Senate
19 February 1953

20th Parliament · 1st Session



TheDeputyPresident (Senator George Rankin) took the chair at 11 a.m., and read prayers.

page 83

ASSENT TO BILLS

Assent to the following bills reported: -

Wool Realization (Distribution of Profits) Bill 1052.

Trading with the Enemy Bill 1962.

Loan (Housing) Bill 1952.

Audit Bill 1952.

Oil Agreement Bill 1952.

Land Tax Abolition Bill 1952.

Customs Tariff 1952.

Excise Tariff 1952.

Customs Tariff (New Zealand Preference) 1952.

Customs Tariff (Canadian Preference) 1952.

Customs Tariff Validation Bill1952.

Excise Tariff Validation Bill 1952.

Tradesmen’sRights Regulation Bill 1952.

Re-establishment and Employment Bill 1952.

Income Tax and Social Services Contribution Assessment Bill (No. 3) 1952.

Income Tax and Social Services Contribution Bill 1952.

Superannuation Bill 1952.

Defence Forces Retirement Benefits Bill 1952.

Canned Fruits Export Control Bill 1952.

Canned Fruits Export Charges Bill 1952.

Wool Use Promotion Bill 1952.

Dairying Industry Bill 1952.

Defence Bill 1952.

Explosives Bill 1952.

Civil Aviation Agreement Bill 1952.

Air Navigation (Charges) Bill 1952.

Australian National Airlines Bill 1952.

Income Tax and Social Services Contribution Assessment (Air Navigation Charges) Bill 1952.

Defence Transition (Residual Provisions) Bill 1952.

Stevedoring Industry Charge Bill 1952.

Commonwealth Electoral Bill 1952.

Social Services Consolidation Bill (No. 2) 1952.

Customs Bill 1952.

Navigation Bill 1952.

page 83

DEATH OF RIGHT HONORABLE W. M. HUGHES, C.H., Q.C., M.P

The DEPUTY PRESIDENT. - I desire to inform honorable senators that a letter has been received from Dame Mary Hughes thanking members of the Senate for the resolution of sympathy and condolence that was passed on the occasion of her husband’s death.

page 83

QUESTION

HEALTH AND MEDICAL SERVICES

Senator AYLETT:
TASMANIA

– Will the Minister representing the Minister for Health consider making some provision in the national health scheme for persons who, through no fault of their own, are not acceptable to an insurance scheme and are not in receipt of a pension but who are badly in need of hospital treatment which they cannot obtain because they have not the money to pay for it? Is the Minister aware that such cases do exist and that some doctors have refused to put patients in hospital for treatment because they know that they have not the money to pay for it ? I assure the Minister that such is the case. Is the Minister aware that in such cases some doctors advise patients to go voluntarily into a mental asylum where they can obtain free treatment although they are quite sane and mentally fit, but physically ill ? Does the Minister consider that such treatment of the sick is in the best interests of humanity?

Senator COOPER:
Minister for Repatriation · QUEENSLAND · CP

– I shall be pleased to bring to thenotice of my colleague, the Minister for Health, the question raised by the honorable senator, but I point out to him that hospitalization is a State matter and not the responsibility of the Australian Government.

Senator COOPER:

– Chi the 5th ^November, 1952, Senator Tangney asked the following question : -

In view of the importance of the life-saving work that Is conducted by the blood transfusion and blood plasma services of the Australian Red Cross Society, will the Minister representing the Minister for Health ask the government to undertake full financial responsibility for such services and thus relieve the society of its anxiety in that regard and enable it to continue its humanitarian work?

The Minister for Health has furnished the following reply: - 1 would like to point out to the honorable senator that the provision of blood transfusion services is closely allied to hospital treatment, which comes within the sphere of State responsibility. ‘Nevertheless the Commonwealth is providing substantial assistance to the Australian Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service. The Commonwealth Serum Laboratories are processing blood into serum free of charge. Further assistance has been guaranteed when the blood fractionation plant is installed at the Commonwealth Scrum Laboratories. In response to representations from the National Head-quarters of the Australian Rod Cross Society the Prime Minister recently advised the State Premiers that the Commonwealth is prepared to provide £SO,D00 on a per capita, basis as a measure of temporary assistance. This represents more than half the additional amount required to maintain the Blood Transfusion Service at the slime level as last year. The majority of States have not yet replied to the Prime Minister’s proposal so that the Commonwealth is not in a position to reach finality on this matter. You will appreciate that the . question of financial assistance of this nature is closely tied up with the future of uniform taxation. The final outcome of financial assistance to the Bed Cross Blood Transfusion Service will therefore not be known until after the Premiers conference,

page 84

QUESTION

FRUIT

Senator WRIGHT:
TASMANIA

– I direct to the Minister representing the Minister for Commerce and Agriculture a question which refers to the gratifying fact that this Government saw fit, during the recent recess, to make available to the berry fruit-growers of Tasmania a grant of £100,000 for assistance in marketing their fruit. There are two aspects of that matter on which I should like some information. The first is, on whose responsibility was it decided that that money should be distributed by way of compensation for loss rather than as assistance to market the fruit as a commercial commodity? Secondly, remembering that the distress was caused by a failure to project marketing conditions sufficiently in advance for the benefit of growers, will the Minister- take early steps to convene a conference so that growers may be advised of the prospects of marketing conditions before they go to the expense of manuring and cultivating their .crops?

Senator McLEAY:
Minister for Shipping and Transport · SOUTH AUSTRALIA · LP

-I was acting for the Minister for Commerce and Agriculture when that matter was considered. Responsibility for the distribution of the money is solely that of the Tasmanian Government. With reference to the second part of the question asked by the honorable senator, I shall be pleased to take up that matter with the Minister and let the honorable senator have a reply as soon as possible.

Senator MORROW:
TASMANIA

– I direct a question to the Minister representing the Minister for- Commerce and Agriculture. Has it been officially stated that the cos; of producing raspberries, black currants and other small berry fruits in Tasmania is lOd. per lb. ? Is the price for the sale of berry fruits fixed at 7d. per lb. ? Is the Government crying out for more production? Is the Minister aware that many tons of small berry fruits cannot be sold and are rotting in Tasmanian fields? 1.9 it a fact that high cost of production of primary products is preventing the sale nf goods? Is the Minister aware that the cost of a lj lb. -tin of raspberry jam is approximately 3s. 3£d. and that it contains only about 4d. worth of raspberries? Therefore, is it true that if the farmers gave the fruit free to the manufacturers such a tin of jam would be reduced in price by only 4d., making the retail price only 2s. ll£d. ? Is it a fact that the price of sugar has been increased and that incidentally the sugar companies’ profits hare been increased and that the manufacturers, tho wholesalers and the retailers are receiving increased margins of profit, while the farmers are on the verge of bankruptcy? Will tie Minister take the necessary action’, to find a market for the small berry fruits and arrange that the farmers be paid a price for their fruit that willcover the cost of production plus a margin to compensate them for interest redemption and their own labour and, in addition, provide compensation at the market price for the fruit that is now rotting?

Senator McLEAY:

– The attitude that has been taken by leading Communists in Australia has added considerably to the cost of transport. That is a matter over which my department has jurisdiction. So far as the other matters arc concerned, I shall refer them to the Minister for Commerce and Agriculture if the honorable senator will place a question on the notice-paper.

Senator MORROW:

– Will the Minister representing the Minister for Commerce and Agriculture inform the Senate whether that Minister or his officers received a letter dated 17th July, 1952, from the council clerk, New Norfolk, pointing out that the farmers, in particular small berry fruit-growers, were making a drive for increased production and that his council wished to learn the true position regarding markets for the new season’s crops? If the Minister or his officers did receive the letter why was a reply not sent ? I am informed thatno reply was received by the clerk up till November. Is the Minister aware that because they did not receive the information requested, farmers have lost considerable money, fertilizer, time and work in increasing production and that now, since there is no market, the fruit is rotting? In order to prevent a similar occurrence and to safeguard farmers and enable them to plan ahead will the Minister inform the Senate what markets are available and provide an estimate of the quantity of small berry fruit that will be required for the next three seasons?

Senator McLEAY:

– I am sure that the honorable senator would not expect me to know offhand whether the Minister for Commerce and Agriculture has received the letter to which he referred. Matters relating to fruit production are solely a State responsibility. As a result of a deputation led by Senator Wright, and having regard to the seriousness of the situation, the Australian Government made a magnificent gesture in making certain money available to the Government of Tasmania. I suggest that instead of trying to make propaganda here the honorable senator should refer his question to the Premier of Tasmania.

page 85

QUESTION

CIVIL AVIATION

Senator PEARSON:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA

– I address a question to the Minister representing the Minister for Civil Aviation, following on the question asked by Senator Critchley which will appear on the noticepaper. In view of the. possibility of the aircraft carrying Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Second, landing at Port Lincoln aerodrome during her visit to South Australia next year, will the Minister take up with hiscolleague the urgency of completing, prior to the visit by Her Majesty, the programme of improvements to that aerodrome which the Department ofCivil Aviation has in mind?

Senator McLEAY:
LP

– I shall be pleased to discuss this matter with my colleague, the Minister for Civil Aviation.

page 85

QUESTION

RIFLE CLUBS

Senator WILLESEE:
WESTERN AUSTRALIA

– Is the Minister representing the Minister for the Army aware that many youths are becoming interested in rifle shooting as a result of their national service training? Is he also aware that many of these lads arc prevented from developing this interest, because of the high cost of rifles and ammunition? Does he agree that the training and practice gained through association with rifle clubs is valuable in subsequent military training? If he does, will he examine the question of aid to rifle clubs with a view to increasing such aid, and will he review the sales tax levied on rifles and ammunitionused by members of such clubs?

Senator SPOONER:
Minister for National Development · NEW SOUTH WALES · LP

– I shall be glad to bring to the notice of my colleague, the Minister for the Army, the representations that have been made by the honorable senator. As he is no doubt aware, there is in existence already a scheme under which some assistance is given to rifle clubs in recognition of the valuable service to the community which such training provides.

page 86

QUESTION

FOOD STANDARDS

Senator WEDGWOOD:
VICTORIA

– Can the

Minister representing the Prime Minister inform me whether it is a fact thatthe Australian Government has power to fix food standards only in relation to food for export? Is it a fact that the only control at the present time over goods produced and consumed in Australia is by regulations made in the various States under the Health Acts, and that these are concerned only with ensuring that the articles that are graded and the goods that are packed are not deleterious to health, but make no provision for grade or quality? Will the Minister request the Prime Minister to bring this matter before the conference of Commonwealth and State Ministers this week and request the State Premiers to pass suitable legislation in each State so that the Australian public may buy with full knowledge of the quality and standard of the goods that they are purchasing?

Senator O’SULLIVAN:
Minister for Trade and Customs · QUEENSLAND · LP

– I understand that the position is as it has been indicated by the honorable senator and that the authority of the Australian Government, so far as the standard of quality of goods is concerned, is restricted to the control of export commodities. I believe that control of the standard of quality for the sale and consumption of locally produced commodities and foodstuffs within Australia is exclusively under the control of the States. I am not familiar with the extent of the supervision that is imposed by the States, but I believe that they are interested in policing food standards only from the point of view of the health of the community. So far as I am aware, no provision is made to ensure that a standard of quality is maintained in articles that are produced in Australia for sale. I agree entirely with the suggestion of the honorable senator that the matter should be placed before the representatives of the various States with a view to the introduction of uniform legislation to provide that, as far as is practicable, the consuming and buying public will be protected by the preservation of a standard of quality of goods. I shall bring the matter before the Prime Minister, as the honorable senator has requested.

page 86

QUESTION

COST OF LIVING

Senator ASHLEY:
NEW SOUTH WALES

– I address my question to the Minister for Trade and Customs as the Minister representing the Prime Minister. How does the Prime Minister reconcile his statement that Australian living standards have improved with thestatement which he adduced in support of that contention, that savings bank deposits have increased by nearly £200,000,000? The Prime Minister has often told the wage-earner that what counts is not the money wage, but what it will buy. During the last three years, prices of commodities included in the “ C “ series index have increased by 52 per cent. In December, 1949, savings bank deposits totalled £732,000,000. In order to represent the same purchasing power three years later, such deposits should have been 52 per cent. higher, or a total of £1,112,000,000, but, in fact, at December, 1952, those deposits totalled only £918,000,000. Further, as Australia’s population has increased by 8 per cent. during that period, the value of the people’s deposits in savings banks is now 17 per cent. less than it was when the Menzies Government assumed office.

Senator O’SULLIVAN:
LP

– I am not in a position to say whether the information conveyed in the honorable senator’s question is correct or otherwise.

page 86

QUESTION

CANBERRA

Senator MAHER:
QUEENSLAND

– I should like to ascertain from the Minister for Trade and Customs whether the Government has any progressive plan in train for the transfer of Commonwealth departments from Melbourne to Canberra? It appears to me, after reading the latest report of the Public Service Board, that it is uncertain whether on a de facto basis the National Capital is in Melbourne or in Canberra.

Senator O’SULLIVAN:
LP

– I shall bring the honorable senator’s question to the notice of the Minister for the Interior, to whose administration it is related.

page 86

QUESTION

FORMOSA

Senator GRANT:
NEW SOUTH WALES

– I address my question to the Minister representing the Minister for External Affairs. By way of preface 1 point out that last year the Senate ratified the Anzus pact. At that time, it was suggested that the pact would ensure the safety of Australia. On that occasion, I pointed out that there was grave clanger that Australia might become involved in. a war to the north of this continent which would literally eai up our military man-power. Events that, have occurred since then have justified my comment. I should like to know whether American policy regarding Formosa has been altered and whether such action has been taken unilaterally or in consultation with Australia as the ally of the United States of America under the Anzus pact. A$ a result of current events in Formosa. - although, seemingly, democratic pressure in the United States of America has produced changes in that country’s outlook as n result of what is stated to be taking place in Formosa - there may be an attack by China, or Russia, upon American forces which, in turn, would involve Australia in a war with those countries. In view of that fact, has Australia been consulted with respect to this change in American policy regarding Formosa? If not, has the Government made representations to ensure that in future Australia shall be consulted before any further change is made in American policy in relation to this sphere?

Senator SPICER:
Attorney-General · VICTORIA · LP

– Quite properly, the honorable senator felt that his question should be directed to the Minister for’ External Affairs. However, he has included in it a hypothetical proposition of a kind which, I should have thought, it was undesirable to raise. [ shall bring to the notice of the Minister for External Affairs the matter that the honorable senator has raised and ascertain whether it is possible for my colleague to furnish to the Senate a statement in relation to it.

page 87

QUESTION

FERTILIZERS

Senator SEWARD:
WESTERN AUSTRALIA

– Can the Minister representing the Treasurer say what financial assistance has been made avail? able by the Government to manufacturers of artificial fertilizers to help them to meet the costs involved in converting their plants from the use of sulphur to the roasting of pyrites ? Can he say, also, which companies have received assistance and to what extent?

Senator SPOONER:
LP

– The matter mentioned by the honorable senator is one of considerable importance to the Government. Extensive arrangements have been made by the Government to increase the production of fertilizers, but I am sorry to say that I have not the details in my recollection. However, if the honorable senator will put his question on the notice-paper I shall obtain the information for him.

page 87

QUESTION

IMMIGRATION

Senator CAMERON:
VICTORIA

– On the 29th December last, I received a deputation from members of the Italia Libera Association who informed me that the secretary of the Italo-Australia Club was to be deported without a charge having been preferred against him and without a trial. I asked that the allegations be reduced to writing and that was done. J forwarded the document to the Minister for Immigration on the 31st December but I have received no acknowledgment of the receipt of my letter, nor have I received any answer to the allegations. Will the Minister representing the Minister for Immigration direct his colleague’s attention to this matter so that I may receive the answer to which ! an: entitled?

Senator SPICER:
LP

– I shall direct the attention of the Minister for Immigration to the honorable senator’s question,.

Senator SANDFORD:
VICTORIA

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

Is it a fact that differential rates of charges are levied on migrants in migrant hostels, British migrants paying more than Italian and other European migrants?

Senator SPICER:

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

The information sought by the honorable senator was contained in a letter addressed to him on 27th November, 1952, by the Minister for Immigration. This letter stated that the tariffs charged in the norma] migrant hostels are the same irrespective of whether the residents are British or European migrants. However, to meet the special needs of the recently arrived unskilled European migrants for whom, temporarily, work was not available, austerity hostel accommodation and services were provided and for this standard a lower tariff was charged.

page 88

QUESTION

CORONATION OF HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH THE SECOND

Senator WEDGWOOD:

– As New Guinea and Papuan native troops will be represented at the Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, will the Minister representing the Prime Minister reconsider the desirability of the Australian aborigines also being represented on that occasion?

Senator O’SULLIVAN:
LP

– I shall have pleasure in bringing the subject-matter of the honorable senator’s question to the notice of the Prime Minister.

page 88

QUESTION

SHIPPING

Senator ASHLEY:

– Will the Minister for Shipping and Transport inform the Senate whether, since the Government has failed to sell the Commonwealthowned ships, he has issued instructions limiting the amount of expenditure on painting and general maintenance of the vessels, which are tied up and deteriorating?

Senator McLEAY:
LP

– Whoever informed Senator Ashley before was wrong, and whoever informed him recently was wrong also.

page 88

QUESTION

EMPLOYMENT

Senator MORROW:

– Is the Minister for Trade and Customs aware that, due mainly to the lack of markets for Australian goods, many of our warehouses are full of merchandise and the army of unemployed in this country is increasing at an alarming rate? Is he also aware that China is crying out for many commodities such as engineering goods,, industrial machinery and factory plant of all kinds ; building equipment, such as cranes, elevators, and concrete mixers; earthmoving equipment, such as excavators and bulldozers; ships; marine engines; trucks and motor cars; raw materials, such as iron, &c. ; agricultural machinery, such as tractors, ploughs, &c. ; live-stock ; grass seed; fertilizer; textiles; and radio and electrical equipment, for which we have little sale? Will the Minister, in order to relieve the hardships and sufferings of unemployed workers by enabling them to return to industry, commence negotiations with the Chinese Government with a view to trading with that Government and issuing export licences to manufacturers who have goods to sell ?

Senator O’SULLIVAN:
LP

– I am afraid that’ the opening remarks of the honorable senator were not calculated to do any good. If he continues to harp on the subject of unemployment he will probably do a considerable amount to bring about an undesirable state of affairs. The honorable senator may have seen reported recently the result of an American survey in which it was pointed out that the Australian economy was never in such a sound and prosperous condition as it is at the present time. That condition has been brought about by wise administration, the co-operation of the people of Australia, and the imposition of some very unpleasant but necessary restrictions. However, they have arrested the inflationary spiral, consolidated the economy, and assured permanent and profitable employment for our people. . As far as trade with China is concerned the Australian Government and the Government of the United States of America acknowledge the Chinese Government with its head-quarters in Formosa. So far as the other de facto government is concerned, I am quite sure that the Australian Government and the Australian people would much prefer to trade with China than to fight against China, but unfortunately there is unmistakable evidence of very violent Chinese aggression on a large scale in Korea. If that unfortunate state of affairs were cleaned up and that part of the world restored to a state of peace and understanding I am quite sure that it would add to the happiness of all concerned.

Senator ASHLEY:

– I desire to direct a question to the Minister for Trade and Customs concerning unemployment. 1 have not seen the American survey that the Minister mentioned in answer to Senator Morrow’s question, but I have seen a report which the ‘Commonwealth Statistician issued last November. That report indicated that there were 115,000 fewer persons in private employment in

Australia then than there were twelve months ago. During the three years preceding 1951 there was an average increase of 85,000 persons in private employment in this country.

The DEPUTY PRESIDENT. - Order ! The honorable senator muss ask his question.

Senator ASHLEY:

– I am asking the Minister how he reconciles the figures supplied hy the Commonwealth Statistician with his recent statement regarding the number of unemployed in Australia. It would appear that the position has worsened by about 200,000 a year.

Senator O’SULLIVAN:

– I strongly advise the honorable senator not to study statistics. He obviously becomes frightfully confused by them. Of course, figures are confusing. I again recommend the honorable senator to read the American survey and leave figures alone.

Senator SANDFORD:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Labour and National Service, upon notice -

  1. Is it a fact that a number of Commonwealth employees, engaged on construction and maintenance work at Royal Australian Air Force establishments and migrant hostels, are being dismissed because of lack of finance?
  2. Is it a fact that a special allocation of finance has been made to employ Italian migrants on the work which would normally be carried out by the dismissed personnel?
Senator SPICER:
LP

– The Minister for Labour and National Service has supplied the following answers : -

  1. I understand that there have been retrenchments among civilian employees engaged on construction and maintenance work at Royal Australian Air Force establishments, but I am not aware of any such in relation to migrant hostels.
  2. No. While certain funds have been made available to provide for a limited period, useful work of a temporary character at Service and other ‘‘Commonwealth Government establishments for migrants whom it has not been possible temporarily to place in normal employment, this temporary employment is quite different from the work from which Australians may have been discharged.
Senator BENN:
through Senator Courtice

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Labour and National Service, upon notice -

How many persons were registered as unemployed in the Brisbane metropolitan area on the” 26th September, 1952?

Senator SPICER:

– The Minister for Labour and National Service has supplied the following answer : -

At the 27th September, 1952, 1,650 males and 400 females were recorded at Brisbane metropolitan employment offices as unemployed and were in receipt of unemployment benefit.

Senator BENN (through Senator Courtice) asked the Minister representing the Minister for Labour and National Service, upon notice -

Has the Government under consideration a relief works programme which will lead to the absorption of the thousands of seasonal workers, such as meat, pastoral and sugar industry workers in Queensland, who are confronted with several months unemployment in the first part of 1 953 ?

Senator SPICER:

– The Minister for Labour and National Service has now supplied the following answer: -

The problem of absorbing seasonal workers in employment during the slack in Queensland is no new one. The honorable senator will know that in no post-war year have the numbers unemployed during the slack approached anything like the numbers who were regularly unemployed in pre-war years. Nor will this year be an exception.

The Commonwealth’s works programme in Queensland is small by comparison with that of the State and its’ semi-governmental and local authorities. As matters stand, it is the State and its instrumentalities which must be looked to to provide employment opportunities in the public investment field. The Commonwealth will, however, watch the position closely.

page 89

QUESTION

TRACTORS

Senator CAMERON:

asked the Minister for Trade and Customs the following questions, upon notice: -

  1. Has the Government’s attention been directed to a report appearing in the Melbourne Ayc of 1st November, 1952, to the effect that tractor production at International Harvester Company’s Geelong works, Victoria, has been closed down, which closing down is expected to affect 450 employees?
  2. Is it a fact that such works have been closed down mainly as the result of an accumulation in Australia of large stocks of tractors which have been imported from other countries ?
  3. If such is a fact, as has been claimed to be the case by Mr. W. W. Killough, managing director of International Harvesters, will the Government take into consideration the advisability of refusing to grant any further import licences to importers for the purpose of importing additional tractors from other countries?
Senator O’SULLIVAN:
LP

– The following are the answers to the honorable senator’s questions: -

  1. Yea. However, I am informed that production of tractors at the International Harvester Company’s Geelong works will commence again in April this year.
  2. I understand that the accumulation of imported stocks was one of the factors which influenced the decision to temporarily cease production of tractors at the company’s works.
  3. The Customs (Import Licensing) Regulations were introduced solely for the purpose of conserving overseas exchange. The regulations are not intended as measures to protect local industries and it would be most undesirable if they were used for that purpose. The Customs Tariff and Bounties are the appropriate media for according protection to industries. A public inquiry on tractors was recently held by the Tariff Board following representations by manufacturers and the Board submitted a report which has been considered by thu Government. It will be tabled in Parliament during the present sitting and appropriate action recommended thereon will be taken.

Since the foregoing answer was prepared, honorable senators may have noticed a press statement in which it was indicated that substantial increases, which would be effective as from the 24th October last, were being granted under the Tractor Bounty Act. Details of those increases will be tabled in the Senate in due course.

page 90

QUESTION

PEARLING

Senator KENDALL:
QUEENSLAND

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

  1. Has the Minister’s attention been drawn to a. report in the Brisbane Courier-Mail of 28th October, 1052, which states that “ investigation by the Navy shows that Japanese shell poachers who raided Maron Island fishing ground in October did not come within the 3-milc limit”?
  2. Is it a fact that the reef on which the Japanese were fishing does not extend more than 1 mile from the island?
  3. Is it a fact that the plantation manager submitted a first-hand report in which he states that sixteen witnesses can be called to prove that the Japanese were within 880 yards of the beach?
  4. In view of the fact that there had been a previous raid in 1951, when the Japanese were caught and fined, what precautions were taken to guard against a recurrence, and will better precautions be taken in future?
  5. Is the report in the Brisbane Courier-Mail based on any official statement by himself or his department; if so, on what evidence is such report based?
Senator SPOONER:
LP

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

  1. I have read the report to which the honorable senator refers.
  2. Maron Island is a member of the Hermit Group which is an atoll containing three entrances. According to official reports the nearest reef and islets on which dories from the Japanese vessel were alleged to be fishing for trochus are situated some 24 to 9 miles from Maron Island.
  3. No report from a plantation manager was received- in my department other than the copy 1 received from you. This stated that the Japanese were within 880 yards of the island, but made no specific reference to the numbers of witnesses of the incidents.
  4. A seward defence motor launch is based on Manus Island to undertake patrols of New Guinea waters. Unfortunately this vessel had only recently returned from an extended patrol and was undergoing refit and was not available at the time to proceed to Maron. An additional vessel of this type will leave for Manns early in the New Year to assist in these patrols.
  5. The statement in the Courier-Mail was not an official release.

page 90

QUESTION

GOLD

Senator SEWARD:

asked the Minister for National Development, upon notice -

  1. What quantity of premium gold has been sold since the practice originated in Australia, and at what price?
  2. If such information is not in his possession, will he obtain it and make it public for the benefit of gold producers, as well as for financial interests generally?
Senator SPOONER:
LP

– The answer to the honorable senators questions is as follows : -

Up to the end of October, 1952, a quantity of 958,015 fine ounces of gold has been exported to overseas premium markets. Expressed in Australian currency, the average price in respect of sales up to the end of July, 1952, wa-s approximately £16 13s. per fine ounce.

page 90

QUESTION

COAL

Senator MORROW:

asked the Minister for National Development, upon notice -

  1. Is it a fact that the Joint Coal Board’s report to the Government describes a state of over-production of steaming and coking coal as serious and becoming more serious every week ?
  2. Is it a fact that the estimate for coal required for 1953 was stated as 18,000,000 tons, and the Coal Requirements Committee now assesses the figure at 15,000,000 tons, with a possibility of an even lower figure?
  3. Is it a fact that, of the target production for last year of 4,000,000 tons for open-cut coal, it is now estimated that not even 2,000,000 tons will be required, and that it is recommended that some open-cuts be closed, which could result in contracts being cancelled and millions of pounds worth of machinery being laid idle?
  4. Is it a fact that open-cut coal now costs more to produce than underground coal?
  5. Is it a fact that the Joint Coal Board guaranteed that no individual man would be displaced in the industry for at least ten years, and that the Board’s recommendations will inevitably mean the dismissal of hundreds of men?
  6. Is it a fact that the Joint Coal Board admits that an undertaking was given to market coal produced by mines in the Newcastle district and now these mines have been told that they must find their own markets, which may result in the closure of some of these mines?
  7. Is it a fact that the Board recommends the dumping of 1,000,000 tons of coal, and that there is approximately that quantity already in dumps?
Senator SPOONER:
LP

-The answers to the honorable senator’s questions are as follows : - 1, 2 and 3. It is a fact that in September last the Joint Coal Board reported to both the Commonwealth Government and the Government of New South Wales on the then coal situation. That report is still under consideration by both governments. Meantime, in order to minimize unemployment in the coal mining industry, the Commonwealth agreed to provide finance to enable the Joint Coal Board to stockpile coal to a limit of 1,500,000 tons. At the same time the Commonwealth agreed -

  1. to forego interest on idle open-cut plant;
  2. to meet the cost of compensating open-cut contractors where necessary; and
  3. to authorize the Joint Coal Board to sell coal on credit to major consumers in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.

    1. The cost of production at any time depends upon the physical characteristics and methods of working at that mine. Some of the open-cut coal costs more to produce than underground coal and vice versa.
    2. No such guarantee has ever been given.
    3. No such undertaking has ever been given.
    4. The quantity of coal at present in dumps in New South Wales is approximately as follows: - Northern District, 810,000tons, Western District, 350,000 tons; total, 1,160,000 tons. Only a very small proportion of this dumped coal is owned by private companies.

page 91

QUESTION

ASIAN STUDENTS

Senator SPICER:
LP

– On the 28th October, 1952, Senator Armstrong asked the Minister representing the Minister acting for the Minister for External Affairs the following questions : -

  1. How many Asian students have studied in Australia since the beginning of 1950?
  2. How many . Australian students have studied in Asian countries since 1950?
  3. How many scholarships have been made available to Asian students by the Australian Government since 1950?
  4. How many scholarships have been made available to Australian students by the Australian Government to pursue their studies in Asian countries since 1950?

The following answers are now supplied : -

  1. The Department of Immigration advises that at the 30th June, 1952, there were 1,994 students from various Asian countries and 313 students from Pacific countries studying in Australia, making a total of 2,307 students. An additional number of students from these countries would have completed their studies and left Australia between January,1950, and June, 1952. No figures are available to show the number who left during that period and the Department of Immigration states that to secure this information would entail a great deal of research work involving the examination of many thousands of individual files.
  2. This information is not available.
  3. Three hundred and forty-one.
  4. As far as can be ascertained no Australian recipients of Government scholarships have employed them for study in Asia since 1950.

page 91

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Motion (by Senator McKenna) - by leave - agreed to -

That leave of absence for two months be granted to Senator Ryan and Senator Devlin on account of ill health.

page 91

PATENTS, TRADE MARKS, DESIGNS AND COPYRIGHT BILL 1953

Motion (by Senator Spicer) - by leave - agreed to -

That leave be given to bring in a bill for an act to amend the Patents, Trade Marks, Designs and Copyright (War Powers) Act 1939-1940.

Bill presented, and read a first time.

Motion (by Senator Spicer) put -

That so much of the Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent the bill being passed through its remaining stages without delay.

The DEPUTY PRESIDENT (Senator George Rankin). - There being an absolute majority of the whole number of senators present, and no dissentient voice. I declare, the question resolved in the affirmative.

Second Reading

Senator SPICER:
AttorneyGeneral · Victoria · LP

– I move -

That the bill be now read a second time.

This bill amends the Patents, Trade Marks, Designs and Copyright (War Powers) Act 1939-1946. Although that act was designed to deal primarily with problems occasioned by the war, neither it nor this bill depends for its validity in any way upon the defence power. They are an exercise by this Parliament of the power vested in it to make laws in respect of industrial property. The principal act, in addition to- those provisions rendered necessary by the war, has one section which has no relation to the existence of a state of war and properly belongs to permanent industrial property legislation. This is section 15, which makes effective existing international arrangements concerning patents, trade marks and designs. It was included in the act of 1939 pending the revision of the whole of our industrial property legislation. That revision is at present proceeding, and as honorable senators may recall, has in part been completed.

Last year we passed a comprehensive Patents Act which incorporates provisions corresponding to section 15. However, that act cannot be brought into operation for some time, and the revision of the law relating to trade marks and designs has not yet been completed. Therefore, it will readily be seen that the continued operation of section 15 of the 1939 act is necessary. The period of operation of the principal act, however, is limited. Under section 17, it expires six months after the issue of a proclamation under the Trading with the Enemy Act that war no longer exists. This proclamation was published in the Commonwealth Gazette of the 2nd October, 1952, and consequently the Patents, Trade Marks, Designs and Copyright (War Powers) Act will expire at midnight on the 1st April, 1953.

I shall state briefly the purposes of the present bill. In the first place, it extends the operation of the provisions of section 15 from the 2nd April, 1953, until a date to be fixed by proclamation. In the second place, it amends section 15 by altering certain references in that section to United Kingdom legislation. This amendment is rendered necessary because some of the acts to which the existing section refers have been superseded, since the 1st January, 1950, by new legislation in the United Kingdom. Consequently retrospective operation has been given to the amendment. Thirdly, the bill continues the operation of section 9, it being one of the temporary provisions of the act. It is a section which confers on specified authorities, where by reason of circumstances arising from the existence of a state of war it appears necessary or expedient so to do, the power to extend the time fixed by or under the Patents Act, the Trade Marks Act, the Designs Act, or the Copyright Act for the doing of any act. Owing to circumstances directly attributable to the war many acts required to be performed administratively and to a lesser extent by applicants under the industrial property legislation within a prescribed time are incapable of performance within that time. It becomes necessary therefore to confer on the appropriate authorities power to extend times in proper cases.

The existing act contains no provision for protecting people prejudicially affected by the exercise of the power given under section 9. Clause 5 of the bill effects an amendment which will enable provision to be made by regulation for the protection of persons who may be prejudicially affected by the exercise of this power. As the occasions for the exercise of the power given by section 9 will progressively diminish and the provisions of section 15 will ultimately be incorporated in permanent industrial property legislation, clause 8 of the bill makes provision to enable the operation of the act to be terminated by proclamation. I commend the bill to the senate.

Debate (on motion by Senator McKenna) adjourned.

page 93

APPLE ANDPEAR ORGANIZATION BILL 1953

Motion (by Senator McLeay) - by leave - agreed to.

That leave be given tobringinabillfor an act to amend the Apple and Pear Organization Act 1938-48.

Bill presented, and read a first time.

Motion (by Senator McLeay) put -

That so much of the Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent the bill being passed through its remaining stages without delay.

The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT (SenatorReid).- There being an absolute majority of the whole number of senators present, and no dissentient voice, I declare the question resolved in the affirmative.

Second Reading

Senator McLEAY:
Minister for Shipping and Transport · South Australia · LP

– I move -

That the bill be now read a second time.

The main purpose of this bill is to amend the procedure for determining the terms and conditions of employment of the staff of the Australian Apple and Pear Board. The Apple and Pear Organization Act provides that the salaries and conditions of employment of persons employed by the board shall be as prescribed by regulation. This provision makes it necessary to go through the procedure of promulgating regulations to cover all variations of salaries and allowances, and any proposed variations, such as cost of living adjustments, cannot operate until the necessary regulations are promulgated.

Under the existing act, regulations prescribing rates of remuneration and conditions of employment of staff can validly have retrospective effect only when such rates are increased or the conditions bettered. If, at some future time, it should become necessary to make variations to cover a downward movement in salaries and allowances, some method of adjustment other than by regulation would appear necessary. Furthermore, superannuation adjustments cannot be effected until the necessary regulations have been promulgated.

Some statutory authorities which have been constituted under acts passed since 1945 operate under arrangements whereby the terms and conditions of employment of their staffs are determined by the respective authorities, subject to approval by the Public Service Board. No regulations are required. By this means variations may be made effective without delay and this arrangement has operated satisfactorily. The amendment to the act now proposed is in accordance with the policy adopted by this and previous governments, that variations in salaries and terms of employment of employees of statutory authorities should be approved by the Public Service Board.

The principal act provides that salaries, fees and expenses payable to members of the Australian Apple and Pear Board and the terms and conditions applicable to overseas representatives shall be prescribed by regulation. An opportunity has been taken in the present bill to dispense with the necessity for promulgating regulations to cover all variations in fees, salaries and allowances payable to board members or overseas representatives. All other proposed amendments contained in this bill are designed to bring the principal act up to date and make its provisions uniform with more recent legislation. It is the Government’s policy to have the provisions of Commonwealth marketing legislation uniform to the fullest extent possible. The amendments do not alter the substance of the provisions of the principal act. I commend the bill to the consideration of honorable senators.

Debate (on motion by Senator McKenna) adjourned.

page 93

CANNED FRUITS EXPORT CONTROL BILL 1953

Motion (by Senator McLeay) - by leave - agreed to -

That leave be given to bring in a bill for an act to amend the Canned Fruits Export Control Act 1926-1952.

Bill presented, and read a first time. Motion (by Senator McLeay) put - That so much of the Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent the bill being passed through it remaining stages without delay.

The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT (Senator Reid). - There being an absolute majority of the whole number of senators present, and no dissentient voice, I declare the question resolved in the affirmative.

Second Reading

Senator McLEAY:
Minister for Shipping and Transport · South Australia · LP

, - I move -

That the hill be now read a second time.

The main purpose of this bill is to amend the procedure for determining the terms and conditions of employment of the staff of the Australian Canned Fruits Board. The Canned Fruits Export Control Act provides that the salaries and conditions of employment of persons employed by the board shall be as prescribed by regulation. As that provision makes it necessary to apply the machinery of promulgating regulations to cover all variations of salaries and allowances, any proposed variations, such as cost of living adjustments, cannot operate until the necessary regulations are promulgated. Under the existing act, regulations prescribing rates of remuneration and conditions of employment of staff can validly have retrospective effect only when such rates are increased or the conditions are bettered. If, at some future time, it should become necessary to make variations to cover a downward movement in salaries and allowances, some method of adjustment other than by regulation would appear to he necessary. Furthermore, superannuation adjustments cannot be effected until the necessary regulations have been promulgated. Some statutory authorities which have been constituted under acts passed since 1945, operate under arrangements whereby the terms and conditions of employment of their staffs are determined by the respective authorities, subject to approval by the Public Service Board. No regulations are required. By this means variations may be made effective without delay and this arrangement has operated satisfactorily. The amendment now proposed is in accordance with the policy adopted by this and previous Governments that variations in salaries and terms of employment of employees of statutory authorities should be approved by the Public Service Board.

The principal act provides that fees and expenses payable to members of the Australian Canned Fruits Board shall be prescribed by regulation. An opportunity has been taken in this bill to dispense with the necessity of promulgating regulations to cover all variations in fees and allowances payable to board members. The bill includes a provision that members of the board who may be members of the Commonwealth Parliament, or of a State Parliament, shall be paid only reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in respect of services rendered on behalf of the board. This provision is already .included in a number of other marketing acts. All of the other proposed amendments in this bill are designed to bring the principal act up to date and make its provisions uniform with more recent legislation. It is the Government’s policy that provisions of Commonwealth marketing legislation shall, as far as possible, be uniform. The amendments do not alter the substance of the provisions of the principal act.

Debate (on motion by Senator McKenna) adjourned.

page 94

DRIED FRUITS EXPORT CONTROL BILL 1953

Motion (by Senator McLeat) - by leave - agreed to -

That leave be given to bring in a bill for an act to amend the Dried Fruits Export Control Act 1924-1952.

Bill presented, and read a first time.

Motion (by Senator McLeay) put -

That so much of the Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent the bill being passed through its remaining stages without delay.

The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT (Senator Reid’ - There being an absolute majority of the whole number of senators present, and no dissentient voice, I declare the question resolved in the affirmative.

Second Reading

Senator McLEAY (South Australia -

Minister for Shipping and Transport) [12.5].- -I move-

That the bill be now read a second time.

The main purpose of this bill is to amend the procedure for determining the terms and conditions of employment of the staff of the Dried Fruits Control Board. The Dried Fruits Export Control Act provides that the salaries and conditions of employment of persons employed by the board shall be as prescribed by regulation. As that provision makes it necessary to apply the machinery of promulgating regulations to cover all variations of salaries and allowances, any proposed variations, such as cost-of-living adjustments, cannot operate until the necessary regulations are promulgated. Under the existing act, regulations prescribing rates of remuneration and conditions of employment of staff can validly have retrospective effect only when such rates are increased or the conditions are bettered. If, at some future time, it should become necessary to make variations to cover a downward movement in salaries and allowances, some method of adjustment other than by regulation would appear to be necessary. Furthermore, superannuation adjustments cannot be effected until the necessary regulations have been promulgated. Some statutory authorities which have been constituted under acts passed since 1945 operate under arrangements whereby the terms and conditions of employment of their staffs are determined by the respective authorities, subject to approval by the Public Service Board. No regulations are required. By this means variations may be made effective without delay, and this arrangement has operated satisfactorily. The amendment to the act now proposed is in accordance with the policy adopted by this and previous Governments that variations in salaries and terms of employment of employees of statutory authorities should be approved by the Public Service Board.

The principal act provides that fees and expenses payable to members of the Dried Fruits Control Board shall be prescribed by regulation. An opportunity has been taken in this bill to dispense with the necessity for promulgating regulations to cover all variations in fees and allowances payable to board members. The bill includes a provision that members of the board who may be members of the Commonwealth Parliament, or of a State parliament, shall be paid only reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in respect of services rendered on behalf of the board. This provision is already included in a number of other marketing acts. All of the other proposed amendments in this bill are designed to bring the principal act up to date and make its provisions uniform with more recent legislation. It is the Government’s policy that the provisions of Commonwealth marketing legislation shall, as far as possible, be uniform. The amendments do not alter the substance of provisions of the principal act.

Debate (on motion by Senator McKenna) adjourned.

page 95

WINE OVERSEAS MARKETING BILL 1953

Motion (by Senator McLeay) - by leave - agreed to -

That leave be given to bring in a bill for an act to amend the Wine Overseas Marketing Act 1929-1945.

Bill presented, and read a first time.

Motion (by Senator McLeay) put -

That so much of the Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent the bill being passed through its remaining stages without delay.

The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT (SenatorReid).- There being an absolute majority of the whole number of senators present, and no dissentient voice, I declare the question resolved in the affirmative.

Second Reading

Senator McLEAY:
Minister for Shipping and Transport · South Australia · LP

.- I move-

That the bill be now read a second time.

The main purpose of this bill is to amend the procedure for determining the terms and conditions of employment of the staff of the Australian Wine Board. The Wine Overseas Marketing Act provides that the salaries and conditions of employment of persons employed by the board shall be as prescribed by regulation. This provision makes it necessary to go through the procedure of promulgating regulations to cover all variations of salaries and allowances and any proposed variations, such as cost-of-living adjustments, cannot operate until the necessary regulations are promulgated. Under the existing act, regulations prescribing rates of remuneration and conditions of employment of staff can validly have retrospective effect only when such rates are increased or the conditions bettered. If, at some future time, it should become necessary to make variations to cover a downward movement in salaries and allowances, some method of adjustment other than by regulation would appear necessary. Furthermore, superannuation adjustments cannot be effected until the necessary regulations have been promulgated.

Some statutory authorities which have been constituted under acts passed since 1945, operate under arrangements whereby the terms and conditions of employment of their staffs are determined by the respective authorities, subject to approval by the Public Service Board. No regulations are required. By this means variations may be made effective without delay and this arrangement has operated satisfactorily. The amendment of the act now proposed is in accordance with the policy adopted by this and previous governments, that variations in salaries and terms of employment of employees of statutory authorities should be approved by the Public Service Board.

The principal act provides that fees and expenses payable to members of the Australian Wine Board and the terms and conditions applicable to overseas representatives shall be prescribed by regulation. An opportunity has been taken in the present bill to dispense with the necessity for promulgating regulations to cover all variations in fees and allowances payable to board members or overseas representatives.

All other proposed amendments contained in this bill are designed to bring the principal act up to date and make its provisions uniform with more recent legislation. It is the Government’s policy to have the provisions of Commonwealth marketing legislation uniform to the fullest extent possible. The amendments do not alter the substance of the provisions of the principal act. I commend the bill to the consideration of honorable senators.

Debate (on motion by Senator McKenna) adjourned.

page 96

SEAMEN’S COMPENSATION BILL 1953

Motion (by Senator McLeay) - by leave - agreed to -

That leave be given to bring in a bill for an act to amend the Seamen’s Compensation Act 1911-1949 and for other purposes.

Bill presented, and read a first time.

Motion (by Senator McLeay) put -

That so much of the Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent the bill being passed through its remaining stages without delay.

The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT (Senator Reid). - There being an absolute majority of the whole number of senators present, and no dissentient voice, I declare the question resolved in the affirmative.

Second Reading

Senator McLEAY:
Minister for Shipping and Transport · South Australia · LP

.- I move-

That the bill be now read a second time.

During the last parliamentary session of 1951 the Commonwealth Employees’ Compensation Act was amended. That act, as its title indicates, covers employees of the Commonwealth Government. Other workers are dealt with, for compensation purposes, by the various State workmen’s compensation acts or territory ordinances, but seamen engaged in interstate trade and commerce are outside the scope of the workmen’s compensation laws of the various States. To cover these workers, the Commonwealth passed the Seamen’s Compensation Act in 1911. It was amended in 1938, 1947 and again in 1949, and it is the view of the Government that it should be amended from time to time to ensure that it is not inferior to other similar laws.

Since the act was amended in 1949, all States have increased the monetary benefits under their acts, and as I have stated, the Commonwealth Employees’ Compensation Act was amended in 1951 to introduce the improvements made by the State laws. In accordance with past practice it has been decided to bring this act into line with the Commonwealth Employees’ Compensation Act. Honorable senators will, of course, appreciate that it is not possible to make the two acts identical in terms, but by the bill now introduced, the benefits available to seamen and their dependants will be brought to the same scale as those provided in the Commonwealth Employees’ Compensation Act. In matters of administration and of detail there is necessarily some difference between the two acts which must be provided for, and some drafting improvements have also been made.

I shall set out briefly the more important changes that are contemplated, and which follow the Commonwealth Employees’ Compensation Act. The amount at present payable on death of a seaman, namely £1,000, will be increased to £1,500, and the additional provision for each dependent child will he increased from £50 to £75. For incapacity, the existing provision of £4 a week will be increased to £6 a week.

In respect of minors, the increase is to be from £3 a. week to £4 10s. a week. The provision for a wife or female dependant will be increased from £1 5s. a week to £1 15s. a week, and that for each independent child under the age of sixteen years, from 10s. a week to 15s. a week. A requirement of the present act is dependency at the date of the injury, and there is a further qualification that the person shall remain so dependent. The bill provides in respect of a wife or child of a totally incapacitated seaman that the allowances shall be extended to a wife who becomes dependent upon the seaman after the date of his injury, provided that she was married to him when he was injured, and to any dependent child who is born after that date, provided that the child is not of a marriage contracted after the date of his injury.

The present maximum of £1,250 for certain specified injuries, such as loss of sight or both limbs, will be raised to £1,750, with proportionate increases of other amounts shown in the Third Schedule to the act. The maximum sum to which weekly payments of compensa- tion may accrue will be increased from £1,250 to £1,750. The act already provides for unlimited liability in a case of total and permanent incapacity.

The maximum payment under the act for funeral expenses is £25, which is payable only where there are no dependants of the deceased seaman. Tha bill increases that amount to £50 and provides for payment regardless of whether or not there are dependants. The maximum amount payable in respect of medical expenses is to be raised from £100 to £150, and the Minister will retain his power to increase this amount in special cases. The act provides foi compensation in the event of injury sustained by a seaman while travelling to or from his place of employment, and also when travelling to a mercantile marino office. Following on the lines of the Commonwealth Employees’ Compensation Act, the bill will restrict the compensation cover to journeys incidental to the employment itself by providing that the travel be to or from his employment, and when to or from a mercantile marine office be for reasons connected with his employment. The act protects the right of a seaman or his dependants where there is legal liability of a stranger for damages in respect of the accident. If the seaman receives both compensation under the act and damages from a stranger, the compensation, up to the amount of the damages, has to be repaid to the employer. The bill provides that the amount recoverable by the employer shall include the medical and hospital expenses paid by the employer.

A further proposal, that is peculiar to the Seamen’s Compensation Act, relates to the amount that may be added to the weekly payments of compensation on account of the value of board and lodging in respect of a seaman. The act provides for an amount within the limit of 30s. a week. This limit is to be increased to 45s. a week.

Apart from the last-mentioned amendment, it can be accepted, as I have already mentioned, that the present bill will merely have the effect of bringing the provisions of the Seamen’s Compensation Act into line with those of the Commonwealth

Employees’ Compensation Act, which was amended in 1951, so that the resultant amounts under that act will be generally comparable with State benefits.

Debate (on motion by Senator McKenna) adjourned.

page 98

SPECIAL ADJOURNMENT

Motion (by Senator McLeay) agreed to -

That the Senate, at its rising, adjourn to Wednesday next, at 3 p.m.

page 98

PAPERS

The following papers were pre sented : -

Apple and Pear Export Charges Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules. 1952, No. 103.

Audit Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1953, No. 3.

Canned Fruits Export Charges Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1953, No. 9.

Commonwealth Bank Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1952, No. 112.

Commonwealth Grants Commission Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1953, No. 8.

Cotton Bounty Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1953, No. 5.

Customs Act- Regulations - Statutory Rules 1952, Nos. 96, 114. 1953, No. 10.

Customs Act and Commerce (Trade Descriptions) Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1952, Nos. 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111.

Defence (Transitional Provisions) Act -

National Security (Industrial Property) Regulations - Orders - Inventions and designs (16).

Regulations - Statutory Rules 1952, Nos. 113, 116.

Distillation Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1952, No. 98.

Dried Fruits Export Control Act- Regulations - Statutory Rules 1952, No. 99.

Elections, 1951 - Statistical Returns showing the voting within each Subdivision in relation to the Senate Election and the General Elections for the House of Representatives, 1951, viz.: -

New South Wales.

Queensland.

South Australia.

Tasmania.

Victoria.

Western Australia.

Excise Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1952, No. 97.

High Commissioner Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1952, No. 95.

Income Tax and Social Services Contribution Assessment Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1952, No. 102.

Interim Forces Benefits Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1953, No. 7.

Judiciary Act - Rule of Court, dated 16th December, 1952 (Statutory Rules 1953, No. 1).

Lands Acquisition Act -

Land acquired for -

Defence purposes -

Amberley, Queensland.

Bathurst, New South Wales.

East Sale, Victoria.

Garbutt (Townsville), Queensland.

Port Prime, South Australia.

Sale, Victoria.

Department of Supply purposes -

Newport, Victoria.

Department of Works purposes -

Hawthorn, Victoria.

Postal purposes -

Barham, New South Wales.

Blayney, New South Wales.

Colinroobie, New South Wales.

Dorrigo, New South Wales.

Glen Innes, New South Wales.

Hay, New South Wales.

Huonville, Tasmania.

Launceston South, Tasmania.

Lossie, South Australia.

Loxton North, South Australia.

Maaoope, South Australia.

Markwood, Victoria.

Melrose, South Australia.

Montacute, South Australia.

Mount Schank West, South Australia.

Myrtleford, Victoria.

Quialigo, New South Wales.

Rand, New South Wales.

Wandsworth, New South Wales.

Railway purposes - Hawker, South Australia.

War Service Homes Division purposes - Moorabbin, Victoria.

Land disposed of under Section 63 - Returns (4) showing manner of disposal.

National Health Service Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1952, No. 100.

Nauru - Ordinances - 1952 -

No. 5 - Criminal Code Amendment.

No. 6 - Aerodrome (Acquisition of Land).

Navigation Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1952, No. 115.

Northern Territory (Administration) Act - Ordinances - 1952 -

No. 30 - Licensing (No. 2).

No. 31 - Justices.

No. 32 - Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

No. 33 - Fisheries.

No. 34 - Supply of Services.

No. 35 - BankHolidays.

No. 36 - Lottery and Gaming.

No. 37 - Water and Electricity Restrictions.

No. 38 - Church Lands Leases.

No. 39 - Crown Lands (No. 3).

No. 40 - Apprentices.

No. 41 - Interpretation (No. 2).

Regulations - 1 952 -

No.6 (Lottery and Gaming Ordinance).

No. 7 (Apprentices Ordinance).

Papua and New Guinea Act - Ordinances - 1952-

No. 59 - Suppression of Hansen’s Disease.

No. 60- Sago (Papua).

No. 61 - Pure Food.

No. 62 - Town Planning.

No. 63 - Ordinances Interpretation.

No. 64- Medical.

No. 65 - Pharmacy.

No. 66- Cotton.

No. 67 - Evidence Act (Commonwealth) Application.

No. 68 - Police Offences (New Guinea).

No. 69 - Ordinances Revision (Administrative Districts and Towns) .

No. 70 - Papua and New Guinea Copra Marketing Board.

No. 71 - Administration Employees’ Compensation.

No: 72 - Firearms.

No. 73 - Arms, Liquor and Opium Prohibition (New Guinea).

No. 74 - Land (New Guinea).

No. 75 - Native Land Registration.

No. 76 - Arbitration (Public Service).

No. 77 - Native Apprenticeship.

No. 78 - Mines and Works Regulation (New Guinea).

Public Service Act-

Appointments - Department -

Attorney-General’s - J. N. P. Edson, B. J. M. D. Moffatt, J. J. Nugent, F. V. O’SuIlivan, C. J. K. Sarroff, R. W. Whitrod.

Civil Aviation - A. W.Burness, J. M. Caston, J. W. E.Huggett, W. B. Mason, A. Pirie, A. A. Rowlands.

Commerce and Agriculture - W. K. Marshall, R. T. M. Rose.

Defence Production - R. C. Foley, G. N. Goodman, R. C. Nicholls, A. Poynter.

External Affairs - R. H. Gardner, B. B. Hickey, J. R. Kelso, G. C. Lewis,

Health - J. J. Elphinstone, P. R. Joyce, C. R. McDonald.

National Development - S. D. Henderson.

Repatriation - A. Bardsley, J. B. Best, P. J.Bird,N.Brian,J.H.Chalmers, V. G. F. Clay, N. G. Elder, J. R. P. England, R. A. Grant,O.O. A. JdanPoushkin, M. H. Mellroy, K. J. Parker, N. M. Smith, C. C. Stackhouse, L. Travers, D. D. Watson.

Shipping and Transport - K. A. O’Keeffe.

Social Services - A. W. Daly, J. H. Thomas.

Supply - L. F. Bain, W. R. Blunden, F. J. H. Brattstrom, D. Clarke, K. J. Foulkes, F. A. Fox, H. W. F. Freer, K. A. Halsall, G. F. R. S. Hore, D. H. Irwin, A. F. W. Langford, R. C. Nicholls, K. J. Potter, D. H. Richardson, M. Rososinski,S. D. Smith, J. A. W. Strath, J. D. Stubbs, T. H. A. Trubshaw, R. P. Wicks, A. P. Wigman.

Trade and Customs - A. C. Jennings.

Works- W. E. Beck, J. F. Brotchie, J. A. Cameron, I. Campbell, J. G. Cheyne, S. G. Doiton, P. M. Drake-Brockman, J. R. Grace, K. G. Harding, R. I. Harding, R. A. G. Head, E. S. P. Higgin, J. G. King, R. G. Lack, K. McDowell, R. F. Martin, F. W. Statham, B. K. G. Swain, W. M. Thomson, F. D. Underwood, J. W. White, M. L. Williams, H. G. Woffenden, B. E. Wohlfahrt.

Regulations - Statutory Rules 1953, No. 2. Public Service Arbitration Act - Determinations by the Arbitrator, &c. -

1952-

No. 68 - Professional Officers’ Association, Commonwealth Public Service.

No. 71 - Australian Broadcasting Commission Staff Association.

No. 72 - Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen; and others.

No. 73 - Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen.

No. 74 - Sheet Metal Working Agricultural Implement and Stovemaking Industrial Union of Australia.

No. 75 - Amalgamated Engineering Union.

No. 76 - Australian Workers’ Union.

No. 77 - Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen.

No. 78 - Customs Officers’ Association of Australia (Fourth Division); and Commonwealth Public Service Clerical Association.

Nos. 79 and 80 - CommonwealthForemen’s Association.

No. 81 - Musicians’ Union of Australia.

No. 82 - Amalgamated Engineering Union; and others.

No. 83 - Amalgamated Printing Trades Employees’ Union of Australia.

No. 84 - Postal Telecommunication Technicians’ Association (Australia ) .

No. 85 - Australian Journalists’ Association.

No. 86 - Transport Workers’ Union of Australia.

No. 87- Postal Telecommunication Technicians’ Association (Australia).

No.88 - Commonwealth Public Service Artisans’ Association.

No. 89 - Commonwealth Telephone and Phonogram. Officers’ Association.

No. 90 - Australian Third Division Telegraphists and Postal Clerks’ Union.

No. 91 - Amalgamated Postal Workers’ Union.

No. 92 - Civil Aviation Employees’ Association of Australia.

1953-

No. 1- Amalgamated Postal Workers’ Union of Australia.

No. 2- Commonwealth PublicService Clerical Association.

No. 3 - Association of Railway Professional Officers of Australia.

No.4 - Professional Radio Employees’ Institute of Australasia.

No. 5 - Federated Public Service Assistants’ Association.

Quarantine Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1953, No. 4.

Repatriation Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules- 1952, No. 101 . 1953, No.6.

Seat of -Government Acceptance Act and Seat of Government (Administration) Act-

Ordinances -

1952-

No.10- Landlord and Tenant.

1953-

No. 1- Public Baths.

No. 2 - National Memorials.

Regulations -

1952-

No. 17 (Fish Protection Ordinance).

1953-

No. 1. (Motor Traffic Ordinance).

No. 2 (National Capital Development Ordinance).

Senate adjourned at 12.22 p.m.

Cite as: Australia, Senate, Debates, 19 February 1953, viewed 22 October 2017, <http://historichansard.net/senate/1953/19530219_senate_20_221/>.