'Political Jobbery,' Menzies Complains

Northern Advocate, 1 February 1947, Page 5

'Political Jobbery,' Menzies Complains

MR MC KELL AUSTRALIA'S GOVERNOR

(Received 10 a.m.) CANBERRA, This Day. AN official announcement from Buckingham Palace stated: “The King, on ■ the recommendation of His Majesty’s Government in Australia, has been graciously pleased to approve the appointment of the Honourable W. J. McKell as Governor General of the Commonwealth in succession to His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester.” The Prime Minister (Mr Chifiey) said:

“I congratulate Mr McKell on his appointment. "I feel completely confident that he will discharge the duties of his high office with ability and dignity. “Mr McKell’s appointment follows the precedent established in Australia and South Africa by which the distinguished public service of nativeborn citizens has been recognised.” ‘SHOCKING AND HUMILIATING’ “It is a shocking and humiliating appointment.' said the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Menzies). “It constitutes the most deplorable incident in the Government's growing record of political jobbery. “One is forced to the conclusion that it is expressly designed to lower the Governor-Generalship in significance and esteem, and so weaken our vital connection with Britain and with the British Crown. “As I indicated in Parliament on behalf of the Opposition, the objection which we take to the appointment of the Labour Premier of New South Wales is not based upon the view that Australians are automatically disqualified from Vice-Regal office*

MERE POLITICAL PLUM”

“On the contrary, we think that there are undoubtedly Australians ’of high attainments and repute well fitted to be His Majesty’s representatives in various parts of the British Empire. “But the appointment by his own party of an active party political leader to the office of Governor-Gen-eral converts the Governor-General-ship into a mere political plum.” No title is likely to be bestowed on Mr McKell.

The Government’s policy is to make recommendations for operational service only. Tiie date -of the swearing-in ceremony has not been fixed. Mr McKell is the second Australianborn Governor-General of Australia, the other being Sir Isaac Isaacs. FIVE YEARS’ TERM Mr McKell wil probably be appointed for five years—the customary term.

The Governor-General's salary is £IO,OOO a year, free of tax. The Estimates allowed an additional £16,200 for 1946-47 for the Governor General’s establishments. BLOW AT UNITY The Premier of Victorian (Mr Cain), of Queensland (Mi Hanlon) and 'of Western Australia (Mr Wise) declined to comment on the appointment. Fress comment in state capitals this morning was generally unfavourable. The Sydney Morning Herald, in an editorial, says: “That Mr Chifley’s choice should have fallen upon an active party politician, however eminent in his sphere, astounded and shocked most Australians, irrespective of their political preferences. , “As things are, the appointment stands out in Mr Menzies' searing words as ‘the most deplorable incident in the Government's growing record of political jobbery.’ “Nothing that can be said in its defence alters the fact that a serious blow has been struck at the one institution which signifies the unity of the British peoples.” Mr McKell is expected to tender his resignation as New South Wales Premier to the Governor (LieutenantGeneral Northcott) on Monday morning, immediately after Mr Chifiey informs him officially of his appintment. Senior members of the Labour Party tip Mr R. J. HefTron to succeed Mr McKell as Premier POLITICAL CAREER At one time a boilermaker, Mr McKell, was called to the Bar in 1925. He is 55 1 years of age and has had a lengthy political career in his home state, New South Wales. In 1941 he was appointed Premier and Colonial Treasurer of the New South Wales Labour Government He first attained Cabinet rank in 1920. when he was Minister of Justice for two years. From 1925 to 1927 he was Minister of Justice and Assistant Treasurer. He was Minister for Local Government from 1930 to 1931 and again Minister of Justice in 1931 and 1932. Last year he said he would resign the State Premiership and would not be a candidate in the next elections. In November, however, he decided to carry on and lead the Labour Party.