NEW MINISTRY’S POLICY

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 9, 6 October 1941, Page 8

NEW MINISTRY’S POLICY

Carrying Out Promises MORE FOR PENSIONERS ’ AND SOLDIERS (By Telegraph.—Press Assu.--Copyright.) (Received October 5, 6.30 p.m.) CANBERRA. October 5. The statement that it was not Labour’s intention to tear Australia up by the roots in a day was made by the Prime Minister-designate, Mr. Curtin, in an interview. He added that there would be no dislocation. of administration and that any decisions would stand unless they were a cardinal affront to Labour’s policy. Australia’s Ministers abroad would not be changed and Sir Earle Page had been instructed to continue his journey to London so that there would be no delay should Cabinet ask- him to carrv on with his mission. Asked whether Sir Bertram Stevens would remain Australia’s representative in Delhi, Mr. Curtin said that all previous Government appointments, outside diplomatic ones, would be a question for consideration- by the new Cabinet. Will Carry Out Promises. Mr. Curtin stated that the new Government would carry out all the promises made by Labour at the election and after. The Canberra correspondent of the Sydney “Daily Telegraph” says the first moves by the new Government are likely to be an increase of a shilling a day in soldiers’ pay and an increase from 21/6 to 22/6 ill old age pensions. Labour’s economic reorganization may involve rationing of consumer goods to prevent uncontrolled spending. Other points of Labour policy on which early action is expected are:— Control of private banking and credit resources through the Commonwealth Bank and the appointment of a national credit advisory authority; control of monopolies; direction of investments and control of interest rates. Maximum development of air power and the formation of strong mechanized land forces for the defence of Australia; fullest provision for A.I.F. reinforcements. Rural Policy. Reconstruction of the Australian Wheat Board as part of rural policy to include immediate relief for primary producers against droughts, fires, floods and pests. Review of petrol rationing and the development of substitute fuel production. | . . , An advanced social service programme.