Senate
13 March 1946

17th Parliament · 3rd Session

  1. Senate
  2. 17th Parliament
  3. 1946

The Senate, on the 5th October, 1945, adjourned to a date’ and hour to be fixed by the. President and to be notified to each honorable senator.

The Senate met pursuant to such notification.

The President (Senator the Hon. Gordon Brown) took the chair at 3 p.m., and read prayers.

page 168

DEATH OF EX-SENATOR OLIVER UPPILL

Senator ASHLEY:
Minister for Supply and Shipping · New South WalesMinister for Supply and Shipping · ALP

– It is with regret that I inform the Senate of the death in Adelaide on the 28th February last of ex-Senator Oliver Uppill. He was elected to the Senate . as a representative of the State of South Australia at the general elections in 3934, and again at the general elections in 1940. He was Opposition

Whip in the Senate in 1943 and 1944, and was a member of the Rural Industries Committee from July, 1941, to July, 1943. He resigned his seat as a senator on the 16th September, 1944, on account of ill health. I mover-

That the Senate expresses its deep regret at the death of former Senator Oliver Uppill, places on record its appreciation of his meritorious public service, and tenders its sincere sympathy to his widow and the members of his family in their bereavement.

Senator McLEAY:
Leader of the Opposition · South Australia

– I second the motion. In Adelaide I received a telegram from you, Mr. President, expressing sympathy with the relatives of the late ex-senator and asking that the Senate should be represented at his funeral. Your message was conveyed to the family of the deceased and was much appreciated. Senator James McLachlan and I were in Adelaide at the time, and we paid our last respects to our late colleague. One cannot help feeling sad at the passing of one who was a colleague and a loyal friend for many years. The deceased exsenator had made himself popular among all sections of the Senate, and all members of the Parliament.- The name of exSenator Uppill was held in high esteem in South Australia, and I very much regret his passing. One is reminded of the lines -

His life was gentle; and the elements So mixed in him that Nature might stand up And say to all the world, “This was a man”!

Senator COOPER. (Queensland).Members of the Australian Country party in ‘ the Senate desire to he associated with the motion and express their deep regret at the death of . their late colleague. Ex-Senator Uppill was truly one of nature’s gentlemen. He was kind and considerate and always thoughtful for the welfare of other people. He took a keen interest in rural matters and was a recognized authority on wheat and wheat production. He was of considerable assistance to the Rural Industries Committee,’ of which he was a member, because of his extensive knowledge of primary production. We deeply regret his passing and tender our deepest sympathy to his widow and family in their bereavement.

Senator TANGNEY:
Western Australia

– I, too, join in expressing sympathy with the members of the family of the late ex-Senator Uppill, whose death I deeply deplore. “When I first came to this chamber I found the late ex-Senator Uppill most courteous, kind and generous, and in his passing the Senate has suffered the loss of a very gentlemanly representative of South Australia. I regret that he was not able, owing to ill-health, to finish his term as a senator. His loss will be felt greatly in South Australia as well as in the wider Commonwealth sphere.

Senator JAMES McLACHLAN:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · UAP

-South Australia). - Since its inception the Senate has had among its members many men of outstanding ability and great powers of oratory, who have been remembered chiefly for those qualities. Not only in this chamber, but in the many other spheres in which my late colleague ex-Senator Uppill served, he was always regarded as one of nature’s gentlemen. No ‘ incentive of personal ambition brought him to this chamber; he entered it because of a sincere desire to be of service to the State which he represented. Nature did not equip him as a “wordspinner”, but it gave to him a keen analytical mind, a firm determination, and the courage to stand to his opinions, whether or not they were popular. As a member of the Senate he gave of his best; South Australia has lost a splendid citizen. I join with other honorable senators in expressing sympathy with his family in their great loss.

Question resolved in the affirmative, honorable senators standing in their places.

page 169

DEATH OF EX-SEN AT OE ‘ JAMES PATRICK DIG-GEE DUNN

Senator ASHLEY:
New South WalesMinister for Supply and Shipping · ALP

– I regret to announce to the Senate the death in Sydney on the 22nd November last of former Senator James Patrick Digger Dunn. The deceased gentleman was elected to the Senate for the State of New South Wales at the general elections in 1928. He was Government Whip in- the Senate from August, 1929, to March, 1931, and leader in the Senate of the Australian Labour party, New South Wales, from. March, 1931, to June, 1935. He ceased to be a member pf the Senate at the end of June, 1935. He served with the Australian Naval and Military Forces in New Guinea, in 1914-15. He served also in the Royal Australian Naval Bridging Train in 1915-16, later transferring to Field Artillery Reinforcements. He was wounded in action on ‘8th August, 191S. I move -

That the Senate expresses its deep regret nl the death of former Senator James Patrick Digger Dunn, places on record its appreciation of his meritorious public service, and tenders its sincere sympathy to the ‘members of his family in their bereavement.

Senator McLEAY:
Leader of the Opposition · South Australia

– On behalf of the Opposition I second the motion. T did not have that pleasure of being associated with the late ex-senator, hut [ am sure that all. of us appreciate iiic service, he rendered to his country in the Senate and on the field of battle.

Senator COOPER (Queensland)”.- -The members of the Australian Country party in the Senate associate themselves with the motion. I well remember the late ex-senator when he was a member of this chamber. He was a forceful speaker and a keen debater who always presented his case to the best of his ability. He had a very good military record, having served his country during the war of 1 91 4-1S. I and my colleagues tender -our sincere sympathy to his family in .their -bereavement.

Senator GRANT:
New South Wales

– .[ associate myself with the remarks which have been made concerning the late ex-senator. I had known him for many years, and I believe that every one who knew him will admit that he was ii very fine character indeed. He had strength of character, and possessed a great sense of humour. He had been left with three motherless children, and he battled for them in a way that inspired every one who came in contact with him or with any of the members of his family. The late ex-senator also lived in a way that provided a lesson to us all. J have not known a man who has lead a cleaner life than ex-Senator Dunn. I deeply regret his passing. One would have been prepared to take a lease of his life, and his sudden death is another illustration of the fact that in the midst of life we are in death. I support the motion of condolence and sympathy with his family.

Question resolved in the affirmative, honorable senators standing in their places.

page 170

DEATH OF THE HONORABLE SIR DAVID JOHN GORDON

Senator ASHLEY:
New South WalesMinister for Supply and Shipping · ALP

– I regret to announce to the Senate the death in Adelaide on the 12th February last of a former member of the House of Representatives, the Honorable Sir David John Gordon. The late Sir David Gordon was elected to the House of Representatives for the Division of Boothby in November, 1911, whichhe represented till 1913. He was a member of the Royal Commission on the Fruit Industry which conducted its inquiries from 1912 to 1914.In 1913 he was elected to the Legislative Council of South Australia for the Midland District and occupied a seatin that chamber for many years. He was Minister of Educa-. tion and Repatriation in that State in 1917. A knighthood was conferred on him in 1925. I move -

That the Senate expresses its deep regret at the death of the Honorable Sir David John Gordon, a former member of the House of Representatives and member of the Legislative Council of South Australia, places on record its appreciation of his meritorious public service, and tenders its sincere sympathy to the members of his family in their bereavement.

Senator McLEAY:
Leader of the Opposition · South Australia.

– On behalf of the Opposition, I second the motion. The late Sir David Gordon rendered distinguished service to this country in the Commonwealth Parliament and the Parliament of South Australia, and in many other spheres. He lived to a ripe old age, and remained very active up to the time of his death. I am sure that every one who had the privilege of knowing this distinguished Australian will mourn his passing.

Senator COOPER:
Queensland

– Members of the Australian Country party in this chamber wish to be asso ciated with the motion now before the Senate. The late Sir David Gordon devoted much of his life to public work, and the passing of men of his type is a great loss to the community. We,too, offer to his family and relations our sincere sympathy in their bereavement.

Senator JAMES McLACHLAN:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · UAP

– I had the pleasure of a long acquaintance with the Honorable Sir David Gordon. For many years he was a prominent figure in public life in South Australia, first as a. journalist, and then as a member of Parliament. As a journalist he travelled extensively throughout South Australia, and wrote one or two interesting books on the interior of that State, and also on the river Murray. Subsequently he became a member of the House of Representatives for the South Australian Division of Boothby, and later in the Parliament of South Australia he held office of Minister of Education. For a number of years he was President of the Legislative Council. As the Leader of the Opposition (Senator McLeay) has said, Sir David Gordon lived to a ripe old age and passed away, loved by all.

Question resolved in the affirmative, honorable senators standing in their places.

page 170

THE WAR

Cessation of Hostilities

The PRESIDENT:

– I have received the following communication from His Royal Highness the Governor-General : -

Government House

Canberra, 12th October, 1945

Mr. President,

I desire to acquaint you that the address from members of the Senate to the King on the occasion of the victorious conclusion of the World War has been laid before His Majesty. The King has directed me to convey to members of the Senate his sincere thanks for the kind congratulations contained in the Address and his appreciation of the loyal sentiments to which it gives expression.

Henry

Governor-General

page 170

ASSENT TO BILLS

Assent to the following bills reported : -

Appropriation Bill 1945-46.

Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Bill 1945-46.

Pharmaceutical Benefits Bill 1945.

Sales Tax (Exemptions and Classifications) Bill 1945.

Income TaxAssessment Bill (No. 2) 1945.

Income Tax Bill (No. 2) 1945.

Social Services Contribution Assessment Bill 1945.

Social Services Contribution Bill 1945.

National Welfare Fund Bill 1945.

Bankruptcy Bill 1945.

Commonwealth Public Service Bill (No. 2) 1945.

Commonwealth and State Housing Agreement Bill 1945.

Loan (Housing) Bill 1945.

Tuberculosis Bill 1945.

Hospital Benefits Bill 1945.

War Crimes Bill 1945.

Wool Realization Bill 1945.

Wool ( Contributory Charge) Assessment Bill 1945.

Wool (Contributory Charge) Bill 1945.

War Service Land Settlement Agreements Bill 1945.

States Grants Bill 1945.

High Commissioner Bill 1945.

Education Bill 1945.

Widows’ Pensions Bill 1945.

Seat of Government Supreme Court Bill 1945.

Supplementary Appropriation Bill 1943-44.

Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Bill 1943-44.

page 171

MINISTERIAL DUTIES

Senator ASHLEY:
Minister for Supply and Shipping · New South Wales · ALP

– . by leave - I desire to inform honorable senators that during the absence abroad of the Minister for Trade and Customs (Senator Keane), the Minister for Postwar Reconstruction (Mr. Dedman) will act in Senator Keane’s stead. Senator Collings, Vice-President of the Executive Council, will, during this period, represent the Acting Minister for Trade and Customs in the Senate.

The Minister for the Army (Mr. Forde) will act in the place of the Minister for Defence (Mr. Beasley), who has taken up duties in London as Australian Resident Minister.

page 171

THE PARLIAMENT

Canberra Allowance for Members

Senator ASHLEY:
Minister for Supply and Shipping · New South Wales · ALP

– by leave - From time to time representations have been made to the Prime Minister by senators and members of the House of Representatives that they should be granted some alleviation of the disabilities under which they carry out their public duties. Not only must they incur substantial expenditure within their electorates in attending to the wants of their electors but in addition to maintaining their own homes within their respective States, they must also meet the cost of travelling to and from Canberra and of living expenses at Canberra while in attendance during parliamentary sessions. The Prime Minister (Mr. Chifley) has given careful consideration to these representations and has come to the conclusion that some financial relief should be afforded to meet the cost of maintenance of senators and members at Canberra during the sittings of Parliament. A Commonwealth officer in receipt of a salary of £1,000 a year receives a daily allowance of £1 2s. 6d. when required to travel on official duty away from his home. The payment of a similar daily amount to members of Parliament would be a fair recompense of additional expense incurred by them while absent at Canberra from their homes. Senators and members travelling to Canberra from New South Wales and Victoria will therefore he paid £1 2s. 6d. a day for each sitting day on which they attend to their duties in Parliament, with a maximum payment to each of £100 in any financial year. Senators and members travelling to Canberra from the other four States and from the Northern Territory will be paid £1 2s. 6d. a. day for each sitting day on which they attend to their duties in Parliament, and for days at week-ends between sitting days on which they remain in Canberra during parliamentary sittings, the maximum to each to be £125 in any financial year. Payments will commence from the 6th March and provision will be made in the Appropriation Bill to cover the expenditure.

page 171

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Motion (by Senator James McLachlan) - by leave - agreed to -

That leave of absence for three months be granted to Senator Foll on account of absence overseas on urgent business.

page 171

QUESTION

BROADCASTING COMMITTEE

Senator AMOUR:
NEW SOUTH WALES

– As Chairman, I present the ninth and tenth reports of the Broadcasting Committee relating to the questions of broadcast talks on venereal disease and other sex matters, and to national programme administration.

Ordered to be printed.

page 172

QUESTION

FORMOSAN EX-PRISONERS OF WAR AND INTERNEES

Senator McLEAY:

– Will the Acting Leader of the Senate (Senator Ashley) state whether it is a fact, as reported, that a section of the press was prevented from sending a representative to Rabaul, at its own expense, to report on conditions on the Japanese destroyer Yoizuki, concerning which there has been a great deal of public indignation, and will the Minister state whether any other press representative was allowed to go ?

Senator ASHLEY:
ALP

– I understand that permission was refused to a section of the press to travel to Rabaul to report on the conditions on Yoizuki, but I do not know of any other section of the press having been permitted to senda representative.

page 172

RAIL TRANSPORT

Members of Parliament

Senator JAMES McLACHLAN:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · UAP

– I understand that the Commonwealth Government pays a subsidy to the governments of the States for the conveyance of honorable members on the State railways. I draw the attention of the Minister representing the Minister for Transport to the fact that at present it is impossible for a member of this Parliament to travel from Melbourne to Adelaide without giving seven days’ notice, unless he is prepared to sit up in a second-class carriage for the whole journey. If he desires a sleeper” he is not allowed to have one, and he is not even permitted to occupy a seat in a first-class carriage, unless he gives seven days’ notice.

Senator COLLINGS:
Vice-President of the Executive Council · QUEENSLAND · ALP

– I am not aware of the position with regard to the matter which the honorable senator has brought to my notice, but I shall have it investigated. I might be excused if I drew attention to the fact that until recently there was a great clamour because of the control exercised in these matters. Now apparently the absence of control appears to constitute a difficulty.

page 172

QUESTION

TASMANIAN SHIPPING SERVICES

Senator HERBERT HAYS:
TASMANIA

– In view of the acute shortage of shipping for the carriage of produce from Tasmania to the mainland; particularly potatoes and apples, which are now in abundant supply and are much needed on the mainland, will the Minister for Supply and Shipping make a statement regarding the shipping position? Can he hold out any hope that relief will be afforded in the near future in the carriage of produce from Tasmania?

Senator ASHLEY:
ALP

– The shipping position is somewhat acute, but the disability being suffered by Tasmania is no greater than in any other State. Provision has been made for the removal from Tasmania, between the 15th February and 19th March, of approximately 200,000 bags of potatoes and 800 tons of crated potatoes. Other commodities are urgently required from Tasmania, and the Shipping Council is being pressed to bring them from that State. I refer particularly to timber for housing, and to fruit. I can assure the honorable senator that every attention is being given to the necessity for the lifting of potatoes and other commodities, and Tasmania is receiving a proportionate share of the shipping available, having regard to the claims of the other States.

Senator Herbert Hays:

– The other States have railway communication.

Senator ASHLEY:

– That is so. I cannot promise any relief for five or six weeks, until our garrisons in the North have been provisioned, and the vessels now engaged in bringing our service personnel back to Australia are available for the shipment of produce.

Senator HERBERT HAYS:

– In view of the acute shortage of shipping tonnage for the carrying of cargo, is the Minister for Supply and Shipping aware that SS. Barwon, a valuable cargo carrier, was tied up in Port Melbourne for five months as the result of a strike? If so, will he say what steps the Government took to settle the strike or to put the ship to some useful purpose?

Senator ASHLEY:

– The trouble on Barwon was settled some weeks ago.

page 173

QUESTION

FOOD SHIPS FOE INDONESIA

Senator McLEAY:

– Has the attention of the Minister for Supply and Shipping been drawn to the statement in the press l)j’ Mr. Monks, secretary of the Australasian Council of Trade Unions, that the executive officers of that organization dissociated themselves entirely from the tactics adopted by the Waterside Workers Federation and the Seamen’s Union in the loading of ships for Indonesia? Mr. Monks is reported to have further said that the’re had been more chicanery in this dispute than he had experienced in any other dispute. If Mr. Monks made that statement, does the Minister approve of it? If so, what action does the Government propose to take in order to enforce a resumption of the loading of those vessels with food and medical supplies, which operation has been delayed since September last, causing great con.cern to the people of Australia?

Senator ASHLEY:
ALP

– The hold-up of Dutch ships in the first place was due to Indonesian seamen walking off the vessels. Later, the Dutch authorities brought, Lascars to this country to man the ships, but when they discovered the reasons why the Indonesian seamen, who are members of a seamen’s union recognized by the Dutch Government, had declared the ships “ black the’y, too, declined to work on them. I have not seen the paragraph to -which the honorable senator has directed attention; but I ‘should prefer to have these ships where they are than that the whole of the ships on the waterfront should be tied up. As to the removal . of food and medical supplies from the vessels, action lias been taken by the Government which I hope will, ensure that all necessary supplies of these commodities will be forwarded to the Pacific islands.

Senator LECKIE:
VICTORIA

– Are we to understand that the Government has no foreign policy except that which is dictated by the Seamen’s Union?

Senator ASHLEY:

– It is not usual to deal with matters of policy in answer to questions.

page 173

QUESTION

TINNED PLATE

Senator LECKIE:

– Before the war Australia obtained its supplies of tinned plate from Great Britain, but after the outbreak of war supplies were obtained from the United States of America. I fear that as the result of strikes in the steel industry in the latter country there is a possibility of tinned plate being in short supply in Australia. Will the Minister investigate the position with a view to ensuring that fruit, vegetables, butter, and other goods, will not be lost through a shortage of tinned plate? I understand that unless prompt action be taken there is danger that this country will be left without supplies of this material, which Great Britain cannot manufacture in any considerable quantity.

Senator ASHLEY:
ALP

– It is true, as stated by the honorable senator, that there is a shortage of tinned plate as the result of industrial trouble in the United States of America, but the Commonwealth Government has been alive to the situation, and has taken steps to secure supplies from both the United States of America and the United Kingdom. There is no danger that the canning industry of Australia will he jeopardized through any lack of supplies so long as the present Government is in office.

page 173

QUESTION

PUBLIC SERVICE

S i: i” eh an n uUATIok - Preference to ex-Service Personnel.

Senator SHEEHAN:
VICTORIA

asked the Minister representing the Prime Minister, *upon notice - **

  1. Is it a fact that certain returned soldiers and others are employed in the Commonwealth Public Service in a temporary capacity who are ineligible for appointment to the permanent stall because of certain physical defects (not due to war service) which prevent them from being eligble for benefits under the Superannuation Act?
  2. If so, will the Minister consider introducing amending legislation on’ the lines adopted by the Victorian State Parliament to enable persons so incapacitated to tie placed on the permanent staff without becoming entitled to the benefits of the Superannuation Act?
Senator ASHLEY:
ALP

– The Prime Minister has supplied the following answers : -

  1. Provision for the permanent appointment, without the benefits of superannuation, of returned soldiers suffering from such physical defects as would prevent, their admission to the Commonwealth Service under the ordinary conditions is contained in section 84 (8) of the Commonwealth Public Service Act, and a large number of appointments in pursuance thereof has been ma.dc. A liberal interpretation has been placed on section 84 (8) as affecting returned soldiers in determining whether a disability is due to war service. In some casus this is not clear, and the benefit of doubt has been given to the returned soldier who has been accepted. No provision exists for the permanent appointment, without the benefits of superannuation, of persons other than returned soldiers, suffering from such physical defects as would . prevent their admission to the Commonwealth’ Service under the ordinary circumstances.
  2. Bearing in mind the difficulties already experienced in finding suitable employment for returned soldiers with physical defects, the Government cannot see its way to concur in any proposal for the general admission to the Service of persons reported by Commonwealth medical officers as not being physically fit and being unlikely to render efficient service up to the normal retiring age.
Senator COOPER:

asked the Minister representing the Prime Minister, upon notice -

  1. Is it the policy of the Government in making appointments to Commonwealth positions to give preference to ex -servicemen 1
  2. Who were appointed to the following positions in Brisbane: - (5) Secretary to the Works Director, Department of Works and Housing; (6) Superintendent of Stores in that department; lc) Disposals Officer, Commonwealth Disposals Commission: and (d) Disposals Co-ordinating Officer, Commonwealth Disposals Commission?
  3. Are any of these officers ex-servicemen?
  4. Were applications invited for these positions by advertisements in the press? ti. If so, in which newspapers and when?
Senator ASHLEY:

– The answers to the honorable senators questions are as follows : -

  1. Yes. 2. la.) There is no position of Secretary to the Works Director, Department of Works and Housing, Brisbane. (6) The position of Superintendent of Stores, Department of Works and Housing, Brisbane, has been filled for the past two years by an officer on loan from the State Government of New South Wales, (o) and (rf) No officers on the staff of the Commonwealth Disposals Commission in Brisbane has been designated with the title of Disposals Officer or Disposals Co-ordinating Officer.
  2. See answer to No. 2 la). With regard to the position referred to in No. 2 (6K the officer concerned is a returned soldier. In connexion with No. 2 (o) and (rf)- it is advised that all male officers on the staff of the Commonwealth Disposals Commission in Queensland are returned soldiers either from the 1914-18 or the recent war. 4 and 5. See answer to No. 2 («). With regard to No. 2 (6) applications were not invited by advertisement in the press. In connexion with No. 2 (c) and (d), the Disposals Commission has, except in exceptional’ cases, followed the practice of advertising vacant positions. For instance, when the positions of Property Officer and Assistant Property Officer in Brisbane were created, advertisements appealed in the Brisbane daily press on four occasions, via., on 7th. 14th. 21st and 28th April. 1945.

page 174

QUESTION

HOUSING

Senator BRAND:
VICTORIA

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Works and Housing, upon notice -

  1. Is the Minister satisfied with the manner in which the Victorian Government is implementing regulation 15a of the National Security (War Service Moratorium) Regulations?
  2. Has the Minister received a communication from the Soldiers and Sailors Fathers Association of Victoria making a complaint regarding the delay in finalizing arrangements in connexion with the compulsory acquisition of land by the Victorian Housing Commission?
Senator COLLINGS:
ALP

– The Minister for Works and Housing has supplied the following answers: -

  1. ^Regulation 15a of the National Security (War Service Moratorium) Regulations ceased to have effect when the Re-establishment and Employment Act 1945 came into operation on 27th August, 1945; but by virtue of section 100 (3.) of that act the consent given to the Victorian Housing Commission under that regulation was continued in force. I am informed that no complaints have been received by the Attorney-General’s Department during recent months as to the manner in which the Victorian Housing Commission is, in pursuance of the consent given, compulsorily acquiring land owned by members of the Forces for housing purposes.
  2. No.

page 174

QUESTION

AUSTRALASIAN PERFORMING RIGHT ASSOCIATION

Senator LAMP (through Senator

Clothier) asked the Postmaster-General, upon notice -

  1. Is it a fact that the Australasian Performing Bight. Association is holding unclaimed moneys collected from the Australian public?
  2. If so, what is the amount?
  3. What was the percentage of money collected by the Australasian Performing Eight Association on behalf of oversea interests?
  4. What was the revenue of the Australasian Performing Right Association for the rear. 1943-44 and 1944-45?
  5. Is the -Australasian Performing Right Association required .to produce written authorizations before collection ? If not, why not?
  6. What amount has been paid to the Australasian Performing Right Association by the Australian Broadcasting Commission during the years 1943-44 and 1944-45?
  7. Will the Government bring down legislation to control such organizations as the Australasian Performing Right Association?
Senator CAMERON:
Postmaster-General · VICTORIA · ALP

– I have received the following information from the association in respect to questions I to 6:- 1 and 2. The association does not hold any unclaimed moneys. It collects fees only in respect of copyright works placed in its control by its principals. The association does not collect fees for, nor is it interested in noncopyright music which, of course, may be performed in public without permission or payment of any fee.

  1. For the year ended 30th June, 1945, the percentage of fees distributed by the association to oversea interests was approximately 50 per cent. Of the fees payable by the association on behalf of European interests, approximately 75 per cent, is in respect of British music. Since the outbreak of war, fees due to members of performing right societies in enemy and enemy-occupied countries have been paid to the Custodian of Enemy Property.
  1. The association grants what is generally called a “blanket” licence, which for practical purposes may bc said to embrace all copyright music in general use. This follows naturally from the facts («) that copyright owners for their own protection are members of their respective national organizations and (6) that the association acts for its own members and for the members of the overseas societies. The scope of the association’s repertoire was fully explored by the Royal Commission on Performing Right, 1932-33. and the report deals with the matter at pages 7-9. When its rights have been challenged by persons conducting public entertainments and the association has been compelled to appeal for judicial protection, the courts, without exception, have been fully satisfied as to the right to collect fees. The association assumes the obligation to produce, if desired, written authorization to collect fees for the public performance of musical works (in terms of the Common wealth Copyright Act) of which the right of such performances is vested in the association by composers, authors and publishers.
  2. The Australian Broadcasting Commission paid to the association fees in respect of the following years: -

Year ended 30th. June, 1944- £34,330 14s. 2d. (078,356 performance units).

Year ended 30th June, 1945 - £34,750 lis. 7d. (estimated 697,082 performance units).

  1. With regard to question 7 the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Broadcasting has recommended that ‘’ legislation should be introduced to provide for compulsory arbitration as a last resort for the settlement in regard to authors’ and record manufacturers’ performing right fees “. The matter is at present under consideration by the Attorney-General.

page 175

QUESTION

APPLES AND ORANGES

Senator ARNOLD:
NEW SOUTH WALES

asked the Minister representing the Acting Minister for Trade and Customs, upon notice -

  1. ls it a fact that the Prices Commissioner has power to fix a price for the sale of apples of up to 600 per cent, in advance of the price paid to the grower; if so, what are the factors that permit the price being fixed in this manner?
  2. Will the Minister supply the same information in regard to oranges?
  3. If the price for the sale of apples and oranges is fixed in the manner described in question 1, will the Minister take steps to see that this vital fruit is supplied to the public at a reasonable price after allowing a fair profit to the grower?
Senator COLLINGS:
ALP

– The Acting Minister for Trade and Customs has supplied the following answers: -

  1. The Tasmanian and Western Aust;u,;ian crops of apples are marketed by the Apple and Pear Marketing Board and details of their arrangements may be obtained from the Minister for Commerce and Agriculture. Regarding apples produced in other States the distribution proceeds through trade channels and there i.* no likelihood of margins equivalent to 600 per cent, on cost being obtained by dealers. The average retail price would be in the vicinity of growers’. selling price plus 40 per cent., but where fruit, has been stored the margin would be higher in order to cover the additional costs involved. Apples marketed in Australia by the Apple and Pear Board through ordinary trade channels would be subject to the same selling margins as nan-Board apples, viz., 40 per cent.
  2. Oranges are marketed through the growers’ agents who obtain a commission fixed by Sta.te marketing legislation. Growers may also sell direct to retailers or consumers. Retailers are permitted to add a margin of 25 per cent, to their cost into store.
  3. In determining the maximum prices for these goods careful consideration is given both to the interests of the growers and consumers.

page 176

QUESTION

REPATRIATION

Tuberculosis Among SouthAustralian Service Personnel - Medical Staff.

Senator McLEAY:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Repatriation, upon notice -

  1. Is the statement by eminent medical authorities in South Australia correct, viz. - that there have been about 130 cases of proved active pulmonary tuberculosis amongst South Australian servicemen and women, and that more than 50 of these were unsuspected cases detected on discharge from the services?
  2. Is there a serious shortage of up to date equipment and sanatorium accommodation in South Australia?
  3. If so, is it a fact that suspected and proved cases of tuberculosis arc being kept in the services because of this lack of sanatorium accommodation?
  4. Is it a. fact that South Australian service members are being sent to the Army Hospital at Bonegilla in Victoria owing to the accommodation shortages in South Australia?
  5. Has the Government received an offer from the South Australian Division of the Red Cross Society to provide a modern fullyequipped sanatorium near Adelaide for the treatment of tuberculosis cases in the forces, or discharged service personnelat an estimated cost of £150,000?
  6. If the answer to 5 is in the affirmative. will the Minister state whether a decision has yet been reached in relation to this generous offer: if not, in view of this grave national danger, when will the Governmentannounce whether it intends to accept or reject it?
Senator CAMERON:
ALP

– The Minister for Repatriation has supplied the following answers: -

  1. Up to the end of September, 1945, the total number of cases of the pulmonary tuber- culosis among discharged members of the forces of the 1930-45 war was 132. Of this number only eight were unsuspected cases detected by the X-ray prior to discharge.
  2. As complete statistics have not yet been received from the services, a definite answer cannot be given. It can, however, be stated that there are still empty beds in the special tuberculosis wards at the Repatriation General Hospital, Keswick, and at the Repatriation Sanatorium, Belair. There has been some difficulty in arranging accommodation for female ex-members of the forces. 3 and 4. It is understood that some South Australian members of the forces are being sent to Bonegilla Army Hospital in Victoria. Retention as members of the forces is in accord with the general policy in regard to’ the time at which an invalid should be dis- charged from war service. 5.Yes.
  3. The Repatriation Commission has now recommended that the offer should be accepted, and has suggested that a conference be held between the South Australian Division of the Red Cross Society, the Department of the Army and the Repatriation Commission.
Senator COLLETT:
WESTERN AUSTRALIA · NAT; UAP from 1937

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Repatriation, upon notice -

  1. In order to secure even greater efficiency, and meet the heavy demands likely to be made upon it in the near future, is it proposed to augment and re-organize the medical staff of the Repatriation Commission?
  2. What additional medical officers have been appointed to the staff since the 1st July. 1943?
Senator CAMERON:

– The Minister for Repatriation has supplied the following answers : -

  1. Yes.
  2. The additional medical staff so far engaged is 24. viz., an increase from62 as from 30th June 1943 to 86 at 30th September 1945.

page 176

PAPERS

The following papers were pre sented : -

Air Force Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules- 1945, Nos. 175, 196, 201. 1946, Nos. 33, 40.

Arbitration (Public Service) Act - Deter- minations by the Arbitrator, &c. -

No. 48 of 1945 - Commonwealth Public Service Clerical Association.

No. 49 of 1945 - Federated Ironworkers Association of Australia.

No. 50 of 1945 - Amalgamated Engineering Union ; and others.

No. 51 of 1945 - Commonwealth Public Service Clerical Association.

Nos. 52-55 of 1945 - Federated Ironworkers’ Association of Australia.

No. 56 of 1945 - Amalgamated Engineering Union; and others.

No. 57 of 1945 - Commonwealth Postmasters’ Association; and others.

No. 58 of 1945 - Commonwealth Public Service Artisans’ Association of Australia.

No. 1 of 1946 - Amalgamated Postal Workers’ Union of Australia.

No. 2 of 1946 - Federated Ironworkers’ Association of Australia.

No. 3 of 1946 - Commonwealth PublicService Artisans’ Association.

No. 4 of 1946 - Commonwealth Telephone Officers’ Association.

No. 5 of 1946 - Professional Officers’ Association, Commonwealth Public Service; Commonwealth Public Service Clerical Association; Commonwealth Legal Professional Officers’ Association; Commonwealth Temporary Clerks’ Association; Federated Clerks’ Union of Australia; and Amalgamated Engineering Union.

Australian Broadcasting Act - Thirteenth Annual Report and Balance-sheet of the Australian Broadcasting Commission, for year 1944-45.

Australian Imperial Force Canteens Funds Act - Report by Auditor-General upon accounts of Trustees of Fund, for year 1944-45.

Australian Soldiers’ Repatriation Act -

Regulations - Statutory Rules 1946. No. 16.

War Pensions Entitlement Appeal Tribunals - Reports for year 1944-45.

Commonwealth Disposals Commission - First Annual Report, for year ended 31st August, 1945.

Commonwealth Employees’ Compensation Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1946. No. 37.

Commonwealth Public Service Act -

Appointment - Department of Civil Aviation - L. B. Tulloh.

Regulations - Statutory Rules 1946, No. 22.

Twenty-first Report on the Commonwealth Public Service by Board of Commissioners, dated 18th February, 1946.

Commonwealth Public Works Committee Act -Regulations - Statutory Rules 1946, No. 21.

Commonwealth Railways Act - Report on Commonwealth Railways operations for year 1944-45.

Commonwealth Shipping Act - Australian Commonwealth Shipping Board - Cockatoo Island Dockyard - Balance-sheet and Liquidation Account, together with Auditor-General’s Report thereon, for year ended 28th February, 1945.

Copyright Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1945, No. 198.

Customs Act-

Customs Proclamations - Nos.637-643; 647-650.

Regulations - Statutory Rules - 1945. No. 186. 1946, No. 10.

Dairy Produce Export Control Act -

Regulations - Statutory Rules 1946, No. 13.

Twentieth Annual Report of the Australian Dairy Produce Board, for year 1944-45, together with Statement by Minister regarding the operation of the Act.

Darwin Lands Acquisition Act, Lands Acquisition. Act, and Lands’ Acquisition Ordinance of the Northern Territory - Land acquired for purposes of replanning and development, and institution of system of leasehold tenure - Darwin, Northern Territory.

Defence Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules - 1945,Nos. 180, 195. 1946, Nos.6, 7, 38.

Defence Act and Naval Defence Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules - 1945, Nos. 157, 172. 1946 Nos. 8, 31 .

Defence Act, Naval Defence Act and Air

Force Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1946. No. 39.

Designs Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1945, No. 200.

High Commissioner Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules. 1946. No. 50.

Hospital Benefits Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1946, No. 2.

Immigration Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1946. No. 20.

Income Tax Assessment Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1945, Nos. 169, 192.

Judiciary Act - Rule of Court, dated 16th October, 1945.

Lands Acquisition Act - Land acquired for - Commonwealth purposes -

Amberley, Queensland.

Belmont, Western Australia.

Broome, Western Australia.

Byford, Western Australia.

Camden, New South Wales.

Cloncurry, Queensland.

Coffs Harbour, New South Wales.

East Adelaide, South Australia.

Ekibin, Queensland.

Greta, ‘New South Wales.

Hobart, Tasmania.

Holland Park, Queensland.

Kempsey, New South Wales.

Lake Boga, Victoria.

Launceston, Tasmania.

Lilli Pilli, New South Wales.

Lowood, Queensland.

Mascot, New South Wales.

Merredin, Western Australia.

Mount Nebo (near Wollongong) . New South Wales.

Narromine, New South Wales (2).

Newington, New South Wales.

Onslow, Western Australia.

Pearce, Western Australia.

Port Hedland, Western Australia.

Puckapunyal, Victoria.

Robertson, New South Wales.

Roebourne, Western Australia.

Roma, Queensland.

South Brisbane, Queensland.

Sydney, New South Wales (2).

Wagga Wagga, New South Wales.

Warwick, Queensland.

White Rock (near Cairns), Queensland.

Wollongong, New South Wales.

Yelta, Victoria.

Postal purposes -

Bundaberg, Queensland.

Callawa, Western Australia.

Camberwell, Victoria.

Cannington, Western Australia.

Carlton. Victoria.

Caulfield South, Victoria.

Cheltenham, Victoria.

Coorparoo, Queensland.

Fitzroy Crossing, Western Australia.

Glen Iris, Victoria.

Henley Beach, South Australia.

Jarvisfield, Queensland.

Kew, Victoria.

Konong Wootong, Victoria.

Kooyong, Victoria.

Maryborough, Queensland.

Mayfield, New South Wales.

Miriam Vale, Queensland.

Mount Barker, South Australia.

New Farm, Queensland.

Northbridge, New South Wales.

Penrith. New South Wales.

Perth, Western Australia.

Richmond, Victoria.

West Melbourne, Victoria.

Telephonic purposes -

Atherton, Queensland.

Gordonvale, Queensland.

National Security Act -

National Security (Agricultural Aids) Regulations - Orders -

Bran and pollard (Restriction of sales) (No. 2).

Hay. straw and chaff (New South Wales), (Queensland), (Tasmania) and (Victoria) - Revocations.

National Security (Agricultural Machinery ) Regulations - Order - Agricultural machinery (No. 5).

National Security (Apple and Pear Acquisition) Regulations - Order - Apple and pear acquisition 1945-46.

National Security (Capital Issues) Regulations - Orders- Exemptions ( 2 ) .

National Security (Economic Organization) Regulations - Orders -

Economic organization (Interest rates ) .

Exemption.

National Security (Fish) Regulations - Orders -

Fish markets (New South Wales) - Revocation.

Sale of fish (New South Wales) Revocation.

National Security (Food Control) Regulations -

Orders - Nos. 23-32.

Orders by State Minister for Agriculture - New South Wales (Nos. 3,4).

National Security (General) Regulations -

Bylaws - Controlled areas - Revocations (4).

Orders -

Bacon and smallgoods (South Australia) - Revocation.

Bread industry (Queensland) - Revocation.

Canvas ware - Revocation.

Chain manufacture - Revocation.

Clothing materials investigation -

Revocation.

Cocoa, chocolate and confectionery - Revocation.

Control of -

Bitumen - Revocation.

Canned fruits - Revocation.

Collapsible tubes - Revocation.

Dextrose - Revocation.

Elastic materials(No. 3).

Electric dry battery manufacture - Revocation.

Electric torch case manufacture - Revocation.

Essential materials (Nos. 17, 18).

Footwear (Styles and quality) (No. 8).

Hand and garden tools - Revocation.

Horse-shoe manufacture - Revocation.

Ice (Queensland) - Revocation.

Leather - Revocation.

Leather goods (No. 3).

Leather goods - Revocation.

Liquid paraffin - Revocation.

Liquor (No. 5).

Packages - Revocation.

Production and distribution of footwear - Revocation.

Radio service - Revocation.

Radio spare parts - Revocation.

Refrigerators and refrigeration equ i pment - Revocation.

Retail delivery of commodities - Revocation.

Solder - Revocation.

Trailer manufacture - Revocation.

Dry cleaning industry - Revocation.

Egg vendors (South Australia) - Revocation.

Feminine outerwear (No. 3).

Fish (Estimates and returns) -

Revocation.

Fishing industry (Estimates and returns ) - Revocation.

Ice industry (Victoria) - Revocation.

Knitted goods (No. 3).

Laundry industry - Revocation.

Male outerwear (No. 2).

Manufacture of -

Domestic furniture (No. 6).

Fur garments - Revocation. .

Omnibus bodies - Revocation.

Merchant ships (Passive defence) - Revocation.

Milk industry (Queensland) - Revocation.

Milk vendors (Geelong), (Tasmania) - Revocations.

Navigation and anchor lights - Revocation.

Navigation (Aquatic racing on Sydney Harbour ) - Revocation.

Navigation (Control of public traffic) - Revocation.

Navigation (Darkening ships) - Revocation.

Navigation (Recognition procedure) - Revocation.

Navigation (Small craft) - Revocation.

Prohibited places - Revocations (45).

Prohibition of non-essential production (No. 19).

Protected area - Revocation.

Protection of exposed personnel (Merchant ships) - Revocation.

Protection of shipping (Accommodation for defence personnel ) - Revocation.

Protection of shipping (Defensive armament) - Revocation.

Protection of shipping (Paravane equipment) - Revocation.

Retail grocery (Queensland) - Revocation.

Rubber (Relaxations).

Rubber (Relaxations) (No. 2).

Shirts, collars and pyjamas (No. 2).

South Australiamilk vendors - Revocation.

Taking possession of land,&c. (23).

Use of land.

Utensils (Miscellaneous) - Revocation.

Watches in Australian ships.

Wholesale butter trade control (South Australia ) - Revocation.

Wooden tool-handles (Manufacture and sale) - Revocation.

Woven underwear(No.2).

Orders and by-laws -Protected areas -

Revocations (3).

Orders by State Premiers -

New South Wales (Nos. 58-60).

Victoria (No.62).

National Security (General) Regulations and National Security (Supplementary) Regulations- Order by State Premier - New South Wales (No. 57).

National Security (Industrial Property) Regulations - Orders - Inventions and designs (662).

National Security (Landlordand Tenant) Regulations - Rules- -Fair Rents Board, 1945 (Tasmania).

National Security (Land Transport) Regulations - Orders -

Land transport orders (South Australia) - Revocation.

Passenger vehicles control (Western Australia) - Revocation.

Revocation of certain road transport orders (dated 1st October, 1945).

National Security (Man Power) Regulations Orders- Protected undertakings (33).

National Security (Maritime Industry) Regulations - Orders - Nos. 52,53.

National Security (Meat Industry Control) Regulations - Order - Meat (No. 35).

National Security (Mobilization of Electricity Supply) Regulations -

Determinations - Electricity (Australian Capital Territory) (2).

Orders -

Electricity (Australian Capital Territory) (3).

Electricity - Revocation.

National Security (Prices) Regulations -

Declaration- No. 158.

Orders- Nos. 2197-2328. 2330-2406, 2408-2415.

National Security (Prisoners of War) Regulations - Orders -

Prisonersof War Camp (No. 15).

Prisoners of War (Pay Arrangements) (No. 5).

Prisoners of War (Payment) (No. G.1. A.2.).

National Security (Rationing)Regula- tions - Orders - Nos. 1 06-1 1 4

National Security (Salvage) Regulations - Order - Salvage - Revocation.

National Security (Shearing of Sheep) Regulations - Order - Exemption.

National Security (Shipping Coordination) Regulations-Orders -

Nos. 106-110. 1946, Nos. 1-3.

National Security (Supplementary) Regulation -

Order - Defermentof banking business.

Orders by State Premiers -

New South Wales (No. 56).

Queensland (2 - dated 23rd October. 1945, and 2nd January, 1946).

South Australia (No. 4of 1945). Tasmania (No. 4).

Victoria (dated 21st December, 1945).

Western Australia (dated 7th December, 1945).

National Security (Vegetable Seeds) Regulations - Notice - Returns ofvegetable seeds.

Regulations - Statutory Rules - 1945, Nos. 155, 156, 158, 159, 100, 161, 162,163, 165, 168, 107, 168, 173, 178, 179, 184, 187, 188, 189, 203, 204, 205. 1946, Nos. 1, 3, 4, 11, 12, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 35, 36, 44.

Naval Defence Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1946. Nos. 26, 32.

Navigation Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1946. Nos. 41, 42.

Northern Territory Acceptance Act and Northern Territory (Administration) Act-

Crown Lands Ordinance - Reasons for resumption of reservation of certain lands near Alice Springs (Jay Creek Aboriginal Reserve).

Ordinance - No. 8 of 1945 - Inquiries.

Regulations -

No. 2 of 1945 - (Inspection of Machinery Ordinance).

No. 3 of 1945 - (Co-operative Trading Societies Ordinance).

No. 1of 1946 - (Inquiries Ordinance).

Papua-New Guinea Provisional Administration Act - Ordinances -

No. 1 of 1945 - Native Labour (Wages and Conditions of Employment).

No. 2 of 1945 - Treasury.

No. 3 of 1945- Supply (No. 1) 1945-1946.

No. 4 of 1945 - Ordinances Interpretation.

Patents Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1945, No. 197.

Posts and Telegraph Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1945, No. 194.

Quarantine Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1946, No. 17.

Re-establishment and Employment Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules - 1945,Nos. 181, 182. 1946. Nos. 5, 14, 15.

Sales Tax Assessment Acts (Nos. 1-9)- Regulations - Statutory Rules 1945, No. 193.

Science and Industry Endowment Act - Report by Auditor-General on the accounts of the Science and Industry Endowment Fund, for year 1944-45.

Seat of Government Acceptance Act and Seat of Government (Administration) Act - Ordinances-

No. 11 of 1945 - Liquor.

No. 12 of 1945 - Advisory Council.

Seat of Government (Administration) Act - Statement of Receipts and Expenditure for the Australian Capital Territory, for year 1944-45.

Social Services Contribution Assessment Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1945, No. 191.

Superannuation Act - Superannuation Board -T wenty-second Annual Report, for year 1943-44.

Supply and Development Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1945, No. 174.

Trade Marks Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1945, No. 199.

Tuberculosis Act - Regulations- Statutory Rules 1946, No. 9.

War Crimes Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules- 1945, No. 164. 1946, No. 30.

War Gratuity Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1945, No. 176.

War Service Homes Act -

Regulations - Statutory Rules 1945, No. 202.

Reportof War Service Homes Commission for year 1944-45, together with statements and balance-sheet.

WineGrapes Charges Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1945, No. 171.

Wine Overseas Marketing Act- Regulations -Statutory Rules 1945, No. 177.

Wireless Telegraphy Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1945, No. 185.

Women’s Employment Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1945, No. 170.

Senate adjourned at 3.57 p.m.

Cite as: Australia, Senate, Debates, 13 March 1946, viewed 22 October 2017, <http://historichansard.net/senate/1946/19460313_senate_17_186/>.

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