STATES’ ACTION IN AUSTRALIA

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25308, 7 October 1947, Page 7

STATES’ ACTION IN AUSTRALIA

NATIONALISATION OF BANKING

TALK OF EFFORTS TO FORCE ELECTIONS

SYT»IEY. October g. Political circles m Melbourne this week-end have been alive with talk of possible action by three States in addition to Victoria to enable their people to express their views on the nationalisation of banking.” says a special reporter of the “Sydney Morning Herald.’’

“Three courses of action that have been suggested as possible are: “CD A move in the Tasmanian Parliament to stop supply and force an election as is being done in Victoria“(2) That South Australia and Western Australia may hold a referendum on banking. “(3) That if a Liberal-Country Party Government is returned in Victoria it may combine with the Governments of South Australia and Western Australia to petition for secession from the Commonwealth on the banking and socialisation issues. “A secession plan, wild as it seems, has certainly been discussed 1a Liberal Party circles, though no leader has given the slightest indication that such a move could be regarded as practical polities,” adds the reporter. The Leader of the Opposition in Victoria (Mr A. McDonald) said he had heard the rumours. “If there is no Commonwealth referendum an banking, we will have to make up our minds on other action.” he said. “Desperate events demand desperate measures. The only alternative is for the States to do something that will give effect to the will of the people.” The reporter adds that Victoria is preparing hurriedly for a snap election, probably on November 15 or November 22.