UNITED AUSTRALIA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22985, 12 March 1938, Page 13

UNITED AUSTRALIA

POLICY OF THE PARTY SPEECH BY MR. STEVENS SYDNEY, March 11 The elimination of the wages tax and the special income-tax as rapidly as possible, and further reductions in taxation on lower incomes, with special consideration for married men with children, were the principal planks of the United Australia Party put forward by the Premier of New South Wales, Mr. B. S. Stevens, in his preelection speech last evening. Mr. Stevens announced a long-range policy covering public works, electric supply extensions and water and sewerage services for country towns. He explained, also, the Government's scheme for the physical training of children and youths. In a review of the actions of his Government over the last six years Mr. Stevens denied the Labour charges that the Government was a supporter of combines, saying that that charge was effectively answered by the Government's democratic achievements. It was proposed to eliminate all taxation upon incomes below £250 in respect to persons with dependants, and to raise the exemption allowed where there were dependent children. The family endowment would be increased, providing for larger families. Mr. Stevens said that while he believed wage standards would be raised and hours of work reduced, he considered . that was a Federal, matter, which should be left to the Arbitration Court. Hospital facilities would be increased and further provision would be made for medical and dental treatment. QUEENSLAND STATE OPPOSITION'S PLATFORM BRISBANE, March 11 An immediate remission of 50 per cent of the relief tax during the first session of Parliament and the abolition of the tax at the earliest possible date during the next term of Parliament were promised by the Leader of the Queensland Opposition, Mr. Mahor, in a policy speech.