FEDERAL POLITICS.

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12502, 31 March 1909, Page 3

FEDERAL POLITICS.

MR FISHER'S POLICY-SPEECH. - STRONG DEFENCE PLATFORM. -COMPULSORY TRAINING. [Peess Association — Ccpteight.] Received March 31, 0.10 a.m. Brisbane, March 30." The Federal Premier, Mr Fisher, delivered the first section of his policy speech at Gympie to.-night. Dealing with national finance, he declared for a fixed minimum of five millions .per annum guaranteed to the States, the latter to receive any surplus on a per capita basis. He proposes the creation of an Australian fleet of not less than twenty destroyers, calling for the expenditure of afleast three millions, in addition to the cost of maintenance, during the next 'three years. Military defence will include a scheme of universal, compulsory military training. To effectively accomplish the naval and military schemes, financial provision will be made by direct taxation. In default of proper steps being- taken b.r the States toprovide land for immigrants, the Federation will.institute a progressive land tax, with the exemption at £5000. He also proposed on an absentee tax.