Curtin Analyses Fadden’s Strike Figures

Northern Advocate, 24 July 1943, Page 3

Curtin Analyses Fadden’s Strike Figures

(1.45 p.m.) CANBERRA. This Day. The Labour Government had not socialised Australia, and did not intend to do so “just because we are at war,” Mr Curtin declared. He made his “clear and, unqualified declaration of Government policy” when he commented on the. policy speech of the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Fadden).

Figures of the number of strikes and workers involved given by Mr Fadden as applying to the first quarter of 1943 were actually those of four and a-quarter years from January 1, 1939. to March 1, 1943, said Mr Curtin. Mr Fadden’s figures for working days lost were approximately correct. Figures for strikes during the first quarter of 1943, as given by Mr Fadden, and as compiled by the Government Statistician, were: Fadden: 2143 strikes, 856,000 persons involved, and 268,299 days lost. Statistician: 218 strikes. 97,501 persons involved. 275,593 days lost. Comparative Figures Comparative figures for industrial stoppages during the terms of office of Australia’s three wartime Governments were: Menzies Administration: 17,340 working days lost during its 120 weeks of office. Fadden Administration: 17,340 working days lost during six weeks of office. Curtin Administration: 10,610 working days lost during 77 weeks in office. “I regard strikes and stoppages in industry as an absolute aid to the enemy,” declared Mr Curtin. “Whatever their cause, the fact is that they are not confined to Australia, and they weaken the effort of the United Nations everywhere.”