NEW PARLIAMENT

Grey River Argus, 24 September 1943, Page 5

NEW PARLIAMENT

Opened at Canberra GOVERNMENT'S PROPOSALS, (Rec. 11.0.) CANBERRA, Sept. 23. The opening of the new Federal Parliament was performed to-day by the Governor-General, Lord Gowrte. The Prime Minister; Mr. J. Curtin, is suffering from influenza. He was unable to attend the opening of Parliament. A , 1 A hint that the people of Australia would have to face further hardships under the 1943-44 Budget, which is to be introduced shortly was given by the Governor-General in his speech. His Excellency forecast that with an improvement in the strategical position, the Government would deal with such problems as rural manpower. The time was now due to reconsider those classes of production which had been unduly depressed because of the earlier paramount urgency of other demands. It was essential, he said, that Australia should determine the precise limits and the nature of her military and civil contributions. The Government was confident of victory. It was preparing plans for the organisation and development of the resources of Australia in peace. Provision, he said, would be made for certain social services without which any scheme reconstruction would, oe in vain. The Government would continue to make adequate provision for the restoration to their rightful place in civil life of the fighting forces and also’ for -the re-establishment in postwar industry of those who had been, diverted to war activity. They would all receive full recompense of the nation. NEW SPEAKERS (Rec. 11.40) CANBERRA, Sept. 23. Mr J. S. Rosevear was to-day elected Speaker of the House of Representatives unopposed. fine Government’s nominee, Senator G. Brown was elected as President of the Senate without any opposition. ■! NEW OPPOSITION LEADER CANBERRA, Sept. 23. The New Federal Opposition Leader, Mr Menzies, said to-day: Whatever our position may be in the numerical sense, we propose . to fight for things in which we believe. We must be a thinking Opposition and a fighting Opposition. I have in mind far-reaching ideas in relation to reorganisation, but the first function of any Opposition is to rethink the whole of its political ideas. There is plenty of room outside of the Socialist philosophy for a vigorous liberal programme which will give proper protection .and security to the wage earner, side by side with a proper incentive to enterprise. I have been much encouraged by the spirit exhibited at the U.A.P. meeting. Old criticisms and differences have been put away. I am confident my team will play well.