FEDERAL POLITICS

Southland Times, Issue 18970, 18 June 1923, Page 6

FEDERAL POLITICS

ATTACK ON GOVERNMENT. “LOADING AUSTRALIA WITH DERELICTS.” (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright). (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) MELBOURNE, June 15. In the House of Representatives, Mr Charlton, Leader of the Labour Party, attacked Mr Bruce for failing to summon Parliament earlier and deciding to end the session prior to hij departure for the Imperial Conference. He described this as autocratic, showing want of confidence in the leader of the Country Party. Dealing with the Imperial Conference he said he regretted Empire statesmen were still directing their minds to defensive measures instead of endeavouring to further the ideals of the League of Nations. The Labour Party believed in getting leading men of nations together with a view to settling disputes and paving the way to true peace. He most strongly condemned the Commonwealth agreement with the States for the surrender of income tax, declaring the scheme was an attempt to place the burden of paying for the war on the shoulders of the workers and people with small incomes. The Government had no mandate to fix it for a period of five years. The Labour Party would fight the proposal to the death and if returned to power they would repeal it. He characterised the immigration policy as a scheme to load Australia with derelicts. The Labour Party would not support immigration until Australia made proper provision for her own people. Mr Bruce in reply denied that the ministerial party was a war party. They believed in the Leagu< of Nations. He declared it was undesirable for the House to sit while the head of the ministry was absent. He defended the income tax arrangements as ridding the people of duplication of taxation and claimed that every precaution had been taken for securing suitable immigrants. To debate was adjourned. The Government intend to force)a division next neek. Two other hostile amendments are threatened. Mr Charlton’s motion is foredomed.