BITTER FIGHT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 150, 28 June 1943, Page 5

BITTER FIGHT

ELECTION CAMPAIGN IN AUSTRALIA “BRISBANE LINY” BATTLE ‘Special Australian Correspondent— N.Z.P.A.) Recd. 8.25 p.m. Sydney. June 27. “I ntil public emotions clarify he wonk! bi 1 a bold prophet who would forecast the outcome of the election. All are agreed that it is likely to be as close, as bitter and as fluctuating in week-to-week fortune as any in Australia’s history.” This comment on the forthcoming Federal polling, expected to be held on a late August date, is made by the Sydney Sun’s political correspond *nt to-day. The outcome of the Royal Commission of enquiry centering around the statements by the suspended Minister of Labour, Mr. E. J. Ward, that he had been “most reliably informed” that a vital document was missing from the War Cabinet files, may prove an important election factor. But whatever the Commission’s finding, the Brisbane Line issue and the wider question of Australian defence will dominate the elections. One correspondent writes: "The Brisbane Line i- not long enough to take all the dirty washing that win be hung on it in the next few weeks.” This certain feature of the electioneering is deplored by all Australian newspapers. “At best the squabble is academic; at the worst it is dishonest and mischievous,” says the Sydney Telegraph. But by constant repetition the “nebulous, intangible Brisbane Line” has become a catch-cry all over Australia. This “palpable electioneering issue,” as many expect Labour to capitalise on it, is well explained in a vote-snaring chorus sung to the appropriate tune of the Siegfried Line: “We’re going to hang Bob Menzies on the Brisbane Line, with Fadden and Percy Spender, too; ‘ Hanging is really far too good for them after what they planned to do; “They wanted to give North Queensland to the Jap and sell you to our foes; “So help us to hang them on the Brisbane Line, for they’re so and soes.” But above the Brisbane Line and the personal question of Ministerial integrity stand many broader issues. Labour’s defence record and its postwar social security plans will perhaps be the most solid planks in the Government's platform, which will rest securely on Australian appreciation of the sincerity and honesty of purpose of Prime Minister Curtin. His personal prestige is Labour’s greatest election asset. The Opposition, however, will suffer no lack of election ammunition. Strikes and absenteeism; alleged Government subservience to trade unions, increasingly under the influence of Communists; rejection of a National Government; inflationary finance; failure to provide one Army; bureaucratic control; alleged food bungling—all these will contribute to their indictment of the Curtin Government. Among the great imponderable factors which are likely to decide the outcome at the polls will be the soldiers’ vote, the effect of the war industrial population drift, and the “coupon vote”—the reaction of tiie public to wartime restricitons in food, clothing and amusement. Parliament is expected to dissolve at the end of the week. The Minister of External Affairs, Dr. H V. Evatt. has been recalled from London to support the Government and is expected back here within three weeks. By that time the Commonwealth will be in the throes of perhaps the bitterest, most interesting and most important election campaign in its history. LABOURS CHANGES (Special A'jMrallan Corespondent— N.Z.P.A.J Recd. 6 p.m. Sydney. June 26. Th? controversy raging around the Minister of Labour, Mr. E. J. Ward, now relieved of his duties pending a Royal (’oniniis: ;os: of Inquiry, is likely to become a vital issue at the coming elections. Opposition members ate reported to believe that the Government record of political unrest, and the bad tactical position into which Mr. Ward has been manoeuvred, will help them at the elections. Labour, on the other hand, is pinning its hope to its administration of the war. and will claim the credit for the great improvement in Australia's defence position. The Senate vote will be vital ir the coming elections. At present the Government has 17 Senators to the Opposition’s 19. Fourteen Labour Senators and only five Opposition Senators must go to the polls. For Labour to receive a majority all the retiring 14 Labour Senators niust be returned, and a c least two new Labour Senators must be elected. Labour must, therefore, win every State- which most po'itical correspondents consider very i tlikely. In the House of Representatives Labour gained lour seats at the Federal elections in 1940. Labour believes it can win more seats in New South Wales and that it may pick up an odd seat in the other States. The Opposition parties feel they can consolidate their position in other Stales and regain some of their lost ground in New South Wak..:. It is expected that 4,500,000 electors will vote. The Government’s decision to hold the election also me.ns that the Bill to provide unemployment and sickness benefits will not be introduced in this Parliament. Mr. Curtin will make the Bill's proposal a feature of hi: policy speech. MR. WARDS CHARGES Recd. 6 p.m. Canberra, June 26. The “Brisbane Line’’ controversy, which is likely to prove a vital issue in th“ forthcoming Federal elections, flared up in the Federal House of Representatives again yesterday. A map purporting to show the celebrated line had been distributed by the Queensland Labour member, Mr. F P. Baker, to some of his electors. After the former Minister for Air. Mr. J McEwen, had complained that this was a breach of the national security regulations, Mr. Curtin said that <-ir. Baker's action would be referred to .he “proper authorities." Mr. Curtin explained later that by this he meant the security service. During yesterday's debate the suspended Labour Minister. Mr. E. J. Ward, speaking virtually from a back bench, declared: “Royal Commission or not. the people are going to be told the truth. I am still a long waj- from being stifled. Wherever I go in the Commonwealth I am going to tel! the people of the danger they were in and are still in." Despite the proximity of the election, the Royal Commission will examine the allegations by Mr. Ward that a vital defence document wss missing from the War Cabinet files. Political correspondents point out that an adverse report by the Commission might cause Ward to lose his official endorsement for the East Sydney “blue ribbon" Labour scat.