxpayer in the years ended the 30th June, 1946 and 1947. The provisions have the effect, of placing a taxpayer who incurs reconversion expenditure in those years in the same position as if the expenditure had been incurred in and allowed as a deduction from his assessable income of theyear ended the 30th June, 1945. The proposed provisions for the credit of incometax are explained in some detail in the explanatory memorandum circulatedto honorable senators in connexion with the Income Tax Assessment Bill, and in my second-reading speech on that bill. As public companies are subject to war-time company tax as well as income tax, this bill proposes to allow to that class of company a credit of war-time company tax on the same principle as is being adopted for income tax purposes. In order that the credit of income tax and the credit of war-time company tax will be ascertained on a uniform basis, provision is made in this bill to apply the a ppropriate provisions of the Income Tax Assessment Act.

Debate (on motion by Senator McLeay) adjourned.

page 849

WAR SERVICE HOMES BILL 1946

Bill received from the House of Representatives.

Standing and Sessional Orders suspended.

Bill (on motion by Senator Collings) read a first time.

Second Reading

Senator COLLINGS (Queensland -

Vice-President of the Executive Council) [4.58]. - I move-

That the bill be now read a second time.

The purpose of the bill is to amend the existing provisions of the War Service Homes Act 1918-1941 to include as eligible persons within the meaning of the act, certain members of the mercantile marine who served in the Australian coastal shipping during the war and also, to provide other amendments which, it is considered will be of value in assisting ex-members of the forces desirous of obtaining homes. The principal amendments cover - (a) the extension of eligibility, as I have mentioned, to certain members of the mercantile marine; (b) the allotment of land held by the commission to applicants at fair value in lieu of capital cost under the rent-purchase system, Part IV. of the act; (c) the increase of the statutory loan limit of £950 to £1,250; and (d) the granting of facilities to provide loans on the security of Grown perpetual leaseholds of a State.

Under the existing definition of “ eligible person “ members of the mercantile marine are excluded from the privileges of the act unless they were employed in sea-going services between Australian ports and ports other -than those of a State or Territory of the Commonwealth. The amendment proposed is that members who served their country in shipping engaged on the Australian coast during the war will be granted the same privileges in respect of eligibility under the act as those who served in other seagoing activities. With the development of the war in the Pacific honorable senators will appreciate the value of the services rendered by such persons and the justice of their inclusion within the category of those eligible to receive assistance by way of loans to acquire or erect homes under the War Service Homes- Act.

A further amendment which is submitted for the consideration of the Senate relates to the acquisition of land and the erection of dwelling-houses under Part HI. of the act. Under existing conditions, the Commissioner is required to include, in the sale price of a home erected on land owned by the commission under this part, the total cost of such land. The total capital cost of certain land acquired some years ago to meet requirements now exceeds, in some instances, by fluctuation of value, or inclusion of total interest, or both, the fair market value of the land, but the Commissioner has no power to make the land available at its fair market value to eligible persons who desire assistance under the rent-purchase system contained in Part IV. of the act. This is an anomalous position in that under Part V. of the act, which covers the granting of advances on mortgage for the purchase of homes, the Commissioner may determine the fair value and- allot the land to an applicant at. that value: Therefore, the position is that a distinct benefit is conferred’ upon an applicant who is fortunate enough to be able to contribute a depo-.it of 10 per cent, or more to obtain assistance under Part V., but on the other hand’, the applicant who is able to contribute only the lesser deposit of not more than 5 per cent, required under the rentpurchase system, Part TV., can be allotted the land only at a figure equalling its full capital cost. The need for an amendment to adjust this position is obvious and I commend the proposal that the Commissioner be empowered to determine, subject to the approval of the Minister, the fair value of land included in the cost of any home provided under Part IV. of the act, notwithstanding the fact that its value may be less than the capital cost including interest at the time of sale. As honorable senators will see from the memorandum distributed in connexion with the bill, the amendments proposed to give effect to the intentions expressed, comprise alterations of sections 18 (2), 19 (3) and the deletion of section 19 (9).

To meet the changed conditions relating to the cost of erecting homes, it is proposed also that the present statutory limit of £950, which the act allows to be granted for the purpose of acquiring or erecting a home, be increased to £1,250. It is considered that if the Commissioner is granted power to make loans not exceeding this sum in the aggregate, it will be reasonably possible to meet the requirements of many applicants, .possessed of moderate means to acquire homes who, otherwise, because of the general increase of building costs, would be excluded from participating in the benefits and privileges which the act confers.

Another feature of the bill which I commend for favorable consideration is the proposed amendment to empower the Commissioner to grant loans for the discharge of any mortgage, charge, or encumbrance already existing on homes erected on land leased by eligible persons within the Australian Capital Territory or the Northern Territory. Section 44 of the act at present provides that the Commissioner may acquire leases for the purpose of erecting homes thereon on behalf of applicants or, to grant assistance :o applicants to build a home on leases held by them ; but no provision is marie under which the Commissioner may grant assistance covering the discharge of a mortgage or other encumbrance entered into by an eligible’ applicant in respect of a home acquired by him in those territories.

Whilst there has been little demand in the past for a measure of this nature, the expansion of the Australian National Capital which may reasonably be expected in the years before us, together with the increase of the number of ex-members of the forces now resident in the Australian Capital Territory, warrant the same facilities being made available as those which are applicable in the different States. Generally, the provisions of the act now restrict the Commissioner to the granting of loans in respect of lands the title of which is held in fee-simple. The only exception to this is that he may accept as ‘Security Crown leasehold in the Commonwealth territories which I have mentioned. Therefore, it. iS proposed that the definition of “ holding “ be amended to include State Crown lands held by eligible applicants in perpetual leasehold. This will enable the Commissioner to make advances for the erection of homes or for the discharge of any mortgage, charge or encumbrance existing on such land leased in perpetuity from the Crown by an eligible person where the Commissioner is satisfied that this should be done.’ This amendment will enable applicants resident in States where leasehold tenure of land is customary practice, such as in Queensland, to obtain assistance where otherwise this would not bc possible unless land with freehold title could b.e secured.

The amendments to which I have re..ferred are important, in that they will he of material, benefit to ex-members of the forces who are eligible or will become eligible to receive assistance under the provisions of the act, and will also assist the Administration in giving effect to those provisions. I trust that honorable senators will give the bill favorable consideration, and expedite its passage.

Debate (on motion by Senator Co lLett ) a d j ou r nec .

page 851

NATIONALITY BILL 1946

Bill received from the House, of Representatives.

Standing and Sessional Orders suspended.

Bill (on motion by Senator Collings) read a. first time.

Second Reading

Senator COLLINGS:
Vice-President, of the Executive Council · Queensland · ALP

– I move -

That the bill be now read a second time.

Under Commonwealth nationality law as it now stands, a woman who loses her British nationality because of her marriage to a foreigner may, by making a declaration, exercise in Australia and its territories the rights and privileges of a British subject. In such instances, a woman does not regain her British nationality, but, remains a foreigner, and the only way in which she can regain British nationality while her marriage continues is by her husband becoming naturalized. The bill provides that a British woman resident in Australia shall, on marriage, retain her British nationality under Commonwealth law, irrespective of her husband’s nationality. It therefore makes a further advance towards the goal towards which many women have long and earnestly striven, namely, the right of a woman, on marriage, to choose her own nationality.

The national status of married women is a somewhat complicated subject, and for the guidance of honorable senators I propose to give a brief historical survey cf the legislation governing the matter in the United Kingdom and Australia. Prior to 1844, the national status of married women in Great Britain was governed by the common law position. Under the common law of England, marriage had no effect on the nationality of a woman, although the legal position was not strictly adhered to in practice. This position applied in the United Kingdom and British possessions. The position of women was first modified by the Aliens Act of 1SS4, which provided that a foreign woman who married a British subject was deemed to be a naturalized British subject. The act did not, however, affect the status of British women who married foreigners, and legally such women retained their British nationality. In 1 870, the British Naturalization Act was enacted. Under that act, a married woman was deemed to be a subject of the State of which her husband was a subject. Therefore, a British woman marrying a foreigner automatically lost her British nationality and acquired her husband’s nationality, whilst a foreign woman marrying a British subject became ji British subject. It is not easy at this stage to state with any precision the considerations which actuated the British

Government to deviate from the common law principle in regard to the nationality of British women who married foreigners. The act was apparently introduced to give effect to the recommendations of the royal commission which was appointed in 1868 to inquire into the laws of naturalization and allegiance. There was little discussion on the bill, and it would appear that what was in the mind of the British Parliament was - (i) The law ought to be amended so as to make it conform more nearly with private international law and the principles governing the nationality laws of other countries; (ii) nationality as distinct from the right to hold property was not at that time considered of great practical importance; and (iii) except sentimentally, the legal status of the wife would not be altered by taking the nationality of the husband on marriage: British law remained in that position until 1914, when, with certain exceptions, the Nationality and Status of Aliens Act of the United Kingdom laid it down that the wife of a British subject was deemed to be a British subject, and the wife of an alien was deemed to be an alien. The two principal exceptions to the general rule were: (i) if a man ceased to be a British subject his wife would remain a British subject on making a declaration of retention of British nationality.; and (ii) a Britishborn woman whose husband was the subject of a State at war with His Majesty could, by making a declaration, regain her British nationality. In 1923, a joint select committee of the House of Lords was set up to consider the legal and practical aspects of questions involved in the possession by husband and wife of the same and different nationalities, and to report what, if any, alteration of British law was desirable. A number’ of important witnesses, including representatives of the Home Office, Colonial Office, Foreign Office, International Law Association and women’s organizations, were examined, but the select committee was unable to agree as to the form of its report.

In Australia there, was no Commonwealth statute prior to 1904 dealing with nationality matters, and these were governed by State legislation - which, of course, was effective only in the State concerned. There was no uniformity iii the State laws in respect of the national status of married women, and generally their position was’ governed by the British naturalization lav; of 1870. The Naturalization Act which came into operation in the Commonwealth in 1904 gave to the Commonwealth Government control of nationality matters throughout Australia and. its territories. The only specific provision in that act in regard to women was in section 9, which provided that a foreign woman, upon marriage to a British subject, acquired British nationality by virtue of her marriage. The wife of an alien who became a naturalised British subject did not, however, acquire British nationality by reason of her husband’s naturalization, but remained an alien unless she took out a certificate in her own name. The bill originally introduced contained a clause providing for the loss of British nationality by a woman marrying an alien, but this was deleted by the Senate, the expressed intention being to allow a British woman to retain her British nationality on marriage to an alien. According to a Crown law opinion given in 1910, however, a British woman who married an alien lost her British nationality because of the British Naturalization Act of 1S70. The Naturalization Act was repealed by the Nationality Act of 1920, which adopted Part II. of the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act of 1914. Commonwealth law in regard to women was, therefore, the same as the United Kingdom law; that is, with- certain exceptions, the wife of a British subject was deemed to be a British subject and the wife of an alien was deemed to be an alien. In 1930, the Commonwealth of Australia was one of 45 nations represented at an international conference which met at the Hague under the auspices of the League of Nations, to consider certain questions relating to the conflict of nationality laws. The matters discussed included the national status of married women. As the result of its deliberations the conference agreed to an international convention to which the

Commonwealth was a party. The following articles were included in that convention : -

Article8. - If the national law of the wife causes her to lose her nationality on marriage with a foreigner this consequence shall be conditional on her acquiring her husband’s nationality.

Article 9. - If the national law of the wife causes her to lose her nationality upon a change in the nationality of her husband occurring during marriage this consequence shall be conditional on her acquiring her husband’s new nationality.

Article 10. - Naturalization of the husband during marriage shall not involve a change in the nationality of the wife except with her consent.

These articles have been embodied in our Commonwealth nationality law.

In most civilized countries during recent years the trend has been to adopt a more liberal attitude in regard to the national status of married women, and in fact a number of countries including the United States of America, the Soviet Republics, Eire, and many South American countries have already placed women on an equal footing with men insofar as their nationality is concerned. The Canadian Government has also given a clear indication that it favours equality of treatment between men and women in matters of nationality.

The bill now before the Senate does not entirely fulfil the Government’s wishes, which are that a woman’s nationality should not be dependent on that of her husband but that, equally with a man, she should have freedom of choice in so important a matter. Under the bill, a British woman who marries a foreigner will retain British nationality only in Australia and its territories. Outside the limits of the Commonwealth she maybe regarded as an alien if under the law of her husband’s country she acquires his nationality.

In explanation of this apparent weakness I may say that at the Imperial Conference of 1930 it was agreedthat no member would take any action affecting the “common status” possessed by all subjects of His Majesty, except by agreement with the other members, but that this did not debar any member of the British Commonwealth who desired to do so from conferring local rights within its territory on women who have ceased to be British subjects by marriage with aliens. All of the Dominions have adopted Part II. of the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act, thereby ensuring uniformity of nationality laws throughout the British Commonwealth, and it would be necessary to secure the agreement of the governments of the United Kingdom and the other Dominions before an Australian woman who acquires a foreign nationality upon her marriage would be accepted as a British subject by those governments. For the present therefore the best that can be done for women resident in Australia is to make provision that in Australia and its territories they will not lose their British nationality because of marriage with a foreigner. The bill makes that provision.

In asking the Senate tosupport the bill, the Government does not propose that the matter shall rest there. It is hoped that in the not far distant future representatives of the United Kingdom and Dominion governments will confer on various aspects of their nationality laws. The Commonwealth Government will then do its utmost to have brought into being a uniform provision throughout the British Commonwealth whereby a woman who marries shall be free to determine her own nationality.

Debate (on motion by Senator McLeay) adjourned.

page 853

QUESTION

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Debate resumed fromthe 14th March (vide page 247), on motion by Senator Ashley -

That the following paper be printed: - Foreign Affairs - Statement by the Minister for External Affairs, dated 13th March, 1946.

Senator McLEAY:
Leader of the Opposition · South Australia

– Honorable senators generally will be pleased to have an opportunity to read the statement made in the House of Representatives by the Minister for External Affairs (Dr. Evatt) on the important subject of international affairs.

The paper embodying that statement may be regarded as one of the most important, documents that has been placed before us for many years. Those of us who had the privilege to be present at the Conference of the United Nations at San Francisco which began its sittings nearly twelve months ago baw followed with great interest the” recital of what has been accomplished since in the realm of international relations. One has only to read through the statement made by the Minister, which contains an historical survey of international problems discussed over the last six months, to appreciate the enormous ask and the great, difficulties that must, have confronted Ministers responsible for- the external affairs policy of the nations of the British Empire in guiding the destinies of their countries throughout this difficult and complex period. I pay tribute 10 the officers of the Department, of External Affairs. They have not had long experience of diplomatic work, and they are overworked and underpaid. Nevertheless, :hey have worked like beavers, and, when we consider the problems that they have had to examine and pass judgment upon, we must acknowledge the great value of their services. The Minister for External Affairs has been very busy in the international sphere and has been entrusted with making decisions of the greatest possible importance to the future security of this nation and the peace of the world. I -believe that all honorable senators will agree that, with his special technical knowledge and flair for handling difficult problems, the Minister has been able to state Australia’s case aggressively and hold his own in debate at international conferences. 1 do not necessarily agree with all of the views expressed by him, hut it would be unwise at this stage for anybody to be dogmatic nv. the subject, of international problems. We are building on shifting sands, and obstacles to be overcome are formidable. 1’n the course of his statement, the Minister said -

The period since VJ-Day has been one of great historical importance. I think it is now recognized that during this period the status and prestige of Australia in international affairs have been dramatically increased.

I agree with that. Geographically, Australia has a prominent place in the world.

Therefore, it is important that this legislature should be supplied with up-to-date and reliable information so that it may lead public opinion along the right paths.

I do not propose to deal in detail with the Minister’s statement, because it is largely historical. My comments will deal in the main, with a. matter of judgment which is of very great concern to me. and should be of equal concern to every member of the community Perhaps the most pleasing feature of the first United Nations conference was the fact that the United States of America, with its enormous man-power resources and productive capacity, showed a genuine desire to do everything possible to secure the peace of the world. This fact was very gratifying in view of what happened after Word War I., when the United States Senate refused to allow that great democracy to take its place in the League of Nations. Because of ‘.hat, mistake, 1 believe- that America and other nations have paid very dearly in loss of life and in other ways. The United States of America played a great part in saving Australia from invasion, when this country was almost occupied by the Japanese, and now we have every reason to be pleased tha’ it is co-operating closely with other English-speaking nations in working for peace. Australia’s position in the councils of the world is more firmly established to-day than ever before. I am confident that one reason why the Minister for External Affairs was able to speak with authority at international conferences was the general ‘recognition of the important part played by Australia’s lighting men in both world wars. The feats of our armed services have helped Australia to improve its status considerably in recent years. Our forces are taking part in the occupation of Japan and elsewhere, and I hope that they will continue to do so. I consider that the Government displayed very bad judgment in making a last-minute decision to send a representative to the important first conference of the United Nations in London. It was most unfair to ask the Minister for the Navy (Mr. Makin), at about three days’ notice, to pack his bags and arrive at the conference a week after it had started in order to occupy the very responsible position of president of the

Security Council. This appointment was a very great honour for Australia and, having regard to the enormous problems to be dealt with and the need for expert knowledge and research, an injustice was done to the Minister, and to Australia as a whole. There may have been reasons for the Government’s tardiness, but it was nevertheless regrettable. Many complaints have been made regarding delay in making appointments to the Department of External Affairs. Work is accumulating in the department and it is difficult to obtain prompt decisions. I hope that the Government will take action to remedy this position. I am also at a loss to understand why the Government has not yet appointed a special representative to attend the Security Council now in session. This position calls for expert representation of Australia, and, as Australia will be a member of the council for three years, it is essential that the appointment should not be ‘ subject to change from day to day. I hope that the Minister will have something to say about this appointment, and indicate when it -will be made. T; is of very great importance.

Senator Sheehan:

– Both the United States of America and the United Kingdom have representatives at the present conference different from those who attended the first meeting.

Senator McLEAY:

– I draw the honorable senator’s attention to the fact that Mr. Byrnes is representing the United States of America at the conference now in progress. I believe the matter to be so important as to warrant ministerial representation of Australia. I am very pleased that the Prime Minister (Mr. Chifley) has decided to visit. Great Britain, and I hope that lie will have time to attend the peace conference. The problems of defence, international affairs, and peace are all so interwoven as to call for the best possible representation of Australia at international conferences. The Prime Minister, backed by. the prestige of his position, would enhance Australia’s representation by attending such meetings. I sincerely trust that we shall be able to call a truce to ‘all strikes and political warfare during the right honorable gentleman’s absence so that he will not be obliged to make a hurried return to Australia, and will be able to give to international problems the time and attention that they deserve. We are to-day laying the foundation stone of the future world peace structure, and .we must not take the task too lightly.

I come now to the reference made in the ministerial statement to Australia’s altitude towards Russia, particularly in relation to the situation in Persia. In the course of his statement the Minister for External Affairs said -

Now having lived through the great period of war-time partnership which promised a permanent understanding between the three great powers on all fundamentals, one is presented almost daily with the monotonous question - does Russia. intend aggression ?

Having no clear evidence to the contrary and having during the last four years come to know some of Russia’s greatest statesmen, i take the view that the Soviet Union’s policy is directed towards self-protection and security against future attack. In my opinion, it> desire is to develop its own economy and tu improve the welfare of its peoples.

And I emphasize these further words -

This pessimism with regard to relations with Russia seems to be unjustified. ‘

As I said earlier, the Minister has the right to express his own views and to do so candidly, but I ask whether they are the views of the Government, and whether it still adheres to them, in view of the action of the Russian delegate at the recent meeting of the Security Council, of the United Nations in connexion with the occupation by Russia of part of Persia. In my judgment, what was said by the Minister regarding Russia’s attitude is not borne out by the facts. Actions speak louder than words. Honorable senators well know that there was an. agreement between Russia and other countries that it would vacate Persia, but it has not carried out its undertaking. We are entitled to know whether the Government still holds the view expressed by the Minister, or whether its opinion has been altered since the statement was made by him, because many people in this country are very anxious that at the present time we should not pursue a policy of appeasement in innernational affairs.

Senator Collings:

– Why not wait until the inquiries being made on the other side of the world have been completed ?

Senator McLEAY:

– Members of the Senate are not in possession of all the facts, but they can read between the lines. It appears from official statements made from time to time that Russia has not honoured its agreement.

I draw attention to another aspect of the Minister’s statement which has a close relation to a matter of great importance to Australia. The Government should realize, as the Opposition has pointed out many times, that it is of the utmost importance to Australia from the defence point of view that there should be the greatest possible cooperation between this country and Great Britain and the United Statesof America. That co-operation is vitalto the defence of Australia and the future peace of the world. I accord my wholehearted support to the sentiments expressed by the Minister, but from time to time representatives of Australia have not always practised that co-operation with Great Britain and the United States of America which is most desirable in our own interests. It is obvious to a layman that for the next 100 years it will be necessary for Australia, with its population of 7,500,000, and for New Zealand with only 1,750,000 people, to depend for their defence largely on the help of Great Britain and the United States of America. The Minister further stated in his speech -

The detailed means of implementing a security policy for the Pacific have yet to he decided, but this much is already apparent: Australian security is very largely dependent on our closest co-operation with the British Commonwealth and the United States of America. Any hindrance to the maximum degree of co-operation with either would be contrary to the interests of all these countries.

In view of that, statement, it is interesting to note, in reading the reports of meetings of the Security Council in connexion with the Persian problem, that t he Australian representative took a view opposite to that of Great Britain and flip United States of America. On the motion submitted by the Egyptian delegate that Persia be permitted to sit. at the Council table and make a statement without prejudice on the question of postponing consideration of the dispute, Colonel Hodgson, who represented Australia, voted with Poland against the proposal although it was supported by the representatives of eight other countries.

SenatorGrant. - Why not?

Senator McLEAY:

– All I ask is whether the action of the Australian delegate in opposing Great Britain and the United States of America was taken on his own initiative. Does the Government justify his attitude, in view of the knowledge it possesses? I consider that his action was quite contrary to the sentiments expressed by the Minister for External Affairs inhis recent speech. I should not have mentioned this matter, had it not been for the fact that various reports which have been circulated in all parts of the world are doing considerable harm to Australia in Great Britain, the United States of America and other countries. After the Minister had made his speech in the House of Representatives, the Communist newspaper in GreatBritainthenext day,published four pages eulogizing him and one column criticizing the Prime Minister of Great Britain, although we are assured that the views expressed by the Minister on the Russian situation were approved by the Foreign Minister and the Government of Great Britain. If that be correct, it seems strange that we have had the sorry spectacle of a report which is not very comforting to the people ofAustralia who are anxious that the Dominions shall, within reason, support the MotherCountry in. important matters of this kind.

Senator Collings:

– Have not, our servicemen been standing by the MotherCountry?

Senator McLEAY:

– Yes ; but the sacrifices we have made, physically and economically, together with losses in other directions, are nothing compared with those of the people of Great Britain. In view of the need for co-operation between the English-speaking peoples, it is most undesirable that Australia should have struck a discordant, note.

Senator Collings:

– That is not so.

Senator McLEAY:

– Can the Minister tell me whether Australia’s representative voted with Poland at, the Security Council against the other eight representatives, including the representatives of Britain and the United States- of America? In addition to the commen its that have appeared in London, a report published by the New York Times, - fa ted - i.’lu; actions of tin; representative of Australia are unlikely to increase his popularity with thu British Foreign Office.

If that report be correct, it is regrettable tlii.it there should have been a division of opinion among the English-speaking peoples at this conference, above all others, where unity would have been strength and the policy of appeasement was wrong. A further report published Itv the New York Times stated -

Thu Australian aptitude for realism in terms of international relations seems matched only liv thu Russian variety.

Those sentiments are not comforting. The people of Australia want to know where the Government stands in connexion with this matter. I trust that the existing differences will be settled amicably. I deplore that in the voting Australia and Poland were on- one side nml Britain and the United States of America on the other side. I trust that that will not be the future policy of our representatives. It must not be if we are to have that co-operation which will ensure to us the protection that we shall need in the next 100 years. I think that I can say in all fairness that Russia is the one nation of the 51 nations which has struck a discordant note. I have said before that the Russian way of life is not our way of life. I know that our delegates will say that, at the conference at San Francisco the representatives of all countries were tolerant and co-operative, with a genuine desire to dispose of difficulties and to keep all nations on the road of peace. It is quite obvious that if a great country like Russia is not in step with the other four permanent mem: Iter- of the Security Council, there will be very great trouble. The British and the Americans - in particular, the leaders who know all the facts - I am prepared to back in their attitude on this matter, as they have indicated it in the way in which they have voted. If the Government is not prepared to act similarly, it should state its reasons. I am putting (he matter fairly and squarely to the Government, and do not want it to dodge the issue.

There is another important matter that has been shelved time and again It would appear that the political and military defence aspects of these problems have occupied so much time that so far Ministers have not been able to devote proper attention to economic problems, which are equally important. We can rem ember the peri od of international economic wa rf are after the last war. Unless, preventive action be taken in the early stages of peace we shall have the same trouble again. Honorable senators have had an opportunity to study the problem by a perusal of the pamphlet on the Bretton Woods conference in 1944. I regret that Ministers have shelved the matter by sending departmental officers to America, where they have been kept, for months and even years. Report after report has been received, but no action has been .taken. At such a time, Ministers themselves should- be in Washington. The Prime Minister of Canada, Mr. Mackenzie King, and the Prime Minister of Great Britain, Mr. Attlee, discussed these matters in America when the loan by the United States of America to Great Britain was being considered. Unfortunately, the Prime Minister of Australia could not be present at those discussions. The matter is being allowed to drag on too long. Australia, although it has a small population, has a very big export problem. Comparatively, we export an enormous volume of goods; consequently, we are vitally concerned with what other countries do in connexion with the depreciation of their currencies. The cardinal principle is to avoid the mistakes that were made after the last war. I regret that the Government is side-stepping the issue. Ministers are. not prepared to say whether they are for or against the Bretton Woods agreement or the establishment of an international bank and a fund to stabilize the currency. America gave to Australia an opportunity to make a decision before the 3.1st December, 1945. The Government has failed to act foi’ from eighteen months to two years, and now it is afraid to do so. In the interim, the. international organization has been established, officers have been appointed, and Mr. Melville has been sent again to America merely as an observer to see what is happening.

Senator Collings:

– So that we can get all the facts.

Senator McLEAY:

– My honorable friend has all the facts that he needs. What he and the Government lack are courage and the spirit of action. Many countries have approved of the agreement, believing that economic cooperation is just as important as military cooperation, and is the basis of the future peace of theworld. But Australia has not made a decision and, in common with Poland and Russia, is not a party to the agreement. Great Britain, the United States of America, and Canada, are members of the organization. They say, “ If we are to play our part in the peace of the world, we have to accept our responsibilities in the economic world “. There are two features of this report in respect of which a reply is demanded. The people of this country want leadership. First, are we prepared to back up our practical co-operation with America and Great Britain or to proceed along the lines we have been following recently? Secondly, do we intend toside-step the economic problems and obligations envisaged in the Bretton Woods agreement until after the next elections, meanwhile looking to the Minister for Transport (Mr. Ward) to fight a rearguard action?

Senator Collings:

– Therein lies the honorable senator’s inspiration.

Senator McLEAY:

– Our inspiration is in the reports that come from America time and again, stating that the Government of the United States of America, through its departmental officers, is appealing to Australia for a decision, but cannot get one. I have stated the two practical problems on which we need decisions. We are all looking forward to the most important conference of all - the pence conference. I trust that the Prime Minister (Mr. Chifley) will find the time to attend that conference with the Minister for External Affairs, in order that the matters which interest us, and will interest this part of the world for hundreds of years to come, will receive the best consideration that the host intellects in the Government can give to it. I trust that honorable senators opposite will forget party politics and will take a realistic view of the situation, doing their best in a practical way, first to co-operate with Great Britain, and secondly to ensure the peace of the world. I am convinced that no people in the world are more anxious for peace than are the people of the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

Debate (on motion by Senator Armstrong) adjourned. adjournment .

Barbed Wire - Blue Peas - Sporting Ammunition

Motion (by Senator Ashley) proposed -

ThattheSenatedonow.

Senator AYLETT:
Tasmania

– Galvanized barbed wire is urgently needed by many primary producers, particularly in Tasmania. At present some rusty black barbed wire is being made available to them, but it is a waste of money to buy it In reply to representations, the Government has stated thai as soon asthe manufacture of ordinary fencing wire has caught up with the demand galvanized barbed wire will bo manufactured. In Tasmania, galvanized barbed wire is used as ordinary fencing wire, although that may not be so in the suburbs of Sydney and Melbourne.I appeal to the Government to give to farmers in all States equal opportunities to obtain galvanized barbed wire. In large pastoral areas, carrying one sheep to 10 acres, plain wire and wire netting may be ordinary fencing material, but galvanized barbed wire is used in Tasmania where the land carries ten sheep to the acre.

I ask the Government to reconsider its decision not to continue theField Peas Board. The growers of field peas are practically 100 per cent. in favour of the continuation of the board and the guaranteed price until such time as the States can organize marketing control. Only by the. continuation of the present system can economic security be guaranteed to farmers for another season. In the meantime, the State governments would be able to make arrangements for the future. The Government would run no risk in continuing the present control, because there is a world shortage of foodstuffs. Judging from the reports of those who havevisited European countries recently, the people there would be glad of a meal of peas. If Opposition members have any doubtastothe wishes of the growers of peas in this matter their doubts could be set at rest by arranging for a poll of growers to be taken. I am in constant touch with them, and Ihave no doubt. as to their views. Representations have been made to me by various organizations of farmers, and I have received letters, and telegrams from, and have had personal interviews with, individual growers who wish the board to be continued for another season.

I askthe Government to lift the restrictions on the sale of ammunition to farmers and sportsmen. Owing to the prolific growth of feedin Tasmania, rabbits arel ikely to prove a tremendous pest. If ammunition couldbe released, farmers would have some hope of coping with this pest.

Senator Gibson:

– There is no restriction on .22 ammunition.

Senator AYLETT:
TASMANIA · ALP

– I refer to cartridges which are not obtainable from storekeepers. If there is no longer any restriction on ammunition, I urge the Government to arrange for manufacturers of ammunition to switch over from the production of munitions to kill human beings to ammunition for the destruction of a pest which is doing much harm to Australian primary production.I ask also that themanufacture of rabbit traps, of which there is a great shortage, be accelerated. The destructionof rabbits will help the production of food which is urgently required ina famine-stricken world.

Senator ASHLEY:
New South WalesMinister for Supply and Shipping · ALP

in reply - The subjects to which Senator Aylett has referred will be referred to the appropriate Ministers.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

page 859

PA PERS

The following papers were pre- sented : -

Arbitration (Public Service) Act - Determinationbythe Arbitrator, &e. -

No.6of1946 - Commonwealth Public ServiceClerical Association.

Australian Imperial Force Canteens Funds Act - Twenty-fifth Annual Report by the Trustees, for year 1944-45.

Commonwealth Conciliation and Arbitration Act - Rulesof Court - Statutory Rules1946, No. 43.

Commonwealth Public Service Act - Appointments - Department of Health - L. D. McKinnon ; G. E. II. Shepherd.

Distillation Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1946, No. 34.

Hospital Benefits Act - Regulations - StatutoryRules 1946, No. 52.

Lands Acquisition Act - Land acquired for- -

Commonwealth purposes -

Archerfield, Queensland. Cairns, Queensland (2). Dunster, New South Wales. EastSale, Victoria. Moruya. New South Wales. Portland, Victoria. Yeronga, (Queensland.

Postal purposes -

Adelaide, South Australia. Greenville, Victoria. SouthYarra, Victoria.

National SecurityAct -

National Security (General) Regulations -

Orders -

Bread Control (South Australia) Revocation.

Bread industry (New South Wales), (Tasmania )- Revocatious. lee Industry (New South Wales) - Revocation.

Milk industry (New South Wales)Revocation.

Prohibited place.

Order by State Premier - South Australia (No. 1 of 1946).

National Security (Industrial Property) Regulations - Orders - Inventions and designs (168).

National Security (Maritime Industry) Regulations - Order - No. 54.

National Security (Meat Industry Con trol ) Regulations - Orders - Acquisition of meat (2).

National Security (Rationing) Regulations - Orders - Nos. 115-118.

National Security (Shipping Coordination) Regulations - Order - 1946, No. 4.

National Security (Vegetable Seeds) Regulations - Order - Control of saleof vegetable seeds - Revocation.

Regulations - Statutory Rules 1946. Nos. 45, 46, 47, 48, 49.

Naval Defence Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1946, Nos. 54, 55.

Northern Territory Acceptance Act and

Northern Territory (Administration) Act - Ordinances -

No. 1of 1946 - Licensing Court (Adjournment of Proceedings).

No. 2 of 1946- Darwin Leases (Special Purposes).

No. 3 of 1946 - Licensing.

Passports Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules1945,No.183.

Rc-establishment and Employment ActRegulations - -Statutory Rules 1945, No. 100.

United Nations Organization. - First part of the first session of general assembly, hold nt London, January-February, 104U - Report of Australian delegation, -together with n report on the meetings of tho Security Council unci the Economic mid Social Council, with appendices.

War Crimes Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 194G, No. SO.

Senate adjourned tit 5.58 p.m.

Cite as: Australia, Senate, Debates, 2 April 1946, viewed 22 October 2017, <http://historichansard.net/senate/1946/19460402_senate_17_186/>.