AUSTRALIAN ELECTIONS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21454, 30 March 1933, Page 6

AUSTRALIAN ELECTIONS

POLLS IN TWO STATES SOUTH AUSTRALIAN APATHY KEEN CAMPAIGN IN WEST [from our own correspondent] SYDNEY, March 23 According to reports from South Australia the State elections to be held there on April 8 are likely to bring about a change of government. It seems as though the moderate Labour Party now in power will give way to the Liberal and Country Party. This is not a serious matter for the Commonwealth, as both organisations favour the Premiers' Plan. It would be a serious matter, however, if extreme Labour, as represented by the followers of Mr. Lang's, policy, were' to secure the reins of Government. As a matter of fact there is no sharpcut policy difference to define the two leading parties in the field and it is probably because of this that the electors are so apathetic. Voting is not compulsory at a South Australian State election and close observers say they will be surprised if more than 50 per cent of the electors record their votes. This lack of public interest is unusual in an Australian election these days. South Australia has been progressing very well under the present regime and even if there is a change of Government in favour of the Liberals it will go on in the same smooth manner. It is remarkable that when the Premier held a meeting in an Adelaide suburb the other night he had an- audience of only 150. When the Political Reform League held a meeting in the Adelaide Town Hall the attendance was even smaller. Politics in South Australia are almost dead. Question of Secession Of course, the election has not been devoid of personalities and bitterness, but the accusations have not involved matters of national concern. If anything, the Liberal-Country Party is the best organised and for that reason it is believe® it will win just enough seals to tip the scales. South Australia is keenly watching the secession referendum in Western Australia, for it complains bitterly about its disabilities due to federation. The word "disabilities" acts like magic on the electors, few of whom stop to think of the benefits obtained as part of the Commonwealth. It is felt that the Commonwealth Government has not been as "generous as it should be to the smaller States, but it is doubtful whether the people would be prepared to take the bold step of cutting adrift were the opportunity given to them. Federation may have its disadvantages, but these must be weighed with the many advantages before a fair verdict is possible. It is safe to say that the Australian Federation exists for all time. No petty State views can ever upset it. Western Australia is also in the midst of an election campaign, and the voting will take place on the same day as that in South Australia—April 8. The major issue in the west is in keeping with the times and concerns financial problems. The National-Country Party is fighting hard to retain office, and the Labour Party, which has been in opposition for three years now, is naturally anxious to return to the Treasury benches. Such questions as unemployment relief, assistance to farmers and taxation rank largely in the scheme of things political. They furnish the basis of innumerable claims for credit for past achievements and for high-sounding promises. On election day the people will also vote on the momentous issue of secession. This ques-_ tion is not merely complementary to the party fight, but has actually become part of it. List. of Candidates Of the 50 seats nine are uncontested and six of the members who have been returned unopposed are Labour men. There are 37 Nationalists contesting 25 electorates; the Country Party is represented by 27 candidates in 17 districts; and Labour has endorsed 37 members to fight 31 seats. There are 18 Independents and two Communists. Communist aspirants for political standing in previous elections in Western Australia have cut an inglorious figure, and there is nothing to justify the belief that the two stalwarts of the pary on this occasion will meet with any better reward. One of them is the sole opponent of the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Collier, in Boulder, while the other will take part in a triangular contest in South Fremantle. The Premier is faced with formidable opposition in Northam, where for the first time the Country Party is represented as well as Labour. Political circles regard the Country Party challenge as an unknown quantity, but many lean to the view that the Premier will have most to fear from Labour. Northam is notorious for small majorities, but the Nationalists are con fident that the Premier will retain his seat, even if he will not have much to spare. The secession movement seems to have caught the popular fancy in the west and few candidates have been brave enough to oppose it.