1946-11-06 18 1 1 SENATE 5 0 COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA. PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES. FirstSessionoftheEighteenthParliament. (First Period.) The House of Representatives in the Seventeenth Parliament was by proclamation dissolved, as from the 16th August, 1946, and honorable senators were on that date discharged from attendance. The Eighteenth Parliament was convened for the despatch of business on the 6th November, 1946, and the First Session commenced on that day. Senate. 1946-11-06 5 miscellaneous The Senate met at 2 p.m. pursuant to the proclamation of His Royal Highness the Governor-General. The President (Senator the Hon. Gordon Brown) took the chair. The Clerk read the proclamation. The Deputy appointed by His Royal Highness the Governor-General for the opening of the Parliament - the Right Honorable Sir John Greig Latham, P.C., G.C.M.G., M.A., LL.M., K.C., Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia - having been announced by the Usher of the Black Rod, entered the chamber and tookhis seat on the dais. The Deputy (the Right Honorable Sir John Greig Latham), through the Clerk, directed the Usher to request the attendance of the members of the House of Representatives, who being come, The DEPUTY said- Members of the Senate and Members of the House of Representatives: His Royal Highness the Governor-General, not thinking fit to he present in person at this time, has been pleased to cause letters patent to issue under the Great Seal of the Commonwealth, con stituting 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 letters patent having been read by the Clerk, The DEPUTY said- Members of the Senate and Members of the House of Representatives: I have it in command from the Governor-General to let you know that, as soon as the members of the House of Representatives shall have been sworn, the causes of His Royal Highness 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 thereafter you will present the person whom you shall so choose to His Royal Highness 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 honorable members of that House. The Deputy and members of the House of Representatives having retired, 5 miscellaneous 5 miscellaneous FirstSessionoftheEighteenthParliament. The House of Representatives in the Seventeenth Parliament was by proclamation dissolved, as from the 16th August, 1946, and honorable senators were on that date discharged from attendance. The Eighteenth Parliament was convened for the despatch of business on the 6th November, 1946, and the First Session commenced on that day. 5 5 5 miscellaneous The Senate met at 2 p.m. pursuant to the proclamation of His Royal Highness the Governor-General. The President (Senator the Hon. Gordon Brown) took the chair. The Clerk read the proclamation. The Deputy appointed by His Royal Highness the Governor-General for the opening of the Parliament - the Right Honorable Sir John Greig Latham, P.C., G.C.M.G., M.A., LL.M., K.C., Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia - having been announced by the Usher of the Black Rod, entered the chamber and tookhis seat on the dais. The Deputy (the Right Honorable Sir John Greig Latham), through the Clerk, directed the Usher to request the attendance of the members of the House of Representatives, who being come, The DEPUTY said- Members of the Senate and Members of the House of Representatives: His Royal Highness the Governor-General, not thinking fit to he present in person at this time, has been pleased to cause letters patent to issue under the Great Seal of the Commonwealth, con stituting 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 letters patent having been read by the Clerk, The DEPUTY said- Members of the Senate and Members of the House of Representatives: I have it in command from the Governor-General to let you know that, as soon as the members of the House of Representatives shall have been sworn, the causes of His Royal Highness 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 thereafter you will present the person whom you shall so choose to His Royal Highness 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 honorable members of that House. The Deputy and members of the House of Representatives having retired, (First Period.) 5 miscellaneous 5 miscellaneous The House of Representatives in the Seventeenth Parliament was by proclamation dissolved, as from the 16th August, 1946, and honorable senators were on that date discharged from attendance. The Eighteenth Parliament was convened for the despatch of business on the 6th November, 1946, and the First Session commenced on that day. 5 5 5 miscellaneous The Senate met at 2 p.m. pursuant to the proclamation of His Royal Highness the Governor-General. The President (Senator the Hon. Gordon Brown) took the chair. The Clerk read the proclamation. The Deputy appointed by His Royal Highness the Governor-General for the opening of the Parliament - the Right Honorable Sir John Greig Latham, P.C., G.C.M.G., M.A., LL.M., K.C., Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia - having been announced by the Usher of the Black Rod, entered the chamber and tookhis seat on the dais. The Deputy (the Right Honorable Sir John Greig Latham), through the Clerk, directed the Usher to request the attendance of the members of the House of Representatives, who being come, The DEPUTY said- Members of the Senate and Members of the House of Representatives: His Royal Highness the Governor-General, not thinking fit to he present in person at this time, has been pleased to cause letters patent to issue under the Great Seal of the Commonwealth, con stituting 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 letters patent having been read by the Clerk, The DEPUTY said- Members of the Senate and Members of the House of Representatives: I have it in command from the Governor-General to let you know that, as soon as the members of the House of Representatives shall have been sworn, the causes of His Royal Highness 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 thereafter you will present the person whom you shall so choose to His Royal Highness 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 honorable members of that House. The Deputy and members of the House of Representatives having retired, FirstSessionoftheEighteenthParliament. (First Period.) 5 miscellaneous The House of Representatives in the Seventeenth Parliament was by proclamation dissolved, as from the 16th August, 1946, and honorable senators were on that date discharged from attendance. The Eighteenth Parliament was convened for the despatch of business on the 6th November, 1946, and the First Session commenced on that day. 5 5 5 miscellaneous The Senate met at 2 p.m. pursuant to the proclamation of His Royal Highness the Governor-General. The President (Senator the Hon. Gordon Brown) took the chair. The Clerk read the proclamation. The Deputy appointed by His Royal Highness the Governor-General for the opening of the Parliament - the Right Honorable Sir John Greig Latham, P.C., G.C.M.G., M.A., LL.M., K.C., Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia - having been announced by the Usher of the Black Rod, entered the chamber and tookhis seat on the dais. The Deputy (the Right Honorable Sir John Greig Latham), through the Clerk, directed the Usher to request the attendance of the members of the House of Representatives, who being come, The DEPUTY said- Members of the Senate and Members of the House of Representatives: His Royal Highness the Governor-General, not thinking fit to he present in person at this time, has been pleased to cause letters patent to issue under the Great Seal of the Commonwealth, con stituting 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 letters patent having been read by the Clerk, The DEPUTY said- Members of the Senate and Members of the House of Representatives: I have it in command from the Governor-General to let you know that, as soon as the members of the House of Representatives shall have been sworn, the causes of His Royal Highness 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 thereafter you will present the person whom you shall so choose to His Royal Highness 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 honorable members of that House. The Deputy and members of the House of Representatives having retired, 5 miscellaneous FirstSessionoftheEighteenthParliament. (First Period.) The House of Representatives in the Seventeenth Parliament was by proclamation dissolved, as from the 16th August, 1946, and honorable senators were on that date discharged from attendance. The Eighteenth Parliament was convened for the despatch of business on the 6th November, 1946, and the First Session commenced on that day. 5 5 5 miscellaneous The Senate met at 2 p.m. pursuant to the proclamation of His Royal Highness the Governor-General. The President (Senator the Hon. Gordon Brown) took the chair. The Clerk read the proclamation. The Deputy appointed by His Royal Highness the Governor-General for the opening of the Parliament - the Right Honorable Sir John Greig Latham, P.C., G.C.M.G., M.A., LL.M., K.C., Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia - having been announced by the Usher of the Black Rod, entered the chamber and tookhis seat on the dais. The Deputy (the Right Honorable Sir John Greig Latham), through the Clerk, directed the Usher to request the attendance of the members of the House of Representatives, who being come, The DEPUTY said- Members of the Senate and Members of the House of Representatives: His Royal Highness the Governor-General, not thinking fit to he present in person at this time, has been pleased to cause letters patent to issue under the Great Seal of the Commonwealth, con stituting 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 letters patent having been read by the Clerk, The DEPUTY said- Members of the Senate and Members of the House of Representatives: I have it in command from the Governor-General to let you know that, as soon as the members of the House of Representatives shall have been sworn, the causes of His Royal Highness 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 thereafter you will present the person whom you shall so choose to His Royal Highness 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 honorable members of that House. The Deputy and members of the House of Representatives having retired, 5 miscellaneous 5 miscellaneous FirstSessionoftheEighteenthParliament. (First Period.) 6 miscellaneous 6 6 10000 0 0 PRESIDENT, The The PRESIDENT - I have to inform the Senate that I have received, through His Royal Highness the Governor-General, from the Governor of South Australia and the Lieutenant-Governor of Victoria, respectively, certificates of the choice, at the election held on the 28th September, 1946, of certain senators to fill casual vacancies. Certificates of election of Frederick Hubert Beerworth, South Australia, and John Joseph Devlin, Victoria laid on the table by the Clerk. Senators Beerworth and Devlin made and subscribed the oath of allegiance. Sitting suspended from 2.37 to 3.12p.m. 6 miscellaneous 6 miscellaneous GOVERNOR-GENERAL entered the chamber, and, being seated, with the President on his right hand, commanded that a message be sent to the House of Representatives intimating that His Royal Highness desired the attendance of honorable members in the Senate chamber, who, being come with their Speaker, HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS was pleased to deliver the following speech : - Members of the Senate and Members of the House of Representatives : You have been called together to deliberate upon matters of importance to the well-being of the Commonwealth. 1.When last Iaddressed you, I expressed the hope that my period of office would see the termination of hostilities in Europe and in the Pacific. Victory has come to us, through the valour of the armed forces of the United Nations and the efforts of the people at home. We have enjoyed little more than a year free of war and this Eighteenth Parliament is the first to assemble in peace-time since 1937. I rejoice that war has ended and I hope that men and women everywhere may have the opportunity to live in a better and freer world in the future. I deeply regret that this is the last occasion on which I shall have the privilege of addressing the Parliament of Australia as your Governor-General. Because of the impending departure of the King to the Union of South Africa, His Majesty and His Advisers have deemed it expedient that I should return before the end of January next to assume duties of State in London. Accordingly I. am planning to leave Australia early in the New Year. To have remained in Australia for a. longer period would have given both the Duchess and myself great pleasure. In approximately two years, we have visited many parts of this great Commonwealth and have met many thousands of people in all walks of life. I say good-bye with gratitude for the kindness and courtesy which has been extended to the Duchess and myself and our two sons. May happiness and prosperity be your lot in the years which lie ahead. Future defence policy will be governed by the forces to be placed at the disposal of the United Nations for the maintenance of international peace and security, including regional arrangements in the Pacific; the forces to be maintained by Australia under arrangements for cooperation in Empire defence; and the forces to be maintained by Australia to provide for self-defence. My Government intends that the organization and strength of the postwar defence forces will proceed on a basis that recognizes that Australia will make a larger contribution towards the defence of the British Commonwealth. It is my Government's view that this could best be done in the Pacific, and that the approach to a common scheme of defence for this area should be by agreement between the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, British Commonwealth plans being related to those of the United States, and other nations with possessions in this area. An arrangement with the United States Government for the joint use of bases in the Pacific on the principle of reciprocity would be welcomed bymy Government, and discussions have been proceeding towards this end. During the discussion of machinery for co-operation in Empire defence at the conference of Prime Ministers last April, the Australian Government proposed that there should be assigned to Australia the function of developing the defence aspect of matters relating to regional security in the Pacific in which the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand are concerned, with provision for overseas representation on the Australian machinery. Corresponding provision would also be necessary for dominion representation on the parallel machinery of the United Kingdom. Action is now being organized along these lines. The whole question of post-war defence policy is affected by the impact of scientific development on the types of weapons and armament for the various services. As a first step, my Government has approved of the creation of scientific and technical bodies to maintain the closestliaison for Empire co-operation in research, design, development and production of munitions and aircraft. In the meantime, Australia's defence effort will be the maintenance of the strength and organization necessary with existing weapons; to provide for commitments in the interim period for the Australian component of the British Commonwealth OccupationForce in Japan, and for forces on the mainland for administrative and maintenance purposes, as well as to provide a basis for carrying forward the organization of the peace-time forces. My Government will make full and adequate provision for post-war defence. The size of each service will be determined by the blending of the Navy, Army, Air Force and Supply services in a balanced scheme which provides in the most effective manner for our self-defence, for our co-operation in Empire and regional defence, and for the fulfilment of our obligations under the Charter of the United Nations. In its international policy, my Government has given, and will continue to give, unwavering support to the United Nations Organization and its related organizations, and to the principles and purposes declared both in the Atlantic Charter and the United Nations Charter. The Australian Government has consistently endeavoured to assist in establishing a just and lasting peace based on those principles. Australia has taken an active part in trying to prevent the exercise of the veto power in all cases where the Security Council is dealing with international disputes and situations by the process of peaceful adjustment. In accordance with the same democratic principle, the Australian Government is maintaining that the international system of the control and development of atomic energy for peaceful purposes shall be universal in its character and operation, and not subject to any rule or exception, immunity, privilege or veto in favour of any nation. It is also a basic part of the Government's policy to take an active part in all measures aimed at international and economic welfare, full employment and a higher standard of living -throughout the world and also at encouraging the political and economic development of dependent peoples. In accordance with the above principles, Australia and New Zealand have convened a conference of Governments with interests in the South-West Pacific, which will meet in Canberra early next year to establish a permanent South Seas Regional Advisory Commission. The Governments "which will be represented at the conference include the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the Netherlands. Legislation will he introduced to submit for the approval of Parliament the draft constitution of the World Health 'Organization and also the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Having made a substantia] military contribution to victory, the Australian Government will continue to contribute towards a just and democratic peace in relation to our enemies in Europe. At the same time, the peace in relation to Japan is of primary and supreme importance to the Australian people. Through its membership of the Ear Eastern Commission and its representation on the Allied Council for Japan, the Government has endeavoured to make Allied policy towards occupied Japan fit into the broad objective for building Japan into a democratic and peace-loving nation. My Government believes that in relation to Japan the procedure of peace-making adopted at the Paris Conference requires variation so that no preliminary draft of the treaty should be undertaken without the full participation of the representatives of Australia. In accordance with the principles of the Australian-New Zealand Agreement, the Government has maintained continuous consultation with the New Zealand Government on all matters of common concern to the two countries in relation to the promotion of security and welfare in the South and South- Western Pacific. This is in addition to the closest consultation which Australia maintains with all other nations of the British Commonwealth, especially with the United Kingdom. Following the conclusion of the fina1] peace agreement with Siam, which was negotiated by Australia as a party principal, the Government has been concerned to secure the full protection of Australian interests in Siam. An Australian Consulate-General has "been established at Bangkok. The Government's greatly increased responsibilities in foreign affairs have resulted in a steadily expanding foreign service. The present and future requirements for expert personnel on foreign service are receiving close attention. As a part of British Commonwealth defence policy, Australia 'will undertake an important role in defence production and supply. Steps will be taken to establish a Defence Production Commission which will be responsible for the production activities of the Commonwealth. The proposed commission will be the executive body to carry out heavy responsibilities which, in war-time, devolved upon separate departments such as the Supply Department, the Shipping Department, the Munitions Department, the Department of Aircraft Production and the Department of Post-war Reconstruction (Secondary Industries Division) . My Government's demobilization plans have been carried through with marked success and men and women from the services and from war occupations have been re-absorbed into civil industry so smoothly that full employment prevails practically everywhere. My Government will employ every means to preserve this fortunate situation. It believes that full employment is essential to an increase in production of wealth and its fair distribution to the lifting of cultural standards and to the heightening of an active, progressive spirit in the community. The Budget will be presented to Parliament early in the session. It will provide for the necessary defence and post-war charges with which the country is faced and for the development of peacetime services. Following receipt of the report of the Commonwealth Grants Commission, legislation will be introduced to provide for the payment of grants under section 96 of the Constitution to the States of South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania. An agreement to avoid double taxation and to facilitate the obtaining of double tax credits has recently been concluded and signed by representatives of the Governments of the United Kingdom and Australia. The agreement is designed to come into force when action has been taken in both countries to give it the force of law. My Government will accordingly introduce the necessary legislation as soon as possible. The maintenance of economic stability in Australia has always been a first concern of my Government and I repeat my Government's determination expressed when last I spoke to you to ensure that, after the war, economic policy would be directed to ensuring that all available resources were employed in ways that contributed most effectively to raising standards of living, developing productive capacity, and to making adequate provision for defence. The National Security Act will expire on the 31st December next. My Government is determined to maintain firm control of prices, interest rates and land values, and also of other economic factors so far as is necessary to preserve the economic balance and an equitable sharing of scarce commodities. My Government proposes to introduce a comprehensive measure continuing for a time safeguards developed under the National Security Act to preserve a stabilized economy. For some time, my Government has been giving consideration to the financial relationships of the Commonwealth with the States. My Government has agreed with the States that a committee of Commonwealth and State officers shall report on the subject to a conference of Commonwealth and State Ministers during the current financial year. Australia has sent a delegation to conferences on trade and employment that have been held in London, and are being continued in the international sphere. My Government has constantly emphasized the importance of international arrangements aimed at the maintenance of the highest level of employment. Australia's presence at these conferences in no way implies an obligation to reduce or eliminate any particular margin of preference which Australia is, at present, in a position to receive or grant. My Government is desirous of securing greater and more continuous production and it intends to do everything possible to eliminate causes of industrial discontent. To that end, my Government will continue its endeavours to establish improved amenities and working conditions in all workshops and factories. . The claim for a shorter working week is now before the Commonwealth Arbitration Court and the Government is using its best efforts to have the hearing expedited. It is my Government's intention to set up as early as possible a committee, including representatives of both parties in industry, to inquire into and report upon aspects of the basic wage. The setting up of this committee will not preclude earlier consideration by the court of any application that may he made relating to the amount of the basic wage or the principles upon which it is determined or varied. Legislation is now being prepared, and will be submitted to Parliament in due course, to redraft the Commonwealth Conciliation and Arbitration Act; it will be designed to expedite, simplify and make less expensive approaches to industrial tribunals and to encourage conciliation in relation to industrial disputes. My Government has been in consultation with the Government of New South Wales regarding the personnel of the joint authority to be appointed in terms of the Coal Industry Act and an announcement will be made in due course. My Government is very hopeful that the operation of the new Act will materially assist towards better production in the coal industry, which is so vital to Australia's economy and to its future progress and development. My Government will introduce legislation, at the appropriate time, to establish a statutory body, similar to the Stevedoring Industry Commission, for the peace-time control of waterside operations. My Government proposes to submit legislation for the appointment of a permanent Australian shipping authority. My Government intends to bring forward an amendment of the Seamen's Compensation Act so as to bring that measure in conformity with the Commonwealth Employees' Compensation Act. My Government will take an early opportunity to review the activities and future of the Maritime Industry Commission. In pursuance of its policy in relation to aviation, my Government will continue to take all possible steps to ensure that adequate Australian services are conducted with the highest degree of efficiency and safety. It has always been my Government's desire to stabilize all forms of primary production and a bill was passed during the life of the last Parliament to achieve that objective for the wheat industry. My Government trusts that the State Governments will not delay in passing complementary legislation in regard to this important matter. Conditions abroad are favorable to Australia's trade. There is, at present, a famine demand for some of the main exportable commodities, and this will continue for some time yet. My Government, however, is taking long-term considerations into account and is endeavouring to provide for stable returns to producers in later periods when the demand and prices fall. Following the recent grant to the Commonwealth of increased powers in the fields of social services and health, my Government will take early steps to place beyond doubt the validity of some portions of existing social service legislation ; to consider other desirable social services; to proceed with its plans for social security; and to negotiate reciprocity in social services with other parts of the Empire. My Government is already conferring with the States to devise a complete national medical scheme which will embrace the provision of clinical, pathological, X-ray, specialist, research, pharmaceutical, dental and hospital benefits throughout Australia, and which will be initiated as soon as possible. It is the intention of my Government to explore the possibility of fuller collaboration with the States for the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis. My Government is to be represented at a conference of experts from various members of the British Commonwealth of Nations to be held in London in January next at which a number of matters affecting nationality legislation will be discussed. My Government has completed arrangements with the States under which accelerated construction of houses is being undertaken to overtake the housing shortage which was greatly intensified by the war. The States have joined with the Commonwealth in the National Works Council in promoting projects estimated to cost more than £200,000,000. This represents the greatest plan for national development in the history of the Commonwealth. The Postal Department will soon be in a position to supply a wide range of improved facilities, in particular to outback areas. Certain of the States have joined with my Government in an agreement to bring about the unification of railway gauges. I feel that Australia is on the threshold of great developments, both as. a partner in the British Commonwealth and in the international sphere. My Government is confident that opportunities for great expansion are available in this country and asks that all Australian men and women shall play their part. The same unstinted devotion to the nation's interests as marked the efforts put forward during the war will contribute greatly to building Australia into a. still greater nation. 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 Royal Highness the Governor-General and members of the House of Representatives having retired, The President (Senator the Hon. Gordon Brown) took the chair, and read prayers. 11 bill Assent to the following bills reported: - Overseas Telecommunications Bill 1946. Wheat Industry Stabilization Bill 1946.. Wheat Export Charge Bill 1046. Invalid and Old-age Pensions Bill 1946. Widows' Pensions Bill 1946. ) Nationality Bill (No. 2) 1940. . ; Aliens Deportations Bill 1946. ' ' Commonwealth Conciliation and Arbitration Bill (No. 2) 1946. Income Tax Bill 1946. Social Services Contribution Assessment Bill 1940. Social Services Contribution Bill 1946. Atomic Energy (Control of Materials) Bill 1946. Parliamentary Papers Bill 1940. Meat Export Control Bill 1946. Meat Industry Control Bill 1946. Patents Bill 1940. Australian Broadcasting Bill 1946. Coal Industry Bill 1946. Tradesmen's Bights Regulation Bill 1940. Commonwealth Electoral Bill 1946. Bankruptcy Bill 1946. Tuberculosis Bill 1940. Immigration (Guardianship of Children) Bill 1940. Forestry and Timber Bureau Bill 1946. Customs Tariff Validation Bill 1946. Excise Tariff Validation Bill J 946. Australian Soldiers' Repatriation Bill 1946. Railway Standardization Agreement Bill 1946. Raw Cotton Bounty Bill 1946. Wool Industry Fund Bill 1946. Supply Bill (No. 2) 1946-47. Supplementary Appropriation Bill 1944-45. Supplementary Appropriation ( Works and Buildings) Bill 1944-45. 12 miscellaneous 12 K0W New South Wales ALP Minister for Supply and Shipping 1 0 ASHLEY, William Senator ASHLEY - by leave - I desire to inform the Senate that the following will be the members of the Government to be known as the 12 12 Attorney-General and Minister for External Affairs - The Right Honorable H. V. Evatt, LL.D., D.Litt., K.O. 12 12 Vice-President of the Executive CouncilThe Honorable W. J. Scully. Minister for Supply and Shipping - Senator the Honorable W. P. Ashley. Minister for Defence, Minister for PostWar Reconstruction, and Minister in charge of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research - The Honorable J. J. Dedman. 12 Postmaster-General - Senator the Honorable D. Cameron. 12 Minister for the Interior - The Honorable H. V. Johnson. Minister for Health and Minister for Social Services - Senator the Honorable N. E. McKenna. Minister for Commerce and AgricultureThe Honorable R, T. Pollard. -Minister for Works and Housing - The Honorable N. Lemmon. Minister for Munitions - -Senator the Honorable J. I. Armstrong. Minister for the Army - The Honorable C. Chambers. Minister for Trade and Customs- - Senator the Honorable B. Courtice. Minister for the Navy - The Honorable W. J. F. Riordan. 12 Senate Ministers will represent House of Representatives Ministers in this chamber as follows: - Senator Ashley will represent the Prime Minister and Treasurer, the Minister for Labour and National Service and the Minister for Defence; Senator Cameron will represent the Minister for Air and Minister for Civil Aviation and the Minister for Repatriation; Senator McKenna will represent the Attorneygeneral and Minister for External Affairs, the Minister for Post-war Reconstruction and Minister in charge of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, and the Minister for the Navy; Senator Armstrong will represent the Minister for Transport and Minister for External Territories, the Minister for Immigration and Minister for Information, and the Minister for Works and Housing; and .Senator Courtice will represent the Minister for the Interior, the Minister for Commerce and Agriculture and the Minister for the Army. House of Representatives Ministers will represent Senate Ministers in that chamber as follows: - Mr. Holloway will represent the Minister for Health and Minister for Social Services; Mr. Dedman will represent the Minister for Supply and Shipping and the Minister for Munitions ; Mr. Calwell will represent the Postmaster-General ; and Mr.. Pollard will represent the Minister for Trade and Customs. In addition to the duties associated with their portfolios it has been arranged that Senator McKenna will assist Dr. Evatt in administering the office of Attorney-General, and Mr. Lemmon will assist the Treasurer in that office. 13 miscellaneous 13 10000 0 0 BROWN, Gordon The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon Gordon Brown - I have received the following letter from Senator Courtice :- 1 hereby resign my office as Chairman of Committees of the Senate. 13 Motion (by Senator Ashley) agreed to - That the Senate do now proceed to elect a Chairman of Committees. 13 K0W New South Wales ALP 1 0 ASHLEY, William Senator ASHLEY - I move - That Senator T. M. Nicholls be appointed Chairman of Committees. 13 KTN ALP 0 0 MCKENNA, Nicholas Senator McKENNA - 1 second the motion. 13 JY6 0 0 NICHOLLS, Theophilus Senator Nicholls - I submit myself to the will of the Senate. 13 10000 0 0 PRESIDENT, The The PRESIDENT - There being no other nominations, I declare Senator Nicholls elected. 13 JY6 South Australia 0 0 NICHOLLS, Theophilus Senator NICHOLLS - I thank the Senate for the honour that it has bestowed upon me in electing me Chairman of Committees. I assure the Senate that I will discharge the responsibilities of that office to the best of my ability at all times. I am sure that, with the wholehearted co-operation of all honorable senators, I shall be able to carry out my duties in a manner that at least will not reflect any discredit upon the high traditions associated with the office of Chairman of Committees. I am confident that such co-operation will be forthcoming and that, with the assistance of honorable senators, I shall be able to perform my duties in the best interests of the people of Australia whom we represent. Senator ASHLEY(New South Wales Minister for Supply and Shipping). - I offer my congratulations to Senator Nicholls on his appointment to the high office df Chairman of Committees in the Senate. I am confident that he will carry out the important duties of 'his new office in the manner that has characterized the work of previous occupants of the position and will display the same impartiality as his predecessors. 13 KUA South Australia Leader of the Opposition 0 0 MCLEAY, George Senator McLEAY . - I join with the Minister for Supply and Shipping (Senator Ashley) in extending congratulations to Senator Nicholls. I also congratulate the Minister on his reappointment as Leader of the Government in the Senate, and the Minister for Health and Social Services (Senator McKenna) upon his appointment as Deputy Leader. I also congratulate the two newly appointed Ministers - Senators Armstrong and Courtice - on their promotion and sympathize with our friend, Senator Fraser, on his' demotion. 13 JQP Queensland 0 0 COOPER, Walter Senator COOPER - On behalf of the Australian Country party in the Senate, I congratulate Senator Nicholls. I am sure that he will carry out the duties of Chairman of Committees in a manner that will do credit to himself and expedite the work of this chamber. I also congratulate the Minister for Supply and Shipping (Senator Ashley) on his reappointment as Leader of the Government in the Senate, and extend congratulations to those Ministers who have been re-appointed to office and to the two newly appointed Ministers, Senator Armstrong and Senator Courtice, who, I hope, will carry on the duties of their new positions with success. Senator ASHLEY(New South Wales Minister for Supply and Shipping). - I appreciate the congratulations extended to me by the Leader of the Opposition (Senator McLeay) and the Leader of the Australian Country party (Senator Cooper). I also express appreciation of the co-operation given by members of the Opposition to the previous Government in conducting the business of the Senate. We do not expect that there will be much trouble after next July, and I take this opportunity to thank those members of the Opposition who will not be here after the 30th June next for their assistance in the past. 14 miscellaneous 14 10000 0 0 PRESIDENT, The The PRESIDENT - I have to inform the Senate that I have received a copy of the Opening Speech delivered by His Royal Highness the Governor-General to both Houses of the Parliament. 14 That consideration of the Speech be an order of the day for the next day of sitting. 14 miscellaneous Motion (by Senator Ashley) agreed to- That the Senate, at its rising, adjourn to to-morrow, at 3 p.m. 14 papers The following papers were presented : - Air Force Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1946, No. 145. Air Navigation Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1946, No. 142. Arbitration (Public Service) Act - Determinations by the Arbitrator, &c. - No. 24 of 1946 - Amalgamated Engineering Union. No. 25 of 1946 - Hospital Employees' Federation of Australasia. No. 26 of 1946 - Commonwealth Public Service Clerical Association. Nos. 27 and 28 of 1946- Hospital Employees' Federation of Australasia. No. 29 of 1946 - Commonwealth Temporary Clerks' Association, and Federated Clerks' Union of Australia ; and Federated Ironworkers' Association of Australia. Nos. 30 and 31 of 1946 - Australian Journalists' Association. Beer Excise Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1946, No. 137. Census and Statistics Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1946, No. 146. Commonwealth Bank Act - Balance-sheets of the Commonwealth Bank and Commonwealth Savings Bank, as at 30th June, 1946; together with Auditor-General's reports thereon. Commonwealth Public Service Act - Appointments - Department - Civil Aviation - A. Hepburn. Commerce and Agriculture - F. F. Anderson. External Affairs - B. C. Ballard, A. J. Eastman, J. A. Forsythe. Interior - E. J. Adams, W. E. Anderton, H. T. Ashton, J. K. Ashton, R. Barnes, S. F. Benporath, A. T. Brunt, R. H. Clarke, M. A. Coote, J. L. Costello, A. W. Douglas, C. A. Glendinning, A. V. Gotley, B. C. Gray, R. G. Handley, F. T. Hannan, R. B. Hargreaves, D. Hart, J. H. Hobba, R. W. Lee, H. McCann, R. J. McDonnell, K. Mackinnon, G. R. Martin, B. Mason, W. J. Milthorpe, J. E. O'Halloran, D. P. Orr, B. J. Retallack, J. W. A. Riley, W. H. E. Rowe, G. L. Spence, D. R. Stehn, J. F. Thomas, R. W. Walsh, R. W. Warren, R. C. L. White, A. F. Woolcock. Labour and National Service - J. R. Isherwood, B. O. Plummer, R. L. Want, R. F. Ward, B. A. L. White. Post-war Reconstruction - B. W. Hartnell, C. S. Hewitt, N. F. Stuart. Trade and Customs - L. J. Logue. Treasury - W. K. Allard, T. H. Halsey. Works and Housing - W. M. Herbert, B. A. J. Litchfield, J. B. Roderick, G. A. Soilleux, O. C. C. White. Commonwealth Shipping Act - Australian Commonwealth Shipping Board - Cockatoo Island Dockyard - Balance-sheet and Liquidation Account, together with Auditor-General's report thereon for year ended 28th February, 1946. Customs Act - Customs Proclamations - Nos. (657, 659, 661. Regulations - Statutory Rules 1946, No. 138. Defence Act - Regulations -Statutory Rules 1946, No. 150. Income Tax Assessment Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1946. No.135. Judiciary Act - Rule of Court, dated 10th October, 1946. Lands Acquisition Act - Land acquired for - Banking purposes - Melbourne, Victoria. Commonwealth purposes - Brisbane, Queensland. Customs purposes - Bald Hills, Queensland. Bundaberg, Queensland. Sarina, Queensland. Defence purposes - Ayr, Queensland. Beelerup, Western Australia. Bridgewater, Tasmania. Clairville, New South Wales. Deer Park, Victoria. Dubbo New South Wales. Geraldton, Western Australia. Parafleld, South Australia. Port Kembla (Mount Berkeley), New South Wales. Prospect, New South Wales. Toowoomba, Queensland. Ultimo, New South Wales. Wagga Wagga, New South Wales. Postal purposes - Adelaide, South Australia. Albany, Western Australia. Balwyn, Victoria. Broadmeadows, Victoria. Brunswick West, Victoria. Cottesloe, Western Australia. Eltham, Victoria. Henty, New South Wales. Kellerberrin, Western Australia. Kilkenny, South Australia. Kingston, South Australia. Moonah, Tasmania. MountHawthorn, Weatern Australia. Oakleigh, Victoria. Plympton, South Australia. Preston, Victoria. Rockdale, New South Wales. South Yarra, Victoria. Wagga Wagga, New South Wales. Life Insurance Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1946, No. 136. National Security Act - National Security (Exchange Control) Regulations - Order - Sterling area. National Security (General) Regulations - Orders - Control of Rubber (Distribution of motor tyres and motor tubes) - Revocation. Prohibited places - Revocation. National Security (Maritime Industry) Regulations - Order - No. 58. National Security (Prices) Regulations - Orders- Nos. 2622-2737. National Security (Rationing) Regulations Order-No. 131. National Security (Shipping Coordination) Regulations - Orders - 1946, Nos. 23-42. National Security (Supplementary) Regulations - Order - Deferment of banking business. Orders by State Premier - New South Wales (Nos. 64, 65.) Regulations - Statutory Rules 1946, Nos. 132, 143, 148, 152, 156, 157. Patents Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1946, No. 140. Post and Telegraph Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1946, Nos. 131, 139. Seat of Government (Administration) Act - Statement of Receipts and Expenditure for the Australian Capital Territory, for year 1945-46. Social Services Contribution Assessment Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1946, No. 134. Superannuation Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1946, No. 147. Wool (Contributory Charge) Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1946, No. 133. 15 15:55:00 Senate adjourned at 3.55 p.m.