Australian Rural Factories Understaffed

Northern Advocate, 21 December 1942, Page 3

Australian Rural Factories Understaffed

(Rec. 12.45 p.m.) SYDNEY, Dec. 20

Some Australian munitions factories built in rural areas are stated to be having difficulty in securing the labour necessary for capacity production. The Attorney-General (Dr Evatt) is reported to have inspected a £2,000,000 Government munitions plant in which only 150 men were working although the plant is capable of employing many thousands.

Shortage of housing and other accommodation is the main problem and the whole question of factory location is to be investigated. More Coal Needed A record production of 12,250,000 tons would be achieved by the Australian coal mining industry this year, the Attorney-General (Dr Evatt) told a meeting of miners. This is 500,000 tons higher than in 1941. “But it is not enough,” declared Dd Evatt. Australia must have another 2,000,000 tons a year.

Absenteeism and unnecessary holdups in the coal industry had caused loss in output of more than 1,000.000 tons. Not only did this affect Australia’s internal war organisation but exaggerated reports circulated abroad damaged the country’s reputation and might possibly affect the passage of war supplies.

In response to Dr Evatt’s appeal, Australian miners have pledged themselves to break production records.