NATIONAL INSURANCE

Southland Times, Issue 20641, 13 November 1928, Page 15

NATIONAL INSURANCE

AUSTRALIAN SCHEME. BILL HAS MIXED RECEPTION. Sydney, September 20. The National Insurance Bill which has been introduced into the Federal Parliament . is the result of years of inquiry by a Royal [ Commission and expert actuaries. But al- ■ though the treasurer (Dr Earle Page) claims i that it is the most liberal piece of legisI lation of its kind, and the most important j palliative for social problems ever introi duced into any Parliament—anything but 1 the claim of a modest man—it would probably have little chance of passing into law even if the Government desired this, which it emphatically does not. When he delivered his policy speech before the last elections, the Prime Minister (Mr Bruce) promised a scheme of National Insurance, but the three years since then, apaprently, were not sufficient for him to prepare the measure. The Bill is only just ready, and was introduced into a dying Parliament with no intention that it should be taken beyond the introduction stage. Mr Bruce will claim that he has kept his promise, and who can deny him ? Certainly the Bill makes no provision for unemployment insurance, but it is claimed that the data secured was not sufficient to warrant the Government in framing its policy . Mr Bruce must feel very pleased that the time was not sufficient for taking the Bill through to a vital stage, for it has had a mixed reception even among his own supporters. Before the Bill was introduced it was fully explained to members of the Country Party by their leader (Dr Page), and the measure was given a luke-warm support, even though the official report expressed entire satisfaction at the reception accorded it. Then the Bill went on to the Nationalist Party, to the members of which it was explained by Mr Bruce. Judging by different accounts of the Nationalists’ meeting, Mr Bruce had to contend with some lively questioning, and it is significant that the meeting ended without passing a formal motion endorsing the measure. On the contrary, it is known that certain sections were bitterly opposed, especially those which call upon the employers to contribute to the fund. Such contribution, it was said, would only place another burden on industry at a time when industry should be relieved of taxation. Members of the Nationalist Party have made it clear that they are disinclined to agree to any legislation that will add to the anxiety of the employer, and that they would welcome any proposals to reduce the taxation on industrial companies at least. They would rather see a scheme of National Insurance shelved, than they would agree to its passage in its present form. When members of the Country Party heard of this minor revolt in the ranks of the Nationalists, they rather regretted their haste in agreeing to the Bill, and wanted an opportunity to reconsider the position. However, Mr Bruce set all minds at rest by stating that the Bill would not be taken any further in this Parliament. He will make the Bill one of the chief platforms in- his policy. In the meantime he invites suggestions from interested organisations— and the friendly societies can be depended upon to tell him that they can do very well all that is contemplated by the Bill.