NATIONAL COUNCIL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 19 April 1939, Page 8

NATIONAL COUNCIL

AUSTRALIAN BODY SENSE OF INSECURITY LATE MR LYONS’ PLEA SYDNEY, Bth April. Because the new National Council is representative of every Government and every political party in Australia, its formation in Canberra is regarded as a turning point in Australian political leadership. The first meeting lasted for only an hour, but the serious nature of the messages which were received from overseas as the conference proceeded was a dramatic confirmation of the action of the Government in establishing the council. Members exchanged views as to the direction in which complete co-ordination and understanding will be necessary between the Governments. Details of the proceedings were kept a close secret. The council comprises the Prime Minister and the various Premiers, and its object is to advise the various Governments on the co-ordination of the activities of the Comomnwealth and the States in relation to defence. The Premiers made their decision to form the council after the late Prime Minister. Mr Lyons, had called them together in his room privately and placed before them the latest information received by the Comomnwealth Government about developments in Europe.

FUNCTIONS OF THE ORGANISATION In disclosing that the Premier’s decision had been unanimous, Mr Lyons said: “The National Council will act in an advisory capacity only to all Governments, and it will not interfere with the sovereign rights of any of the States, nor in any way ''ut across the responsibilities and functions of the Defence Council. “Among the functions with which the National Council will be charged are to maintain a close and continuous consultation concerning public works which are of value from the defence point of view: to keep a continuous watch on the employment situation and the economic foundations upon which a vigorous defence policy must be based; to confer concerning ways and means of developing new industries needed for defence and supply; and to maintain a continuous conference and complete co-operation between the the Commonwealth and the States in all matters appertaining to the protection nf the civil population.

“The whole of the proceedings were pervaded by an impressive spirit of readiness to co-operate for the good of our nation. It is a continuance of this spirit which is going to mean so much in our national development in the days which lie ahead. I am certain that if we are all ready to pull together in the manner which was exemplified in the conference to-day Australia will be able to overcome the great difficulties which we face.”

URGENT NEED FOR CO-OPERATION “We face the immediate future with very grave misgiving and a sense of insecurity which must greatly disturb those entrusted with the leadership of Australian affairs,” Mr Lyons had told the Premiers. “The circumstances in which we meet demand not only clear vision and a national outlook, but the wisest statesmanship of which the Governments of Australia are capable. “A remarkable job is being done to strengthen every aspect of our defence organisation. In this respect there can be no division of responsibility. So far as the Commonwealth Government is concerned, this represents a responsibility of the utmost urgency and of the greatest importance.

“Associated with such defence activity is a network of active contacts with other Government organisations both Commonwealth and State, and with industry. These contacts reach the State Governments at a number of points, and concern supplies, transport and measures to protect the civil population and property. There does exist necessity for real co-operation between the Governments of the most essential character.

“At the same time, this fact throws into relief a gap which exists in our machinery for co-operation—the absense of adequate means for examining our public works project with a view to bringing to the front and giving priority ti those of greatest value from the points of view of our defence, security, and sound development. HEAVY EXPENDITURE ON DEFENCE “One serious gap in the system of national co-operation should be filled. My Government has considered this n alter several times since we met last, and it more than ever convinced of the need for complete consultation, particularly because financial considerations necessitate that the best possible use be made of the money available for works: defence and strategic considerations demand close co-ordination: and developmental requirements justify the establishment of an order of priority. “The defence programme will involve an expenditure in 1939-40 of about £26.000,000.” Mr Lyons said. "Such a burden may be met only by drawing upon all " e resources available to the Commonwealth, and by imposing heavy burdens on the people of Australia. Nothing must be allowed to stand in the way of our defence effort. 1 must emphasise this question of priority in defence expenditure. Our own Commonwealth programme of defence expenditure represents the items of the highest and most urgent order of priority. “We may have to add other items which have been considered, and are under consideration. All li.ese items are higher in order of priority than the lists of possible works, some of which the States might undertake in substitution for some of their present works.” n— 3