EARLIEST RELAXING OF CONTROLS

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 281, 24 August 1944, Page 6

EARLIEST RELAXING OF CONTROLS

Reported Decision 1 In Canberra j REFERENDUM’S SEQUEL (By Telegraph.—Press assu.— Copyrtghui ’.(Special Australian Correspondent.) (Received August 23, 9.20 p.m.) SYDNEY, August 23. The Federal Government’s first reaction to the loss of the wider, powers referendum is that regimentation and controls must be relaxed as quickly as Australia's war emergencies permit. It has been stated on high Government authority that the future Government policy will be planned in this light. The loss of the referendum has been discussed by the Federal Cabinet, aud it is understood that the Ministers were less concerned with recriminations than with the lessons of the defeat. There is also expected to be a tightening of ministerial control over various wartime officers whose public statements could have been taken ns committing the Government to a. policy, which might be out of step with its desires. It is practically certain that the Federal Government will make a further attempt to obtain power to control postwar prices and certain other economic factors. The existing Federal powers under the National Security Act can be continued for only six months after the war. , Price control is regarded <is vital to the Government's stabilization policy. The Prime Minister. Mr. Curtin, it is believed, will make later informal approaches to the Leader of the Opposition. Mr. Menzies, and to . the State Premiers to seek new discussions on the problem. , „ According to a Sydney . Sun. public opinion poll, fears of socialization or industry and of industrial conscription were the main reasons for the defeat of the referendum.