NOW SPENT FORCE

Evening Post, Volume CXXXV, Issue 149, 25 June 1943, Page 6

NOW SPENT FORCE

AUSTRALIAN PARLIAMENT Rec. 1.45 p.m. CANBERRA, June 25. "This Parliament has exhausted its force for constructive legislation," said the Prime Minister, Mr. J. Curtin, when announcing his intention to seek a dissolution. "I think it must be palpable to everyone that the capacity of this Parliament to administer this country is an issue which must be submitted to a higher tribunal." Certain machinery measures necessary for the conduct of the war will be passed before the dissolution of Parliament. In responding, the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. A. W. Fadden, expressed agreement with the Prime Minister's statement. He said: "Parliament has given evidence of its inability to work in accordance with the present circumstances. The constitution of Parliament is such that the whole political position is grave." The Government has been beaten in the Senate on its proposal to extend the vote to all members or ex-members of the Australian forces under 21. By a majority of two votes, the Senate Opposition carried an amendment restricting the vote to members or discharged members of the forces who have served overseas. The Curtin Government ,is expected to accept the amendment and pass a Franchise Bill before Parliament dissolves.