AUSTRALIA'S PROBLEMS
CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM
Constitutional reform.- is "now a turning question in . Canada, South Africa, and Australia. New Zealand, is not directly, concerned . with ■. the troubles arising irom the '-conflict between State and Federal rights, . but some consideration, of this , problem from, .the "Australian angle' may not be out of place. ... , . ' The most recent circular issued by the Bank of New South Wales deals with this debatable subject arid describes in detail the arguments both for and against certain changes,in the Australian Constitution, . . changes which have been seriously, suggested as cures for the disabilities.' from which—as the circular .freely 'recognises—certain sections of 'the Australian public, suffer* ~ •■ • ■;• .' ;' |
The counsel of the circular is, however, that Jocal and municipal government be developed,, and. that cooperation between. States and' CpmImbnwealth be increased. If advises, also, that the original intentions'< of the Constitution makers be Respected and that the Federal Government concern itself more with.. international affairs, leaving domestic problems to the States. The bank decides against the adoption of any such remedy as secession, new States, or its Opposite,' unification.. ' r
Government in'the United. States of America shows that-'riot even' the most carefully thought-out and. conservative Constitution can stand agains.t certain interpretations of the' laws.
The position in England, on the other handr shows, that if a: people has a deeply-ingrained love of. law. and order, of justice and fair play, good government, and a successful and contented people may be found in a country which has no written Constitution 'at all.' ■■ • ■ •••..,■.
Urging Australians to realise that a wise, tolerant,' broadminded and farseing attitude on the part of those who govern is even more important than-good laws, the. Bank of. New South Wales advocates an improvement in the style of government in accordance with the provisions of the constitution, rather than any change » &M "Constitution itself*
AUSTRALIA'S PROBLEMS
Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 91, 14 October 1935, Page 11
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