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19 50.

[Nin ete en th P arliament .]

COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA.

No. 1.

JOURNALS OF THE SENATE.

WEDNESDAY, 2 2 n d FEBRUARY, 1950.

The Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia begun and held at Parliament House, Canberra, on Wednesday, the twenty- second day of February, in the fourteenth year of the Reign of His Majesty King George the Sixth, and in the year of Our Lord

One thousand nine hundred and fifty.

1. On .which day, being the first day of the meeting of this Parliament for the dispatch of business tpui'su: nt to a Proclamation published in the CommonweaUh of Australia Gazette of Thursday, 26th , January, 1950, John Ernest: Edwards, Clerk of the Senate, Rupert Harry Colin Loof, Clerk-Assistant, and Walter Jan Emerton, Usher of the Black Rod, attending in the said place, and the other clerks

attending according to their duty, .

And the Senators having repaired to their seals, and the President (Senator the Honorable Gordon Brown) having taken the Chair— Then the aforesaid Proclamation was read by the Clerk, as follows :—

PROCLAMATION.

Commonwealth of By His Excellency the Governor-General

Australia"to-wit. in and over the Commonwealth of Australia.

W. J. McKell Governor-General.

VXTHEREAS by the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Australia it is amongst other things provided VV that the Governor-General may appoint such times for holding the Sessions of the Parliament as he thinks fit: Now t h e r e f o r e , I, W illiam J ohn McKelL·, the Governor-General aforesaid, in exercise of the

power conferred by the said Constitution do by this my Proclamation appoint Wednesday the, twenty- second day of February One thousand nine hundred and fifty as the da v for the said Parliament to a.ssunblc and be holden for the despatch of divers urgent and important affairs : and all Senators and Members of

the House, of Representatives are hereby required to give their attendance accordingly in the building known as the Houses of Parliament, Canberra, at the, hour of ten-thirty a.m. on the, said twenty-second day of February One thousand nine hundred and fifty.

Given under my Hand and the Seal of the Commonwealth of Australia this twenty-fourth (l.s.) day of January, in the year of our Lord One thousand nine hundred and fifty and in the fourteenth year of His Majesty’s reign.

By His Excellency’s Command, ROBERT G. MENZ1ES

God save the K ing '

Prime Minister.

2. Approach of the D epu ty of the Governor -Ge n e r a l .- -The approach of the Deputy of His Excellence the Governor-General was announced by the Usher of the Black Rod. The Right Honourable Sir John Greig Latham, P.C., G.C.M.G., Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia, the Deputy of His Excellency the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia,

entered the Chamber and took bis seat on the dais. The Deputy then, through the Clerk of the Senate, directed the Usher of the Black Rod to request the attendance of the .Members of the House of Representatives.

F.32S.

2 No. 1.—22nd, February, 1950.

Who being in attendance— '

The Deputy addressed the Members of both Houses as follows :—

Members of the Senate and Members of the H ouse of R epresentativ es :

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 do in his name all that is necessary to be performed in declaring this Parliament open, as will more fully appear from the Letters Patent which will now be read.

The Clerk then read the Commission, as follows :— His Excellency the Right Honourable William J ohn McK e l l, Governor-General and Commander- in-Chief in and over the Commonwealth of Australia : To

The Right Honourable Sir John Greig Latham, a Member of His Majesty’s Most Honourable Privy Council, Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia.

Greeting :

Whereas by Letters Patent dated the twenty-ninth day of October, One thousand nine hundred, passed under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom, constituting the Office of Governor-General and Commandor-in-Chief in and over the said Commonwealth, Her late Majesty, Queen Victoria, in pursuance of the powers conferred upon Her by the Constitution of the Commonwealth, was

pleased to authorize and empower the Governor-General of the Commonwealth, subject to any limitations expressed or directions given by Her, to appoint any person or persons, jointly or severally, to be his Deputy or Deputies within any part of the Commonwealth, and in that capacity to exercise, during his pleasure, such of his powers and functions as he might deem it necessary to ■ assign to him or them : Provided always that the appointment of such Dejiuty or Deputies should not

affect the exercise by the Governor-General himself of any power or function :

And w hereas by Proclamation dated the twenty-fourth day of January, One thousand nine . hundred and fifty, and published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on the twenty-sixth day of January, One thousand nine hundred and fifty, the twenty-second day of February, One thousand nine hundred and fifty, was appointed as the day for the Parliament of the Commonwealth

to assemble and be holdcn for the dispatch of divers urgent and important affairs : and all Senators and Members of the House of Representatives wore, thereby required to give their attendance accordingly, in the Building known as the Houses of Parliament, Canberra, at ten-thirty o’clock in the morning on the said twenty-second day of February, One thousand nine hundred and fifty:

Now know you that in pursuance of the powers and authority vested in me b y the Constitution and the said Letters Patent, I, William J ohn McK e l l, the Governor-General aforesaid, do hereby, appoint you to be my Deputy for the purpose of declaring open the said Parliament at the time and place aforesaid.

Given under my hand and the Seal of the Commonwealth of Australia, this twentieth day of February, in the year of our Lord, One thousand nine hundred and fifty, and in the fourteenth year of His Majesty’s reign.

W. J . McKell,

Governor-General.

By His Excellency’s Command, ROBERT G. MENZIES, Prime Minister. ■

3. D irection to Swear and E lect to Ch a ir.—The Deputy further addressed the Members of both Houses as follows :— Members of the Senate and Members of the H ouse of R epresen tativ es :

I have it in command from the Governor-General to let you know that after certain Members of the Senate and the Members of the House of Representatives shall have been sworn, the causes of His Excellency calling this Parliament will be declared by him in person at this place ; and it being necessary that a. Speaker of the House of Representatives shall be first chosen, you, Members of the House of Representatives, will retire to the place where you are to sit, and there proceed to the choice of some proper person to be your Speaker ; and later this day you will present the person

whom you shall so choose to His Excellency, at such time and place as he shall appoint.

I will attend in the House of Representatives for the purpose of administering the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance to Honourable Members of that House.

The Deputy then retired. The Members of the House of Representatives also retired.

4. New Sen a to r s .—The President announced that, pursuant to the decision of the Parliament to increase the number of Senators from thirty-six to sixty, the following Senators had been elected, on the 10th December, 1949, to serve in the Senate from and including the day of the first meeting of the Nineteenth Parliam ent:—

Neiv South Wales— William Henry Spooner Albert David Reid John Archibald McCallum .

John Percival Tate.

No. 1 .— 22nd February, 1950. 3

Queensland— Edmund Bede Maher Ian Alexander Christie Wood Roy Kendall Wilfrid Mylchreest· Simmonds South Australia—

Edward William Mattner George McLeay Dougins Clive Ilannaford John Victor Ryan Tasmania—

Reginald Charles Wright James Allan Guv .

Robert Hurley Wordsworth George Ronald Cole . '

Victoria ■ -John Armstrong Spicer · George James Rankin John Grey Gorton

Tvv Evelyn Wedgwood Western Australia— Agnes Robertson Robertson Edmund Stephen Roper Pirsse

Donald Robert Willesee Malcolm Fox Scott.

The Clerk then laid on the Table the certificates of election of the above-named Senators. New Senators Sworn.—And thereupon the Senators so named made and subscribed the oath of allegiance at the Table, pursuant to the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act.

The sitting of the Senate, was then suspended till three p.m.

The Senate having resumed ■ ■

5. Approach op the Governor -Ge n e r a l .—The approach of His Excellency the Governor-General was announced by the Usher of the Black Rod.

fi. Summons to H ouse of R e p r e s e n t a t iv e s .—llis Excellency, being sealed, commanded the Clerk of the Senate to direct the Usher of the Black Rod to let the Members of the House of Representatives know that His Excellency desired their attendance, in the Senate Chamber forthwith. Who being in attendance, with their Speaker—

7. Governor -Ge n e r a l ’s Open in g Sp e e c h .- His Excellency was pleased to address both Houses as follows :— Members of the Senate and Members of the H ouse of R epresen tativ es :

You have been called together to deliberate upon matters of importance to the well-being of the Commonwealth. When last I addressed you, I indicated that, His Majesty, accompanied by Her Majesty and the Princess Margaret, would visit Australia in 1949. Unhappily, this did not prove possible, His Majesty being stricken by an illness which rendered necessary prolonged rest and treatment.

This misfortune evoked widespread expressions of concern and sympathy. More than this, it served as a reminder to all of us that the King is not only a symbol of our British association but also a sincerely respected and deeply loved leader of our people. . My Government had hoped that, with a gratifying recovery in His .Majesty’s health, the

Royal visit might have been arranged for 1951, the year of the Jubilee of the foundation of the Commonwealth of Australia. Unfortunately, for weighty reasons which have already been made public, this has not proved possible. We are all, however, confidently hoping that Their Majesties will be able to visit us in 1952. They may be assured of a loving welcome from our loyal and

British community. The foreign affairs policy of my Government will be the subject of an early statement to Parliament by the Minister for External Affairs. It is also proposed to establish a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs to give opportunities for full study and to serve as a source of information to Parliament.

The strategic distribution of the man power and material resources of the British Commonwealth, and the intensive development of Australia as a vital area in the Pacific, are of cardinal importance to the future of the British Commonwealth and Australia. My Government’s policies for defence, immigration and development are designed to contribute in the most effective manner to the achievement of these objectives.

My advisers base their defence policy on the acceptance by Australia of its full share in co-ordinated British Empire schemes of defence, and on the closest co-operation with the United States of America. .

Active steps are being taken to improve the efficiency of the Navy. Training of officers and men of the Royal Australian Naval Reserve was resumed on 1st January after having been suspended during the war. My advisers are planning its progressive strengthening over the next three years. Besides training ashore, every Reservist will do an annual period of sea training if

facilities can be provided. .

4 No. 1.—22nd February, 1950.

My Government is concerned about the man-power position of the Services, particularly in the Military Forces. It is considered that steps must be taken to fill all peace-time units and formations and to build up adequate reserves. While the Australian Regular Army will be kept at full strength by voluntary enlistment, my advisers are making preliminary preparations for the introduction of a sensible system of universal training designed to meet the military requirements of Australia with the minimum of interference with our urgent civil production.

It is my Government’s intention to develop the strength of the Royal Australian Air Force to an extent more consistent with the defence needs of Australia. Public interest will be stimulated by plans to build up the Citizen Air Force, the Reserve, and the Air Training Corps, and the re-introduction of a Women’s Auxiliary Air Force in certain suitable occupations.

To give effect to a policy of industrial preparedness for defence against aggression, my Government will aim at the progressive filling of industrial gaps and the establishment of the most modern techniques and equipment in industry and in Government factories, where required for direct defence needs. The long range weapons project is regarded as of the greatest importance, and this joint undertaking with the United Kingdom Government will continue to receive a. high

priority. In view of the urgent need to develop Australia’s vast resources and to arrest the movement, of rural population to the cities my Government will create a Ministry of National Development. Major programmes of national expansion will be fostered by this Ministry in close and friendly co-operation with the States, and through them with local and regional authorities.

In all developmental plans my advisers will pay attention to the importance of achieving a well-balanced pattern of decentralization. Capital expenditure, both public and private, will be required on a scale very much greater than in the past. My Government has under preparation a great loan scheme for this purpose. This scheme will not interfere with the carrying out of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme, to which my advisers attach great importance, and in the carrying out of which they hope to secure the statutory and administrative co-operation of the States concerned.

My advisers are also giving attention to the much needed increasing of our supplies of basic materials such as coal, steel, and building materials. Among other things now being actively investigated arc the development of mechanization, improved methods of coal extraction generally, and the encouragement of high output and stable employment, with a programme of importation pending the achievement of the necessary volume of local production.

In view of the importance of expanding and facilitating industrial development, Commonwealth legislation relating to patents and trade marks will be reviewed and brought up to date. My Government proposes to bring in a Bill to provide for an alteration to the Constitution. The object of the Bill will be to ensure that, in future, no measure giving to the Government or its instrumentalities, to the exclusion of others, monopolistic rights to engage in commerce or industry can become law unless it has first been submitted to and approved by the people at a referendum.

My advisers intend taking strong measures to protect the community against the activities of subversive organizations and individuals, and in particular they have in mind the Communist Party and its members. A Bill will be introduced early in the Parliament to deal with this matter.

Australia’s external financial position is strong. With the continuance of good seasons and high prices our export income has reached record levels. As a result, substantial sterling balances have been built up in London, and, as overseas availability improves, these balances will be useful for the financing of imports essential to our developmental programme.

However, like most countries outside North America, Australia is suffering from a shortage of dollars. My Government is making a thorough review of Australia’s dollar problem and is exploring vigorously all measures which may stimulate production, encourage exports to the dollar area, and so increase the supply of dollars available. My advisers are convinced that, whilst a policy of import restrictions on goods from dollar areas is necessary in present circumstances, the major effort should be directed towards increasing the dollar earnings of Australia and the rest of the sterling area. My Government realizes that Australia’s dollar position cannot be fully considered in isolation from the position of other members of the sterling area and is satisfied that concerted efforts are required on the part of all members of the sterling area if a solution of this difficult problem

is to be found. Because they felt that restrictions upon our capacity to produce and sell goods and to receive and absorb profitably substantial numbers of migrants were most undesirable, my advisers recently announced the termination of petrol rationing.

My Government views with grave concern the increase which has been taking place in recent years in the cost of living. It is realized that the solution of this problem is not easy and calls for the closest co-operation not only as between Commonwealth and State Governments but also between all sections of the community. An intensive review is at present being made by my Government

of the causes of present price trends with a view to determining the most effective measures -which can be taken to remedy the current inflationary situation. My Government will introduce legislation to repeal the Banking Act 1947 and to amend the Commonwealth Bank Act 1945-1948. The amendments to the Commonwealth Bank Act will provide

for the establishment under the control of the Parliament of a Board of Directors of the Commonwealth Bank of which the Governor of the Bank will be the Chairman. It will also be provided that any policy issues which are the subject of disagreement between the Government and the Bank Board shall be referred to Parliament.

An important task being undertaken by my Government is a comprehensive review of the taxation laws of the Commonwealth. My advisers believe there is a pressing need, not only for reducing the burden of taxation but also for simplification of the various taxing Acts, and an expert committee has been appointed to examine and report upon the issues involved.

Action is also being taken to review the sales tax law with the object of determining to what extent relief may be granted in that respect. The desirability of providing exemption for goods which affect the cost of living and the value of the pound will receive earnest consideration.

No. 1.—22nd February, 1950. 5

My Government’s policy on Civil Aviation will be progressive and constructive. Without creating public or private monopoly the aim is to develop internal and external air routes, so that the widest number of communities may enjoy the advantage of regular air services. Flying doctors will be further aided in their humanitarian work, and Aero and Gliding Clubs receive greater encouragement in their activities.

Immediately upon assumption of office, my Government gave consideration to the many requests which had been received from ex-service men’s and women’s organizations for a review of pensions and allowances. Such a review is now being made by a Cabinet sub-committee, all Ministers of which are ex-servicemen, and it is the intention to introduce appropriate amendments to the relevant Act as early as possible in the present Session.

My G overnment is proceeding with the creation of an Independent Cost-Finding Tribunal for our Primary Industries. Where it is necessary to guarantee prices to producers or to enable negotiations of prices for overseas contracts, this tribunal will determine not only the found cost of production but will provide for a reasonable profit margin for efficient production. Pending the setting up of this tribunal and to avoid any unnecessary delays in the announcement of Government

policy, arrangements have been made for cost surveys to be continued. Discussions are continuing in London between representatives of the United Kingdom, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia for a Post Joint-Organization Marketing Scheme for Wool. My advisers will examine proposals emanating from these discussions and will confer with Australian woolgrowers’ organizations and other interests before determining policy in regard to the future

marketing of this important primary product. Legislation will be introduced early in the Session to provide endowment of 5s. per week for the first or only child, under 16 years of age, in every family. My Government realizes that the increase in the cost of living is accentuating the difficulties with which age and widow pensioners in particular have to contend. My advisers realize, also, that the present system, under which various benefits arc paid subject to a means test, gives rise to problems of which there is no easy solution. My Government, however, is closely investigating the

most pressing anomalies to see what, can be done to remove them. It believes, moreover, that the application of its financial and economic policy will result in improvement in the purchasing power of the currency, so that pensioners, as well as other fixed income groups, will benefit. Of vital importance to the general well-being of the people is the question of industrial

relations between employer and employee. My Government is convinced that a. rapid development of the Commonwealth depends largely on higher levels of production and, with them, higher standards of living, on freedom from industrial disturbances, and on the fullest co-operation of both sides of industry. The Government’s responsibility will be to create, not only an atmosphere for the friendly and co-operative enterprise of management and labour, but to continue and develop the research and investigations being made into methods of improving the working environment and problems of human relations in industry.

My advisers intend to review the existing machinery for conciliation and arbitration in the light of its operations since the amending Act of 1947. An investigation is also being made of measures that might: be taken to restore to Union members the opportunity to express their views, by democratic methods, in relation to the election of officers and threatened or actual disputes. Steps have been taken to centre in the Department of Labour and National Service responsibility for industrial relations in all their aspects.

My Government is firmly resolved to follow a policy of immigration on a large scale in the years ahead. It will do so with the conviction that, immigration is vital to the security and development, of Australia. Much has already been done since the end of the war to lay the foundations of a sound and successful immigration policy.

Immigration has already made a substantial contribution to increasing production in Australia, particularly in the all-important basic industries. Some of the most, marked effects can be seen in the production of building materials, including timber, bricks and cement, and in the output of iron and steel.

Many utilities and services which were previously in great need of additional labour are now able to operate more satisfactorily as a result of the placement of migrants. These include hospitals and welfare institutions, transport services and the great development projects. While rural industries have also been aided, it is planned that a bigger proportion of migrant labour, in the

future, will be attracted to the land. My Government attaches special importance to two major objectives in its immigration policy—first, the maintenance over a long period of the total rate of intake at the highest practicable level, and second, to ensuring a high proportion of British migrants in order to retain the fundamental British balance of Australia’s population.

On the first point, it is my Government’s confident expectation that Australia will receive a total of 200,000 new settlers in 1950 and that thereafter the intake will be maintained at about that level. If this figure can be achieved consistently over a number of years, the Australian population will have increased from its present 8 million to more than 10£ million in 1960.

Administration will be so carried out as to avoid as far as possible the aggregation of alien migrants into groups or colonies. It is believed that a proper distribution of such migrants will accelerate their assimilation into our community and will make it easier for them to accommodate themselves to Australian industrial and social standards. My advisers attach great importance to this matter, because they feel that new arrivals should be encouraged to regard themselves as

Australians in the full sense and to realize that, our community is delighted to receive them as fellow-citizens. In this vital task of immigration, my advisers will work in the closest collaboration with

State and Overseas Governments, all sections of industry, the Trade Unions, voluntary organizations and persons of goodwill throughout the community.

6 No. 1.—22nd February, 1950.

The crisis of the war and our subsequent growth have enormously expanded our secondary industries. My advisers believe that there must be a thorough review of departmental methods of dealing with the trade problems which developed out, of emergency conditions. It is the intention of my Government to have particular regard to the reports of the Tariff Board in the grant of protective tariffs and in relation to the methods of assistance involving the expenditure of Commonwealth funds.

Due regard will be paid to the defence significance of new industries which became established during these years. Australia’s responsibilities in relation to the International Trade Organization and other International commercial organizations will be closely examined and reviewed. Whilst ever .mindful of the importance and necessity of encouraging our secondary industries, my Government will take steps to facilitate and accelerate the importation of commodities not now available here and which are essential to the construction of homes.

My Government will take all possible steps to stimulate the building of homes, including, as a temporary measure, co-operation with the State Governments in the large-scale importation of pre-fabricated houses, as a means of meeting the present serious gap between supply and demand.

Consequent upon a recent decision of the High Court that the War Service Land Settlement Agreements Act 1945 and the 1945 Agreement on this matter between the Commonwealth and the State of New South Wales are invalid, the means of providing for the restoration of the scheme on a. proper legal basis are being pursued. In the meantime there need be no apprehension concerning the scheme generally. Moneys already made available by the Commonwealth for the

purpose of War Service Land Settlement will be utilized for expenditure of the same general character as provided in the 1945 Agreement. A vigorous policy designed to develop the resources of the Northern Territory will be put into operation. Particular attention will be given transport, pastoral development for increased

meat production, mining and possible agricultural settlement. Basic research into land, water, mineral, marine and timber resources will be continued. The Darwin town plan will be reviewed in the interests of greater efficiency and economy. My Government will press on with the development of Canberra to the limit of the resources available.

My Government proposes to confer with State Premiers and Ministers for Health in order to bring into being an effective programme in relation to health, medicine and medical research to ensure steady improvements in the standards of medical treatment and progressive provision of modern facilities for the prevention and diagnosis of disease.

My advisers consider that although people are often able to deal with minor illnesses families find real difficulty in meeting heavy, unexpected hospital and medical expenses of severe or long- continued illness. The policy to be followed will aim to bring the cost of modern and improved medical, surgical, obstetrical and hospital treatment within the means of the general public. It is further proposed to provide specific life-saving and disease-preventing drugs, and certain drugs for chronic diseases, free of charge to the public on presentation of a doctor’s prescription. Legislation on these matters will be presented to Parliament.

My Government intends to push ahead without delay in the development of postal and telecommunication services in both urban and rural areas in order to give the public greater and improved facilities. The value of television in both entertainment and educational spheres is fully realized and my advisers will see that a system suited to Australian conditions is introduced as

quickly as possible. In the earnest hope that Divine Providence may guide your deliberations and further the welfare of the people of the Commonwealth, I now leave you to the discharge of your high and important duties.

His Excellency was then pleased to retire, and the Members of the House of Representatives also retired.

8. PRAYERS.

9. Governor -Ge n e r a l 's Messages — Assent to B iles.—The following Messages from His Excellency the Governor-General, assenting to Bills passed during last Session, were presented, and the same were read by the President:— W. J. McKELL,

Governor-General. ' Message No. 34.

Proposed Laws intituled :— “ Appropriation Act 1949-50 ” ■ “ Appropriation (Works and. Services) Act 1949-50 ” “ Representation Act 1949 ”

“ Customs Act 1949 ” “ Excise Act 1949 ” “ Commonwealth Electoral Act (No. 2) 1949 ” “ States Grants (Coal Strike Emergency) Act 1949 ” “ States Grants (Administration of Controls Reimbursement.) Act 1949 ” 11 United Kingdom Grant, Act 1949 ” as finally passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth, having been presented to the Governor-General for the Royal Assent, His Excellency has, in the name and on behalf of His Majesty, assented to the said Laws.

Government House, ·

Canberra, 27th October, 1949.

W. J. McKELL, Governor-General. Proposed Laws intituled :— “ Liquid Fuel (Rationing) Act 1949 ”

“ Sugar Agreement Act 1949 ” “ Northern Territory (Administration) Act 1949 ’

Message No. 35,

No. 1.—22nd February, 1950. 7

“ Sales Tax (Exemptions and Classifications) Act 1949 ” “ Sales Tax Act (No. 1) 1949 ” “ Sales Tax Act (No. 2) 1949 ” “ Sales Tax Act (No. 3) 1949 ”

“ Sales Tax Act (No. 4) 1949 ” Sales Tax Act (No. 5) 1949 ” “ Sales 'Tax Act (No. 6) 1949 ” “ Sales Tax Act (No. 7) 1949 ” “ Sales Tax Act (No. 8) 1949 ” .

“ Sales Tax Act {No. 9) 1949 ” “ Entertainments Tax Act (No. 2) 1949 ” “ Stevedoring Industry Charge Act 1949 ” “ Income Tax Assessment Act 1949 ” 11 Commonwealth Aid Roads and Works Act 1949 ” “ States Grants Act (No. 2) 1949 ” ' “ Temple Society Trust Fund Act 1949 ”

“ Defence (Transitional Provisions) Act 1949 ” “ Defence Act 1949 ” “ Naval Defence Act 1949 ” “ Loan (Housing) Act 1949 ” “ States Grants (Encouragement of Meat Production) Act 1949 ” “ United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund Grant Act 1949 ” . “ Customs Tariff 1949 ” “ Excise Tariff 1949 ” “ Customs Tariff (Neiv Zealand Preference) 1949 ”

“ Customs Tariff (No. 2) 1949 ” “ States Grants (Coal Mining Industry Long Service Leave) Act 1949 ” “ Coal Excise Act 1949 ” “ Excise Tariff (No. 2) 1949 ” “ Railway Standardization (South Australia) Agreement. Act 1949 ” ,

Coal Industry (Tasmania) Act 1949 ” ms finally passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth, having been presented to the Governor-General for the Royal Assent, His Excellency has, in the name and on behalf of His Majesty, assented to the said Laws.

Government House, Canberra, 28th October, 1949.

W. J. McKELL, Governor-General. Message No. 36.

Proposed Laws intituled :— “ National Health Service Act 1949 ” “ Commonwealth Conciliation and Arbitration Act (No. 2) 1949 ” “ Christmas Island Agreement Act 1949 ” as finally passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth, having

been presented to the Governor-General for the Royal Assent, His Excellency has, in the name and on behalf of His Majesty, assented to the said Laws. Government House, Canberra, 29th October, 1949.

10. Papers.—The President presented the following Paper, pursuant to Statute— Audit Act—Finance—Treasurer’s Statement of Receipts and Expenditure for year 1948-49, accompanied by the Report of the Auditor-General. The following Paper was presented, by Command of His Excellency the Governor-General—

Electoral—Referendum»—Statistical Returns in relation to the submission to the electors of a Proposed Law for the alteration of the Constitution, entitled “ Constitution Alteration (Rents and Prices) 1947 ” ; together with Summaries of Referendums, 1906-1948. The following Papers were presented, pursuant to Statute—

" Air Force Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1949, Nos. 82, 86, 115. Apple and Pear Organization Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1949, Nos. 108, 110. Arbitration (Public Service) Act—Determinations by the Arbitrator,

No. 81—Federated Public Service Assistants’ Association of Australia. No. 82—Commonwealth Storemen and Packers’ Union of Australia. No. 83—Commonwealth Public Service Clerical Association. No. 84—Postal Overseers’ Union of Australia. Nos. 85 and 86—Australian Journalists’ Association. Nos. 87 and 88—Commonwealth Public Service Artisans’ Association. No. 89—Postal Telecommunication Technician’s Association (Australia). No. 90—Printing Industry Employees’ Union of Australia. No. 91—Australian Third Division Telegraphists and Postal Clerks’ Union. No. 92—Commonwealth Public Service Artisans’ Association. No. 93—Commonwealth Public Service Clerical Association. No. 94—Australian Workers’ Union. No. 95—Commonwealth Public Service Clerical Association. No. 96—Customs Officers’ Association of Australia, Fourth Division. No. 97—Fourth Division Postmasters, Postal Clerks and Telegraphists’ Union. No. 98—Federated Clerks’ Union of Australia. No. 99—Australian Third Division Telegraphists and Postal Clerks’ Union.

8 No. 1.—22nd February, 1950.

No. 100—Meat Inspectors’ Association, Commonwealth Public Service ; and others. No. 101—Meat Inspectors’ Association, Commonwealth Public Service. No. 102—Amalgamated Engineering Union. No. 103—Association of Officers of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research

Organization. No. 104—Federated Ironworkers’ Association of Australia, and others. No. 105—Federated Ironworkers’ Association of Australia. ■ No. 106—Commonwealth Storemen and Packers’ Union of Australia ; and Commonwealth

Naval Storehousemen’s Association. Bankruptcy Act—Rules—Statutory Rules 1949, No. 100. Canned Fruits Export Control Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1949, Nos. 119, 120. Coal Excise Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1949, No. 112. Commonwealth Bank Act—Appointments—λV. C. Bourkc, A. S. Hams, A. S. Machin. Commonwealth Conciliation and Arbitration Act—Annual Report by Chief Conciliation

Commissioner, dated 15th November, 1949. Commonwealth Employees’ Compensation Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1949, No. 90. Commonwealth Public Service Act— Appointments—Department—

Army—W. J. Harrison, A. Watson. Commerce and Agriculture—A. R. Campbell, W. A. Westerman. Defence—G. V. Candy, N. G. McNaught, ,1. M. Steele, R. C. Whitehead. Health—R. L. Aujard, L. F. Dods, S. A. Mi bus, G. Pasquarelli, J. F. Richardson,

M. Sendak, T. N. Swindon. Immigration—W. A. Birtwistle. Interior—M. R. Irving, J. C. B. Jackson, G. T. Kemp, D. 1. Nicholson. Labour and National Service—C. T. Coyte, E. McDonald. Parliamentary Library—H. J. Gibbncy, I. D. Raymond. Postmaster-General’s—P. Froadman. Post-war Reconstruction—H. W. Allen, J. R. L. Hocking, L. .1. Hume, T. Langford-

Smith, G. Rudduck.

’ Repatriation—E. B. Ackroyd, L. R. Crouch, B. N. Dawson, B. C. Evcrard, G. U. . Grogan, A. R. Hardy, W. G. Harvey, F. E. Smith. Shipping and Fuel—J. Bruce, W. B. Nicholson. Supply and Development- -P. B. Atkins, R. A. Baddums, H. G. Ball, K. A. Buckley,

J. A. Clark, A. K. M. Edwards, C. A. Evcringham, J. L. Harvey, J. A. Heath, R. E. Hind. H. J. Lawrence, L. A. Murphv, V. J. Payne, K. li. Vale, B. P. Walpole, E.' B. Ware, F. W. Wood, W. F.'Yann. Treasury—F. W. Huxham, J. P. Kemp, C. R. Morgan, A. D. Taylor.

Works and Housing—,T. Ashton, G. R. O. Davis, L. C. Day, K. S. Eales, R. L. Franklin, G. W. Hughes, R. H. Kennedy, K. G. Lewis, J. P. McCuskcr, R. R. Middlecoat, S. J. Ryan, B. G. A. Smith, R.W . Smith, S. J. Smith, T. C. II. Taccy, C. O. Tesch, ,D. B. Vallance, Η. M. Wilson, T. C. AVolferstan. Regulations—Statutory Rules 1949, Nos. 81, 84, 98. Commonwealth Railways Act—By-law No. 88. Customs Act—

Customs Proclamation—No. 764. Regulations—Statutory Rules 1949, Nos. 87, 94, 95, 111, 113. Customs Act and Commerce (Trade Descriptions) Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1949, No. 107. Defence Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1949, No. 93. Defence (Transitional Provisions) Act—Regulations—Statutory. Rules 1949, Nos. 88, 101, 102,

116.

Distillation Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1949, No. 97. Excise Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1949, No. 96 (Substitute copy). Judiciary Act— rRules of Court, dated 21st October, 1949, 21st November, 1949, and 12th December, 1949 (Statutory Rules 1949, No. 122). Lands Acquisition Act—Land acquired for—

Australian Aluminium Production Commission purposes—Bell Bay, Tasmania." Defence purposes— Forest Hill, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales. Learmonth, Western Australia.

Tolga, Queensland. Department of Civil Aviation purposes— Esscndon, Victoria (2).

Monto, Queensland. Tam worth, New South Wales. ' Department of Supply and Development purposes—Fortitude Valley, Queensland. Department of the Interior purposes— Carnarvon, Western Australia. Ceduna,' South Australia. Oodnndatta, South Australia. Department of.Trade and Customs purposes..-Morphott Vale, South-Australia. Overseas Telecommunications Commission purposes— Bringelly,.Ncw South "Wales.

Eastern Creek, New South Wales. Postal purposes— Blackburn, Victoria. Brookfield, Queensland.

No. 1.—22nd February, 1950. 9

Busselton, Western Australia. ·

Collaroy Bcacli, New South Wales. Deniliquin, New South Wales. Dinglev, Victoria.

Edwardstown, South Australia. Ferntree Gully, Victoria. Flinders Park, South Australia. Gardenvale, X'ictoria.. Gundagai, New South Wales. Gympie, Queensland. Hey wood, Victoria. Hobart, Tasmania.

Katoomba, New South Wales. Laidley, Queensland. Newport Beach, New South Wales. Nvngan, New South Wales.

Orange, New South Wales. Paddington, New South Wales. Quirindi, New South Wales. Sea ford, Victoria. Sydenham, New South Wales. Victor Harbour, South Australia. •Whyalla, South Australia.

Wyandra, Queensland. Liquid Fuel (Defence Stocks) Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1949, No. 83. Liquid Fuel (Rationing) Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1949, No. 85. Meat Export Control Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1949, Nos. 109, 117, 118. National Health Service Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1949, No. 92. Naval Defence Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules— '

1949— No. 114. ‘

1950— Nos. 3, 4. Navigation Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1950, No. 2. Northern Territory (Administration) Act—

Ordinances—1949— No. 8—Traffic. No. 9—Adoption of Children. No. 10—Places of Public Entertainment. No. 11—Fisheries. No. 12—Apprentices. No. 13—Licensing (No. 2). No. 14—Police Arbitral Tribunal. No. 15—Motor Vehicles. No. 16—Landlord and Tenant (Control of Rents). No. 17—Prices Regulation. . ·

No. 18—Workmen’s Compensation (No. 2). No. 19—Weights and Measures. No. 20—Darwin Town Management. .

No. 21—Buildings and Services. Regulations—1950—No. 1 (Food and Drugs Ordinance). ‘

Papua and New Guinea Act— Ordinances— 1949— .

No. 7—Prices Regulation. ""

No. 8—Administration Employees’ Compensation. '

No. 9—Hallstrom Live-stock and Fauna (Papua and New Guinea) Trust. No. 10—Appropriation 1949-50. ·

No. 11—Native Village Councils. ·

1950— No. 1—Matrimonial Causes (Papua). Regulations—Statutory Rules 1949, No. 121. . .

Parliamentary Retiring Allowances Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1949, No. 99. Patents Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1949, No. 89. ' ·

Post and Telegraph Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1949, Nos. 91, 106. ’ Re-establishment and Employment Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1949, Nos. 103, 104. · Science and Industry Endowment Act—Report by Auditor-General on the accounts of tho Science and Industry Endowment Fund, for year 1948-49. . ·

Science and Industry Research Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1949, No. 105. Seat of Government Acceptance Act and Seat of Government (Administration) Act— Ordinances— ,

1949— No. 12—Prices Regulation. No. 13—Court of Petty Sessions. War Damage to Property Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1950, No. 1. War Service Homes Act—Land acquired at—

Λ1 bury, New South Wales. ■ -

Moorooka, Queensland.

F.328.—2

10 No. 1.—22nd February, 1950.

11. Ministeria l Sta tem ent —

Menzies Ministry.—The Minister for Trade and Customs (Senator O’Sullivan), by leave, informed the Senate that the Menzies Ministry is constituted as follows :— Mr. R. G. Menzies. Mr. A. W. Redden.

Mr. E. J. Harrison. Mr. Η. E. Holt.

Mr. J. McEwen. Mr. P. C. Spender.

Prime Minister . . . . . . . . . . .

Treasurer .. .. .. .. .. ..

Minister for Defence and Minister for Post-war Reconstruction Minister for Labour and National Service and Minister for Immigration Minister for Commerce and Agriculture . . ' . . ..

Minister for External Affairs and Minister for External Territories Minister for Supply and Development and Minister for Works Mr. R. G. Casey. and Housing '

Minister for the Interior . . . .

Minister for Health .. . . . .

Minister for Trade and Customs . .

Minister for Shipping and Fuel . .

Minister for Air and Minister for Civil Aviation Postmaster-General .. .. ..

Minister for the Army and Minister for the Navy Attorney-General .. .. ..

Vice-President of the Executive Council Minister for Social Services .. .

Minister for Repatriation .. ..

Minister for Information and Minister for Transport .

Ministerial Representation.—Senator O’Sullivan also informed

Mr. P. A. M. McBride. Sir Earle C. G. Page. Senator N. O’Sullivan. Senator G. MeLcay.

Mr. T. W. White. Mr. H. L. Anthony. Mr. J. Francis. Senator J. A. Spicer. Dame Enid M. Lyons. Senator W. H. Spooner. Senator W. J. Cooper. Mr. Ο. II. Beale.

the Senate that the following

arrangements had been made for Ministerial Representation of Departments and activities in the Senate :— Prime Minister . . .. . . . . . . \T o be represented by Senator

Minister for Defence .. . . .. ' O’Sullivan.

To be represented by Senator ‘ McLeay.

Minister for Commerce and Agriculture. . Minister for the Interior .. ..

Minister for Air and Minister for Civil Aviation ^

Minister for External Affairs and Minister for External^ Territories .. .. .. .. .. I To be represented by Senator

Minister for Labour and National Service and Minister for f Spicer. Immigration Treasurer ..

••J •Ί

• J

To be represented by Senator Spooner.

To be represented by Senator Cooper.

and Housing Minister for the Army and Minister for the Navy Postmaster-General .. . . .. ..

Minister for Health .. . . . . ..

Minister for Information and Minister for Transport Senator O’Sullivan added that in the House of Representatives the Attorney-General would be represented by Mr. Menzies, the Minister for Trade and Customs by Mr. Harrison, the Minister for Social Services by Mr. Holt, the Minister for Shipping and Fuel by Mr. Anthony, and the Minister

for Repatriation by Mr. Francis.

Leader of the Government in the Senate.—Senator O’Sullivan also announced that he had been appointed Leader of the Government in the Senate, and that Senator McLeay had been appointed Deputy Leader.

12. L ea der o r the Oppo sitio n .—Senator Ashley, by leave, informed the Senate that he had been appointed Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, and that Senator McKenna had been appointed Deputy Leader. The appointments were effective on and from the 20th December, 1949.

13. Governor -Gen er a l ’s Speech R e p o r t e d .—The President reported that he had received a copy of the Opening Speech delivered by His Excellency the Governor-General to both Houses of the Parliament. .

Ordered—That the consideration of the Speech be an Order of the Day for the next day of sitting.

14. N ext Meeting of th e Se n a t e.—The Minister for Trade and Customs (Senator O’Sullivan) moved— That the Senate, at its rising, adjourn till to-morrow at three p.m. Question—put and passed.

15. Ad jo u r n m en t ^—The Senate adjourned at seven minutes to four p.m. till to-morrow at, three p.m.

1G. Atte n d a n c e .—Present, all the Members.

JOHN EDWARDS, Clerk of the Senate.

By Authority: L. F. J ohnston, Commonwealth Government Printer, Canberra.