Senate
15 October 1947

18th Parliament · 1st Session



The Senate, on the 6th June, 1947, adjourned to a date and hour to be fixed by the President and to be notified to each honorable senator.

The Senate met at 3 p.m. pursuant to such notification.

page 724

SWEARING-IN. OF SENATORS

The Deputy appointed by His Excellency the Governor-General, the Honorable Edward Aloysius McTiernan, a

Justice of the High Court of Australia, having been announced by the Usher of the Black Rod, entered the chamber, and, taking his seat on the dais, said -

Members of the Senate :

His Excellency the Governor-General, not thinking fit to be present in person at this time, has been pleased to cause letters patent to issue under the .Great Seal of the Commonwealth constituting [ me his Deputy to administer the oath or affirmation of allegiance to honorable senators, as will more fully appear from the letters patent which will now be read.

The letters patent having been read by the Clerk -

The Clerk produced and laid on the table the certificates of election for the following members elected on the 28th September, 1946, to serve in the Senate as senators for their respective States from and after the 1st July, 1947 : -

NewSouthWAles -

William Patrick Ashley

James Jarvist Arnold

William James Large. queensland-

Walter Jackson Cooper

Neil O’sullivan

Annabelle Jane Mary Rankin

SouthAustrlaia- Fredrick Hubert Beerworth. John Owen Critchley. Frederick Furner Ward.

Tasmania- Reginald J ames Murray. William Morrow. Justin Hilary O’Byrne.

Victoria -

Albion Hendrickson. Charles Walter Sandford. Frederick Katz

Western Australia -

Dorothy Margaret Tangney. John Harris. Joseph Alfred Cooke

The above-named senators, with the exception of Senator Beerworth, who had already been sworn, made and subscribed the oath of allegiance.

The Deputy having retired,

page 725

ELECTION OF PRESIDENT

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

– The time has now come when it is necessary for the Senate to choose one of its members to be President. I move -

That Senator Gordon Brown do take the chair of this Senate as President.

Senator McKenna:

– I have pleasure in seconding the motion.

Senator Brown:

– I submit myself to the will of the Senate.

The Clerk:

– There being no other nomination, I declare Senator Gordon Brown elected President of the Senate.

The PRESIDENT, having been conducted tothe dais, said -

I thank honorable senators for the high honour which they have conferred upon me. I have now occupied the chair of the Senate for four years, and during that period I have done my best to be impartial. Of course, I owe certain allegiance to my party at voting times, but I have always endeavoured to be completely impartial in conducting the business of the Senate, knowing no party whatever. Although as President I have no politics, I cannot allow this occasion to pass without noting that the political pendulum has completed a full swing. Seeing Senator Collings in front of me, my mind returns to the time when he and I belonged to the group of Labour party senators known as “ The Three Musketeers “, who held the fort against 33. Times have changed since then. The political colour of the Senate has changed, too, and the situation has now been reversed. I make these remarks in order that I may say to our friends in Opposition, who number only three, that the Chair will not take advantage of their position, and of their small number, but will give them every assistance to conduct their affairs and will ensure that they shall receive fair and just treatment. I say no more, except to thank honorable senators once again for the honour which they have conferred upon me.

Senator ASHLEY (New South Wales - Minister for Supply and Shipping). - On behalf of the Government, I offer my congratulations to you, Mr. President, on your elevation again to the highest office in the Senate. I look forward with my colleagues, and I am sure with the members of the Opposition, to the continuance of the high standard of impartiality which you have observed. You have been tolerant in all your rulings and absolutely fair. I know that new members of the Senate will appreciate the manner in which you guide and control the business of this chamber. I offer you my congratulations in the knowledge that the high traditions of your office will be capably maintained by you.

Senator COOPER:
Leader of the Opposition · Queensland

– Members of the Opposition also desire to offer their congratulations to you, Mr. President, upon your re-election to your High office. We appreciate your statement that you will be entirely impartial and will give to the Opposition, although it is small, every consideration and encouragement. From my past observations of your actions in the high office which you hold, I know well that we have nothing at all to. fear from you in the discharge of your duties. Your task may not be arduous for the next three years ; nevertheless I am certain that you will ably uphold the very high traditions of the office to which you have been re-elected. I believe that you will conduct yourself, as President, as you have done in the past, viewing your high position, not as a political appointment, but as one made by the Senate to ensure the maintenance of its high traditions.

Presentation to GOVERNOR-GENERAL.

Senator ASHLEY (New South Wales - Minister for Supply and Shipping). - I desire to acquaint honorable senators that His Excellency the Governor-General will be pleased to receive Mr. President, and such honorable senators as desire to accompany him, at 3.45 p.m. this day at Government House.

The PRESIDENT:

– I invite honorable senators to accompany me to Government House, where I shall present myself to His Excellency the Governor-General as the choice of the Senate.

Sitting suspended from 8.82 to 5 p.m.

The PRESIDENT:

– I have to report that, accompanied by honorable senators, I, this day, presented myself to the Governor-General as the person chosen by the Senate as its President. His Excellency was pleased to congratulate me upon my election.

The President read prayers.

page 726

COMMISSION TO ADMINISTER OATH

The PRESIDENT:

– I have received from His Excellency the GovernorGeneral a commission to administer to honorable senators the oath or affirmation of allegiance.

Commission laid on the table and read by the Clerk.

page 726

QUESTION

PRICES CONTROL

Bacon and Ham

Senator COOPER:

– I ask the Minister for Trade and Customs whether representations have been made to him for a discontinuance of price control in respect of bacon and ham? If so, what was the result of these representations? What is the extent of black marketing, if any, in these commodities in each State ?

Senator COURTICE:
Minister for Trade and Customs · QUEENSLAND · ALP

– The price of bacon and ham has been under consideration for quite a long time by the Prices Branch. It is not intended to’ discontinue the control of the prices of these items, hut I think that the arrangement which we expect to become operative in the near future will satisfy everybody concerned.

Later:

Senator SHEEHAN:
VICTORIA

– I take it thai the negotiations now in progress in respect of the prices of bacon and baan cover both sales of these commodities by the bacon curers to the retailers, and sales by the retailers to ‘the general public.

Senator COURTICE:
ALP

– New prices will become operative on the 1st December, which I think will satisfy all parties. Because of the shortage of pigs and their use mainly for pork, bacon curers have had difficulty in obtaining supplies.

page 726

QUESTION

SHIPPING

Tally Clerics Dispute

Senator HARRIS:
WESTERN AUSTRALIA · ALP

– Can the Minister for Supply and Shipping inform the Senate whether any action has been taken by the Government in regard to the dispute between the Federated Clerks Union, and the Tally Clerks Union at Fremantle, which is causing some concern to the people of Western Australia ?

Senator ASHLEY:
ALP

– The Government has taken action with regard to this dispute. A conciliation commissioner has been appointed to hear the case, and he left for Western Australia yesterday. I am hopeful that the trouble will be adjusted to-day.

page 726

QUESTION

AUSTRALIAN REPRESENTATIVES OVERSEAS

Senator AMOUR:
NEW SOUTH WALES

– During my recent tour overseas, I met various Australian representatives who are rendering a great service to this country. I gathered from them that their allowances and salaries are quite inadequate to meet their needs, and I ask the Minister for Supply and Shipping whether the Government will give consideration to increasing payments to members of Australian legations, consular staffs, and trade commissions throughout the world, but particularly in those countries where inflation has occurred and the cost of living has increased considerably. I have been informed that living costs in many countries are such that Australians engaged in important business on behalf of their country are precluded from enjoying the living standards that would Lave been theirs had they remained in this country.

Senator ASHLEY:
ALP

– I shall bring the honorable senator’s question to the notice of the Treasurer who, I am sure, will give Hue consideration to his suggestion.

page 727

BILLS RETURNED FROM THE EOU.SE OF REPRESENTATIVES

The following bills were returned from t,he House of Representatives without amendment : -

Pharmaceutical Benefits Bill 194”. Hospital Benefits Bill 1947.

page 727

APPLE AND PEAR ORGANIZATION BILL 1947

Message received from, the House of Representatives intimating that it had agreed to the amendments made by the Senate in this bill.

page 727

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

Message received from the House of Representatives intimating that Mr. Beale had been appointed a member of the Public Works Committee in place of Mr. Gullett, resigned.

page 727

ASSENT TO BILLS

Assent, to the following bills reported : -

Australian National University Bill 1947. Aliens Bill .104.7.

Service? Trust Funds Bill 1!)47.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and

Cultural Organization Bill 1947. Coinage Bill 1947.

Social Services Consolidation Bill 1947. Social Services Legislation Declaratory Bill 1947.

United Kingdom Grant Bill 1947. Australian Soldiers’ Repatriation Bill 1947. W,ar Pensions Appropriation Bill 1947. States Grants Bill 1947. British Commonwealth Pacific Airlines

Agreement Bill 1947. Pharmaceutical Benefits Bill 1947. Hospital Benefits Bill 1947. Superannuation Bill 1947. Parliamentary Allowances -Bill 1947. Supply Bill (No. 1) 1047-48. War Service Homes Bill 1947. Northern Territory (Administration) Bill

194.7.

Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 1946-47. War Gratuity Bill .1.947. Wine Export Bounty Bill 1947. New South Wales Grant (Drought Relief i Bill 1947.

Apple and Pear Organization Bill 1947. Apple and Pear Export Charges Bill 1947. Interim Forces Benefits Bill 1947. Approved Defence Projects Protection Bill 1947.

Supplementary Appropriation Bill 1945-40. Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Bill 1945-46.

page 727

LEADER, DEPUTY LEADER AND WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION

Senator COOPER:
Queensland

by leave. - I have to announce that at a meeting of Opposition members I was re-elected1 Leader of the Opposition in this chamber ; Senator O’sullivan was elected Deputy Leader of the Opposition, and Senator Annabelle Rankin was elected Opposition Whip. History has been made to-day in the election of Senator Annabelle Rankin as Whip, because I believe that I am right in saying that she is the first woman to hold office in this Parliament. The representation of political parties in the Senate to-day reminds me of an almost similar position in September, 1935, except that the numbers have been reversed. On that earlier occasion there were 33 supporters of a non-Labour government, with three members of the Labour party in opposition. It may interest honorable senators, particularly yourself, Mr. President, and Senator Collings, if I make a short quotation from page 5 of volume 147 of Hansard of the 23rd September, 1935. On that occasion Senator Collings announced, by leave, that he had been elected Leader of the Opposition in this chamber. The Hansard .report of his remarks is as follows : -

All that I desire to say at this juncture is that I shall endeavour to carry out the duties which devolve upon me to the best of my ability, and that any criticism I may offer will be honest and sincere. Although the Opposition in this chamber is small in numbers, it represents 46 per cent.’ of the electors who cast their votes at the election held on the 15th September, 1934. The duty devolves upon us therefore to see that justice is done to that section of the people which voted for Labour representation.

Senator Hardy. Is the honorable senator referring only to Queensland?

Senator COLLINGS:
QUEENSLAND

– I am speaking of Australia generally. It must be realized that there is something wrong with the system of electing the members of this chamber since 46 per cent, of the electors obtained no representation at all, the other 54 per cent, receiving the whole of the representation. Those are the official figures. My object in referring to this matter now is not to grieve about the result, but to meet in advance the satirical remarks which will, no doubt, be heard in this chamber later, if not this afternoon, concerning our depleted numbers and our ineffectiveness as an Opposition.

To day, as 1 have said, the position is reversed ; there are 33 Labour members in the chamber, whilst the Oppositionconsists of three members of non-Labour parties. By an extraordinary coincidence those three members again represent Queensland. I agree entirely with foe remarks made by Senator Collings on the occasion referred to, and I assure the Senate that the present Opposition will follow his advice to the letter. Honorable senators may rest assured that what the Opposition lacks in numbers will be made up in virility, and that we shall oppose to the utmost any legislation which attacks the liberty of the individual. Lest an air of complacency should be adopted by imposing the galaxy on the Government benches, I remind honorable senators opposite that my two colleagues and I represent 48 per cent, of the primary votes recorded at the elections for the Senate held on the 28th September, 1946, and that we are determined to do all in our power in the interests particularly of almost half of the people of Australia, whom we represent in this chamber.

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

- by leave. - I extend my congratulations to Senator Cooper and his colleagues on their election to offices in the Opposition. I shall be delighted if they will follow the example set by Senator Collings and his two colleagues when they were the only three Labour members in opposition in this chamber. I well recall the generosity which he extended to the Government on that occasion. Later, when our numbers increased to four, I, myself, being the fourth, Senator Collings was so considerate to the Government at that time that we were asked not to speak in opposition to certain measures in order to enable government business to be put through. If the present Leader of the Opposition desires to follow the advice -of Senator Collings on that score, we sibai L offer no objection. I , assure the Leader of the Opposition and his colleagues that honorable senators on this side of the chamber will extend to them full co-operation. I ‘ welcome his statement that he and his colleagues will not fail to offer criticism which they believe to be justified. Ministers will welcome constructive criticism at all times. I trust that the Leader of the Opposition and his colleagues will enjoy their term of office, and that they will give considerable assistance to the Government in the administration of the nation’s affairs.

page 728

QUESTION

HOSPITAL BENEFITS

Senator CRITCHLEY:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA

– Because of the acute shortage of beds in registered hospitals in South Australia, a great deal of hardship is experienced by expectant mothers and other patients who must, consequently, enter non-registered hospitals, and are thus obliged to forgo hospital benefits. In view of the hardship caused to these patients through no fault of their own, will the Minister for Health consider what steps can be taken to enable such persons to avail themselves of hospital benefits?

Senator McKENNA:
ALP

– Throughout Australia, nearly every hospital is registered and approved under the Hospital Benefits Act. That result has been achieved with some difficulty in NewSouth Wales, but, due to very strenuous efforts on the part, of officers of the Department of Health, about 102 hospitals have been registered in that State during the last seven months. In South Australia only very few hospitals are not registered. The difficulty mentioned by the honorable senator could be solved readily by the proprietors of those hospitals coming in under the regulations and giving to their patients the benefits which the Government intended all hospital patients should enjoy. I suggest that it would be quite wrong to disturb the ‘present system, which is working evenly and well throughout Australia, by providing for payment direct to patients when a little co-operation on the part of a few hospital proprietors would enable the difficulty to be overcome. I shall have a careful look at the ‘position, with a view to making a further approach to the few private hospitals outstanding, in an endeavour to obtain a 100 per cent, result. In at least two States, Tasmania and Western Australia, all private hospitals have come under the scheme, and throughout the whole of the Commonwealth only a few are now standing out. of it.

Senator BEERWORTH:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA

– During the last period of the session I directed a question to the Minister for Social Services in connexion with the provision of medical and hospital facilities for employees of the Commonwealth Railways Department engaged on the east-west railway. Those men are isolated, and, at present, a good deal of discontent exists among them because practically no hospital or medical facilities are available to them. Does the Government intend to provide such facilities to those employees and their families, particularly employees working on the section of the line between Port Augusta and Kalgoorlie?

Senator McKENNA:

– I recall that the honorable senator raised this matter during the ‘last period of the session. It has not been possible for the Commonwealth directly to intervene in the health field in the interim. Although power was conferred upon the Commonwealth at the referendum, honorable senators will realize that the Government cannot move in such a matter until such time as the necessary legislation is placed on the statute-book. I realize the plight of men who are working in remote areas. We are taking steps to extend to them telephone and aerial transport facilities in order to meet emergencies. I have given instructions to ensure that care shall be taken of the men and their families in those localities. At the moment I cannot recall the result of such action, but I shall ascertain the information desired by the honorable senator.

page 729

QUESTION

RE-ESTABLISHMENT

reconstruction training scheme.

Senator KATZ:
VICTORIA

– Under the post-war training scheme at present, a trainee who meets with an accident is not covered by the Commonwealth Workmen’s Compensation Act, although the department, through the Treasury, generally makes available to such trainee an amount almost equivalent, or perhaps equivalent, to the amount prescribed under that act. I ask the Minister representing the Minister for Post-war Reconstruction whether the Government will consider granting to such a trainee a right in law to compensation by bringing trainees under the post-war training scheme under the provisions of the act?

Senator McKENNA:
ALP

– I undertake to draw the attention of the Minister for Post-war Reconstruction to the honorable senator’s question. I know that it is a’ fact that no trainee has suffered any loss by reason of the fact that he has not an enforceable right at law. In each case where injury has been suffered during training, the Government has met the trainee upon the same basis as if he were covered by the Commonwealth Workmen’s Compensation Act. There is virtue in people having an enforceable right instead of a right which depends upon the discretion of even a government.

page 729

QUESTION

APPLES AND PEARS

Senator NASH:
WESTERN AUSTRALIA

– I ask the Minister representing the Minister for Commerce and Agriculture whether the Government has given any consideration to the acquisition of the 1948 apple and pear crop in Western Australia?

Senator COURTICE:
ALP

– I shall bring the honorable senator’s question to the notice of the Minister for Commerce and Agriculture.

page 730

QUESTION

TARIFF BOARD

REPORTS on Items.

Senator COURTICE:
ALP

– I lay on the table reports of the Tariff Board on the following subjects: -

Aluminium and Aluminium Alloys: Question of removal from Tariff By-law items 35S (b) and 404; and, if so, what rates of duty should be imposed.

Bounty on Tractors.

Bounty on Wire Netting.

Brass and Steel Precision Rules

Ordered to be printed.

page 730

ESTIMATES AND BUDGET PAPERS 1947-48

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

– I lay on the table the following papers : -

Estimates of Receipts and Expenditure and Estimates of Expenditure for Additions, New Works, Buildings, &c, for the year ending the 30th June, 1948.

National Income and Expenditure 1946-47

The Budget, 1947-48 - Papers presented by the Right Honorable J. B. Chifley, M.P., on the occasion of the Budget of 1047-48, and move -

That the papers be printed.

Et has been the custom to submit this motion immediately after the budget has been presented in the House of Representatives and, at the same time, to inform honorable- senators in some detail of the budget position. Some weeks have elapsed since the Treasurer (Mr. Chifley) delivered his budget speech for 1947-48 and copies of it, together with the Estimates and the budget papers, have been distributed to honorable senators. In the circumstances, I propose on this occasion to make only a very short statement outlining the central features of the budget.

Actual revenue in 1946-47 was £412,000,000 as against the budget estimate of £385,000,000. The largest increases were income tax £6,000,000, sales tax £5,000,000 and customs and excise duties £13,000,000. Expenditure on defence and allied services was £129,000,000. This was £18,000,000 below the budget estimate. Post-war charges, on the other hand, involved an expenditure of £161.000,000 compared with an estimate of £131.000.000.

Expenditure on this item, however, included the gift of £25,000,000 to the United Kingdom for which provision had not been made in the budget. Credits against defence and post-war- charges were £58,000,000, so that net expenditure on defence and post-war charges was £232,000,000, which was £11,000,000 more than was estimated. Other expenditure was £218,000,000, which was £5,000,000 less than the Estimates. Total expenditure in 1946-47, therefore, was £450,000,000, and the gap between revenue and expenditure which was financed from loan moneys was £38,000,000 as against a budget estimate of £59,000,000.

Net expenditure on defence and postwar charges in 1947-48 is estimated to be £168,000,000, as compared with £232,000,000 in 1946-47 and £378,000,000 in 1945-46. Provision is sought for gross expenditure on defence and allied services this year of £80,000,000, as against £129,000,000 last year, and for post-war charges this year of £120,000,000, as against expenditure last year of £161,000,000. Credits for 1947-48. are estimated at £32,000,000, compared with £58,000,000 in 1946-47. An amount of £75,000,000 is provided this year for expenditure by service and production departments, whereas actual expenditure last year was £121,000,000. Of this £75,000,000, it is estimated that £40,000,000 will be spent under the postwar defence plan, which envisages the expenditure over five years of £250,000,000 on the development of a comprehensive system of modern defences in Australia.

Expenditure of £161,000,000 last year on post-war charges included nonrecurring items such as the United Kingdom grant of £25,000,000 and the lend-lease settlement of £8,000,000. Notwithstanding these reductions, total expenditure on post-war charges in 1947-48 is estimated at £120,000,000. This includes expenditure on re-establis’hment and repatriation of £39,000,000, an increase of £10,000,000, due mainly to larger intakes of ex-service trainees by technical colleges and/ universities.

Total expenditure other than defence and post-war charges in 1947-48 is estimated at. £259.000,000. which represents ah increase of £41,000,000 over last year. The main increases are £4,000,000 in payments to the National “Welfare Fund, £15,000,000 on new works, £4,000,000 on postal services, £4,000,000 in payments to States, and £11,000,000 on administrative votes. In most of these increases the effect of rising wages and other costs is reflected, although it should be noted that in these estimates of expenditure allowance has not been made for the operation, as from the 1st January, >1948, of the 40-hour week. Total expenditure in 1947-48 is, therefore, estimated at £427,000,000, as against £450,000,000 in 1946-47. Defence and post-war charges are expected to decrease by £64,000,000, and other expenditure to increase by £41,000,000.

With the rates of taxation in force before the 20th September, it is estimated that revenue this year would have been £404,000,000, compared with actual revenue last year of £412,000,000. After taking account of proposed taxation concessions, revenue for the current year is estimated to be £397,000,000, a decrease of £15,000,000 from last year. Income tax and social services contributions are expected to show a decrease of £12.000,000 and sales tax a decrease of £7,000.000. Revenue from customs and excise duties is estimated to be approximately the same as last year. Other items, including pay-roll tax and post office revenue, are expected to show increases amounting to £4,000,000. Hence, with total expenditure this year estimated at £427,000,000, and total revenue at £397,000,000, the gap to be financed from loan fund is estimated at £30,000,000. The gap last financial year was £38,000,000. .

The Government proposes to abolish the war-time company tax, which was imposed during the war period as a levy upon the exceptionally high profits made by some public companies under war conditions. Since its purpose has been fulfilled, it is considered that the tax should no longer be continued. Therefore, it will cease to operate as from and including the present financial year, which means that company profits of the year ended the 30th June, 1946- or the accounting period substituted for that year - will be the last year’s profits subject to the tax. The cost to revenue of removing the tax is estimated at £3.500,000.

Concessions are proposed in respect of sales tax, which are estimated to reduce revenue from this source by £3,500,000 in a full year, and by £2,800,000 in this financial year. Mainly these concessions will take the form of transferring items from the maximum rate schedule of 25 per cent, to the standard rate of 10 per cent. With a view to encouraging production of gold as a means of earning dollars, and having regard also to increasing costs in the gold-mining industry, the Government proposes to suspend the operation of the gold tax. On the present rate of production, the estimated cost to revenue will be £350,000 in this financial year and £550,000 in a full year.

The Government considers that full employment is the key to many of the economic problems of the community. If conditions overseas deteriorate we shall have to adapt ourselves to circumstances, and nothing must be left undone that will contribute to the main objective of providing constant employment for all available man-power. This policy involves an unremitting effort to achieve greater production and it also requires the continuation of measures designed to prevent unwarranted increases of costs and prices. There are many great tasks confronting Australia, and they can only be accomplished if the nation’s entire resources are marshalled and the people lend their willing assistance. .

Debate (on motion by Senator Cooper) adjourned.

page 731

QUESTION

IRON AND STEEL

Senator DEVLIN:
VICTORIA

asked the Minister for Supply and Shipping, upon notice -

  1. What was the total tonnage of galvanized and sheet iron, piping and steel to be used for industrial purpose®, despatched from Newcastle and Port Kembla to Victoria during Mav, 1947?
  2. What tonnage is awaiting despatch from Newcastle and Port Kembla to Victoria?
  3. Has any iron or steel been exported to other countries ? If so,, how much ?
  4. In view of the serious shortage of copper in Victoria, can anything be done to expedite deliveries to that State?
Senator ASHLEY:
ALP

– The answers to the honorable senator’s questions are as follows : -

  1. Figures are not available to show the various types of iron and steel products shipped, but during the month of May, 3,668 tons of iron and steel products of all kinds were shipped from Port Kembla to Victoria, and during the same period 19,178 tons were shipped from Newcastle to Victoria.
  2. On the6th June last, there were 2,049 tons of iron and steel products at Port Kembla awaiting shipment to Victoria and on the 29th Maylast there were 8,360 tons awaiting shipment from Newcastle. Tonnage allocated against these requirements was as follows: - From Newcastle, 12,000 tons; from Port Kembla, 2,300 tons. You will note that the tonnage allotted exceeds the quantities available for shipment at the dates mentioned and it is anticipated that it will be possible to lift, not only all tonnage awaiting shipment to Victoria, but also current production.
  3. I understand that some iron and steel products have been exported but no figures are readily available indicating quantities shipped during ‘ recent months. The latest figures readily available are for the quarter ended December, 1946. Figures published by the Commonwealth Statistician show that during this quarter iron and steel to the value of £1,296,000 were exported from Australia.
  4. I am advised that the normal overflow of copper products held at Port Kembla by manufacturers for shipment is approximately 1,000 tons. Shipments of copper to Victoria and other destinations have been regular and have been sufficient to cover all current production. During the week ended 7th June, I am advised that there were 470 tons of copper products at Port Kembla for shipment to Melbourne and during the same week 376 tons were shipped. For the week ended 14th June, 675 tons were on hand for shipment to Melbourne and of this quantity the “ Iron Knob “ is at present loading from 300 to 400 tons. I am advised that clearances are made regularly and that there is no likelihood of any substantial delays in the shipment of copper from Port Kembla to Melbourne.

page 732

QUESTION

POSTAL DEPARTMENT

Age of Officers

Senator LAMP:
TASMANIA

asked the PostmasterGeneral, upon notice -

  1. Are any officers of the PostmasterGeneral’s Department 65 years of age or over?
  2. If so -(a) How many; (b) what are their names, official positions and salaries; (c) what is the reason for their continued service over the normal retiring age; and(d) as these officers cannot be employed for an indefinite time in a useful capacity, what steps does the department propose to take to retire them?
Senator CAMERON:
Postmaster-General · VICTORIA · ALP

– The answers to the honorable senator’s questions are as follows : -

  1. Yes. 2. (a) Ten, excluding a number of temporary employees, e.g. telegraphists, whose services are being retained until such time assuitable replacements can be secured.
  1. These officers were transferred from the South Australian State Public Service at federation and have rights which exempt them from the provisions of the Commonwealth Public Service Act relating to compulsory retirement at 65 years of age.
  2. No immediate action is considered desirable.

page 732

QUESTION

ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE

Medical Officers

Senator ARNOLD:
NEW SOUTH WALES

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

  1. Are any medical officers still serving in the Royal Australian Air Force who have not volunteered for the Interim Air Force?
  2. If so, are these men being retained against their expressed desire to be demobilized ?
  3. What steps have been taken by the Royal Australian Air Force since the inception of the Interim Air Force, nearly two years ago, to recruit new medical officers?
Senator CAMERON:
ALP

– The Minister for Airhas supplied the following answers : -

  1. Yes.
  2. Yes, but very few, if any, of the medical officers being so retained have served for more than two years in the Royal Australian Air Force.
  3. Constant endeavours have been made, particularly through the medium of advertisements in the press, to obtain (medical officers for the Royal Australian Air Force. It is hoped that the more attractive financial conditions under the new pay code which becomes operative on the 1st July will result in members of the medical profession volunteering for the Royal Australian Ar Force in sufficient numbers to complete approved establishments, and every effort with that objective will continue to be made. Further, those wishing to discontinue service with the Royal Australian Air Force will be released immediately replacements become available.

page 733

QUESTION

ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY

Disused Small CRAFT

Senator COOPER:

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

  1. Has the attention of the Minister been drawn to an article in the Sydney Morning Herald, dated the 2nd June, 1947, under the heading “£1,000,000 ‘Ghost Fleet’ Rots in Brisbane River “?
  2. Is the statement in the article correct, viz., that small naval .vessels estimated to be worth £1,000,000 are being allowed to rot in the Brisbane River at Pinkenba?
  3. If so, and in view of a general demand for motor launches and other small craft at the present time, will the Minister investigate the position with a view to enabling these vessels to be reconditioned where possible and made available through the Disposals Commission to the public?
Senator ASHLEY:
ALP

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

  1. Yes.
  2. No. There are in all (il vessels under the control of my department, of which six are held for post-war requirements by the Navy Department; 22 owned by other governments are held for safe custody and 33 held for disposal. The estimated value of the 61 vessels is approximately £150,000.
  3. It is not the policy of the Government to recondition vessels prior to sale, and vessels are sold as and where they lie. The vessels held for disposal have only recently been declared surplus and action is being taken to dispose of these vessels by auction in the near future.

page 733

QUESTION

MAJOR MICHAEL COMAY

Senator COOPER:

asked the Minister acting for the Attorney-General, upon notice -

  1. Has the Attorney-General’s attention been drawn to a report in Smith’s Weekly, dated the 7th June, 1947, viz., that Canberra officials have been unable to explain why Major. Michael Comay, special envoy of the Jewish Agency, was allowed entry into Australia recently to raise funds from local Jews to fight the British in Palestine?
  2. Will the Minister cause investigations to be made into these allegations regarding the raising of funds in Australia for the purpose -of using them to fight against Great Britain?
Senator McKENNA:
ALP

– The executive council of Australian Jewry, which is the recognized mouthpiece of Australian

Jewry, has publicly denied the allegations contained in the newspaper article referred to. The Attorney-General caused investigations to be made into the allegations and the inquiries show that Major Comay, a British subject by birth and a soldier of “World War II., came to Australia for the purpose of explaining to the Government the main points of the Jewish Agency’s case in Palestine. He remained in Australia for a fortnight only and addressed meetings of Zionist bodies. He spoke at the official opening in Sydney of the Youth Aliyah campaign for funds. This movement was founded for the purpose of bringing Jewish children from Europe to Palestine under immigration certificates issued by the British Government. The executive council of Australian Jewry denies that any collection whatsoever has been made in Australia for funds to fight the British or for any purpose remotely connected with terrorism.

page 733

QUESTION

WAR NEUROSIS

Senator BEERWORTH:

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

  1. Has the Minister made any inquiry into the matter of war neurosis?
  2. If so, has any attention been given to thereports of medical men or of the sufferers themselves ?
  3. Will he inquire into the reported successful methods of treating these unfortunate cases at .the Worry Clinics in the United States of America?
Senator CAMERON:
ALP

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

  1. Yes.
  2. Yes.
  3. Yes.

page 733

ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES

Motion (by Senator Ashley) agreed to-

That the Senate do now proceed to elect a Chairman of Committees.

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

– I move -

Tha,t Senator T. M. Nicholls be appointed Chairman of Committees.

Senator McKenna:

– I second the motion.

Senator Nicholls:

– I submit myself to the will of the Senate.

The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon Gordon Brown:
QUEENSLAND

– There being only one nomination, I declare Senator Nicholls elected.

Senator NICHOLLS:
South Australia

– I thank the Senate for appointing mc Chairman of Committees. I regard the appointment as a very great honour. I shall endeavour to carry out my duties to the best of my ability and to the satisfaction of the Senate.

Senator ASHLEY (New South Wales - Minister for Supply and Shipping). - I congratulate Senator Nicholls upon his re-appointment as Chairman of Committees. We have had experience of the honorable senator’s work in that office, and 1 am confident that he will continue to carry out his duties in the capable manner that has characterized his work in the past.

Senator COOPER:
Leader of the Opposition · Queensland

– On behalf of the Opposition, I congratulate Senator Nicholls upon his re-election. In the past we have always found the honorable senator fair and considerate to the Opposition.

Senator NICHOLLS (South Australia). - I thank the Leader of the Senate (Senator Ashley) and the Leader of the Opposition (Senator Cooper) for their congratulations. I take this opportunity also to express my appreciation of the assistance and co-operation that I have received from all honorable senators while carrying out my duties as Chairman of Committees during the past twelve months. I am confident that that assistance will continue, and that with the wholehearted co-operation of honorable senators I shall be able to discharge the duties of my office in a manner which, at least, will not reflect discredit upon that honoured position.

page 734

ADJOURNMENT

Death ov ex-Sena tor Leckie and EX-SENATOR Collett:

Motion (by Senator Ashley) proposed -

That the Senate do now adjourn.

Senator COOPER:
Leader of the Opposition · Queensland

.- This is the first opportunity that has presented itself since the rising of the Senate last June to speak of certain events which have transpired during the period the Senatehas been in recess. I am sure that I am expressing the thoughts of all membersof the Senate when I say how deeply we regret the passing of two of our former colleagues in this chamber - - ex-Senator the Honorable Herbert Brayley Collett, O.M.G., D.S.O., V.D., of Western Australia, and ex-Senator the Honorable , John William Leckie, of Victoria. ExSenator Collett passed away on the 15th August, and ex-Senator Leckie on the 25th September - the former only 46 days and the latter only 87 days, after retiring from this chamber.

The late ex-Senator Collett performed valuable work in the interests of exservice men and women. He played an active part in the formation of the Returned Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen’s Imperial League of Australia in Western Australia, and was president of the State branch of the league from 1925 to 1933. He was born at Guernsey in the Channel Islands in 1877, and came to Australia at the early age of seven years and was educated at Perth Grammar School. He entered the Public Service in 1891, and was Assistant General Secretary to the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery in Western Australia from 1915 to 1933, when he entered this chamber as senator for Western Australia. He filled many important official positions relative to the repatriation and re-establishment of ex-service men and women. He was appointed to the Senate in 1933, and was Minister without portfolio administering War Service Homes from 1939 to 1940. He assisted the Minister for Repatriation from the 14th March, 1940, to the 28th October, 1940. He was VicePresident of the Executive Council and Minister in charge of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research from the 14th August to October, 1940, Minister without portfolio in 1940-41, Minister for Repatriation in 1941, chairman of the Western Australian Economic Survey Committee in 1941, member of the special joint all-party committee on the Australian Soldiers’ Repatriation Act in 1942-1943, and member of the joint committee on the proposed war gratuity in 1944-45. The ex-Senator had a most distinguished military record having joined the volunteer forces in 1894. He ^commanded the 11th Australian Infantry Regiment and the 88th Infantry Battalion, Citizen Military Forces, raised and commanded the 28th Infantry Battalion, served in Gallipoli, Egypt and France in the 1914-18 war, and was wounded at Pozieres in July, 1916. He was mentioned in despatches and received the Distinguished Service Order in 1917. He attained the title of Companion of St. Michael and St. George in 1919 and was promoted colonel. He -commanded the 13th Infantry Brigade, Australia Military forces from 1922 to 1927, and was Aide-de-Camp to the Governor-General from 1922 to 1926.

In addition to his war service, exSenator Collett wrote several valuable publications, including Infantry in Attack, in 1906, and in 1922 The 28th- a record of his brigade’s war service.

The late ex-Senator Leckie had a most distinguished political career. As well as being a member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly, the House of Representatives, and the Senate, he was a man of many parts. He was elected to the Victorian Legislative Assembly for the constituency of Benambra, in 1913, which seat he held till 1917, when he resigned. He was elected to the House of Representatives for Indi, in 1917, but was defeated at the 1919 general elections. He was elected to the Senate for Victoria at the general elections of 1934 and 1940. He was a member of the Bankruptcy Legislation Committee in 1935-36, Minister without portfolio from the 28th October, 1940, to the -26th June, 1941, Minister assisting the Minister for Munitions from the 26th June, 1941, to the 29th August, 1941, Minister for Aircraft Production from the 26th June, 1941, to the 21st August, 1943, and Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate from the 22nd September, 1943. He was a champion athlete at Scotch College, Melbourne, and played league football for Fitzroy from 1900 to 1905. He was a sportsman in every sense of the word. His criticisms were often pungent, but always constructive. Even in the heat of debate, he always retained a sense of humour which endeared him to his comrades. It is sad to think that he was with us in this chamber only a few months ago; but even at that time he indicated to his closest friends that his life’s work was nearly over. To his sorrowing relatives, among whom is the wife of the distinguished Leader of the Opposition in the House of Representatives (Mr. Menzies), the Opposition extends its heartfelt sympathy.

I am sure that those honorable senators who were so recently actively associated with their late colleagues, and the honorable senators who have taken their seats in the chamber to-day for the first time, desire to record their deepest sympathy with the relatives of the deceased exsenators in their sad bereavement.

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

in reply - On behalf of my colleagues in this chamber and of the Government, I wish to associate myself with the remarks of the Leader of the Opposition (Senator Cooper) regarding the two ex-senators who have died in recent weeks. Ex-Senator Collett had a distinguished military record. Ex-Senator Leckie was a vigorous and tenacious debater, but outside of this chamber he was a very good friend. The 3ame may be said of ex-Senator Collett. I had many personal contacts with both these gentlemen and to me their death is a personal loss. The country is poorer for their passing and I extend my deepest sympathy and that of my colleagues in this chamber to their relatives.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

page 735

PAPERS

The’ following papers were presented : -

Australian Wool Board - Eleventh Annual Report for year 1046-47.

Air Navigation Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1947, No. 112.

Arbitration (Public Service) Act - Determinations by the Arbitrator, &c. - 1947-

Nos. 52 and 53 - Commonwealth Public Service Clerical Association.

No. 54 - Commonwealth Public Service Artisans’ Association.

No. 55. - Australian Journalists’ Association.

No. 56. - Federated Public Service Assistants’ Association.

No. 57 - Commonwealth Telephone Officers’ Association.

No. 58. - Australian Journalists’ Association.

No. 59 - Non-Official Postmasters’ Association.

No. 60 - Commonwealth Foremen’s Association.

No.61 - Federated Public Service Assistants’ Association.

No. 62 - Commonwealth Temporary Clerks’ Association; Federated Clerks’ Union of Australia; and Federated Ironworkers’ Association of Australia.

Nos. 63 and 64 - Fourth Division Officers’ Association of the Department of Trade and Customs.

No. 65 - Commonwealth Public Service Clerical Association.

No. 66 - Postal Telecommunication Technicians’ Association (Australia) and others.

No. 67 - Amalgamated Postal Workers’ Union of Australia.

No. 68 - Amalgamated Engineering Union and others.

No. 69 - Amalgamated Postal Workers’ Union of Australia.

No. 70 - Fourth Division Postmasters. Postal Clerks and Telegraphists’ Union.

No. 71 - Australian Broadcasting Commission Senior Officers’ Association.

No. 72 - Association of Architects, Engineers, Surveyors and Draftsmen of Australia, and others.

No. 73 - Amalgamated Engineering Union and others.

No. 74 - Repatriation Department Medical Officers’ Association.

No. 75 - Postal Telecommunication Technicians’ Association (Australia).

No. 76 - Commonwealth Public Service Artisans’ Association.

Australian Soldiers’ Repatriation Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1947, Nos. 72. 106, 107.

Banking Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1947, No. 102.

Census and Statistics Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1947, No. 126.

Commonwealth Bank Act -

Appointments - N. J. Anderson, E. Chadwick, A. J. Chandler, V. C. Chapman, A. Doubikin. J. A. Gardiner, D. A. Gillespie, W. B. Green, F. J. Hay, H. F. Hely. T. J. Hennessy, A. G. Johnson, J. Kershaw, T. R. V. Lloyd, C. H. Lord, G. G. G. Neave, E. J. R. B. Pike, M. B. Renton. A. J. Stock, S. N. Thorne. J. L. Wall.

Balance sheets of Commonwealth Bank, and Commonwealth Savings Bank as at 30th June, 1947; together with Auditor- General’s reports thereon.

Regulations - -Statutory Rules 1947, No. 131.

Commonwealth Employees’ Compensation Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1947, 132.

Comimonwealth Inscribed Stock Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1947, No. 96.

Commonwealth Public Service Act -

Appointments - Department -

Attorney-General - B. F. L. Crommelin, J. J. Dale, T. A. Draper, K. S. Edmunds, J. Hamlyn-Harris, C. W. Harders, H. C. Harris, R. J. Humby, R. W. Jew, V. E. McCarthy.

Civil Aviation - R. W. Adsett, D. G.

Anderson. J. S. Arthur, B. R. Beaver. W. G. Burns, P. B. Burton, J. D. B. Cook, D. H. V. Davies, G. C. Davison. W. D. Doble, R. M. Ferrari, D. S. Graham, S. M. Green, G. A. T. Haddock. A. A. Hawes. C. R. Hibbert. A. J. Holloway, P. H. N. Jones, R. W. Keating, W. K. Knight, P. S. Langford, A. R. McIntyre, A. Morley, A. E. Reaby, E. R. Read. W. L. B. Reeve, R. W. Ridley, D. S. Stewart, W. A. Stone, L. A. Storey, I. S. Tenenbaum. C. F. Thompson, T. W. Trew, C. E. Tuttleby, R. F. Waite.

Commerce and Agriculture - J.P. Carney. H. W. Chaffey, F. O. Grogan, C. M. K. Murphy, T. H. Strong, L. White.

Health- S. G. Barr, W. H. H. Cornford, J. Couani, R, M. W. Cunningham, G. M. Dallimore, E. J. F. De Salis. J. de Vidas, C. C. Fenton, R. W. Hawker, W. Hillyer, A. H. Humphrey. L. L. Lock, J. G. McGlashan, K. S. Mcintosh, F. J. Moss, K. G. Outhred, D. J. Pittar, K. C. Porter, R. J. Riddell, A. G. Schroeder, M. L. Verso.

Interior - G. G. Bradbury, E. M. Chadwick, R. W. Coxon, T. A. Dalton, A. L. Green, L. C. A. Hope, J. F. V. Knight, M. Lurie, D. E. Macinnis,. J. M. Milne, E. G. Newman, H. Preston-Stanley.

Labour and National Service - F. K. Bool, C. H. Green, W. C. Lewisson, P. D. Prendergast, I. G. Sharp, M. M. Silberstein, F. N. Simpson.

Postmaster-General - N. S. Candy, J. P. Champion, C. H. Dunning, L. B. Huddleston, F. T. P. Johnson, R. J. Kolbe, M. W. Lilley, E. R. Mayhew, C. H. McCall, D. C. Pawsey, A. F. Sando, L. W. Travers, D. S. Turner,. A. J. Varey.

Post-war Reconstruction - J. S. Ballantyne, C. H. Hoffman.

Supply and Shipping - C. Bie, R. W.

Carmichael, K. R. Fleischmann, B. H. Stinear.

Treasury - A. J. Hagger, R. J. Whitelaw.

Works and Housing - F. H. Adderley, W. J. Baker, J. T. Ballenger, F. C. Bannister, J. C. Beagley, H. M. Beavis, S. H. Bedford, G. M. Bowden, W. A. Brown, L. A. Butler, W. S. Clark, W. P. Cocking, J. R. L. Copley, F. J. H. Crocker, K. Crockford, E. L. Cupples, H. N. Davis, I.R.O. Dean, M. S. D. de Plater, R. Doughty, H. Eisler, R. F. Emery, J. A. Fogarty, E. S. Forster, E. G. Freeman, M. Gilchrist, W. A. Graham, T. A. Grano, W. D. Green, N. J. Griffin, F. M. Hamilton, W. Hingee, F. K. Hosking, F. S. Howell, D. G. Howes, W. H. Hunt, K. W. Jack, A. M. Jericho, L. A. Johnston, E. M. Kendall, J. A. Kingston, A. K. Knox, A. W. Lawton, E. N. Leahy, D. Livingston, J. D. McColl, M. P. McGregor, I. Mcinnes, M. D. McNicholl, C. K. Mann,’ W. A. Marshall, G. E. Meredith, A. W. M. Mowle, L. Mutton, E. L. Norman, T. R. Nossiter, E. H. Olson, L. J. Osborne, T. B. Passmore, B. M. Pate, J. C. Paul, A. J. P. Porter, C. M. Price, M. A. Eogan, G. A. Eowe, A. A. Eowlands, W. D. Ryan, L. G. Schultz, D. L. Shallard, R. 0. Shephard, M. A. Smith, G. G. Springthorpe, W. A. Storey, A. T. Taylor, R. M. Taylor, E. M. Thompson, L. B. Thompson, A. S. Tillotson, R. M. Ure, A. P. Van Epen, J. C. Wade, A. N. Walton, G. H. Williams, T. L. G. Williams, T. H. Willington, L. C. Wilson, I. K. Wotherspoon, E. H. Wright.

Regulations - Statutory Rules 1947, Nos. 122, 123, 134.

Commonwealth Railways Act - By-law No. 87.

Contract Immigrants Act - Returns for 1945 and 1946.

Control of Naval Waters Act - Regulations -Statutory Rules 1947, No. 117.

Customs Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1947, Nos.66, 80, 81, 82, 83, 94, 95, 105, 110, 119.

Customs Act and Commerce (Trade Descriptions ) Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1947, No. 118.

Defence Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1947, Nos. 76, 110.

Defence Act and Naval Defence Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1947, No. 120.

Defence (Transitional Provisions) Act -

National Security (Economic Organization) Regulations - Orders - War service land settlement -

Queensland (dated 13th June, 1947).

Victoria (8- dated 29th Mav, 1047, 5th June, 1947, 4th July, 1947, 14th July, 1947, 30th July, 1947, 11th August, 1947, 14th August. 1947, and 29th August, 1947).

National Security (Egg Industry) Regulations - Order - Egg Industry (No. 13).

National Security (Enemy Property) Regulations - Order - Persons ceasing to he enemy subjects.

National Security (Food Control) Regulations - Order - Cream (Disposal and use ) .

National Security (General) Regulations -Order - Control of essential materials (No. 20).

National Security (Industrial Property) Regulations - Orders - Inventions and designs (340).

National Security (Maritime Industry) Regulations - Order - No.62.

National Security (Prices) Regulations - Declaration - No. 162.

Orders - Nos. 2934 (substitute copy) 2956, 2966-3080, 3082-3091.

National Security (Rationing) Regulations - Orders - Nos. 141, 144, 145.

National Security (Shipping Coordination) Regulations - Orders - 1947, Nos. 25-47.

National Security (Tea Control) Regulations - Order - Chicory control - Revocation.

Regulations - Statutory Rules 1947, Nos. 57, 67, 69, 70, 75, 79, 86, 88, 97, 98, 99. 113, 128.

Distillation Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1947, No. 84.

Dried Fruits Export Charges Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1947, No. 115.

Dried Fruits Export Control Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1947, No. 109.

Education Act - Regulations - Statutory. Rules 1947, No. 89.

Excise Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1947, No. 85.

Forestry and Timber Bureau Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1947, No. 111.

Hospital Benefits Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1947, No. 56

Immigration Act - Returns for 1945 and 1946.

Income Tax Assessment Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1947, No. 77.

Interim Forces Benefits Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1947, No. 108.

Judiciary Act - Rules of Court - Dated 11th June, 1947 (Statutory Rules 1947, No. 90) .

Land Tax Assessment Act -

Applications for relief dealt with during the year 1946-47.

Regulations - Statutory Rules 1947. No. 74.

Lands Acquisition Act - Land acquired for - Administrative purposes - Berry Springs, Northern Territory.

Banking purposes - Bassendean, Western Australia.

Commonwealth office accommodation purposes - Perth, Western Australia.

Council for Scientific and IndustrialResearch purposes - Armidale, New South Wales.

Defence purposes -

Albury, New South Wales.

Cairns, Queensland.

Camp Hill, Queensland.

Eagle Farm, Queensland.

Geraldtown, Western Australia.

Hamilton, Victoria.

Kalgoorlie, Western Australia.

Kermode (near Boss), Tasmania.

Mascot, New South Wales.

Midland Junction, Western Australia.

Nudgee, Queensland.

Parafield, South Australia.

Parkes, New South Wales.

Port Stephens, New South Wales.

Wingfield, South Australia.

Department of Civil Aviation purposes -

Bundaberg, Queensland.

Mackay, Queensland.

Mentone, Victoria.

Nh ill, Victoria.

Wyndham, Western Australia.

Department of the Interior purposes - Broome, Western Australia.

Postal purposes -

Adelaide, South Australia.

Bairnsdale, Victoria.

Blackall, Queensland.

Brunswick, Victoria.

Bulla, Victoria.

Camp Hill, Queensland.

Carlton, Victoria.

Chermside, Queensland.

Clare, South Australia.

Cremorne, New South Wales.

Dubbo, New South Wales.

Fortitude Valley, Queensland.

Gunning, New South Wales.

Haymarket (Sydney), New South Wales.

Jamestown, South Australia.

Keilor, Victoria.

Moreland, Victoria.

Narooma, New South Wales.

Nowra, New South Wales.

Orbost, Victoria.

Pinjarra, Western Australia.

Punchbowl, New South Wales.

Toowoomba, Queensland.

Walkerville, South Australia.

Warrnambool, Victoria.

Westbury, Tasmania.

West Leederville, Western Australia.

Wollongong, New South Wales.

Wynyard, Tasmania.

Yarram, Victoria.

Lands Acquisition Act and Lands Acquisition Ordinance of the Northern Territory - Land acquired for Defence purposes - Batchelor, Northern Territory.

Medical Research Endowment Act - Report by National Health and Medical Research Council on work done under the Act during 1946.

National ity Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1947, Nos. 92, 104.

Naval Defence Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1947, Nos. 121, 130, 135, 136, 139.

Navigation Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1947, No. 125.

Norfolk Island Act - Ordinance - 1947 - No. 2 - Post and Telegraph.

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

Ordinances - 1947 -

No. 2 - Jurors and Witnesses Payment.

No. 3 - Darwin Town Area Leases.

No. 4 - Local Courts.

No. 5 - Church Lands Leases.

No.6 - Police and Police Offences.

Regulations - 1 947 - No. 1 ( Darwin Short Term Leases Ordinance).

Overseas Telecommunications Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1947, No. 68.

Papua and New Guinea Bounties Act - Return for year 1946-47.

Papua-New Guinea Provisional Administration Act - Ordinances - 1947 -

No. 5 - Workers Compensation.

No. 6 - Supply (No. 3) 1946-1947.

No. 7 - Appropriation 1945-1946.

No. 8 - Petroleum (New Guinea).

No. 9 - Petroleum (Papua).

No. 10 - Police Offences (Papua).

Post and Telegraph Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1947, Nos. 91, 114.

Quarantine Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1947, No. 73.

Railways Standardization Agreement Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1947, No. 71.

Raw Cotton Bounty Act - Return for1946.

Re-establishment and Employment Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1947, Nos. 87, 100.

Sales Tax Assessment Acts (Nos. 1-9) - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1947, No. 133.

Science and Industry Endowment Act - Report by the Auditor-General on the accounts of the Science and Industry Endowment Fund for year 1946-47.

Science and Industry Research Act - RegulationsStatutory Rules 1947, No. 137.

Seamen’s Compensation Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1947, No. 124.

Social Services Contribution Assessment Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1947, No 78.

Sulphur Bounty Act - Return for year 1946-47.

Superannuation Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1947, No. 103.

Tractor Bounty Act - Return for year 1946-47.

War Gratuity Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules1947, No. 127.

War Service Homes Act - Regulations- Statutory Rules 1947, No. 93.

Supplemental Agreement, dated 7th July, 1947, between the War Service Homes Commissioner and the State of Western Australia.

Wine Export Bounty Act - Return for year 1946-47.

Wire Netting Bounty Act- Return for year 1946-47.

Wireless Telegraphy Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1947, No. 129.

Wool (Contributory Charge) Act - Regulations - Statutory “Rules 1947, No. 101.

Senate adjourned at 6.S p.m.

Cite as: Australia, Senate, Debates, 15 October 1947, viewed 22 October 2017, <http://historichansard.net/senate/1947/19471015_senate_18_193/>.