COMMONWEALTH POWERS

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23804, 25 November 1942, Page 3

COMMONWEALTH POWERS

RELATION WITH STATES

ISSUES BEFORE CONVENTION (Special Correspondent N.Z.P.A.) (Rec. 11 p.m.) SYDNEY, Nov. 24. “The cause of true national strength and greatness demands the extension of the powers of Australia’s Federal Government,’’ declares Sir Keith Murdoch, writing in the “Melbourne Herald.” x . The most representative political gathering in the history of Australia is now meeting at Canberra to discuss such an extension. _ This is the Commonwealth Constitutional Convention. comprising 24 representatives of the Federal and State Parliaments. The delegates are considering proposals of the Attorney-General (Dr. H. V. Eyatt) to carry the war-time overriding powers of the Federal Government into the peace. . The convention is being asked to approve Federal powers to deal with matters affecting post-war Australia under three headings—matters of Commonwealth and national character, matters arising from international agreements and the end of the war peace treaty, and matters of postwar reconstruction. A referendum will be necessary before such powers can be put into effect. Most Australians are now in a mood to increase the powers of the Commonwealth. “They want to immobilise inter-State jealousy and obstinate parochialism, which have lost us so many opportunities for balanced development,” says the Sydney “Daily Telegraph.” There is, however, wide fear that Dr. Evatt’s proposals "imply a prospect of dictatorial rule threatening Australia’s democratic way of life.” Effect on State Governments As the proposals stand, some commentators feel that they may quite \vell have the jffect of abolishing state governments. The considerable opposition which such a prospect aroused may be greatly reduced as the convention progresses, since Mr Curtin and Dr. Evatt will indicate alterations which they are prepared to make in the bill which must profoundly affect the whole future of Australia. “We need great internal reconstruction, and progress in industry, housing, education and civil duties,” elaborates Sir Keith Murdoch. “We need planned marketing, planned production. and use of bank credits, and encouragement of national purpose and faith. We need 10,000,000 people in 10 years, and all-in improved living conditions.” Such a statement of the aims of Australian post-war reconstruction and development is generally accepted, but there is also considerable support for Sir Keith Murdoch’s further comment, that “to endow the Federal Government with every power is to hand the country over to the first dictator thrown up by the militant majority.” With their country’s future and the future of the entire southern Pacific as the tremendous issue involved, Australians are giving the closest attention to the proceedings of the constitutional convention. Wide hopes have been expressed that agreement among the representatives may be reached, since it is felt that a bitter controversy would seal the fate of a referendum. Prime Minister’s Statement Gigantic plans for post-war employment and construction which will be possible under an amended constitution, were outlined by Mi Curtin in opening the Constitutional Convention. They include the building of 250,000 homes, irrigation and soil conservation, the development of the air transport industry, and child welfare and health services. “The Commonwealth plans involve no real threat to legitimate private enterprise and initiative,” declared Mr Curtin, who added that with proper encouragement Australian industry and enterprise could be expanded enormously. “Up to the present private enterprise has not of itself succeeded in bridging the gap,” he said. “Above all, we must make a reality of the four freedoms—freedom of speech, religious freedom, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.”

POLL TAX BILL LAID ASIDE

U.S. SENATE ACTION (Rec. 11.30 p.m.) WASHINGTON. Nov. 23, The U.S. Senate buried the Poll Tax Abolition Bill (dealing with the negro franchise) when a closure motion was defeated to-day, A majority of Senators favoured the abolition of the poll tax as a requirement of voting in Federal elections, but a southern minority organised a filibuster extending over several days on the ground that the bill invaded state rights. Finally the Democratic leader (Senator A. Barkley) agreed that if a closure motion were defeated the Poll Tax Repeal Bill would be laid aside. Nazis Execute 15 Dutchmen.—-The Berlin radio has announced that 15 Dutchmen were executed at Arnhem for acts of sabotage against the army of occupation.—Rugby, November 23.